Importing Tabular Data

In this activity of ArcGIS importing tabular data was the main objective. Importing data in AcrGIS involves inputting X and Y coordinate data from spreadsheet or access database into ArcGIS. The information provided for this activity were: aparcels shapefile, a claimant_xy.csv table, a sample_location.csv table and a parcel_value.csb table. Using this data we had to make a map on a lawsuit based on contaminants and property values for Bayou Texar. To initiate this activity the shape-files need to be added to ArcGIS but they only show properties and not values. To get the data need we need to merge the tabular data to the shape-files to get the property values. To do this we use the join function and select the Parcel_ID for both shapefiles on the attribute table. Now parcel shapefile need to be added and the claimant needs to be imported. This can be done by going to the File tab, under Add data selecting Add XY and select the claimant_xy.csv table. Thereafter the Coordinate System needs to be changed to WGS1984 in the geographic coordinate systems. This process is repeated for the sample_location_,csv to show the different pointd for each table. Then the parcel_value.csb can be joined with the parcel shapefile and by right clicking on the parcel shapefile and selecting parcel_value. A color ramp was then added by accessing the symbology of the parcel shapefile and selecting market_value and graduated color ramp. The final map should display different colored parcels depending on market value, points that representing Plaintiffs' properties and also the sample location of the contaminants. Basic map elements were then added to finalize the map.

Georeferencing

GIS datasets are usually created specifically for a GIS system complete with geographically referenced coordinate data built in to the file. This is important because these kind of data sets are lined up properly automatically. However there will be times when the data sets do not have coordinate information readily usable by the GIS program. These kinds of datasets usually include digital scanned copies of paper maps and aerial photographs before GIS was used. In this session we will cover the different methods used to input the geographic referencing to an unreferenced dataset and to create geographic data from non GIS ready maps and photos. Georeferencing is the process of making a raster dataset of an aerial photography or digital scan of a paper map to be lined up with a referenced area. To initiate this process we firstly start by adding the unreferenced raster and the referenced raster to the data frame. Then use the fit to display option on the same georeferencing tool to bring the layer you want to reference into the current area that you are viewing and manipulate your display so you can clearly see features on both the known and unknown layers. Secondly you must identify common points from both the referenced and unreferenced rasters and add points to line up both datasets; this is done with the add control points function. First click on the feature on the known area and then click on the same feature on the unknown area. This is process is made easy by adjusting the transparency of a layer; this option is accessed in the layer’s properties. The map is lined up better when the points are evenly scattered. The residual option allows you to view each point added and the total RMS errors. After sufficient points are added the georeferncing needs to be updated so that the data is saved. Secondly the same steps are followed to align the second part of the unreferenced dataset to the referenced dataset and the georeferencing is updated. Both unreferenced datasets must be properly aligned and must be in the 1^st order transformation. The third step is to update the referenced datasets with new feature that were not displayed; these features are a road, a new building and athletic fields. To display these features we used knowledge learnt from the previous sessions to start an editing session to add the new road and the new building with the use of a circle in the middle of the building. For the athletic fields a new shapefile was created to display the four athletic buildings. To finalize the map basic map elements need to be added which are title, scale, legend, north arrow, for this map we also displayed our RMS errors. 

Projections

 In our previous class we used ArcGIS to manipulate how data is displayed and presented in ArcMap. Now we will start making actual changes to datasets in ArcMap. It’s very important to know that although data sets are in different coordinate systems they can still be displayed together. To re-project a dataset you must first access the data management toolbox and go to projections and transformations toolsets and click on the project subset tool since you are using a vector shapefile. The input and output information is then filled and saved in the specific activity folder. The coordinate system is then renamed UTM and added in a separate data frame. Both data frames needs to be activated before they are displayed, slight difference in size are noted from both projections. The second step that needs to be done is to add another field to the attribute table to add area in each specific state. To get the specific area of selected states (Alachua, Escambia, Polk and Miamia-Dade) use the calculate geometry function. A color ramp was also used to identify and label both projections, this was done with an SQL query. To finalize this map both projections needs to be displayed; the major difference will be the size of the states. The maps also need labeling for Alachua, Escambia, Polk and Miamia-Dade as well as labeling for the separate maps which are UTM and Albers. Basic map elements are then added (title, scale, legend and north arrow).

