Final Project for GIS4043, Intro2GIS

Bobwhite-Manatee Transmission Line Project: Demonstrating the Effectiveness of GIS

The last couple weeks we have spent in the completion of our final project. This project required us to draw upon all the previous lessons and without much direction, create various maps, write a report of our analysis and methods and present a Power Point presentation on this site. Here is the results of my labor.



 http://students.uwf.edu/kjl15/Intro2GIS/FinalProject/LaPlanteReport1.pdf

 
  http://students.uwf.edu/kjl15/Intro2GIS/FinalProject/LaPlanteFinal1.pptx

3D Map of UWF Campus Roads and Buildings and Conservation Easement Map

This week was actually fun! Never thought I would say that again in this course. It seems that much is coming together better since the weeks of the dreaded Projections fiasco. For this lesson, we learned about Georeferencing using the Control Points tools to reference the unknown elements of raster data to known elements of vector data. We learned that it is important to not only make sure that the Root Mean Square errors are within acceptable limits (below 15) but also making sure there is an accurate appereance. Working within the attribute tables gave us the information we needed to tweak the points until we got what we needed. We then learned how to digitize elements such as roads and buildings, open and end editing sessions and lastly create 3D map images utilizing ArcScene. The first map below shows the 3D efforts:

This second map shows the work related to using Analysis Tools - Multiple Ring Buffer Tool and Hyperlinking data. We created a map showing a Conservation Easement linking to an Eagle's Nest image. My RMS data are different because I had to recreate the process in order to create this map. I worked from my office computer for the 3D map above but did not have a way of successfully transferring the data for the map below. This has been one of the added complexities of trying to do this work in different environments. Between UWF, my office and home computer there are no seamless ways to combine all the information necessary to complete the overall tasks. I did get extra practice so I guess it is a good thing in the long run.

Geocoding and ModelBuilder Exercise - Week 12

This week was an extensive introduction to Geocoding and ModelBuilder. We not only read the material in Jensen, took a quiz, completed a 2nd Group Assignment, finished an exercise on the ESRI site but then worked on various part of our lab assignment. In this weeks lab we created an address locator, conducted Geocoding address matching, matched unmatched addresses, enabled and worked with the Network Analysis extension tool to add stops and calculate the optimal route for EMS stops in Lake County, FL. As a result, we created a map with 2 dataframes depicting this work. I had some difficulty the first day I worked on this project and decided to walk away and start fresh today. The final product is below:

Although I know I didn't get everything exactly correct on this project, I believe I learned most of what was expected. I feel at a disadvantage when looking at other student's work because I was not able to take the Cartography class at the same time as this one and know that they are able to add much more to the product than I can. I just feel that it is better to try and produce something rather than walking away completely. I do feel as if I did learn a great deal over the last several weeks working on this project.

Vector Analysis 2 - Possible Campsite Locations

This week we were instructed to create a map depicting the use of buffering and overlay procedures. In this lesson, we learned to use ArcPy, creating buffers around various features using the simple or various distance parameters, and working with attribute tables to add features. We utilized the various tools in the Overlay toolset which allowed the creation of my map below. This map shows various possible campsites with buffer zone at different distances from other features such as roads, lakes and rivers.

 

This lesson was a bit difficult when it came time to use ArcPy. I had issues getting the proper script to apply but can certainly see how this tool can make doing several processes more efficient versus using the ArcToolbox interface for each action that needs to be completed.

Week 7-8 Data Search Maps

Over the last several weeks we learned how to search for and download datasets from various online loctions. For this mid-term project, I created 3 seperate maps by using FGDL and LABINS primarily as my data source. I was assigned Lee County, FL for my project and I was able to find various natural resource data depicting invasive species plants, hydrography, major roads, parks, cities and public lands. My first map below rerpresents these map and data elements with a smaller inset showing the location of Lee County relative to the state of Florida.

