Intro to GIS - Final Project

This past week was spent working on my final project for GIS4043: Geographic Information Systems, the first college course in my journey to getting certified in Geographic Information Systems/Science at the University of West Florida. Not only that, but this was my first college course ever and the first time I've had any formal education beyond job training since 2011. What an exciting 8 weeks this has been for me!

We started by learning what GIS is and how complicated it can be to define to someone else. We jumped into ArcGIS Pro, a beautifully complex piece of GIS software, and learned the very basics of cartography, what the baseline requirements for map-making are, and the dos and don’ts. Next, we experienced collecting data using ArcGIS Field Maps and learned all about map projecting. We covered vector analysis techniques, how to add XY coordinates to data, and all about geocoding. We learned how to georeference images, taking them from a basic aerial view and turning them into spatially accurate representations, and even how to digitize buildings and roads.

This is just a brief description of all we learned over the last 8 weeks. It was an awesome experience, and I am ecstatic to continue this journey. Next stop: Computer Cartography!

But first, my final project!

For our final project, we were tasked with taking all the tools, techniques, and skills we learned and using them to create a comprehensive analysis of a proposed electric transmission line, the Bobwhite-Manatee Project.

In our analysis, we were in charge of identifying and quantifying conservation lands and wetlands within our study area as well as within the preferred transmission line corridor. We had to define and quantify homes, county parcels, and schools in proximity, and finally measure the total length of the transmission line and estimate the cost of construction.

I spent a crazy amount of time working on this project—so much that my spouse is a bit peeved at me—but it will be worth it in the end.

It was a real pleasure to experience every single bit of this course, and I'm thankful to have had the opportunity. Here's to a beautiful future in Geographic Information Science!

Check out my ArcGIS StoryMap presentation below, as well as a transcript walking you through the analytics and processes of analysis.

Bobwhite-Manatee Project A Comprehensive Analysis of Transmission Line Impacts in Manatee and Sarasota Counties, Florida

Presentation Transcript

Intro to GIS - M6 - Georeferencing, Editing, and 3D Scenes

 

The above map shows the University of West Florida campus and a nearby eagle nest.  The UWF Campus map is made up of two raster images that have been georeferenced for accuracy.  It includes buildings on campus, roads, as well as a Heritage Hall Parcel Survey raster layer.  The inset map of the Protected Eagle Nest Location shows a conservation buffer surrounding the nest in both 330 foot range and 660 foot range.

Week 6 is here, and this is the last lab assignment due before our final project.

This week, I learned how to georeference raster layers on a map. In simple terms, that means taking an image, placing it on the map, and making it spatially accurate. I found this process really interesting and fun! It required close attention to detail to ensure minimal error while keeping the visual shape of the raster layer from becoming overly distorted.

What excites me about this process is that I could take my own aerial photos using a drone and overlay them on a map, making them spatially accurate. I can see how this skill would be beneficial in various industries.

I also learned how to create vector features, including a building footprint (polygon) and a roadway (polyline).

In an inset map, I showed the location of a protected eagle nest in relation to the UWF campus and included imagery of 330' and 660' buffer zones representing a conservation area surrounding the nest. I’d love to see the nest for myself!

This week, I put in extra effort to make my final map layout look polished while still serving its intended purpose. Fingers crossed for good feedback! 🙂

For extra credit, I completed an optional part of this week’s lab where I learned to create a 3D scene of the campus. I can't wait to spend more time with 3D and explore creating cool story maps for events like fairs or music festivals.

This has all been a lot of fun, and I look forward to completing my final project for this course and seeing where my next courses will take me.

Intro to GIS - M5 - XY Coordinates and Geocoding

 

We're already at week five? HOW?!

This week's lab work was split into two sections focusing on XY coordinate data and geocoding.

First up was the Add XY Data lab. This one was all about working with coordinates. I created a table in Excel to map out eagle nest locations in Santa Rosa County, Florida. The process involved converting coordinates from Degrees, Minutes, Seconds (DMS) format into Decimal Degrees (DD), which is what works best in ArcGIS Pro. I had to ensure everything was set up just right in Excel, following naming guidelines for the columns—any minor mistake can throw the whole thing out of whack. After prepping my data, I imported it into ArcGIS, added the XY points to a map, and projected them to the correct coordinate system. It was a neat way to visualize where the eagle nests are!

Next, I moved on to the Geocoding lab. This one took a bit longer, especially since I had to clean up a dataset of school addresses from the Florida Department of Education. I learned how to set up an address locator and geocode various schools in Manatee County. It was interesting to see how some of the addresses in the data table I created couldn't be matched to locations on the map, and how to fix those issues. Even the smallest inaccuracies, like address abbreviations, can cause problems. It really highlighted the importance of thorough data preparation.

This week also provided a solid introduction to some basic tasks in Microsoft Excel. I haven't used Excel much before, but now I'm intrigued and looking to find some tutorials or courses to dive deeper.

Check out my Web Map from this week's labs, showing the locations of learning institutions in Manatee County, Florida. 👉 Manatee County, Florida Schools 

(This map displays the locations of various educational institutions in Manatee County, Florida, including combination schools (pre-K, special learning, charter schools), elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, community colleges, and universities.)

Intro to GIS - M4 - Vector Analysis

 

This map highlights potential campsite locations in De Soto National Forest, showcasing their proximity to roads and water features while avoiding conservation areas. It serves as a handy guide for campers looking to explore the area while prioritizing safety and accessibility.

