Module 10 Lab: Supervised Classification

In module 10 we were tasked with adding unique values to all pixels in a raster image. Supervised classification involves collected sets of pixels to define spectral signatures. I then had to evaluate the accuracy and use them to classify the entire image. Once I got the signatures recoded into eight specific classes I was able to notice some spectral confusion with in the roads signature. The area was far too large for what was actually in the given image. 

Module 9 Lab: Unsupervised Classification

Module 9 lab focused on unsupervised classification in order to determine the land cover of the UWF Campus. We used both Arcmap and ERDAS to perform these classifications, which were manually reclassified and recoded in order to simplify the data. I enjoyed using the functions in ERDAS, specifically the Swipe and Manual Flicker options.

Module 8: Thermal and Multispectral Analysis

For Module 8 we were tasked with creating a multispectral image where we had to adjust image symbology, band combinations, and interpret thermal infrared data from a given satellite image. We used both ERDAS and ArcMap to combine layers into a single image. I chose to highlight fires in the north eastern portion of the map provided. I also needed to do research on how to add grids to ArcMap Data Frames, which will be helpful later on. 

Module 6 Lab: Spatial Enhancement

For Mod 6 we were tasked with downloading satellite imagery and using spatial enhancements in both ERDAS and ArcMap to help us interpret the data. This was the first time we have used Fourier Analysis and Fourier Transform in ERDAS and it was interesting to compare the first image to the enhanced image. It made a big difference in interpretation and I can see how this would be useful when working with similar data. 

Module 7 Lab: Multispectral Analysis

Multispectral Feature #1 shows an area of snow capped mountains found in the Olympic National Forest, Washington State.  This feature had small spikes at around 200 and one large spike between 9-11. Bands used were R1, G2, B3 

Multispectral Feature #2 shows land in red and the Puget Sound in black. There was a spike seen in 12 and 18. A dark area will affect the spike seen on the histogram, which was found to be on the left side. Bands used were R4, G3, B2. 

Multispectral Feature #3 shows shallow water areas seen near the Port of Tacoma, a lake inland, and an area near Olympia. It was interested that with this band combination that the shallow water changed into a bright shade. I'm assuming this is due to the reflection of the shallow water when using bands R6, G2, B3.

Module 5a Lab: Intro to ERDAS Imagine and Digital Data 1

In Mod 5a we learned about ERDAS Imagine and were tasked with transferring data from ERDAS and importing it to ArcMap  to create a final map of a section of Washington State forested land. This module was particularly interesting because we haven't used ERDAS and I have been wondering what the software was for and how it was used. It will be interesting to see how we use the software this semester.

Module 4 Lab: Ground Truthing and Accuracy Assessment

For this module we were tasked to construct an unbiased sampling system from the map we created last week.  Accuracy was calculated and was found to be 73% accurate.  One of the biggest things I noticed is why it is important to check maps off of other existing maps to ensure accuracy of data portrayed.  By checking from the get go, would have had better accuracy rate. 

Lab 3: Land Use / Land Cover Classification Mapping

For Mod3 we were tasked with creating and land cover/land use map. We were given a aerial map of Pascagoula, Mississippi and  had to digitize the area showing features on the ground based on size, shape, color, pattern, shadows, and associations.  I created a polygon shapefile and outlined the identifying features and then labeled them accordingly. I particularly enjoy this module because I was able to figure out a few features that stumped me last semester including how to reorganize the legend and how to create labels from the attribute table.  These little things helped the map come together more easily than the past.

Module 2 Lab: Visual Interpretation

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For our first map project we were tasked with creating two maps that show different features of aerial photographs. The first map interprets the tone and texture of land shown in the photograph. The second map identifies land  features based on several visual attributes.

Final Research Paper

For the final research paper I teamed up with my partner, Steven Kieffer, in order to help take some of the load off.  It was a great experience and I felt I came away with better understanding of the material as well as the process of working with someone on a project. 

