Sara's GIS Journal

  This lab focused on using Google Earth to visualize data created in GIS. I learned how to convert ArcGIS layers into KMZ files and use them to build an interactive map of Southern Florida. Additionally, I learned how to create a guided tour in Google Earth, allowing the audience to explore the areas through a dynamic experience.  The final map, as shown above, displayed population density using a dot density later, along with hydrography and county boundaries. Placemarks were created for major cities in South Florida including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, St. Petersburg and Tampa. This lab showed the importance of effective data presentation and the value of tools like Google Earth in communicating spatial information. 

  This week's lab focused on isarithmic mapping, where the goal was to visualize continuous data. This lab involved interpreting precipitation across Washington state through different symbolization techniques, including continuous tone and hypsometric tinting.  I worked with PRISM precipitation data, which used interpolation to estimate rainfall across space based on weather stations and elevation. First, a continuous tone map was created using a stretched color ramp with the precipitation color scheme to show smooth transitions in precipitation. Secondly, the data was converted into discrete classes and hypsometric tinting was applied to better visualize and compare general precipitation ranges. Hillshade effect was manually added as well to enhance visual depth, along with contour lines to improve readability.  This assignment taught me how different symbology techniques can change the way data is interpreted. I found that continuous tone is good for showing subtle var...

  The goal for this module was to map both Europe population density paired with wine consumption through a thematic choropleth map, allowing for clear comparison between how densely populated a country is with how much wine is consumed per capita.  To complete this goal, data was evaluated to understand its distribution and exclude any outliers. The choropleth map was then created using quantile classification and graduated color schemes to accurately represent population density. Graduated symbols were then applied to show wine consumption. Lastly, the design was tweaked through adjusting labels and managing overlap. This is where I struggled most in the lab. I initially attempted to use picture symbology, but found that it made the map not easily readable. Additionally, I ran into problems using ArcGIS and had to restart the project. Picture symbology is something I hope to master in the future.  Overall, This project emphasized the importance of data classification, s...

  In this lab, I learned how to apply different data classification methods to a map. The goal was to map the distribution of the population above age 65 in Miami Dade County using four classification methods: Natural breaks, equal interval, quantile and standard deviation. For this lab, I created two map compilations in ArcGIS Pro, one for the percentage of population above 65 and one focused on the total individuals above 65 (map compilation shown above). I provided the map above because I thought it best displayed the data, due to providing a more accurate understanding of where seniors are concentrated geographically, rather than showing percentages that can be misleading in areas of small population.  My biggest takeaway from this lab is that there is no single correct way to classify data, and each method can serve a different purpose. In this map compilation I found that the natural breaks method was most effective for identifying clusters of high senior populations whe...

  Module 3 was focused on cartographic design and implementing Gestalt's map design principles. I focused on applying the main map design principles using ArcGIS Pro to create a map of public schools in Ward 7, Washington D.C. This involved applying concepts such as visual hierarchy, contrast, figure-ground relationship and balance. Techniques such as clipping data, customizing symbology, converting labels to annotation, and manually placing curved text were used to create the final map product. Throughout this process, I learned how important design choices are and the effect they can have on your map.