Marshall Kirchner's UWF GIS Blog

  Hypsometric Tint Map of Annual Precipitation Levels in Washington State This week's module involved constructing an isarithmic map. This map was to display annual precipitation levels across the state of Washington over a 30 year period. The precipitation data was downloaded from the USDA Geospatial Data Gateway and the dataset was created by the PRISM group at Oregon State University. This raw data was then interpolated using the PRISM method. This method uses point data and an underlying grid (such as a Digital Elevation Model or DEM) to create gridded estimates of the precipitation values in between known points. The PRISM method is unlike many others in that it accounts for outside factors such as terrain and elevation into its algorithm when assigning symbology to values.  I divided the classes up using the quantile method and then adjusted the symbology and class labels accordingly. To help emphasize known terrain in the state of Washington, I used the 'Int' spatial...

  Depicting Choropleth and Dot Density Data across European Nations Among the various laboratory assignments this semester, this was one of my favorites to work on. I enjoyed having the ability to showcase data in a new way that is both aesthetically pleasing and can show important trends. This assignment involved showcasing both population density data and wine consumption rates for the countries that encompass the continent of Europe through the best-fit methods. We were tasked with using a choropleth method to display the population densities of European countries. To do so, I utilized the population density field in the dataset and chose a graduated color ramp ranging from light to dark purple to display the densities. I analyzed the histogram of the dataset and found that since it varied so widely and many countries in Eastern/Northern Europe were very sparsely populated, it would be best to employ the quantile classification method. Thus, I chose this method so that each clas...

  Comparison of Classification Methods for Census Data (Normalized) This laboratory assignment has done a phenomenal job in showing me the true power of ArcGIS Pro and how incredibly its capabilities are. This module emphasized the importance of understanding the various classification methods, and what they mean for the data and the way it is presented. I found it to be in perfect tandem with this week's laboratory assignment, as we were able to experiment with the classification methods in ArcGIS Pro and determine which work best for displaying the data relevant to the exercise. Classification methods and pros/cons of each: Equal Interval This classification method operates by dividing the total number of values into the designated number of classes. For example, if one is to desire five classes and their data has 500 values, the equal interval method will divide the attributes 5 times, 0-100, 101-200, 201-300, 301-400 and 401-500. This method excels in showing data in relation t...

  Ward 7 Schools Mapped Utilizing Cartographic Design Principles The emphasis of this week's module was on concepts that enhance maps, draw attention to important elements, and reduce clutter. Gestalt's principles of design encouraged me to create a piece that is easy on the eyes and has a clear, direct message. I utilized a white background for Ward 7 and a dark gray basemap with limited labels to bring the viewer's attention to Ward 7 and its content. The included inset map showcases where Ward 7 is within Washington DC and where DC is in relation to its neighboring states. I used white text on areas with dark background and black text on areas with light backgrounds, also including halos and text boxes to increase visibility. To ensure my map was balanced , I expanded the AOI (area of importance) to its greatest extent and placed the map components (such as legend and north arrow) around Ward 7. This way, I am utilizing as much of the page as possible while not distracti...

  Typographical Elements Incorporated in Map of Florida This laboratory assignment involved creating a map of Florida that includes a multitude of pre-determined cities and water features. The emphasis of this lab was on typography, including the selection of suitable fonts, placements, etc. for different map features. I chose to utilize ArcGIS Pro in creating this map. For the labels, I chose a uniform font to ensure the map was aesthetically pleasing and easy to read. To create the labels, I mostly utilized the label tool of ArcGIS pro and adjusted the label symbology as needed. I also created annotations of the labels to manually alter the labels to suit the overall map design. The first customization I made to my map was removing the Basemap. This was because the Basemap already had many cities and water features labeled and this hindered my final map layout. Removing the Basemap ultimately made my final product easier to read and less jumbled. Second, I added a callout for the...