GIS 4102: Week 1 - Intro to Python

This week we were asked to provide a screenshot showing all 12 Module folders, as seen below.  The folders were created using a script named CreateModuleFolders.py, which you'll find at the bottom of the list.  In order for the folders to be created, I had to run the script. To do this, I right clicked on the python file and chose to edit with PythonWin.  Now, the only thing left to do is run the script.  This was accomplished by clicking on the "run" icon in the toolbar.  As a result, 12 new folders were created, all of which contain three subfolders. Those subfolders are named Data, Results and Scripts.  They can be seen underneath the Module 1 folder on the left side of the screenshot shown below.  

Running scripts using PythonWin was not confusing, nor did it present a challenge for me. It was actually a lot easier than I expected.  Even though this is only the first assignment, I was expecting it to be challenging right off the bat.  The only real challenge thus far is being able to understand, and retain the vocabulary.  I have always wanted to learn how to use Python and understand the coding language.  However, it's somewhat intimidating in a sense that it's a lot to learn and remember in such a short period of time.  I know the assignments will get more difficult and more challenging as they go on.  I'm looking forward to the challenge.   

GIS 4043: Final Project

For the final project of this class, I reviewed the Bobwhite-Manatee Transmission Line Project and took into account the affects it may have on the surrounding community.  I provided an analysis of four criteria, which were required to be met for the selection of the transmission line.  The new transmission line will extend approximately 24 miles along a route crossing the Manatee to Sarasota County boundaries.  The line is needed to meet higher energy demands within Sarasota County.  I performed my analysis using GIS tools provided in ArcMap.  All raster and vector data was provided, with the exception of the Florida Schools and the Florida Daycare Facilities vectors, which were downloaded from the Florida Geographic Data Library (FGDL).


Be sure to check out my PowerPoint Presentation and the Slide by Slide Commentary!


I really enjoyed learning as much as I did throughout the semester.  I very much enjoyed creating different types of maps and learning new words and tools.

GIS 3015 - Final Project

The cartographic map shown below illustrates 2014 State SAT scores and participation rates.  The test scores are the total of Reading, Math and Writing averages per each state.  In addition to portraying average test scores and participation rates, the map allows the viewer to analyze the correlation of the two datasets.  Two thematic datasets were displayed over one geographic region, specifically the United States.   

A choropleth map was created to show the average SAT scores per state.  This method was chosen because it’s useful when comparing data between states.  The average test scores were broken down into five different classes.  States with lower scores have a lighter color; whereas states with higher scores have a darker color.  For this map, the Natural Breaks data classification method was applied.  This method was chosen because it displays the data in clusters to facilitate identifying states with similar test scores.  In experimenting with different classification methods in ArcMap, Natural Breaks provided the best differentiation between states.      

The second thematic method chosen for this map is known as proportional symbols.  This method was used to show the percentage of high school graduates who took the SAT exam in 2014, per state.  The smaller circles represent a lower percentage of people who have taken the SAT; whereas, the larger circles show a higher percentage of people who have taken the test in their state.

Balance and contrast are a couple design techniques that have been incorporated in the map shown below.  Balance has been applied by using the appropriate map space to display the data.  The legends were placed adjacent to each other in the lower right hand corner, balanced with insets of Hawaii and Alaska in the lower left hand corner.  Vertical and horizontal alignment was appropriately applied for visual aesthetics.  The scale bars were included but deemphasized by its color and weight selection.  An inset of Washington D.C. was created for visual clarity.

I enjoyed this class more than I originally thought I would.  I absolutely loved seeing all of the possibilities and learning the different tools within ArcMap.  Every week, I looked forward to creating a new map.  I'm looking forward to seeing what GIS has in store for me in the future.   

GIS 3015: Google Earth

I somewhat enjoyed this assignment, although it wasn't one of my favorites.  I enjoyed zooming into the imagery using Google Earth and seeing all of the 3D effects. That was probably my favorite part throughout the whole assignment. Just like any other computer software, you need to learn new controls and where things are located.  I was able to pick up on that pretty fast, since it's similar to all the other softwares I've used. In the image below, you'll see what I've created showing South Florida located in Google Earth.  The image shows water surfaces and has a red dot for the population. One dot is equivalent to 10,000 people.