My second and third maps to follow show a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of Lee County and an aerial photograph of a USGS NE quadrangle - Captiva in Lee County. I was not able to put all three maps together this time around but felt I learned a great deal. It feels as if all the topics are starting to come together and make some sense. I need and want more time to become more familiar with how to create better, more comprehenisve maps but am pleased I was at least able to produce this on time.

 

UNESCO World Heritage Map Group Assignment #1

Over the past three weeks, we as a group of 10 students worked together to complete a series of maps while working on the ArcGIS Online mapping site. We were each assigned a UNESCO World Heritage site and given an image as a clue. We had to research this image and determine where it was located in the world and provide the appropriate coordinates. We then each created individual maps and completed various tasks such as writing an introduction, group process summary or creating a resource list. Once maps, images and descriptions were created using the online system, we submitted these to the group leader who then compiled all of them in an online gallery. In order to be successful, we had to communicate often through a specific group communication board. Although this felt a bit rushed and somewhat of an after thought because of the complexity of our week 6 lab, it was still fun and interesting to do. It was a pleasure working with my group because everyone seemed to step up and take individual responsibility which I believe allowed us to be successful.
 
My map was of The Temple at Angkor Wat located in Cambodia. It is the first map listed in the gallery which can be accessed by clicking on this link: http://www.arcgis.com/home/item.html?id=ae489b7aa4a44ed2bb27fe95f6addbe5
 
Brief description: Angkor is one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia. Stretching over some 400 km2, including forested area, Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire.
This map depicts the temple remains within the protected archaeological park. There is an attached image of these ruins when you click on the red flag.Group Summary:

World Heritage Sites

As a part of our first Participation assignment in GIS4043, Team 4 was asked to work as a group in order to locate select UNESCO cultural, natural and historic sites within Asia. Our group was comprised of 10 people. Each student was tasked with creating an individual map utilizing the ArcGIS Online system. ArcGIS Online makes it possible for people in varying locations to work seamlessly together to complete mapping projects. Each student was assigned a designated World Heritage site which they then used to create a map online and submit to the Team Leader. All our maps were compiled in a gallery and can be viewed online here. In this map gallery, you will be able to view maps, descriptions, and image links of the heritage sites in Asia.
ArcGIS Online Group #4 Map Gallery

Can be accessed at this page http://www.arcgis.com/home/item.html?id=ae489b7aa4a44ed2bb27fe95f6addbe5All and all the group of 10 enjoyed participating in this assignment. Though overwhelming at points everyone was able to help each other and pull this project together utilizing the group discussion and email. Organizations and constant contact with the group are keys to success when working strictly online. It was exciting to the maps come together and see ArcGIS online being used by more than just one individual. ArcGIS online is a great method of sharing maps, no matter your location; all you need is the internet. We all look forward to working on the next group assignments.

Group 4 Resource List

"Angkor." - UNESCO World Heritage Centre. UNESCO, n.d. Web. 21 Feb. 2013.
http://globe-tourism.com/ha_long_bay.html

"Interactive Maps." UNESCO World Heritage Centre -. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Feb. 2013.

Limbu, Srijana. "Glaciers, Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal (50,000)." GeoNetwork- Geoportal De Búsqueda, Visualización Y Descarga De Información Y Datos Espaciales. MENRIS-ICIMOD, n.d. Web. 20 Feb. 2013.

"Mapping World Heritage." - National Geographic Education. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Feb. 2013.

"Mount Huangshan." - UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Unesco, n.d. Web. 21 Feb. 2013.

New7Wonders. "Ha Long Bay". Photo. Nature.New7Wonders.com (n.d).
http://d30mmglg94tqnw.cloudfont.net/uploads/2011/02/haling1.jpg
 
"Potala Palace, Lhasa, Tibet." TravelChinaGuide. Xian Marco Polo Int'l Travel Service, 30 Dec. 2012. http://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/tibet/lhasa/potala.htm

"Sagarmatha National Park." UNESCO World Heritage Centre. UNESCO, n.d. Web. 18 Feb. 2013

"Sagarmatha National Park." , Nepal. SAARC Toursim, 2009. Web. 18 Feb. 2013.
http://nepal.saarctourism.org/sagarmatha-national-park.html

Wikipedia. "List of World Heritage Sites in Southeast Asia." Rice Terraces of the Phillipine Cordilleras. 1995. Web. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rice_Terraces_of_the_Philippine_Cordilleras

"Saryarka — Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 02 June 2013. Web. 20 Feb. 2013.