Our hypothesis explored the idea that sites that were built in areas of non-prime agricultural land, like the grids found in N1E3, N2E3, and N3E3 (see map above), were able to support their site density by receiving resources from more fertile areas under control of the centralized governance. These poor production land regions would only be able to prosper if there was a government-wide maize agriculture system in place. This transition would effectively show a density increase in these areas around the time of Monte Alban IIIA period (A.D. 200-500) 

After anlaysizing the data we produced we were able to conclude that the final unification of Tlacolula and Ocotlan/Zimatlan helped changed the area into the Central/Etla region Zapotec State. The data supports the given hypothesis that a change in site density from Monte Alban II to Monte Alban IIIA increased and was maintained by centralized governance. This allowed the distribution and maintenance of a statewide maize agriculture.

Module 11 Assignment: Sharing Tools

For our final module, we were tasked with updating a script to include parameters that used the sys.argv[] instead of what was originally in the script. We also had to embed the script, add a password, and share the tool. The end result can be found below.  This course was tough and sometimes overwhelming. I'm glad I made it through the semester unscathed. 

Module 10 Assignment: Creating Custom Tools

For module 10 we were tasked with creating a custom toolbox with 1 script tool. Everything ran properly but I had to change the file path. We started with creating the toolbox and then set the parameters.

Module 9 – Debugging and Error Handling

Module 9 consisted of finding errors and fixing them. Part one had 4 errors and part 2 have 5 errors. Many of them were simple misspelled words, forward slashes, etc.  However there were a couple that I had to get some direction with via an elluminate session with our teacher.  Only a few more weeks to go. 

Module 7 Assignment: Geometry and Rasters Parts 1 & 2

Module 7 was particularly hard to get through.  Part 1 of the assignment consisted creating a .txt file and writing it to coordinates and object id's for vertices in a shape file. Then created a raster output that identifies areas with a particular set of parameters. 

Part 2 involved working with rasters. I had a lot of trouble with this part. The end result is a single raster with highlights of certain areas. 

Module 8 Remote Sensing

For our module 8 assignment we were tasked with finding and importing orthorectified aerial imagery and then creating two maps consisting of supervised classification and unsupervised classification. The Supervised classification focuses on 5 classes and the unsupervised classification focuses on 8 classes.

The area we focused this assignment on was found in Cahokia, Illinois at the site of Monk's Mound.  The site is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site as well as a U.S. National Historic Landmark.  The site is home to the largest prehistoric earthworks north of Mexico inhabited from  700-1400 A.D.

Module 7: Surface Interpolation

This week we were tasked with creating five images of interpolated surfaces from a single site located at the Volcán Barú, Panama and three images from the Machalilla Regional Settlement.  The interpolation methods used were Kernal Density, Kriging, IDW (Inverse Distance Weighted), Natural Neighbor, and Spline.

Shovel test data was taken in .txt format and reformatted to .xls as well as a .dxl for the AutoCAD section. We then had to update the information in those files in order for ArcMap to understand the data and not produce errors.  Additionally I really enjoyed getting more first hand knowledge of the tools within ArcToolbox.

Module 6 Exploring/Manipulating Spatial Data

In Module 6 we learned how to explore and manipulate spatial data in Python.  We started out by setting the environments to allow overwrites, created a .gdb that copied all items from our data folder into the .gdb, created a search cursor that displayed name and population, and had to make sure that each task printed results.  This assignment was yet again tricky for me, mostly due to me not having a background in Python. With the guidance of a fellow student and our teacher, I was finally able to get the script to produce the required results.

Module 6 : Digitizing and Editing Large Datasets

This week we had to digitize and edit large datasets.  Honestly it was the hardest project I've done so far.  It took me roughly two weeks to finish and a lot of advice from a fellow classmate and our professor.  I ended up learning quite a bit including how to use SQL and query functions when creating a shapefile. It was a chore to read the old maps provided. Some of the landscape was skewed and  I did have trouble finding a good topographic map. Below you will see the ancient Valley of Oaxaca which contains georeferenced and digitized information.  

