GIS Blog - Bonnie C. Morris

For our final project, we were instructed to create a map displaying two thematic datasets also known as a bivariate map. This was very similar to the map we created in week 7 and I expanded upon the skills I learned in that module to create a more visually appealing and coherent map. I chose to work with the first scenario for the objective of my map. I created a map that could be used by the Washington Post to compare mean SAT scores and test participation rates of high school seniors in 2014. Both of these statistics can be compared to state size on a larger scale as I used the United States Albers Equal Area Conic projection. Since this map focuses on the comparison of average test scores to participation percentages, two comparable data presentation types were used.   For test scores, I elected to use graduated symbols so that I could separate the data into the same number of classes as the participation percentage variables. These symbols were separated into five c...

This week, we converted our week 10 dot density mxd on ArcMap to a kmz file that is viewable on Google Earth. This is very useful for communicating data organized in ArcMap with people who are not familiar with the program. First, we made adjustments to our original map and exported it as a kmz file. The only adjustment I needed to make was simplifying my legend. Then I ran the Map to KML tool and the Layers to KML tool. The Map to KML process took an extremely long time (over ten hours within multiple attempts) and I ran the tool several times concerned that an error had occurred. I enlarged my dot density to try to speed up this process. I ultimately created a new file, copy and pasted my old layers over, and used ArcCatalog for this process, which worked like a charm. Once it was done I was able to open my files on Google Earth. After I viewed the map in Google Earth, I needed to change the solid fill of the layers to an outline within the program. Finally, I created a Google ...

This week, we were instructed to use the ESRI training module to learn about 3D maps. I studied their background, the data required to create them, and their applications.  Three dimensional mapping uses TINs, raster data, and z-values to create a map that shows depth. The values can portray proportional elevations of terrain and manmade features such as buildings.  In my process summary, I described why a 3D building map is advantageous: A 3D building layer reveals patterns that are not visible in 2D. As noted in ESRI training, 3D modules can help one visualize how buildings will interact and merge with other buildings and landscaping. They can also help one visualize a route more accurately as the buildings they will encounter can act as landmarks, a feature that is unavailable in a 2D map. There were three major parts of the lab. The first was the focused  solely  on ESRI training using ArcScene which was composed of six exercises.  Exerc...

This week, we learned about dot mapping and created a dot map of South Florida's population density. Dot mapping is used to display information while revealing the underlying patterns in the enumeration units of raw data. This is accomplished by reviewing the concentration of dots on areas of a map. A dot equals a predetermined amount of a phenomenon and it is placed approximately where that phenomenon occurs. This reveals patterns in data, in this case, that the population of South Florida is more densely concentrated by Miami and St. Petersburg. There are three main ways to place the dots. For this map, the dots are geographically based, which is the most accurate and error reducing method. As noted in the instructions, creating this weeks lab was not extremely complicated, but there were a few steps that took a significant amount of time. The first was troubleshooting to find an appropriate size for the dots while maintaining that there was at least one dot in ...