GIS 4043: Georeferencing

I absolutely hated this assignment.  I couldn't get anything to go right, no matter how hard I tried to finish.  Because of all of the technical difficulties and problems that kept occurring, I was unable to finish this assignment by the deadline.  I did finally manage to finish this assignment today.  I used the georeferencing tool for the first time during this assignment. I thought it would be super easy, since I find common points all the time at work.  However, that was my main setback.  I was seconds away from calling it quits on numerous occasions.  For this assignment, I found common points between the raster dataset (which include the unknown layers) and the buildings layer (which include the known layers).  Using the 1st Order Polynomial for the raster titled "uwf_n", I came up with an RMS error of 5.78724 after dropping numerous points. As for the southernmost raster, I dropped about eight points, which gave me an RMS error of 2.97949.  I used the 2nd Order Polynomial option for this raster.

GIS 3015: 3D Mapping

This was probably my most favorite assignment I've had all semester, if not my entire life.  I have always been extremely fascinated in three dimensional maps, animation, and graphics.  To get a better understanding of how to create this things is like a dream come true.  I really loved exploring ArcScene and ArcGlobe while completing the ESRI training program.  Even though the exercises that required the use of ArcGlobe were not required for the assignment, I chose to do them anyways.  I wanted to do every exercise within the training to better improve my knowledge and skills of the three dimensional world.
During this assignment, I learned how to apply base heights to feature layers, how to use vertical exaggeration, how to position the light source, how to apply a background color, and I also learned about extrusion.  During this exercise, I learned that base heights are the elevation values that are used to display a layer in 3D.  By default, the 3D feature layers use their z-values as base heights and TINs (triangulated irregular networks) use their node elevations.  The default base height for all other layers is 0.  In the map I created (not shown), I set base heights for all of the feature layers to 30, so that they drape over the raster surface.
During this assignment, I learned that vertical exaggeration is a visual effect that results from multiplying the z-values in a scene by a number.  This approach has two main uses.  First, it can be used to emphasize small changes in elevation on a surface that is relatively flat, or that looks flat because of its large extent. Second, it can bring z-units into proportion with x, y units when these units measure different things.  The map I created showing vertical exaggeration is not shown.
I was really enjoying playing the different sources of light during this assignment.  As shown below, the light source is coming from the northwest, which is the default setting.  The position of the light source in a scene affects which parts of the surface are illuminated and which parts are shaded. The position is defined by an azimuth and an altitude setting.  Azimuth is a compass direction, measured clockwise in degrees from 0 to 360 (due north).  Whereas altitude is the angle measured in degrees from 0 to 90, between the light source and the horizon.

GIS 4043: Geocoding and Network Analyst

This weeks module was all about geocoding and network analyst.  I really enjoyed this assignment because geocoding is something law enforcement officers use every day.  Given my extreme support of police officers, I would definitely consider doing this as a job in the law enforcement field.  The graphic shows three different EMS stops and their locations.  It also shows the best route to take when traveling to those destinations.

GIS 3015: Dot Mapping

This past week, I created a dot map showing the population density of Southern Florida.  Dot maps are ideally utilized when you have collected conceptual data for enumeration units, and wish to show that the underlying phenomenon is not uniform throughout the enumeration units.  Dot maps are created by letting one dot equal a certain amount of some phenomenon and then placing dots where that phenomenon is most likely to occur.  As seen in the image below, the red dots are showing the population density in Southern Florida.  One of those dots is equivalent to 10,000 people.  I created most of this map by using ArcGIS, and I labeled the major cities and added a legend within Adobe Illustrator.  For my legend, I created a box and copy and pasted it twice, to ensure that all three boxes were of the same dimensions.  I then selected 5, 20, and then 50 dots to place in those three boxes.

GIS 4043: Vector Analysis 2

This past week, I was given an assignment to create buffers of the roads and water within a certain area.  A buffer zone is an area that is within a given distance from a map feature.  Points, lines, and polygon features can all be buffered.  Buffers are used to identify areas surrounding geographic features.  When you buffer on a set of features, the output is a set of polygons.  These polygons define an inside region, which is an area less than the specified buffer distance from the features of interest.  Anything outside of the polygons is the outside region, which is an area more than the specified buffer distance from the features of interest.
I also had some practice with using the overlaying tools, which can be found in the ArcToolbox.  Overlays are another common cartographic modeling operation.  They are the primary way in which information from two separate themes may be brought together in an analysis.  Overlays are most common for polygonal data when we perform a geometric intersection, which results in a new layer with the combined attributes of both initial layers.