Process Summary:

1)      Open ArcMap, added the national geographic topographic basemap. Found the Valley of Oaxaca.

2)      Created jpgs for all necessary pictures in files provided including 1-3 4-1, appendix 1, 2, and 3. Cropped images and added for georeferencing.

3)      Georeferenced Figure 1-3 and 4-1 by changing the transparency and adding control points.

4)      Geo-referenced all images and saved as different group layers.  4-1 was easier to georeference due to the land cover depicted in the picture. 

6)      Created shapefiles for each required.

7)      Exported and saved as jpeg

8) Created  separate shapefile for the river, but ended up adding it do the land cover shapefile in order to not have so many maps.

3)      Moved on to the collection units and digitized as polygons. This part was the hardest.  I had trouble getting the collection site numbers to show up properly after using SQL and query options. Ended up having to convert labels to annotation and manually enter each site. 

4)      Site N2E3 was broken into three different pictures. This created a lot of overlapping, so I tried to place the site numbers as best as I could. In hind sight I would've preferred to create three separate shapefiles for each site.  Cest’ la vie!

 5)      Digitized the land cover and created hatch lines.

6)      Added all necessary map elements and exported. 

Module 5 Georeferencing Historic Map of Macao

The map below is of both a historic map and a present day aerial map of Macao. The overlay from 1785 was created during an expedition by James Cook and William Bligh.  You can see the slight variations of each map due to a 40% transparency added to the historic map document.

Module 4 – Python Fundamentals ll

This week we were tasked to edit a script that contained a dice rolling game.  There were a total of 8 errors found in the loop. Additionally,  we had to create a loop that counted from 0-5 printing each number. This module was arduous for me, since I've never touched scripting in my life. Thank goodness for great classmates, or I would have ended this week with bald patches. It takes a good eye to catch the simplest of errors.  On to next week.....

Module 4: Historic Records and Documents

This week focused on using historical records, documents, and images to create a map regarding Paul Revere and the location of his home in Boston, Massachusetts.  We also learned how to hyperlink addresses and add HTML's to Arcmap.  Great tools and a fun map to create!

Module 3 – Python Fundamentals I

In Module 3 we were tasked with an assignment that would require to use methods and functions in Python to manipulate strings and lists and perform basic math within the program.  The above screen shot shows the final results of the assignment. The end result required us to print our last name and a number equal three times the number of characters in our last name.

This assignment was frustrating and took a lot of finagling, but when I finally has success I got the biggest sense of relief.

A couple of things I learned to look out for was making sure to delete any symbols and excess failed scripts. (<<<, ..., and the heading in python). I got stuck at this point for a fair amount of time, but managed to figure things out with the help of some discussion postings from fellow classmates.

Module 3 Ethics

For our lab assignment we were tasked with creating a map of  Jordanian archaeological sites, as well as the creation of a secure geodatabase and file structure. This map could be used to manage and monitor sites in Jordan by creating an assessment of the current condition of the sites mapped.  Additionally, we discussed a chapter from Brian Fagan's book, The Arrogant Archaeologist. This chapter describes his frustrations with treasure hunters and the need for more emphasis on conservation, ethics, and public education withing college level archaeology courses.

Module 2: Geoprocessing in ArcGIS

This week we learned how to create models and script tools in Arcmap. We also used batch processing and used Pyhton to run a geoprocessing script. Once the objectives were finished, we were tasked with exporting the model as a script. This weeks work was pretty tough to navigate as the review was 30 pages of instructions. However, those instructions were instrumental with completing the assignment. The end result is shapefile of the basin with all of the "Not prime farmland" soils removed from the basin.

Module 2 Queries and Clips

For this lab we honed our skills by using queries and clips in order to produce a map showing information about the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The fire was responsible for destroying a large part of the prosperous city.

