Comparative Area Map

For this weeks lab I made a map of Florida, comparing the area of 4 counties across 3 different projections. There are square mile numbers for each colored county. It is interesting how with different projections, the exact same counties come up with mismatched numbers.

The main idea behind the lab was learning how to convert shape files from one projection to another.

The exercise and lecture is one I was looking forward to, as matching projections is something that I struggle with at work. On multiple occasions I have put my sample plots in North Dakota, when they should have been in Oregon. I have a basic understanding now, and hope to learn more with next weeks continuation.

Yosemite - Use and modify map and tile package

This week I learned how to create, organize, and share map packages with ArcGIS online. The mapmaking was stuff we had already gone over, so that was fairly easy. I had never made any map packages though, or worked with ArcGIS online. Everything was done exclusively over ArcGIS 10.2 and ArcGIS online. I can see how map packages, as well as ArcGIS online, could be handy tools in the future for sharing maps with large groups.

This map shows climbing spots in the Yosemite Valley.

Aguirre Springs - Optimize a map package

This week I learned how to create, organize, and share map packages with ArcGIS online. The mapmaking was stuff we had already gone over, so that was fairly easy. I had never made any map packages though, or worked with ArcGIS online. Everything was done exclusively over ArcGIS 10.2 and ArcGIS online. I can see how map packages, as well as ArcGIS online, could be handy tools in the future for sharing maps with large groups.

This map shows tree sample points near Aguirre Springs.

GIS Cartography Lab - Map 1

This is a choropleth map of Mexico, with different shades of yellow/orange representing population. This map relied on the symbology and label functions in ArcGIS. I would like to learn how to even out the population numbers in the legend.

GIS Cartography Lab - Map 2

This is my digital elevation map (DEM) of Mexico. It uses raster data, with a range of colors that allow easy viewing of elevation. I think my choice in elevation colors turned out well. In hindsight, I think a color other than blue would have been a better option for the neighboring countries.

GIS Cartography Lab - Map 3

This is a map of Central Mexico. It is a fairly basic map that includes cities with populations of over 1 million, rivers, railroads, and federal highways. There was a lot of work involving symbology and labels on this one, which was quite nice as that is a weak spot of mine in GIS.

Week 2 - Own Your Map

This weeks assignment involved making a map and Florida and Escambia Count, through the use of multiple data frames. I did have some trouble with the pan tool in layout view, one misplaced click and my map jumped around. It was interesting to learn more about changing symbols, as well as the metadata.

Week 1 map

This is my map for week one. The majority of the tasks fell within my limited GIS skill-set, but I was able to learn a few things. I found it difficult to learn all the ins and outs of online learning, but I am feeling fairly confident in the process now!