A Few Map Projections in GIS

Lab this week mainly detailed when and how one would use the various map projection types within ArcGIS. We compared the area (in square miles) of four respective counties within the state of Florida, for each projection type. The varying values that are displayed within the attribute tables, which I have provided on my map, show that each projection type is slightly different from the other. And not only that, but it displays the data inconsistently, even though the data material is the same. We also touched on how to reproject a map and how to define a map that is classified as undefined.

Three different projections of the state of FL:

• Albers
• UTM Zone 16
• State Plane N

Sharing GIS Maps and Data

This weeks lab delved into the different ways one can share a map. Through the web or through Google Earth are a couple of methods to do so. We also used ArcGIS Online which has many basemaps to choose from and has the functionality to use ones own data to create maps from scratch. I created an excel document with a list of the top 10 best outdoor music venues in the United States and added this document to a basemap of the US. On ArcGIS Online I was also able to customize the map to better represent the information I provided. This is the link to the map:

http://arcg.is/2cd1eH1

Cartography

This weeks lab detailed fundamental skills needed for creating maps using cartographic design principles. Aesthetics can be very important when it comes to maps, due to their function being mostly visual. We were also introduced to DEM raster files. The concept is still a little fuzzy, but to my understanding, different types of data exist and certain maps and models can only represent specific types of data: whether it be nominal, ratio, etc. I was also reminded that a data source and date are important things to REMEMBER to include on my maps. And that I can find this information within the metadata. I am pretty certain that my maps this week have improved greatly compared to previous ones.

Own Your Map: UWF

This week we went over some more basic functions of ArcGIS. In this map I explored different symbology settings as well as map templates. I can see how a template can come in handy, however I see value in creating a map from scratch. I ran into the issue of color contrast at first, and realized that the background of the map was similar in color to my land mass, however now I feel as though I overcompensated with the bright orange.. I cannot win!