Alec's GIS Blog

In the lab for module 5 we had two different assignments. The first was learning how to add X&Y data in ArcGIS Pro. The above map shows the location of three known eagle's nests along the Escambia Bay. We got these locations by adding the latitude and longitude in Microsoft Excel and then converting them to X&Y coordinates. We then uploaded this information to ArcGIS Pro which resulted in the above map.   For the second assignment we learned about Geocoding. For this assignment we downloaded data from the United States Census Bureau as well as the Florida Department of Education to create a map of schools in Manatee County Florida. As you can see above, I created a map layout in ArcGIS Pro showing the location of schools in Manatee County. Overall, I enjoyed this lab the most out the labs we have done so far. I think the information we learned in this one will definitely be something I can use on a regular basis in my work.   

 For module 4 we covered Vector Analysis in two parts. I had an exceptionally hard time with the end of part 2 which resulted in me spending several hours on a small section. In this lab we learned how to create different variable distance buffers as well as multi-ring buffers. We then learned how to preform a union. The union section was only 3 pages but it ended up taking me almost as much time to complete as the other portions of the lab combined. The resulting map shows De Soto National Forest in Mississippi. Highlighted in light purple are conservation areas within the forest. The bright colors shown in pink, blue, and cyan show areas that may contain plants and animals which should not be disturbed by campers in the forest. Overall, this lab was very challenging for several reasons the primary one being the lack of direction on how to complete the lab in part2. While I understand the desire for students to be able to figure things out on their own I feel that it is too early ...

Where do I even start? This lab was not only difficult but very time consuming. This lab contained two different assignments, the first was the Field Maps portion. In this section we downloaded ESRI Field Maps and went out into the field to collect data which was then uploaded to ESRI Online as well as Arc Pro. I enjoyed this portion of the assignment very much. I had somewhat of an unfair advantage over other students due the fact that I use Field Maps on a daily basis through my job. In this project I collected data on several fire hydrants in the area and ranked their condition.    In this portion of the lab, we covered projections. In the map created for this lab we created 3 different maps and put them into one. Each map had a different projection as you can see, they are labeled on the attached image. It was very interesting to see the slight changes that occurred in each map due to the different projections.      

  In this week's lab we created a map showing the University of West Florida main campus's geographic location. To start this map, I wanted to make sure the information I was trying to convey was obvious. In the very top in bold black text is "University of West Florida Campus". Immediately the viewer will know the primary purpose of this map. Just to the right is a pane which shows the state of Florida with its counties. I went with a tan color that way the red which Escambia County is highlighted in really pops. The viewer will know that the map they are looking at is a map of Escambia County.  When viewing the map, you can see that Escambia County is colored as a light green color. This color contrasts nicely against the rest of the map but is not so bold that it draws your attention from the map details. For the details in the map legend, you will see that each individual location whether it be the cities, interstate, or major rivers are all in brighter colors, so...