Module 1 GIS Programming- Getting our Feet Wet

The summer semester is here after a short two week break and we are jumping in feet first to Python Scripting for AcrGIS.  This weeks module consisted of learning how to access Python via the program list and ArcMap. We also were tasked to run a file called CreateModuleFolders.py created each modules folder for this semester and several folders within each module including Scripts, Results, and Data.  This was done by double clicking the folder. Attached is a print shot of the end result after running the folder.

Intro to GIS Final!

Our final project was to present our findings, skills, and analysis to produce data and maps regarding a proposed transmission line route stretching from Manatee County to Sarasota County.  The preferred corridor selected had to meet several criteria including having relatively few residential properties in proximity of corridor, avoiding schools and daycare facilities, avoiding environmentally sensitive land, and producing a transmission line within a reasonable budget. Please see attached hyperlinks to see my final project findings.

This was a great semester and I learned a lot about GIS.



http://students.uwf.edu/mcb41/introtogis/MonicaBlumberg_finalproject.pptx
http://students.uwf.edu/mcb41/introtogis/MonicaBlumberg_FinalProjectCommentary.pdf

Cartography Final!!

The end of the first semester of GIS is finally here! The above map is a choropleth map with added proportional symbols that show data from ACT scores in 2009. Average scores and percentage of students tested are depicted in the map above. The most interesting part of the data viewed is that many of the larger states have lower scores and participation rates than those in smaller states.  

Georeferencing, Editing, and Arcscene

This week we honed our GIS skills by learning how to georeference, editing, and Arcscene. The first map depicted shows a 2D view of the UWF campus as well as the Campus Ln. and Building 072 that were added via the editing session. The second map shows the georeferenced UWF campus and a bald eagle nesting site with buffer zone.

Google Earth Lab

In this weeks lab we used Arcmap to convert two files to .KML, created two maps in Google Earth. The first map is the one picture above, which showes several different pieces of information including population density and hydrology. The second part of the lab was creating a tour in Google Earth of several cities and locations in South Florida. Google Earth is very user friendly and I found this lab to be particularly interesting because of the options that Google Earth provides to the user.

Geocoding Lab

This week we worked on Geocoding and ModelBuilder.  I had an extremely rough time with receiving  many error messages when trying to calculate the route.

Dot Density Map

This week we were instructed to create a dot map of South Florida's relative population density in ArcMap.  Dots represent population and are placed only in urban areas. 1 dot = 40,000 people.

Spatial Analysis of Vector and Raster Data

This week we had more in depth exploration on vector data and GIS tools like buffer, overlay, and python. The end result of our maps was to provide possible sites for new camping areas as seen in the above map.

Flow Line Mapping

                    Process Summary:•Get Data

                   •open and unzip all files

                   •Open excel and determine stroke size

                   •calculate for each region in excel

                   •re-color each region on map

                    In AI

                   •Add arrow and line for each region, change weight to match number from excel

                   •Add all other data and finish legend, neatline, title, and source information 

Isometric Mapping

Process Summary:

1. Open illustrator and open the Georgia.ai
2. Transfer contours onto Illustrator map using the pencil tool, each contour gets its own layer at 2 points
3. Convert all to gray scale
4. Add in rectangles and text boxes with data
5. Group all map layers with scale to adjust size
6. Add map elements
7. Export and save as jpeg

World Heritage Sites Group 6 – Europe (Group Summary)

