baj23_GIS

 What are Google Earth and Google Earth Tours?  Google Earth is an interactive program that mimics a 3D representation of the Earth and its features based on satellite imagery. Google Earth Tours allows you to record the location that you marked and move around to provide users a visual showcase of the area or specific features. This application is useful for visual reference to present satellite imagery and give tours on multiple locations.  What are KML files?  In our lab module, we learned about transferring layer data from ArcPro into a KML file so that GIS data can be presented in Google Earth software. In order to transfer layer information into KML files, we used the Layer to KML conversion tool in Spatial Analysis to create the KML file.  Additionally, we input a legend image into Google Earth and organized all Google Earth features into proper folders to better direct the Google Earth Tour. 

 What are Isarithmic maps?  An Isarithmic map showcases continuous surfaces using isolines. An example of this is presenting precipitation levels. Contours are used in logarithmic maps to connect the location of equal values.  Lab Description In the lab, we designed an Isartihmic map of Average Annual Precipitation in the State of Washington over 30 years. We obtained the raster data through the USDA Geospatial Gateway. The data was published by the U.S Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and National GEospatial Management Center from September 2012. The data originated from the PRISM Group at Oregon State University.  How was the precipitation data derived and interpolated?  The precipitation data was derived and interpolated by PRISM (Parameter-elevation Relationships on Independent Slopes Model) that accounts for physiographic factors influencing climate patterns. DEM (Digital Elevation Model) is calculated in the data between t...

 This week's assignment challenges us to explore data sets and using graduated and proportional symbology to present data. Graduated symbology utilizes classified data that shows the quantitative differences between data in which data is classified in ranges and a different sized symbol represents that range. Proportional symbology uses unclassified data to represent values in a field using the attribute value.  One challenge in this week's lab was working on the symbology by inputting a picture symbol into the mapping project. Another challenge to the week's lab is adjusting the European country's labels. Due to the close proximity of some countries or the size of the country the label wouldn't fit inside. Many adjustments were made, but there can be further improvements in future projects. 

 Understanding Data Classification  In this week's lab, there are four common data classification methods that are used to present data; Equal Interval, Quantile, Standard Deviation, and Natural Break (Jenks ) .  Our lab allowed us to explore the different types of data classification and visualize how each classification is different from the other. We used data from Florida Geographic Database Library 2010 Census Data of people in Dale County, FL to find the percentage of individuals over 65. There are two maps, one on Classification Methods for Senior Population over 65 and another Classification Methods for Senior Population over 65 per Sq. Mile.  Observations: Natural Break (Jenks ) Classification - Considers natural groups within the data. It minimizes extreme values between data values in the same class and maximizes differences between classes. Using the Natural Break Classification would use the natural grouping of the data to replicate how populations of p...

 Gestalt's Principles   In our week's lesson, we learned about Gestalt's Principles covers cartographic design techniques that allows the audience to better understand a map. Few points about cartographic design and how gestalt's principles apply to map design is understanding the four techniques to display data.  Visual Heirachy Using symbols and ranking methodology to highlight data importance or where you want your audience to focus on in map. You can make single symbols different sizes to represent different classes or highlight their value on the map compared to other data such as population maps.  Contrast  Contrast focuses on differences between map features such as adjustments to size, color, or shape. Sometimes certain color choices such as blues and reds are great for highway and interstates. It can be helpful with a neutral background.  Balance  Balance is the organization of all map elements that fills the space granted for the map pro...

What is typography for GIS?  Typography is the understanding of designing and formatting map features and labels to improve the presentation of subject material. This is done through several ways such as (1) changing letter font into easier read font such as sans serif or Calibri, (2) changing the symbology to match the feature represented (stars for capitals, use blue lines to highlight river features), and (3) changing the position in where labels are located so it clearly labels the feature but also is readable. My Map Customizations The challenge for the lab exercise is to experiment with three types of customizations to better help my map achieve a clear, concise overview of Florida, but also maintain simplicity.  (1) I adjusted the labeling of Major cities so that any duplicates would not be spotted. I also removed cities that were conflicting with the river features as although I could manually re-position and shift all attributes, there would have been too much crowdin...

    What's important in a map?      Maps play an important role in presenting information. Maps has many parts that come together to present/ represent the data within the map. Some parts of a map are the Title, North Arrow (orientation), Scale Bar, Data Source (citing source), and a Legend (to identify symbology and map features).  Good Map Designs     Good map designs always has a Title to them. Sub-titles can be used to elaborate or close in on the topic of the map to help direct the reader's attention to the map details. In the map below, the designer provided a nice Title, but utilized subtitles and short summary to give the readers clarity to what the map wants to present to it's audience. Another important aspect of a good designed map is map layout. This map maintain a balanced presentation with clear borderlines and placed in strategic positions that didn't distract the reader from the main map.  Poorly Design Map     ...