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