Projection Distances

Total measured distances from Washington, D.C. and Kabul, Afghanistan for the 5 different types of map projections shown above:

GCS WGS 1984- (geodesic) 6954.5 miles
Mercator- (planar) 10,112.12 miles
Azimuthal Equidistant- (planar) 8,341.4 miles
Behrmann Equal Area- (planar) 8,763.1 miles
Polyconic- (planar) 7,346.56 miles

Our assignment this week was to take data concerning the geodesic locations of the major cities in the world and locate them on a map using several different types of projections. More specifically we were required to analyze the distance between Washington and Kabul through the various projection styles. The goal was to use several different measuring techniques to show variation and or consistency with the measuring styles. Unfortunately I was unable to get the type of measuring style to change so was only able to report data in the planar measurements.

As can be seen in the above map I chose to put the initial main map with all the data points assigned, note Washington and Kabul called out in blue. From there I chose the mercator, azimuthal, behrmann and polyconic projection styles. As you can see from the recorded data the type of projection changed the measured distance between these two destinations substantially. Here in lies the rub of this capability on ArcGIS, if you are not aware that the measured distance can be variable with the type of projection chosen data you are attempting to extract can be skewed. Although I imagine another style of measurement other than planar may give you more consistent data.

As for the potential of the projections, one is capable of understanding the type of distortion being created under each style and compensating for that in their reported conclusions. You can essentially set the world up into any orientation, whichever best suits the type of reporting one is trying to do. Also the ease at which distances can be measured is quite nice, essentially no measuring has to occur, strictly point and click and record data. As I am learning more about the program it has become possible to see the vast potential one can exploit in delivering data.

GIS excel interface

The article I chose to read for this weeks assignment has to do with interfacing between excel spreadsheets and the ArcGIS program as a whole. It speaks about how the capabilities to manipulate data and organize spreadsheets and formulas in excel can be directly translated and used in the ArcGIS program. This allows the user to utilize the excel program, which was built to handle data and analyze it, without having to touch ArcGIS until they are ready to import the necessary and useable parts.

This as a tool opens up a world of possibilities for users, think about it, excel was essentially built to be the easiest program to handle data. If those capabilities can be used in conjunction with ArcGIS the ease at which complex and voluminous data can be inserted into maps and presentations is limitless. Interestingly enough this article ended with a schedule of classes one can take in learning how to use ArcGIS and the class length days. Luckily I am able to take the class through the university.

ArcMap

This assignment/lab was an exercise in getting to know ArcMap, we were given a file database and a tutorial to follow to learn several ways in which we could manipulate the program and the feature it offers. Once having completed the tutorial we were asked to export an image of the final product we had created (as seen above) and write a summary of the pitfalls and potential of using the program.

On the whole my experience thus far with the program is positive, having said that I was essentially following a step by step procedure on how to do everything I did to create the final product. If I were asked to analyze the data given to me in this assignment without any introduction I would be utterly lost. Having said that I see the biggest issue with the program being its complexity, the vast number of things one can do with the program and knowing how to manipulate it correctly to get the results one desires. This may deter people from even attempting to get to know the program and how to work it, although those who do stick with it and work to a point of familiarity will reap the benefits.

Having discussed a pitfall it seems appropriate to discuss the potential of the ArcMap software. Using the tutorial as a guide I was able to analyze noise contours around an airport and its effect on the population of the area. It was possible to generate graphs of land use within the affected area as well as create a map showing the population density in the proposed area. From such a small amount of given data it became possible to generate several detailed figures showing a multitude of facts and ideas in one presentation. The ability to duplicate items then manipulate them in a different matter made it very easy to use information already compiled and analyzed.

I am looking forward to becoming more comfortable with the ArcMap program, coming from a geologic point of view I see this being a very useful tool in distributing data and presenting findings in an easily understood way. The ability to manipulate different layers and set up quick legends can allow more time to spent on the content of the graphic rather than wasting time with all the formatting of the necessary elements of a graph or map.

Citizen Sensors

For this weeks reading I chose the Goodchild article about citizen sensors and the generation of VGI (volunteered geographic information), he discusses how the evolution of easily accessed software and broadband internet connections has allowed for regular everyday people to post an assortment of information connected to geographic locations. Goodchild discusses how with the voluntary act of giving information about geographic locations can be a useful tool to all who have access to it. It can let people explore areas and topics not covered by media as well as learn about life everyday for all kinds of other societies. Most often the information provided by everyday persons is all that exists about places, therefore it becomes an invaluable resource for all the population.

