Working in pairs (2 people), you will create a GPS drawing by physically moving through McMaster University to discuss topics of mobile subjects, activism and civic life. You will use experiment with tools like Strava and Canva and base your GPS drawing on to topics of weeks 7-10
What is GPS drawing? Also known as GPS art, is a method of drawing where an artist uses a Global Positioning System (GPS) device and follows a pre-planned route to create a large-scale picture or pattern. The .GPX data file recorded during the drawing process is then visualised, usually overlaying it as a line on a map of the area. Artists usually run or cycle the route—while cars, vans, boats and aeroplanes are utilized to create larger pieces. Learn more
By completing this project, students will:
Due: October 27 | Grace period: November 3 | Submission: Individual
Individually, submit a short proposal that outlines your concept for the GPS drawing you will later create with your partner. The goal of this step is to explore creative ideas and generate a set of concepts that can be combined or refined in your collaborative project.
By October 27: Post your proposal and provide feedback to your partner and one other student. Early submissions allow you to receive feedback while there are still more peer proposals available.
October 28 – November 3 (grace period): You can still submit your proposal and provide feedback, but fewer peers may be available for feedback exchange, and no detailed feedback will be provided for late submissions.
Pass if:
Fail if:
Pass if: You submit all required mockups and symbolic materials with clear annotations, and provide peer feedback on time (or within the grace period).
Fail if: Any materials or annotations are missing, or peer feedback is not provided.
Working in pairs, create your final GPS drawing composition. Your drawing should capture the route you physically walked and integrate the symbolic materials you collected in Part 2. Think of this as a visual “breadcrumb trail” that reflects movement, space, and everyday mobility, with the GPS route as the highlight of your artwork.
You will submit a single PDF landscape composition (11"x8.5" or A4 landscape) where you can digitally combine:
The goal is to create a cohesive, visually engaging final piece that communicates your concept and artistic decisions.
| Criterion | Description | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Cohesion & Flow | The composition integrates GPS route, photographs, and symbolic elements thoughtfully; the piece feels intentional and visually engaging | 2.5% |
| Creativity & Concept | Demonstrates originality in combining route and symbolic materials; effectively engages course themes from weeks 7–10 | 2.5% |
| Material Selection & Relevance | Mockups, symbolic materials, and photos are carefully chosen and clearly connected to the concept and route | 2.5% |
| Artist Statement | Clearly explains concept development, material choices, creative decisions, and any changes from the original proposal | 2.5% |
Each team's GPS drawing composition will be exhibited for the class. Students will explore different drawings in class, view photographic documentation, and interact with the symbolic elements included in the compositions. During the exhibition, you will provide constructive oral feedback to your peers. The full class period is dedicated to this hands-on exhibition experience.
The exhibition will take the form of a project fair. Half of the teams will set up at designated booths with their laptops to showcase their GPS drawing compositions and associated materials. During the first hour, the other half of the class will circulate among the booths, explore the projects, and take notes.
After the first hour, the teams will switch roles: those who were circulating will now take the booths to present their work, while the first group circulates to explore and observe new projects.
The fair will be followed by a brief classroom discussion to share reflections and highlight insights from the exhibition.
After exploring each composition, provide constructive oral feedback to the presenting team, focusing on:
| Criterion | Description | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Active Participation | Full attendance and engaged observation during at least 2 GPS drawing compositions; demonstrates thoughtful attention to peer work | 2.5% |
| Constructive Feedback | Provides specific, actionable feedback to at least 2 teams; offers concrete observations and suggestions rather than general comments | 2.5% |
In this final reflection, your team will analyze your experience creating the GPS drawing composition, incorporating personal insights, technical reflections, and connections to course concepts. This is your opportunity to examine how the process shaped your understanding of space, mobility, creative collaboration, and artistic presentation through GPS art.
Reflect on other GPS drawing compositions you experienced during the exhibition, focusing on:
| Criterion | Description | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Creative Insights | Demonstrates genuine reflection on how the project changed your perspective on space, mobility, and creative process; shows self-awareness about learning | 2.5% |
| Technical Process Analysis | Thoughtful analysis of route planning, documentation, and digital composition challenges and decisions; connects technical choices to creative outcomes | 2.5% |
| Peer Learning Integration | Meaningful engagement with feedback received and insights gained from experiencing others' work; shows ability to learn from peers | 2.5% |
| Critical Comparison | Insightful analysis of different creative and technical approaches observed in peer works; demonstrates understanding of various possibilities in GPS drawing and public art | 2.5% |