World Heritage Sites

Group 6 – Europe

Of the 962 World Heritage sites designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Culture Organization (UNESCO), the “European group: was responsible for identifying and analyzing characteristics of 12 World Heritage sites. World Heritage Sites are natural or cultural locations that UNESCO classifies as having special cultural or physical significance. Our group was responsible for 12 European Sites which included: the Orto Botanico di Padova, Italy; the historic city of Trogir, Croatia; Canal du Midi, France; Delphi, Greece; Isle of Surtsey, Iceland; Srebarna Nature Reserve, Bulgaria; City of Bath, England; Kronborg Castle, Denmark; the Gran Dolina, Spain; the Garden Kingdom of Dessau- Wörlitz, Germany; Western Caucasus, Russian Federation; and the Blenheim Palace, England. This group was led online through the University of West Florida GIS program.  Each member was tasked to create a world heritage site map of an assigned location with a description of the site, a photograph of the location, and URL where users can find more information. The maps were shared amongst the group using ArcGIS Online web-maps, and combined they create a map gallery of the 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Europe. These maps can be used to share in-depth knowledge and external resources about UNESCO World Heritage sites. Additionally, the group was broken down into separate teams in order to focus our strengths to complete the project. Jobs included gathering resources, creating an introductory paragraph, correspondence, generating a group summary, and a group leader. By working in a group, students gained experience of collaborating in a team environment along with expanding their GIS knowledge.

ArcGIS Online Group Link: http://www.arcgis.com/home/group.html?owner=ntoscano&title=UWF%20GIS%20Group%206%20World%20Heritage%20Site%20Zone%20Europe         

                                                                                            

Map Gallery Preview:

Closing Remarks:

            This exercise was an interesting project for each of us, it demonstrated the many challenges of group cooperation and communication when using online tools, and paved the way for future collaboration. This lesson also presented an opportunity to learn about sites steeped in cultural history that many of us had never heard of before.

Resources for Group 6 EUROPE

Main Resources:

The two main sites utilized by all participating group members provided location information, historical material, and additional access to photos.

·         UNESCO, accessed Feb 16, 2013, http://whc.unesco.org.

This website contains information and reference map of all the UNESCO World Heritage sites.

·         Wikipedia, accessed Feb 16, 2013, http://www.wikipedia.org.

Wikipedia contains crowd sourced information on all of the World Heritage Sites. Much of the information is sourced and it provides an excellent starting point for further research.

Unique Individual Resources:

Below are resources utilized by the members for their assigned World Heritage Site.

·         “Delphi Archaeological Site”, ancient-greece.org, accessed 19 Feb 2013,  http://www.ancient-greece.org/archaeology/delphi-archaeology.html

·         “Botanical Garden of Padova,” Universita Degli Studi Di Padova, accessed 20 Feb 2013, http://www.ortobotanico.unipd.it/en/index.html

·         “Canal du Midi HD,” Jack Johanson, posted to YouTube 4 Feb 2009, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1zT3DA-8uo

·         “The French Midi Canal,” Philippe Calas, Apr 2005, http://www.midicanal.fr/

·         “Kronborg Castle,” Agency for Palaces and Cultural Properties, accessed 20 Feb 2013, http://www.kronborgcastle.com/

·         “Kronborg Castle,” World Heritage Site, accessed 20 Feb 2013, http://www.worldheritagesite.org/sites/kronborgcastle.html

·         “History of Bath,” Mother Earth Travel, accessed 20 Feb 2013, http://motherearthtravel.com/united_kingdom/bath/history.htm

·         “The Royal Crescent in Bath,” Pictures of England, accessed 20 Feb 2013, http://www.picturesofengland.com/England/Somerset/Bath/article/1044

·         “Royal Crescent,” Wikipedia, accessed 20 Feb 2013, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Crescent

·         “Western Caucasus, Russian Federation,” Encyclopedia of Earth, accessed 20 Feb 2013, http://www.eoearth.org/article/Western_Caucasus,_Russian_Federation

·         “Welcome to Trogir – Croatia,” Troigir, accessed 20 Feb 2013, http://www.trogironline.com/

   

Proportional Symbol Map

Base map

•add data; who european region

•re project map using europe lambert

adjust size of map ize of map

•add scale

•add neat line

•export map to Adobe Illustrator

•download data to illustrator

• add map essentials

• use elispse tool and  transparency in different sizes 

• add country names and wine consumption information sizes

• title and other needed map elements