Lab 8+9

 

Shown above are my three map GIFS. I enjoyed this lab because it allowed for me to play around with the GIF making software and the various programs that you can use to make them. The hardest part was making sure that the cropping of the images was done fairly accurately so that there would not be a whole lot of wobble once they are all animated together. For the most part this lab was time consuming and tedious, it began to get a little repetitious by the end of it.

The most tedious part was updating the HTML pages because I had to make a lot of tables in order to insert all of the static images of the map from year to year. I also went through and made sure that all of the pages were the same color. Lastly, the link to my lab log was no longer functioning on my main page. It took a little while but after a while I realized that I had accidentally deleted a couple coding phrases but I was able to piece it together by comparing it to the code from a page with a working link.

Lab 7 Classifications and Response

Chloropleth Map Classifications:

-16->-7, -7->-2, -2->2, 2->7, 7->16, 16->25

Dot Density and Graduated Symbols Classifications:

2500->25000, 25000->50000, 50000->100000, 100000->200000, 200000->410000

This lab was not too hard overall. Once I was able to figure out how to configure the different types of maps, it became much easier. This is most likely due to the fact that you are just copying and pasting each layer and changing the year or % change that you are pulling from.

I would say that the most difficult part was the classification process. Breaking down each year or pair of years into the highest value and lowest value, the mid range and for the Chloropleth we needed to see the ratio of losses to gains. I feel like this was also the most stressful aspect of the lab because I wanted to make sure that my breaks were even so that my data could be displayed correctly.

 

Lab 7 Maps

 

 

Lab Log 5

 

 

 

 

Overall, this lab was very tricky. The first problem I had was isolating my two state in ARCGIS. The toughest part was that I was confused by where I was supposed to be manipulating the actual layers. I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to manipulate names and layers in the index or the actual layers themselves. Once I figured this out, I then ran into an issue for which coordinate system I was supposed to use. I ended up using the Albers Equal Area Conic system, which seemed to have been hidden, until you walked over to help.

Step 6 of this lab was when it began to get very tricky. It was in this step that we were supposed to link our DBF file with ARC GIS. My main issue was making sure that I selected the right DBF file while also making sure that I am deselecting/ hiding all of the useless data that came with the layers thus far. Luckily, with your help we were able to avoid a monitor fire.

The last major step which was tidying up the attribute table was not too difficult, but rather it was tedious. Although, once you explained to me how to get the % changes, it became clear and after that it just took some time and focus.

Like I said earlier, this lab was more so tricky and tedious, once you know the processes and begin to get into a groove with this software it seems to come together quite nicely. But with all of this being said, I am not sure I could replicate this process with any help in the future.

Definitions:

DBF: this is a file format that is used in database and mapping software that allows for an easy transition when importing it into ArcGIS.

Select By Attributes: this is a selection method that is used in order to isolate certain layers when using ArcGIS. It allows for you to provide a query expression that is used to select features that match the criteria that is outlined.

Fields: Each of the fields, also known as a column, is apart of the attribute table and has properties that describes its contents and how the data should be formatted and displayed. Sometimes you can edit the field properties on the field tab of the layer properties and table properties dialogue boxes. The fields tab are used to determine how attributes will be shown in the ArcMap, including in the attribute table window.

Records: Unlike joining tables, relating tables will simply define a relationship between two tables. The data isn’t appended to the layer’s attribute table like when you join tables. But rather, you can access the related data when you work with the various layer’s attributes.

Attributes: the attribute table tool allows for you to isolate an attribute within the table to act as a symbol for a single band mosaic dataset or a raster dataset. This is helpful when you want to display imagery that has undergone a classification to land use, such as forests, wetlands, urban landscapes, and farmland.

Relational Database: this is the process of combining data files that are apart of a common column (field) of data.

Monitor Fire: Funny dad joke

Field Calculator: this helps calculate the data from specific fields that are selected to calculate a percentage change in population and or other various variables that can be combined with a map.

P.S. I only included 1 picture, because I am already doing two states

Lab Log 4

Overall, the process of using ARC GIS was very frustrating. You were not kidding when you mentioned how tedious this whole process actually is. There are so many moving parts that have to be moving together in order to fix an issue. Unlike the other processes during this project, I still do not feel confident about the usability of this software even though I have completed all of the tasks. I think I was able to conduct the tasks correctly, but I would not be surprised if I am missing an aspect of the lab, even after following the directions vigorously.

