Marshall Kirchner's UWF GIS Blog

This second laboratory assignment of the course focused on using debugging techniques to correct pre-written codes so that they would run properly. I was able to use critical thinking skills and the debugging skills on Spyder to resolve the errors placed throughout the codes.  For the first two parts of this assignment, I found a wealth of syntax and small grammatical errors in the code that resulted in it not being able to run properly. I utilized the debugger and other helpful features offered by Spyder. The debugger can be used to help identify errors by running through code line-by-line, ensuring no errors are found and that all variables are being tracked. The debugger works by manually setting “breakpoints”, or places in the code that can serve as stopping grounds to make sure the code prior to it runs smoothly. Then, the debugger will go through each set of code between breakpoints, allowing one to check for/fix errors and keep track of variables to ensure the code runs prop...

  Code Output from Lab 1 Components Commence GIS Programming! This introductory module focused on the basics of the Python programming language and programming functionalities within GIS software. I am very excited to gain a better handle on Python throughout this course, as I am well aware of its usefulness in a variety of positions and tasks.  This week's laboratory assignment consisted of four separate parts that all utilized various elements of the Python language.  For part one , we were tasked with assigning our name to a list and then separating the first and last name, and then printing our last name. I found this to be the easiest portion of the assignment and had relative ease using the necessary function to separate my name.  The second task involved resolving a pre-written code's errors to get the code to run. For this part, I combed through the code with a fine-tip comb, seeking for any and all errors that would result in the code not being able to run...

  South Florida Features Google Earth Overview This final module of Computer Cartography Involved creating a KMZ files within ArcGIS Pro, exporting them to Google Earth Pro, and then creating a virtual tour of South Florida and its major cities and metropolitan areas. I enjoy utilizing Google Earth and find it to be superior in showcasing 3D data that may be navigated manually to highlight particular areas. This platform is also more common to the average user and allows for complex GIS data and functions to be simplified and shown on a platform that nearly everyone may access. Upon uploading and editing the raw data in ArcGIS Pro, I used the 'Layer to KML' tool to convert this data into KMZ files that could be transferred into Google Earth. Uploading this data was easy and effective. Utilizing placemarks allowed us to quickly navigate to areas of interest (AOI) during the tour and I also had great success in turning on/off the water and population features that were added to G...

  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...

  Map Critique of Well-Designed and  Poorly-Designed Maps This week's module focused on assessing maps and what makes a good, effective map. I enjoyed learning about the different elements of maps and how to look out for them when searching for or creating maps. I find it crucial that maps are designed to fit the intended audience's needs, educational standards, etc. Proper legends, scale bars, symbols, colors/fonts, placement and organization are all crucial in ensuring a map is designed well and easy to read/understand. Below I have included an example of a well-designed and poorly-designed map and a completed critique and synopsis for each. W ell-Designed Map https://i.redd.it/whea49oipy331.jpg General What is the purpose (substantive objective) of the map? The purpose of this map is to showcase the busiest airports in the continent of Europe by the number of passengers on board. What is the “look and feel” (affective objective) of the map? The map is a bit cluttered, ...

Computer Cartography Introduction My name is Marshall and I am pursuing my Masters in GIS Administration here at UWF. I also currently work full-time as a Clinical Pharmacy Technician for a Pharmacy Benefits Management company. However, my background and true passion lies in the Environmental Sciences. After graduating with my undergraduate degree and seeing the sheer amount of job postings that prefer or require candidates to have GIS experience, I figured now would be a perfect time to go back to school and brush up on my GIS skills. Thus, I decided to apply to and enroll in UWF's stellar GIS program. I cannot wait for another interesting course and to learn more about a field that is going to make such a great impact on our world. Upon attaining my graduate degree, I hope to gain employment within an organization that utilizes GIS mapping to highlight, analyze, and solve environmental issues. More about me: I absolutely love spending my time outdoors whenever and where...