Friday, May 24, 2013

Week 2 - Geoprocessing in Arc
GIS 4102
 
 
 
This week we worked on ModelBuilder and the functionality of it within ArcGIS.  We also exported Python script from ModelBuilder as well.  These functions were saved within Toolboxes and then compressed to be shared with others.
 
In the above image, I utilized data provided to create a model that would select all the soils that were considered "Not Prime Farmland" and with those results erase portions of the basin shapefile so that the remaining shape excluded those areas identified as "Not Prime Farmland". 
 
Week 2 really expanded my knowledge on ModelBuilder and the capabilities it has within ArcGIS to allow me to return results.  It also gave me my first opportunity to create a working GIS script and generate output from geoprocessing tools.


Friday, May 17, 2013

Intro to Python - Week 1
GIS 4102
 

 
 
The first week of the summer semester at UWF begins with my introduction to Python.  Python is both a scripting language as well as a programming language; however for this class we will be focusing in on the scripting aspect of things.  Our first module provided me with a script that can seen in the screenshot above.  Its results can be seen on top of the scripting window and after being run, created a series of folders that we will be utilizing in the GIS Programming course this semester. 
 
With the script loaded I ran it by clicking on the running man icon, although I could have pressed ctrl-r or browsed to the function by going to File and selecting Run.  The process ran and created the desired output.  In the interactive window I saw that the script was completed as it displayed a text message saying "Process Complete"
 
The use of hotkeys can also speed up the process of writing script.  I am going to make a concerted effort to identify commonly used feature hotkeys for the Python window interfaces used in this semester.

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Final Project
GIS 4043/L
 
 
 
For our final project in the Intro to GIS Class I was tasked with taking on the role of a GIS analyst working with Florida Power and Light (FPL).  The task was to analyze and determine a number of factors in regards to the Bobwhite-Manatee Transmission Line Project.  Among these analyses was to determine the environmental impact, parcel and homes affected as well as schools and daycare centers.  Finally we were also tasked with identifying the length of the preferred corridor and providing a cost analysis.  The following links are to the presentation as well as the slide by slide commentary.
 
 
 
 
 
 


Monday, April 29, 2013

Final Project
GIS 3015
 
 
For my final project I was tasked with creating a map for the Washington Post which would highlight ACT scores as well as the overall participation per state.  In the above map, I utilized a Choropleth Map with color density to show the level of participation from state to state.  This was accomplished using a Natural Breaks Jenks Classification.  I then utilized an Equal Interval to show the Mean Composite scores for the ACT from state to state, symbolized by a proportional symbol based off the score.  


Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Week 13 - Georeferencing
 
GIS 4043L
 
 
This week's lab introduced me to Georeferencing, Editing, as well as ArcScene.  The above map was created in ArcMap and shows the buildings, roadways, and aerial images associated to UWF campus.  I was tasked with Georeferencing the aerial images using common points (anchor points) that rubbersheeted the aerial image to the existing shapes of the buildings layer.  Here I also learned about RMS Errors (RMSE) and how to determine if they fall within norms.  I also used the editor tools and created new features.  The UWF Gym and Campus Lane roadway were added to the appropriate layers and attributes assigned to them.  Finally I worked with the multiple ring buffer tool, which allowed me to create a conservation easement around the eagle's nest.
 
 
 
I was also introduced to ArcScene this week which allowed me to utilize 3D modeling for creating maps.  The above map was originally created in ArcScene and the image exported for 2D use in ArcMap.  Here I can also display the new Gym as well as the new Campus Lane roadway that was added earlier in the lab.
 
Overall this lab was very informative and fun to do. 
 
 



Friday, April 5, 2013

Week 13 - Google Earth
GIS 3015
 
 
 
This weeks module introduced the class to Google Earth and how to import both vector and raster layers within the program.  KML and KMZ files were discussed and I had the opportunity to work directly with creating and importing both.  We also took a comprehensive look into how to do a tour of areas within Google Earth while utilizing the Population Dot Density Map that I created in the previous module.  Above, you will see a screenshot of what the map looks like while overlayed on top of the Google Earth program.
 
This week's lab was quite interesting and I look forward to using the skills I obtained here and apply them to my workplace.

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Week 12 - Dot Density Mapping
GIS 3015
 
 
This weeks lab involved population density and how to display it through a dot map.  This project was done entirely in ArcGIS and allowed me to take on some artistic challanges.  Utilizing ArcGIS I was able to display dots representing 1 to 25000 population and place the symbology on urban areas thoughout Southern Florida.  Also displayed in the map are Surface Water features which give the reader a better idea of why there may be little urban development and population density in that area.
 
Overall, this lab allowed me the ability to see how to use dot maps to deliver information to the reader.