GIS 5007 Module 7: Google Maps

Module 7 of Computer Cartography focused on using converting ArcGIS maps into a KML data file for use in Google Earth and creating a Google Earth map with recorded tour.

    Converting map data in ArcGIS is relatively easy - we used a provided Surface Water layer of South Florida, symbolized by the DESCRIPT field so as to indicate the surface water by type (“Lake or Pond”, “Marsh, Wetland, Swamp, Bog”, and “Stream”), and used the Layer to KML geoprocessing tool to convert our layer feature class into KMZ file format. Conversion of data type was essential as Google Earth is able to read the KMZ files, but is not meant for typical ArcGIS files.

Google Earth map showing the population density of South Florida in red dots and Surface Water type. Areas of interest are indicated with yellow pushpin symbology. 

    The above map shows the population density in South Florida with red dots, and the different Surface Water types are separated by color to show the difference between water types. A provided Legend image was overlaid to Google Earth in an appropriate place next to South Florida, and once population density dots, hydrology features, and county boundaries were added, we set out to record a “tour” of listed areas of interest (pushpin symbols): South Florida Area, Miami Metropolitan Area, Downtown Miami, Downtown Fore Lauderdale, Tampa Bay Area, St. Petersburg, and Downtown Tampa.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

GIS5007 Orientation: About Me

  Hello! My name is Abby Starling, and I’m currently in the GIS Graduate Certificate program. I started this program to move into a career shift, as I currently work for a county government doing more admin related items full-time. While my job is fine, it isn't what I envisioned - it is time for a change! Through this program, I hope to gain more understanding in GIS and form a solid foundation for a career in GIS. I took several GIS classes in my undergraduate Geology program at Valdosta State University, but am certainly no pro. In my free time, I always end up playing copious amounts of Stardew Valley.    Abby Starling's Story Map Links to an external site.
Read more

GIS 5007 Module 6: Isarithmic Mapping

Image
     Module 6 of Computer Cartography focused on isarithmic mapping and using PRISM (Parameter-elevation Regressions on Independent Slopes Model) derived data to showcase the annual precipitation of Washington state, USA over a ~30 year period (1981-2010). Originally created by the PRISM Group at Oregon State University, the PRISM system has proved to be a leading system in producing quality precipitation maps. A climate-elevation regression function is calculated in PRISM with consideration of climate variables that may influence the data, such as proximity to coast, atmospheric layer, topography of region, and more. As precipitation tends to increase with elevation, elevation is an included variable in PRISM using a digital elevation model (DEM) and each DEM grid cell has its own climate-elevation regression function calculated within. Annual Precipitation of Washington, USA from 1981-2010      The above isarithmic map depicts the annual precipitation of...
Read more

GIS5935 Module 2.1: Surfaces - TINs and DEMs

Image
                In this lab, we explored two types of elevation data models - Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and Triangulated Irregular Network (TIN). The DEM is raster-based and information is stored in grid format, while TIN is vector-based and uses irregularly spaced points that were calculated according to the connections of sets of triangles for contouring. Because of this, the DEM has smoother curves in its contour lines, while TIN has pointed/jagged contour lines. The DEM contour lines in this instance also have a few more lines due to the data parameters.                 The TIN contour lines are likely more accurate, as TIN can differentiate between more complex terrain than DEM contour typically can (depending on resolution). TIN uses irregularly placed elevation points that vary based on data density, but DEM is a grid with elevation values stored within the grid cel...
Read more