GIS 3015: Flow Line Mapping

This past week was all about flow lines.  We were given the option between two different kinds of base maps to create flow lines for. Base Map A, as shown below, provides a choropleth map of immigration per U.S. states in a separate inset map. Whereas in Base Map B (not shown), the choropleth map is overlaid on the world map.  The disadvantage to this, is that it can make the choropleth data difficult to see, since it is being displayed at a global scale. With the base map I have chosen, I had the option to rearrange the positions of each continent so that they are spread out across the map, and direct flow lines toward the stand-alone choropleth map.  I was also able to leave the continents in place, and have the choropleth map remain as a single inset. As seen below, I decided to go with the second option.  I decided against rearranging the continents because I felt it would look less cluttered and more organized.  

I created this map in Adobe Illustrator, using the pen tool to create the flow lines.  While working in Illustrator, I was able to use variations of stylistic effects to make this map more appealing.  For example, I used a drop shadow effect for the flow lines as well as all of the continents. For the continents, I set the mode to “soft light” so it wouldn’t apply a drop shadow for every country within those continents. I also added a box where the title, date and my name are located.  For this, I turned the opacity down to 85% and gave it an inner glow.  I did this because I wanted the colors of the box and the background to have a soft tone and somewhat blend together. 

GIS 3015: Isarithmic Mapping

Our assignment this past week was to create an isarithmic map showing the annual precipitation of the state of Washington.  I created a map showing both continuous tone (not shown) and hypsometric tints (shown below).  The addition of hypsometric tints between contour lines enhances the ability to visualize a 3-D surface because light and dark tints can be associated with low and high values. The problem with this method, though, is that the limited number of tones suggests a stepped surface, rather than a smooth one that occurs in reality.  This issue can be fixed by creating a continuous tone map, which each point on the surface is shaded with a gray tone (or color) proportional to the value of the surface at that point.  However, one problem with interpreting continuous tone maps is that it is difficult to associate numbers in the legend with particular locations, but this can be fixed by using hypsometric tints (as shown below) which overlays continuous tones with traditional contour lines.

GIS 4043: Data Search

For the past couple weeks, we had to create 1-3 maps, showing various things. I created three maps, and this is one of them.  In the map shown below, you will see the different elevation levels of Citrus County, Florida. You will also notice the map shows the main streets and major cities of this county.  The green trees show all of the invasive plants and where they are located within the county.  I created the map by using ArcGIS, and I wrote the names of the major cities in Adobe Illustrator. 

GIS 3015: Choropleth and Proportional Symbol Mapping

My assignment for this past week was to create a choropleth map using either proportional or graduated symbols.  Proportional and graduated symbols are a class of maps that use the visual variable size to represent differences in the magnitude of discrete data, like counts of people.  Just like in choropleth maps, these two symbols allow you to create classed or unclassed versions of this mapping technique.  The classed maps are known as range graded or graduated symbols, and the unclassed are called proportional symbols, where the area of the symbols are proportional to the values of the attribute being mapped.  I decided to use the graduated symbols (as shown below) to compare the population of Europeans and their wine consumption.  I decided to use graduated symbols for my map because unlike proportional symbols, they will likely result in displaying the smallest symbol on the map.  Proportional symbols will likely not display a symbol for the excluded countries due to low consumption qualities.  We also had the option to create our own picture symbol, which after spending hours on trying to figure out, I was unable to achieve.    

The data classification method that I chose for this map is the quantile method.  I chose this because it uses all of the color variations, ensuring that all of the classes are visibly represented on the map.  With this method, it is not difficult for the viewer to ascertain the population dynamics for most of the countries.  The quantile data classification method makes the map look presentable, is appealing, and it also makes things easier to comprehend for the viewers.

I created this map by using both ArcMap and Adobe Illustrator.  I added the inset, the graduated symbols, title, legends and all of the elements within ArcMap.  I then switched over to Illustrator and added the subtext, providing a brief synopsis of what the map is presenting.  I also added all of the country and water names. Finally, I lowered the opacity for the area the inset map shows, making it more visible.

