LAB 1
Introduction
For this first lab in Geography 337 GIS II, the goal is to review the skill set we have already obtained from completing GIS I. We reviewed different coordinate systems and projections. We also went over ArcCatalog and its different uses, followed by using ArcMap to view and understand different shape files. Finally we created a couple of maps representing our knowledge on symbolizing different variables, and normalizing these variables.
Methodology
In this lab we were to create two maps from data from Erie County, New York. To begin this process, first the attribute table was looked at, to determine what variables can be represented through this data. Number of persons and Number of households were the two variables i selected. But these variables would be better represented if normalized by an area on the map, therefore i normalized the data by square miles. This gave me the opportunity to look at the data in terms of smaller areas. Once the data was inserted into the map, a graduated color scheme was used to represent high and low values of people and households in these given areas. Then proper cartographic skills were used to create a map showing the two variables side by side.
Results
After reviewing the maps side by side, and understanding the data represented, we see that they are very similar looking maps (Figure 1). This is probably due to the fact that generally where larger amounts of people are, there are more housing units in that given area. This is seen in the North West of the map where most of the dark colored polygons are located on each map. this means there is a higher volume of people per square mile in these areas. There are some minor differences towards the outskirts of the city, that have slightly more people then homes, or more homes than people.
For this first lab in Geography 337 GIS II, the goal is to review the skill set we have already obtained from completing GIS I. We reviewed different coordinate systems and projections. We also went over ArcCatalog and its different uses, followed by using ArcMap to view and understand different shape files. Finally we created a couple of maps representing our knowledge on symbolizing different variables, and normalizing these variables.
Methodology
In this lab we were to create two maps from data from Erie County, New York. To begin this process, first the attribute table was looked at, to determine what variables can be represented through this data. Number of persons and Number of households were the two variables i selected. But these variables would be better represented if normalized by an area on the map, therefore i normalized the data by square miles. This gave me the opportunity to look at the data in terms of smaller areas. Once the data was inserted into the map, a graduated color scheme was used to represent high and low values of people and households in these given areas. Then proper cartographic skills were used to create a map showing the two variables side by side.
Results
After reviewing the maps side by side, and understanding the data represented, we see that they are very similar looking maps (Figure 1). This is probably due to the fact that generally where larger amounts of people are, there are more housing units in that given area. This is seen in the North West of the map where most of the dark colored polygons are located on each map. this means there is a higher volume of people per square mile in these areas. There are some minor differences towards the outskirts of the city, that have slightly more people then homes, or more homes than people.
Figure 1: This map shows the side by side comparison of the number of persons and number of households per square mile in Erie County, New York.
Sources
All map data came from Caitlin Curtis at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire
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