Marshall Kirchner's UWF GIS Blog

  Vector Analysis Map This lab involved utilizing a variety of tools including utilizing new tools that I have not previously worked with: the buffer tool and the overlay tools. Working with these tools, I was able to produce a map that shows optimal campsites in Mississippi's De Soto National Forest. This was done utilizing a variety of queries (both attribute and location) that allowed me to create buffers around rivers and streets throughout the forest. I really enjoyed working with the queries and new geoprocessing tools, as they allowed me to utilize spatial data analysis to help answer a question. It is becoming more and more clear how GIS can be used in a variety of real-world applications, and applications like this could even be useful for one's own personal use if they ever wanted to go camping in a place like De Soto National Forest. Through creating the map, I also used a data layer that consisted of conservation areas around the forest (that contained plants and an...

ArcGIS Data Collector Map The first portion of this lab assignment involved using the ArcGIS Data Collector application on my phone to collect data points around my area. This data was to be based on public safety features of our choice, so I chose crosswalks. Upon walking around, taking pictures of my data, writing descriptions, etc., I was able to come up with nine data points on my app. I linked my data back to my map via the ArcGIS Online software, and the data appeared on the map. I then used this data to make various KMZ files and was even able to upload these files to Google Earth to also showcase my data on a different platform. My favorite parts of this lab were being able to collect my own data out in the field and becoming better acquainted with other GIS software platforms (other than ArcGIS Pro). I initially struggled with uploading my KMZ files to Google Earth, but was able to find success after reviewing the discussion board for this module and finding another student ha...

  Cartography Map For this week's laboratory assignment, I created two maps. The first of which showcases the University of West Florida's location within Escambia County. The second is an inset map with Escambia County's location in Florida. I was able to use many more features of ArcGIS pro, including:  Clipping Bookmarking Inserting text and pictures Legend Scale Compass Symbology Throughout the assignment, I made many choices and ultimately tailored the map to look the way I thought would best represent the data. I am very proud of my final map design! Although it looks fairly simple, it took a great amount of time troubleshooting and playing with the features to get the map to exactly the point in which I want ed it. Being able to make many cartographic choices that altered the overall appearance of the final map was my favorite component of this lab assignment. My biggest struggle was keeping my files organized while working through the lab. I find that it is best to...