Several posts back I wrote about the concept of neogeography, this seems like an appropriate time to try and relate the two disparate posts. As the article concerning neogeography points out it has become possible for nearly everyone in developed countries to gain access to the internet and advanced software that allows them to contribute data to the masses. Goodchild uses this in his argument as well, taking it further claiming that the info listed by everyone can be a free resource to explore our natural world.

Reading Topo Maps- Reading Reflection Week 2

The article I chose to use for this weeks reading reflection pertained to the organization and reading of topographic maps and interpreting all the symbols and labels included upon them. The article provided a detailed description of specific areas of the maps indicating the quadrangle the map was taken in, how to read the contour intervals and how to locate where the specific map was located inside of the United States. Once the basics of the legend and the labeling of the map was given the article began to focus more on the interpretation of contours.

The last several pages give a brief but quite informative description of how contour lines work, from the rule that they will never cross to how to decide what the interval is between each line. Figure 2-12 is a visual of how the contour lines correlate to three dimensional image of the landscape. Additionally a few simple rules as the orientation of contours on maps and what they generally mean is given. The last portion of the paper gives a step by step how to on the contour interval. Most of this information you are given and expected to learn in the classes we have taken thus far but as  result of reviewing this article I feel like some points have been solidified and the review was quite helpful.

Neogeography

In regards to the topic of neogeography it is my personal opinion that, as stated in the lab description it can be a hazard but also perhaps a unique and highly variable new way to share information. The idea that each individual person has free access to the tools to potentially create a completely individualized map of things that interest them is pretty mind blowing. It allows for the expression of personal interests and new ways for others to learn about the things people around them find valuable.

The power to be a unique and cool way for people to communicate ideas is all well and good, but one must consider the fact that with each person putting out a new idea and new map the derth of information could get overwhelming. The shear volume of topics that people may not be interested in will clutter the pathways of others trying to locate applicable maps or subject matter. There are definitely pros and cons to the access we now have to computer technologies but on the whole I see it as a good thing for people to be more involved and take the time to deliver their ideas and thoughts to the access of the masses.

Google My Maps tour of the hazard on Hangman Creek

                     https://mapsengine.google.com/map/edit?mid=zvQXdplUjzOg.kUBvrvcG8OEs

Clicking the link above will take you to a Google My Map I created that takes you from the laboratory classroom where my GIS class meets to a selected point on Hangman Creek off 195. When you arrive at this site you will be looking at the scarp of a mass wasting event that is endangering the property of the person situated above. Having said that most of the cause for the slide is due to the activities of the neighborhood situated above. The over saturation of the sediments has lead to the wasting events, as well as the creek below beginning to eat into the toe of the slide destabilizing it.

Drinking water sources

The map above shows the distribution of populations using improved water sources worldwide. The most staggering issue shown by this map is that a good portion of the world do not have access to clean and improved water sources, while we take clean and sustainable water sources for granted there are still many countries that don't have access to these improved resources. Water is becoming privatized and rather than everyone having easy access it is becoming more and more difficult for certain peoples to access this clean and rather abundant resource. Sourced (http://cnx.org/content/m41441/latest)

Oil Shale...Energy Source?

As a country we are constantly on the search for the most effective way to import oil to run our society. As we reach the "end" of easily accessible oil reserves our sights have migrated to less readily accessible sources for this resource. One such resource is oil shale reserves located right in our own country, the only issue at this point is the extraction techniques available to make using these resources feasible. As newer techniques are developed resources that were previously deemed un-accessible now become a viable source of energy and oil for our society. Source (usgs).

Best of the States

I've chosen this map for two main reasons. Firstly, when one typically looks at a map of the United States its often one covered with roads, names of places, and any number of other facts. This map simplifies the situation and strictly communicates a singular fact about each state, sans even the names. Secondly a majority of the topics delivered about the states relate to their positive contribution to a slew of environmental issues. With these accomplishments contained within each state the potential to spread individual skills laterally could see the US as a multifaceted conservative force in each of its statehoods. Map sourced (http://front.moveon.org).