Introduction to Web Maps with
This beginner-level workshop is intended for anyone interested in getting started creating web maps. This workshop aims to develop the fundamental knowledge and skills to begin web mapping while providing opportunities to ask questions. There are two main sections: an introduction to web maps, and a hands-on where we will will learn to customize boilerplate code from within a source code editor to make an interactive map of the UBC-V campus powered by Leaflet.
What you will build
Pre-Workshop Setup
All of the data for this workshop is free and openly available. However, to get started you’ll need to download and save it to your computer. During the hands-on portion you’ll work with this data in your source-code editor by copy/pasting the code provided to you. Click on the ‘Download Data’ button below to start the download. Once complete, extract the contents of the .zip file.
Software Used
- Internet browser (and an internet connection). The most recent version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are recommended.
- Source code editor. To make your life easier while viewing or editing code, it’s good to use a source code editor. This workshop will use Visual Studio Code, but other editors like Notepad++ and Sublime Text will work similarly.
Making maps is hard. And, without practice, working in the web is hard too. While there are no prerequisites for this workshop, familiarity with cartographic principles and a basic understanding of what code is and does will make diving into web mapping easier. Refer to these resources at any time:
- Intro level knowledge of computer programming. Matt Adesanya’s A Gentler Introduction to Programming is a great starting point, and will be more than you need for this workshop.
- Intro level knowledge of HTML, CSS and JavaScript. Sololearn.com offers several courses on these topics and more, but there are several other educational resources to choose from on the web if you prefer something different. You’re not expected to be a pro for this workshop, but understanding these concepts will provide some very useful perspective.
- Understanding of basic cartographic design concepts. What is map making without a consideration of cartography? Axis Maps has written a phenomenal short guide to cartography, and the web map module is especially relevant.
GIS Resources at UBC:
- General Informational website for all things UBC GIS: gis.ubc.ca
- UBC’s GIS Slack (create your own channel or lurk!): ubcgis.slack.com
- Archive of all Research Commons workshops
- Contact UBC Library’s Geospatial team:
library.gis@ubc.ca - Schedule a 1:1 consult with the geospatial team here
This workshop was developed by Evan Thornberry and Lily Demet.