Alec's GIS Blog

    Module 2 in GIS Programming was focused on the fundamentals of Python. For the reading we covered chapter 4 of Paul A. Zandbergen's Python Scripting for ArcGIS Pro. This chapter was incredibly long and dense. The sheer number of concepts that have to be memorized is vast and complicated.  Once the reading portion of module 2 was completed I started on the lab portion of the module. In the lab we created a script using the concepts from chapter 4 in the textbook. The script began by taking my full name as a text string. It then processes this string to separate the individual names into a list of words. From this list, the script specifically identifies and prints out the last name, showcasing basic string and list manipulation techniques. The second part simulated a simple dice game involving a predefined set of players. For each player, the script calculated a unique target score based on the length of their name. It then generated a random "dice roll" for them. The ...

       In module 1 for GIS Programming, we primarily covered Python Environments and flow charts. Covering the first two chapters of Paul A. Zandbergen's Python Scripting for ArcGIS Pro  was a large amount of reading primarily focused on IDE's in Python as well as some basic information about Python. IDE's (Integrated Development Environments) are software applications that provide comprehensive tools for software development, which includes a code editor and other tools.       Our first Lab was extremely basic yet very helpful. Using Python we were tasked with uploading a .py file and running it through IDLE Shell Python. Once executed this action created files for each module of this course in the S:\drive. While this was very simple it was a great example of the practical application for someone like me.       Below is a flow chart for a question in the lab process summary. Flow charts are visual diagrams that use symbo...

  Module 7 lab was all about using google earth. The map that was created shows surface water in south Florida as well as population points. We started this lab by adding the proper symbology to an existing feature layer that contained surface water. We then continued by converting a layer in Arc Pro to a KML using a geoprocessing tool called Layer to KML. I also found a tool that converted KML files to a feature layer, I used this tool to edit the symbology of the layer containing county lines. I changed the color to black, so it was easier to see.   Once all my layers were converted to KML files they were all saved and uploaded to Google Earth Pro. We then learned how to overlay an image which is how I was able to add the legend into the image above. Lastly, we used the placemark tool in Google Earth which was then used to make a video tour of areas in south Florida. This has been my favorite lab to date. I use Google Earth every day because I enjoy exploring the world. This...

  In module 6 we focused on Isarithmic mapping. Isarithmic mapping uses lines (isolines) to link points of equal value for continuous data like temperature or rainfall across a map. The pattern and spacing of these lines visually represent the distribution and rate of change of the phenomenon.  The lab for module 6 was quite interesting. We used data from PRISM to complete this lab. PRISM is a group out of Oregon State University that generates detailed maps of monthly and annual climate conditions like precipitation and temperature. It works by combining specific data points with a base grid, such as elevation data or a 30-year climate average. This approach is very effective in mountainous areas because it accounts for how terrain influences weather patterns. Monthly maps are created first, and then annual temperature maps are derived by averaging these monthly values, while annual precipitation maps are calculated by adding the monthly totals. As you can see when viewi...