Module 4: Vector Analysis

 

    In this module, we learned how to create buffers using a variety of overlay techniques. I created a fixed distance buffer by using the "buffer" tool and choosing the distance wanted; this was then applied to all features. To create buffers of varying distances, the "select by attribute" tool was used to apply a buffer of 150 to lakes and 500 for rivers, and then the "buffer" feature was used to apply the buffer. To create a multi-ring buffer, the "multi-ring buffer" tool was used, adding varying distances to create the rings. Then, I performed a union so that the roads buffer and water buffer would be displayed together. Another option would be to use the intersect feature- this gives the same results as the union feature. After adding the conservation_areas to the map, I used "erase" to exclude those areas from the buffer. 

    To display the various areas, I chose to use graduated colors instead of unique values since the areas are the same type, just different area sizes, and I used 3 classes to divide up the area size. The Field was set to area, as I wanted to map by area size. Method was set to equal interval to properly divide up the different sites by color. I chose yellow, orange, and red because they are easily displayed on the map, and the largest areas were displayed in red since the red stands out the most; the smallest areas were displayed in yellow since that color stands out the least on the map.

Module 3: Projections

 In lab this week, we collected data on public safety features and their condition (like new, functional but with some wear, or broken) using ArcGIS Field Maps; I chose to collect on street signs. We then compared how ArcGIS online versus a Map Package worked and uploaded both to Google Earth. 

I also created a map of Florida's counties in Albers, UTM 16, and Florida State Plane N projections. Alachua, Escambia, Miam-Dade, and Polk counties are highlighted in the map and have their area in square miles in the different views posted on the map as well. While very similar, the different projections have subtle differences. The UTM 16 projection is tilted in comparison with the other two projections, which are quite similar to each other. When comparing the area in square miles, UTM has the most variation while Albers and State Plane N have very similar results. Escambia and Alachua are only off in the UTM projection by a couple from their counterparts in the Albers and Florida State Plane N, but Miami-Dade and Polk are off by a lot. This makes sense when looking at the maps themselves and seeing the tilt in UTM 16. The rest of the lab, we utilized the skills we learned in the cartography lab to incorporate the essential map elements.

Above the map is shown, with the map of Florida in the Albers, UTM 16, and Florida State Plane N projections.