GIS 3015: Data Classification

This week I created four maps showing Miami Dade County, Florida.  These maps show different classification schemes involving the percentage of population within Miami Dade County. In the top left corner, it shows the natural breaks classification method.  In this method, class ranges are determined based on algorithms that attempts to make all values within a class as similar to each other as possible.  It also tries to make these values as different as possible to those values in other classes.  When using natural breaks, the graphs are examined visually to determine any breaks in the data.  Moving onto the next image in the top right, you'll see that this graph shows the equal interval classification method.  This approach creates classes that all have equal ranges in the data.  The range values are determined by dividing the total data range by the number of classes.  On the bottom left, you'll notice the quantile classification method is being used here.  This method divides the distribution into an equal number of observations. Using this approach, data is rank ordered and equal numbers of observation are placed in each class.  Although, using this method could cause gaps in your dataset and could make things difficult to comprehend for the viewer.  Finally, the standard deviation method puts the majority of observations in one class surrounding the average value, while other classes will have fewer and fewer data points as they get further away from the mean.  As you'll notice, this graphic is using a different color scheme then the ones surrounding it.  When using the standard deviation method, you'll want to use a divergent color scheme, so it clearly presents the diverging data.

GIS 4043: Projections Part 2

This past week, I learned how to change coordinate systems and projections. As you'll see in the image below, I was able to change the coordinate systems of all the different files.  I changed it from their default setting to NAD83 State Plane FL North Ft.  Once I got the hang of the process, it soon became extremely easy.  I really enjoyed working on this assignment because I was able to learn something new, and I learned how to do something new within ArcMap, which I love.

GIS 3015: Spatial Statistics

For this assignment, I followed along with a training session on the Esri website.  I created a map showing the different temperatures all throughout Western Europe.  Using ArcMap, I was able to create a mean (black triangle) and median (orange circle) center, based on the data provided in the map. My map also shows the directional distribution, which is the tan oval surrounding the median and the mean.

GIS 4043 - Projections Part 1

This week was all about projections, as we learned about three different kinds.  For example, the Albers Projection is a global projection that accurately represents area across the planet. We also learned about UTM zones and State Planes.  In the image below, you will see the same map showing different results for four counties in these three projections.

GIS 3015: Cartographic Skills

This week we were asked to create a map of the Ward 7 public schools in Washington, D.C. Using ArcMap, I was able to bring in all of the shape files and rearrange them the order they should appear.  I also created an inset map, showing the locating of Ward 7 in relation to Washington, D. C. In addition to that, I inserted a legend, showing the Ward 7 schools along with a North arrow and a scale bar.   

GIS 4043 - Sharing GIS

This week I learned more about Google Earth, Map Packaging and ArcGIS Online as I found the locations of the 10 most redneck cities in Pennsylvania and I imputed them into these three different kinds of maps. I enjoyed this project because I was able to pick whatever state I wanted to work on.  I think I enjoyed working with Google Earth the most because it's real satellite imagery.  I also enjoyed working in ArcGIS Online, where you will find the link to my map below, because that's just another software for me to mess around with. 

http://arcg.is/20rwcxZ

GIS3015: Module 3 Lab - Typography

In this lab I created a map of Marathon, FL showing its parks and cities.  I started off using ArcGIS, in which I also created a map inset, showing what part of Florida Marathon is located.  I then brought it over to Adobe Illustrator and labeled all of the island keys, water bodies, parks and cities.  I used different symbols from the Illustrator library to show the parks and cities.  I also created a legend, showing what those symbols represent.

Topography of Mexico

This is a map I created for my Intro to GIS class showing the high and low elevation in Mexico.

Map of Florida

For my second assignment in Cartography, I created a map of Florida in both ArcMap and Adobe Illustrator. In ArcMap, I brought in the counties and added the major cities and surface water, with shapefiles provided. I then exported the map and opened it in Adobe Illustrator. Since my career path used to be graphic design, I am very familiar with this software.  I added the state flower, state animal and state flag.  I also provided a drop shadow to all three of these images, making them stand out more.

Own Your Map

 

 

A map I created showing a close up picture of Escambia County

 

 

Map Critique