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.