As far as maps go you might also look at geography programs. There's a fair amount of work that goes on there in GIS (geographic information systems) and cartography. The emphasis would certainly be somewhat different, but I can imagine someone putting together a joint program of study with CS.

Even if you're interested primarily in programming for mapping software, it would seem like a good understanding of cartographic theory would be helpful -- map projections (how a 3D world gets represented in 2D), symbolization (how do you choose symbols in order to effectively communicate information of various types), etc.

UC Santa Barbara has had a strong reputation in GIS for many years, and you can't beat the location. SUNY-Buffalo is another one, and then of course most of the Big 10 schools like Wisconsin, etc. would be strong and also offer strong CS programs.

Good luck!

In reply to Re: Graduate education. What to choose? by woodstea
in thread OT: Graduate education. What to choose? by Anonymous Monk

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