This week, I tackled two lab assignments that really broadened my understanding of GIS and spatial data analysis. In the first lab, I got hands-on experience with geodatabases and spatial queries. I learned how to create a geodatabase, import feature classes, and select features based on their proximity to schools and hospitals. 

In the second lab, I put this new knowledge to use by conducting buffer and overlay analyses to locate suitable campsites in De Soto National Forest.I used both fixed and variable distance buffers to assess how close potential sites were to roads and water features while avoiding conservation areas. This week really emphasized that GIS analysis is an iterative process (I didn't even know what iterative meant), where refining criteria based on findings is crucial. By the end, I had a detailed map identifying the best camping spots, which showcased the practical applications of GIS in environmental planning.

While the module introduced several new steps I hadn’t encountered before, it also drew on what I had learned in earlier assignments. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I could recall while creating a polished final product. I probably spent three times as long on my map composition as I needed to, but I was having a blast exploring the various tools available in ArcGIS Pro. I know I’m just beginning to scratch the surface, but this aspect of my GIS course is incredibly exciting! 

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Intro to GIS - M3 - Data Collection w/ ArcGIS Field Maps/Map Projections

A map that showcases three data frames, each in a different projection, and comparing the areas of Alachua, Escambia, Miami-Dade, and Polk counties in Florida.

This week, we had some fun in the field! 

To start with, I learned to create an empty feature class and set up all the parameters for the data I'd be collecting. With all of this done, I journeyed out into my neighborhood in search of fire hydrants to examine, photograph, and document using ArcGIS Field Maps. 

I performed my fieldwork late at night, so I did some preparatory research using the City of Fort Walton Beach GIS Mapping Application (found at https://gis.fwb.org/GISApplication/default.html) to help me locate the fire hydrants closest to me. Having the Fort Walton Beach database available was very helpful! 

This lab really brought to light how awesome of a tool ArcGIS Field Maps can be for many different tasks, including emergency response after a natural disaster like hurricanes here on the Emerald Coast, or devastating fires out in the beautiful state of California. 

We also dove into the world of shapefiles and projections. 

I learned how to reproject shapefiles and define projections, which are essential for accurate data representation. Using ArcGIS, I created new shapefiles and explored multiple map views, allowing me to visualize data from different angles. I also learned to work with raster projections and how they relate to our shapefiles. From there, I generated a map that showcases three data frames, each in a different projection, and comparing the areas of Alachua, Escambia, Miami-Dade, and Polk counties.

The Projections lab was quite complicated, but I had fun working through it and I learned a lot!

Intro to GIS - M2 - Cartography

 

Map showing Escambia County, Florida with key points including UWF's main campus location, noteworthy cities, interstate highways, and major rivers. The inset map shows an overview of Florida, its counties, and Escambia County's location.

Week 2's assignments were a lot of fun!

In our reading assignments, including textbook chapters 1 and 10, we learned much information about GIS and Cartography.  Noteworthy to me was the history of cartography and how it has evolved over the years. It was also interesting to learn what GIS truly is, and that it can't be defined by one specific description. There are many facets to GIS, and the answer to "what is GIS" will vary depending on who is answering and what role they play in the industry.

In this week's reading assignment, we also learned a good bit of fundamentals in cartography, the do's and don'ts if you will. We learned about many map types and elements, and when and how they are used. 

I had A LOT of fun completing this week's lab assignment!  We were tasked with creating a map of the location of UWF's main campus that is functional, easy to read, and aesthetically pleasing.  Noteworthy cartographic tasks we learned are working with multiple layers and map frames in ArcGIS Pro, analyzing metadata, and ensuring the data used are accurate and high quality.

In creating the above map titled University of West Florida Main Campus, I worked step by step to add essential map elements, including title, scale bar, legend, border, date, data source, and cartographer's name. We were encouraged to "own your map," meaning adding your own artistic flair, and I had a blast with this. 

I've spent a good bit of time with graphic design, web design, and marketing over the years, and I was able to use those skills to create a map that I believe accomplishes its purpose while aesthetically maintaining the UWF branding. I chose colors based on the information I found on UWF's Brand Portal (https://uwf.edu/brand/color/), and I even worked in Photoshop a bit to create a gradient similar to the UWF logo.

I can't wait to dive deeper into cartography!

Intro to GIS - M1 - Overview of ArcGIS

 

It has begun; my journey to a new career in Geographical Information Science.  While I'm nervous as this is my first formal education since high school, I am excited and driven.

Our first module covered multiple topics, such as introducing us to proper file management and folder structuring using both our student drive and our Google Drive, gaining access to the GIS software using ArgoApps and Citrix, as well as a brief introduction to ArcGIS Pro, the main software suite we will be using throughout this course. 

In the introduction to ArcGIS Pro, we learned to create a map project, add a folder connection to the data for said project,  manipulate the symbolism and layering of the map/scene, and how to export imagery of the project once all steps were complete. 

ArcGIS is definitely complex but it doesn't seem extremely foreign to me as it has a similar layout of functionalities to applications like Adobe Photoshop, which I have a good bit of experience using.  

As of now, I feel like my main struggle will be learning the process of obtaining, completing, and submitting assignments, and navigating the coursework using Canvas.  This type of learning is all new to me, so it has been a bit confusing, but I think I'll be able to become familiar and comfortable with it fairly quickly.