Definitions:

Map Document: a map document contains all files and settings for a project. This includes all layer of the files, table of contents, and the data frames

Table of Contents: it is the window on the left side of the software when you first start it. It is where you can find the multiple layers and data frames that are used for actually making the map.

Data Frame: The data frame holds a series of map layers and information that is commonly used with the layers that we are creating.

Map Layer: map layers are the various pieces of the map that are laid on top of one another to show a “multi-dimensional” map that is color coded for specific sets of data.

Attribute Table: The attribute table allows for the user to highlight and isolate a certain portion of your map. For instance, during this lab we were told to isolate different countries so that we could explore this feature.

Part 12 Comments: After exploring the Help function of Arc GIS, I learned a little bit about what Geocoding is. After some reading, I found out that this is the process of transforming a description of a location, such as a pair of coordinates, address, or names of locations. I also found out that you can implement graphs into the Maps, to help further visualize and explore data.

Part 14: After looking around on Esri, I learned about how Maps can be used to portray banking data. For instance, it allows for banks to understand the wants and desires of consumers and under-served market so that banks can try to optimize the return on your investment.

I also explored how the Transportation industry has been moving towards a trend of data-driven decisions when deciding where and when new forms of transportation should be implemented and whether or not they need to update or fix current transportation systems.

 

Lab Log 3

I found the process of cleaning up the excel data to be very informational. I have not done a lot of work like this using excel, I am more used to processing the data in its raw form and interpreting it from a business perspective. I have not managed to convert the cleaned up excel file into a DBF, I need to some help figuring this part out. I intend on meeting with you before the next class period. I find it interesting that the FIPS codes must be viewed as text when inputting it into ARC GIS. It is surprising that the software used for this type of work has not been updated, especially when it is something as useful as map making technology. You would think that there would be a slightly higher sense of urgency for working out the bugs that currently impact the users of the software. Overall, my only issue with this lab was not being able to figure out the DBF file format, I did not find this lab too difficult once I knew how to format the excel file, if anything it was just time consuming and tedious.

Lab Log #2

During this lab I found myself struggling a lot. The entire concept of HTML is very foreign to me. The most difficult part of this process was figuring out the nooks and crannies of editing the HTML code. At first I did not realize how crucial it was to walk through each change step by step. When I tried to rush through certain stages such as connecting all of my pages together, I usually ran into a snag and had to start over. I also found out very quickly that I could not change the names of the files, and it took a couple slip ups to see the importance of this. I enjoyed customizing my various pages with personal information that provided some insight into who I am as a person. This part was a lot easier after the previous hiccups, because I was starting to get the hang of the editing process in notepad.

The Map Mashup portion of this lab was also a little confusing. I did not know that all my locations had to be in the same folder in google maps before entering it into filezilla. But once I figured that out the locations were added with ease. The final step of this lab,  which was uploading our sites to the server, was a lot easier once I figured out filezilla for the mashup portion of this lab.

Overall I felt pretty good about this lab, but I was surprised by what I was able to do with HTML when I had zero experience with the software at the start of this lab.

Lab Log 1

What’s Your Map For?

1. The overall purpose of my map is that I would like people to easily and interpret the data that is shown on my map. I would also like for my map to have some functionality so that it is not just an area showing the locations and how to get from point a to point b.
2. The intended audience will hopefully be anyone that is interested in what my map is presenting. I do not want it to become over complicated and messy that it is just an eye soar to look at and incomprehensible. Although, if I were to narrow down who this map applies to I would hope that the audience consist of young adults at the very least.
3. I expect the viewers of my map to have a basic understanding of how coordinates work. I would also expect for them to be able to interpret basic data that is displayed on my map.
4. I want to figure out a way so that my map on the WWW will be interactive and informational. This will change how I construct the map because I will have to be more conscious of how I put together the various layers of the map so that each layer can be “peeled” back to reveal “hidden” information.

Duck Duck Go Search:

 

I searched for Terrorist groups and found a link to a history website that goes into the history of all of the various terrorist groups throughout history. It starts out talking about the socialist and communist groups and briefly talks about the revolutions that took place during these eras of rebellion. It also defines what state terrorism is–but only in the UN–which are non-state actors of violence.

The Journey Begins

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton