Lab 2

Goals and Objectives: The goal of this lab was to use the US Census Bureau to our advantage, and learn how to download information from their website and make use of it in a productive way. We were to learn how to map the data, and to get an idea to create a map ourselves. The map we created would be compared to the map that we were required to make by the first steps of the lab.

            Methods: To complete this lab, I started by going to the US Census Bureau and downloading the information required, which was the population of Wisconsin by age and locations. This information was downloaded in tables, which we could not use without a bit of touch ups. We were required to then download the shape files as well from the Census Bureau, which wasn’t much of a problem. Once these were both downloaded, we needed to change the table that we created into an actual plot-able shape file. Next, I combined the downloaded shape file and table with the information. This left me with an actual file that I could use to create a map. Mapping the data wasn’t hard, I just added it to the map then worked on its symbology layer for a while so I could create a map with the population density of Wisconsin based on the counties.

            As the lab required though, I created a second map based off of what I thought could be useful. After downloading more information and repeating the process above, I created a new map to put next to the first one, this time showing the population of males age 65 and above. I guessed that they would be more to the north before I created this, mainly because of hunting lands and cabins that people retire too. This could be very useful to find locations to place businesses that focus their sales to older men who prefer to spend their time hunting and fishing.

Results: Creating a population map that could be based off of any age, any gender, any ethnicity, or a combination of them could be insanely useful for a business to find a location to set up shop. Districts could find new locations to place schools based off of where children are in high density and far away from current learning institutions. The map below shows data from the 2010 US Census, and the information came from the US Census Bureau.

 

Geog 335 Lab 3: Introduction to GPS

Goals and Objectives: The main goal of this project was to learn how to use a Trimble Juno device to map points, lines, and polygons accurately. Along with this developed skill, learning how to transfer these points to Arc GIS to create a usable map from data in the field was another major goal of this lab.

Methods: To complete this lab, the first thing we learned how to do was use a Trimble Juno device in the field. The capabilities of this device is strong, but the speed it runs at almost counteracts its usefulness (at least it feels like it does), but it is still gets the job done. To start the lab, I had downloaded a satellite image of the area onto my Juno, along with a map of where all buildings exist/existed as of 2010. The building location was not up to date, which is why you will see a building where one does not exist on the map. I left this as reference, it could be removed easily if needed to.

 Next, I went out into the field and plotted 6 separate points, adding a label to each feature (trees x3, poles x3). Nothing too difficult there, and I continued on to plot 6 grassy areas. Three of these areas were created using point streaming, which means you can walk in any direction and it will constantly update the line that you’re creating. The other three were created point by point, at every major turn of the polygons I created, I plotted a point on the device. This makes the lines perfectly straight in the polygon. And last, I created a line across the campus footbridge. The only other piece of equipment I used would be my longboard, but that was mainly to make this lab go faster (success).

Third, moving over the data from the Juno device into a map took a bit of work. Converting files never sounds fun, but once you’ve done it enough it doesn’t take any time at all. Making the map cartographically pleasing was fun. I learned how to change the image of the points into things that better represented the objects. Instead of just different colored points for the trees and the light posts, I was able to change the trees into actual images of green trees. I also changed the light posts into pushpins. I would have created them bigger to see, but since I am working from a satellite image, I don’t think a large point to represent a single tree or lamp post would be appropriate. I also added a legend to show what every color and line represents, along with changed the grassy areas from a light green tint over my aerial picture, to an actual grassy area image. To finish it off, I placed a north aero on the map, along with a scale, and my sources (where I had got the satellite image from.

Results: For the results, I have this map of the UWEC campus to show.