Intro to GIS - Week 4 - ArcGIS Online and Map Packages

GIS 4043 Week 4 Lab: ArcGIS Online and Map Packages

In this week’s lab, I learned to use ArcGIS Online as it interacts with ArcMap, searching for ArcGIS Online data from within ArcMap, and creating map packages to share in ArcGIS Online.

In sharing a map to ArcGIS Online, under File > Share As > Map Package, I was glad to learn that Analyze will flag missing Item Description items.  An item description is necessary to understand the map once is shared online.

Once the map is shared (uploaded to ArcGIS Online) the steps to find it under My Content are rather easy.  The map loads easily into ArcGIS for Desktop.  I also found copying the data layers and setting them up for a generalized and detailed view very interesting.

Below are my map package summarizes from ArcGIS Online with the Item Description information.

Intro to GIS - Week 3 - GIS Cartography

GIS 4043 Week 3 Lab: GIS Cartography

The purpose of this week’s assignment was to create three maps while learning about ArcCatalog, selecting by attributes, exporting data to a new layer, rasters, symbology, map legends and working with multiple data frames.  The three maps included the population of Mexico by state, the transportation systems of central Mexico, and the topography of Mexico.  I have chosen the map showing the population of Mexico by state, shown below.

This map included the selection of the states in Mexico from a much larger layer containing states and administrative units throughout the Americas.  I was able to create a smaller layer reflecting just the states in Mexico by selecting by attribute and creating a SQL query where the country name equaled Mexico.  The smaller layer allowed me to show only the Mexico states while using the map of the Americas as a background and for the surrounding countries.

In this lab I also learned how to setup the symbology as a graduated color by population (the population by state was included in the attributes table), but of most interest to me, I was able to adjust the range for each class by clicking the value under the Range column which allowed me to select ranges for each color that ended in nice round population figures.  These ranges were carried over to the legend. 

Overall, the lab work for week 3 was filled with features and learning opportunities.

Cartographic Skills - Week 3 - Cartographic Design

GIS 3015: Cartographic Skills

Week 3 Lab: Cartographic Design

Public Schools in Ward 7, Washington, DC

The purpose of this week’s assignment was to create a map denoting the general location of public schools in the area known as Ward 7 in Washington, DC. 

The map shown below contains an inset map showing the location of Ward 7 within the boundaries of Washington, DC.  The larger map denotes the general location of the public schools and type of school such as elementary, middle or high school.  A different size school house symbol has been used to denote the different types of school as reflected in the legend.  The Ward 7 area has also been labeled with the location of seven neighborhoods to provide some additional cross-reference to the location of the schools.

The map was created in ArcGIS.  The initial work was done in the data view, but final presentation elements were incorporated in the layout view.  Of particular interest, two (2) data frames were used – one for the main map and another for the inset map.

Cartographic Skills - Week 2 - Intro to Corel Draw

Cartographic Skills - Week 2 - Introduction to Corel Draw - Process Summary Details:

This lab assignment introduced us to Corel Draw as a software tool to manipulate and enhance maps created and exported from ArcGIS.  The core components of the map below were created in ArcGIS.  The labels, State seal, flower, and flag as well as title, orientation arrow and source were added in Corel Draw.  Corel Draw has incredible editing capabilities and the sample below showcase some of its basic tools such as the replacement of color and drawing of lines.

Process Summary Detail Question:

How would you fit text to a path; start the process summary with the creation of the curve/shape and explain how you would align the text.

1.       Select the Pen Tool to draw a curved line.  Click on the starting point and double-click at the end point to create the curved line. 

2.       Select the object – in this case the curved line.  Select the Text Tool.  Click on the selected object – the curved line – and start typing.  The text will fit the path of the curved line.

Intro to GIS - Week 2 Lab - Own Your Map

Intro to GIS – Week 2 Lab – Own Your Map – Process Summary Details:

1.      Learning about relative paths under File>Map Document Properties was great.  I had problems moving files at work because relative paths was not checked.

2.      Great exercise to teach me how to navigate in layout view as opposed to data view.  I found the activating and moving to front/back of data frames particularly helpful.

Cartographic Skills - Map Critique

GIS 3015

Module 1 Lab: Map Critique

NAME: Pablo Perez

Provide the following in the space provided below:

1.      Example of a well-designed map. (Copy and paste in this document)

2.      One paragraph critique of your well-designed map—critique must be supported with 2-3 map design principles.

I have selected the SCWildlifeZones.jpg map as an example of a well-designed map.  The map represents the various wildlife management game zones within the State of South Carolina.  The representation minimizes map crap and is effectively labeled.  The number of information-carrying dimensions depicted do not exceed the number of dimensions in the data; and the map maximizes data-ink ratio.  The map contains clear, detailed and thorough labeling to defeat graphical distortion and ambiguity.

3.      Example of a poorly-designed map. (Copy and paste in this document)

4.      One paragraph critique of your poorly-designed map—critique must be supported with 2-3 map design principles.

I have selected the AirNow.jpg map as an example of a poorly-designed map.  I feel this map is not effectively labeled and lacks in mapping substantial information.  I believe the map intends to represents the air quality index for specific dates within a date period.  Unfortunately, I can’t figure out the specific dates of the various measurements shown.  Consequently, the map lacks in principle number 7 – Clear, detailed, and thorough labeling should be used.  The map intends to depict interesting data but it lacks in principle number 1 – Graphical excellence is the well-designed presentation of interesting data; and principle number 2 – Graphical excellence consists of complex ideas community with clarity, precision, and efficiency.  Too much complex data not properly labeled and represented.

Cartographic Skills Introduction and Story Map

Cartographic Skills Introduction and Story Map

Hi!

My name is Pablo and I reside in Temecula, CA where I have offered revenue consulting services to cities, counties and other local public agencies throughout California for the past 22 years.  Completion of the GIS Certificate Program will greatly enhance my consulting capabilities and allow me to provide additional services to my clients.  

I completed my undergraduate studies at California Baptist University with a B.A. in Liberal Studies (Social Science concentration) and have recently completed a M.A. in Political Science (Public Policy concentration) from the American Public University System.  

On a personal note: I was born and raised in beautiful Puerto Rico.  I have two daughters, ages 27 and 20.  In addition, I have a black Labrador and a Pug that make life more interesting, particularly the Pug.

I look forward to working, sharing and learning from each other in this class.

Please see my story map here:  http://bit.ly/1yoNPO5

Pablo.  

Intro to GIS - Week 1 Lab Assignment Completed

1/15/2015

Intro to GIS - Week 1 Lab - ArcGIS Overview - Process Summary Details:

1.      This lab introduced me to the basic use and navigating of ArcGIS and the many tools.  Particular use of toolbars, zoom in/out, pan, and view options was emphasized.  Use of shape files and interaction with attribute tables, including selection of specific records both in the table and in the map was emphasized.  I learned about coordinates including the meaning of positive and negative coordinates. 

2.       I had the most difficulty navigating in the file layout as I kept selecting the wrong item and moving it out of the print layout area.  I am looking forward to learning more about the formatting of Legends – this lab did not cover much more than simply inserting a legend.

Intro to GIS - First Week

Introduction to GIS - First Week

I am excited for the journey ahead and the possibilities.  Much to do this first week just getting to know the various tools to be used during my journey...but chipping away.  The best way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time.  Exciting.

Pablo.