A. Starling's GIS Blog

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 ...

     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...

      Module 5 of Computer Cartography focused on making a choropleth map depicting population density (pop./sq km) of European countries and making the choice between using proportional or graduated symbols to depict the wine consumed in liters/per capita of those areas (data from 2012) using ArcGIS Pro. I chose to use graduated symbols as I wanted to show the data as a range of values, and I chose a Blue-Purple (Continuous) gradient color scheme because I felt it looked more like wine. I also checked if it was colorblind safe in ColorBrewer. From lecture, several studies have indicated there is also a blue color preference amongst the population. I realize yellow may have been a good alternative choice considering it implies warmth/cheerfulness – which people might feel when they drink wine, or if they drink to celebrate.      I choose to class the data in Natural Breaks (Jenks) because it has the more accurate representation of the data visually...

                Module 4 of Computer Cartography focused on the various ways to classify data in cartography and how classification impacts the outcome of what a map may indicate to it’s intended audience. For this exercise, we created a map of the senior citizen (age 65 and above) of the Miami-Dade County, Florida population using data from the U.S. Census Bureau (2010).               We made maps using Equal Interval , Natural Breaks (Jenks), Quantile, and Standard Deviation classification methods. Efforts were made to ensure our non-normalized and normalized data maps followed a design that was easy to follow and created for intuitive data interpretation with visual balance. The gradient indicates amount of the senior citizen population from lighter to darker – lightest hue meaning less concentration, darker hue indicating greater concentration. ...

  Module 3 of Computer Cartography gave us insight into the cartographic design process and elements to consider when creating our maps. We designed a map of the Ward 7 schools in Washington DC, incorporating several Gestalt principles of perceptual organization. We considered the contrast (visual difference) between map features, the balance (visual harmony) between map features and empty space, as well as the appropriate use of figure-ground (objects being made to appear further/closer). We also kept in mind the visual hierarchy of the symbols and map elements (ranking by importance of both). All these, plus more of Gestalt principles, allowed us to create a map with visual appeal to the audience. By using ArcGIS Pro and the data made available in this course, I tried to follow the Gestalt principles… I’m not overall pleased with how my map came out, but will keep working to improve my abilities. Once I added the data to my map in an appropriate layer order, I adjusted symbols/...

                Module 2 in Computer Cartography gave us an opportunity to effectively employ appropriate typography methods to our maps. By utilizing ArcGIS Pro and the provided lab data, we were able to label several points of interest on the Florida peninsula. The Major Cities of Florida were labeled using the Label tool in the Labeling ribbon tab. We can label a few different ways - for cleaned classified data that has several “types”, right click the layer in the Contents pane that needs labeling and click Symbology. Choose “Unique Values”   in the Primary Symbology dropdown menu – this will provide a way to individualize points. To label those unique points, again highlight the corresponding layer in the Contents pane and click the Labeling tab in the ribbon. Choose instead to click the “Class” dropdown menu within the Label Class section and choose “Create Label Classes from Symbology”. I did this metho...

       Module 1 of Computer Cartography (GIS5007/5006L) focused on allowing us the opportunity to think critically about maps and map design. By choosing our own “well-designed” and “poorly-designed” map from outside resources, we worked through an evaluation of each to determine what really made a “well-designed" and “poorly-designed" map. I found this to be a great exercise in being able to understand what really makes a map “good”. A "well-designed" map:  Mineral resources of Jefferson County, Florida 1989 ( FGS: Map series 129 ) -  https://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00015040/00001/citation      This well-designed map ( Mineral Resources of Jefferson County, Florida - 1989 ) conveys a clear purpose without overwhelming the audience with information. It is concise and to the point. It exemplifies Tufteism #1: Graphical excellence is the well-designed presentation of interesting data – a matter of substance, of statistics, and of design . This map is al...

  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.