Cartographic Skills: Module 12 - Google Earth

In this week's module, we learned to convert our maps and layers associated with the maps into KMZ files in ArcMap. We later open these KMZ files in Google Earth where we created a map of South Florida and recorded a tour focusing on the more populated areas of South Florida.

The map that we created in Google Earth is based off the map that we previously made in Module 10 which was the 'South Florida Dot Density Population'. The Google Earth map that was created focuses on the 23 counties in South Florida. The KMZ files that were used for this map were created in ArcMap by using the 'Map to KML' and 'Layer to KML' tools. Before recording the tour of the more populated areas of South Florida, I had to drop placemarkers in each of the locations so the tour would focus on those areas specifically. The Google Earth software provided me with the recording tool which I used to create the South Florida tour. 

Cartographic Skills: Module 11 - 3D Modeling

In this week's lab, we learned about 3D modeling in presenting map data. We partook in a ESRI workshop training which helped us to better grasp the material that we were learning. We created various maps throughout the ESRI training which taught us how to set the base height of the raster and feature data, manipulate the vertical exaggeration, illumination setting, how extrusion works, and using the extrusion technique to show the value of parcels. 


One of pluses is that allows he 3D map can presents data as a timeline which allow the viewer to see the events of the phenomenon's movement through an area. Another plus about using a 3D map for presenting this data is that the viewer can see geographic and terrain features more in-depth. One of the negative about using this type of map presentation is that requires the author of the map to be able to input all of the data needed for conveying the relative information . Another negative is that the data can be hard to interpret if the map viewer is not familiar with the phenomenon that is being present, such as historical invasions or land parcel values. 

One application of a 3D building layer is gives visual effect to the map that is being presented to the map viewer. The 3D building layer helps the viewer comprehend the map’s data and it might help them get their bearings in a new place with having the 3D models of the buildings in the map data. The second application of 3D building layer is to present data in a new way, such as the value of the parcel by having 3D scales above the land parcels.

Intro to GIS: Week 13 - Georeferencing

In this week's lab, we learned about georeference, editing, and ArcScene.To show that we understood the material, we created a map of UWF's Campus. We had to merge the raster data (UWF's North and South Aerial images) and the vector data (building features, roads, and eagles nest data) as one dataset. To do this we used the 'Georeferencing' tool to connect the ' UNKNOWN' (raster) data to the 'KNOWN' (vector) data. After geoferencing the data, we had to edit some of the presence data that was not documented which was the UWF Campus Gym and Campus Lane roadway. The 'Editor' toolbar was quite useful for creating new polygons for the gym building and connecting Campus Lane with other existing roadways. Another purpose of this map was to show where an eagles nest was located to preventing any kind of destruction to the eagles' habitat. If any construction were to take place, we created a multiple ring buffer zone showing the extent of the eagles' nesting ground. The first buffer ring extended to 330ft and the second one extended to 660ft. Once we were finish mapping out the data, we started to dabble in ArcScene which allowed us created a 3D effect and add a different angle of perspective to the data that we were manipulating. We used ArcScene to created 3D presentation of the DEM of UWF's Campus, buildings, and roadways. 

Cartographic Skills: Module 10 - Dot Mapping

In this week's module, we learned how to use dot mapping to represent population density. The objectives of learning this subject was to join spatial and tabular data, utilize dot density symbology, select suitable dot size and unit valve, and utilize the mask function to manipulate the dot placement. The map that I created this week is the population density of South Florida in 2000. This map shows the population as dots in the urban areas of South Florida. Each of the dots represents 20,000 people.

This map was primarily created in ArcMap and the small portion in AI. In ArcMap, I first open SouthFlorida.shp and added the SHeet0$.xls sile which I then used the 'Join' tool to combine the census data of the xls file with the South Flrida counties. After joining the two files, I opened the 'Layer Properties' window and selected the 'Symbology' tab. In the 'Symbology' tab, I was able to manipulate the presentation of the population by selecting 'Quantities' and 'Dot Density'. I added the 'Population' field as a symbol so now the data is symbolized on the map. I also manipulated the dot size and unit valve to accurately display the population. To position the dots in the right places on the map, I used the 'Masking' function which allowed me to place the dots only in the UrbanLand.shp file. I created the first part of the legend in ArcMap which was the basic information about the map. The second part of the legend was created in AI. I imported the map into AI and created a new layer for the second part of the legend which shows the low, medium, and high densities of the population. I used the 'Rectangle' tool to create 3 boxes to show the different densities and I also used the 'Ellipses' tool to create the dot density in each box.