"Borobudur" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BorobudurBorobudur Temple Compounds 1991 "Borobudur Temple Compounds" http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/592 1991



 

Projections Part 2 - STCM Map

This week was a bear! Like everyone else, I had a terrible time with the amount of the material and the written (19 pages) instructions. It was only after speaking with Amber, course instructor, and taking a break from the whole situation that I was able to get back to it today and produce something as depicted by my map below. I was not able to get the roads and county boundaries to show but I ran out of time and wanted to get something posted. Not my best work but then again this lab was only one part of what was required this week. In addition to all this frustration, we also had to work in a group to produce an online map, write the process up and post to a gallery on ArcGIS Online. This was by far more fun!

This map was a result of searching for and downloading data such as quads, aerials, shapefiles and tabular xy data from two online sources: FGDL and LABINS.org. It represents two quad sheets, Pace and Cantonement within Escambia County, FL wherein a number of Petroleum Storage Tank Contamination Monitoring Sites are located. I am hoping that over time and with practice this material will not be such a mystery to me and I can produce quality work.

Projections Part I

In this 5th week, we were taught about what Map Projections are and why they are important when considering your maps. We learned about the various Coordinate Systems and Georeferencing in Chapter 2 of the text. There was a dizzying amount of information and we are told that it is normal to feel a bit overwhelmed by all this material. It is apparently only after many years working with it will we feel perfectly comfortable. If this is so, then I am right on track. It did feel overwhelming at times but with perseverance and sheer determination, I was able to construct the map below depicting 3 dataframes with 3 projected layers. Each map shows a specific map projection and indicates how these varying coordinate system,s by necessity, will show slight variations as indicated by the differences in square miles for 4 selected Florida counties.

ArcGIS Online and Map Packages

This week showed us how to utilize the ArcGIS Online system for creating and sharing maps. The outcome was the creation of 2 maps that we shared in this online forum. The first exercise dealt with using and modifying map and tile packages as depicted in the first illustration below while the second screenshot shows the outcome from optimizing a map package.

The last screenshot shows how newly shared maps appear in the ArcGIS Online My Content section after registering as a user. I can easily see how working in partnerships this capability could be very useful. I work for a federal agency and not everyone always has the same access or programs. This will allow sharing of data much more easily.

Week 3 GIS Cartography

This week we were  instructed to make 3 maps showing different elements of the same geographic area in Mexico. We worked with ArcCatalog, raster pyramids and  created dynamic text to mention a few of the required tasks. Here are the 3 reprentations of vector and raster data maps for Central Mexico.

This week also provided a better opportunity for understanding the use of color in a professional manner for best possible visual results. Chapter Ten in our text was very helpful in deciding effective and appropriate color schemes. This was probably my most favorite part of the lesson as it directly relates to my need to create visual data in my work environment. Knowing how to best represent data is essential for getting your point across to a particular audience.

I did have some difficulty with saving the various .mxd files each time when creating the next map. I had to recreate Map 2 at one point and can now see I missed an element in the Legend as I post it. I simply ran out of time to correct this but will learn from this mistake for future lessons. Although this was fairly intense because of the amount of work required, I thought the written instructions were pretty straight forward for the most part and the exercise was fun.

ArcGIS2 - Own Your Own Map

This map was a representation of the Escambia County, UWF Campus Location as it relates to Escambia County, FL. I worked from 2 seperate layers and created a map showing the exact location of the UWF campus on one with an inset map of the county at large.

This exercise was easier and more fun. Getting all the Orientation issues resolved allowed me to concentrate on the course content.

ArcGIS Overview

Proud of my first map-making effort.