Sara's GIS Journal

       This week's lab involved learning about buffer and overlay analysis in ArcGIS pro. I really enjoyed learning about how to use different functions to create the same result, such as when performing a union. For this, I experimented using the union overlay tool versus the intersect overlay tool. I also learned the difference between a variable buffer and a multi-ring buffer which essentially depends on whether you are using unpredictable data sizes (variable buffer) or multi-stream data (multi-ring buffer). Creating the map was a bit difficult and required a lot of trial and error, but resulted in a map displaying potential campsites outside of the conservation areas in Mississippi. 

This week I learned about different map projections and created three different projections for several counties in the state of Florida. I found that while the projections appear to be similar, they show slightly different calculated areas for each county. Different projections can be useful for different goals when creating a map. I found that the Albers projection for this lab portrayed the county areas most accurately, providing an accurate general map of these areas.   

    This week's project involved making a map of UWF's main campus in Pensacola. I learned how to use ArcGIS to create a map and inset map. I used different tools to add the essential map elements including the title, legend, scale bars, north arrow, borders and cartographer credits. I enjoyed utilizing small details to create the final product.