Blog 5- University of Belize GPS Collection

In this session of GIS our lecturer divided the class into groups of four to collect the GPS coordinates of three trees, a road and a building within the University of Belize, Belmopan Campus. The three trees are: Bamboo Palm, Neem Tree and Hug Plum. The road is the one at the southern entrance of the university and the building is the security booth located in that entrance. The GPS coordinates were saved and given to the lecturer, MR. Cano, for him to convert them to into a shape file for us to use in arc map. To begin this map shape files were needs to be created specifically for the trees, the road and building as point, polyline and polygon respectively. Additionally each shape file (Trees, Road, and Building) had additional data; the trees had height and species, road had condition and building had area. This was done by accessing the properties for each shape file. Thereafter an editing session was started to display the information; since each shape file had specific input information (Points, Polyline and Polygon) it can be easily done. The trees shape file was selected and points were then chosen from the editing tab to add three specific points for the trees. The same was done for the road but using polyline to connect the tree different GPS point to display the road with lines. Then the building was done with polygon by connecting the four GPS points of the building to form a polygon. The editing session was then ended. A topographic map was added with the “add data” option. To finalize the map a title, north arrow, scale, legend and an extent map was added.  

Activity 6: Data search and collection

In this exercise we created a map by applying all the knowledge gained from the previous maps that were created. All the basic but essential parts of a map were added such as: Title, North Arrow, Scale and Author. In addition a reference box was added to give credit to the organizations from where the datasets were obtained. An essential part of map cartography is acquiring GIS data; the theme and scale of a dataset has to be considered when locating GIS data. For this map the dataset was obtained from the Biodiversity and Environment Resource Data System of Belize. The datasets where Rivers, Roads, Settlements and protected Areas of Belize. Another important aspect of Arc map is that datasets available are often found in a larger spatial extent than desired. All the features obtained from BERDS are of the entire country of Belize; the clip function in arc map is a helpful tool that project specific features in polygons required (Cayo District). The clip tool creates a new shapefile file for the output, which needs to be saved. The inputs are Settlements, Roads, Rivers, Protected areas and the output is the Cayo District. After all the features are clipped individually to Cayo District Arc map will display only Cayo District with all the features that are found with in Cayo. To finalize the map a personal touch was added to the title, north arrow and color of the map. A color ramp for the different protected areas was also added so that the legend can clearly show the identity of each of the specific protected areas. 

Map of Mexico

As we go more in depth into ArcGIS, the step by step process in cartographic output starts to become more and more informative with many features. To be able to add more features more layers are needed to be added to the table of content of ArcGIS; so Arc Catalog is a geobased administration used to organize and manage the various datasets and documents into ArcGIS.

The first map illustrates the boundaries of the Mexican states. To be able to focus only on the Mexican states a SQL query was created by using “select by attribute” option and then exported to the table of content. As you can see in the map all the individual states are labeled with their specific name. Furthermore, the map also depicts the population of the states with the use of a color ramp of six classes which is also shown in the legend. The legend was integrated with the “legend wizard” option. The north arrow, scale bar and scale text is also shown in the map; the map title was added by a dynamic text. The dynamic text feature also inserts summary, description, author, credits and date of the map.

In this second map different features of Mexico was shown; these features are the rails, rivers, roads and urban areas. In order for ArcGIS to clearly display these features they must be rearranged in the table of content and the mex_states needs to be turned off. Additionally these layers include too many features which makes the map look clustered and hard to understand. With the “Symbology Property” options the features were made specific to Federal Roads, Major and Primary Rivers, and Single Track Rails which is also shown in the legend. The advance labeling option allows you to create a SQL query to depict states with a population of more than a million people. The Mexican States with a population of more than a million are Guadalajara, Leon De Los Aldama, Puebla and Mexico City. Lastly an insert map was added to show where the map is located in a broader geographic context.

This last map shows the different elevations of Mexico’s central region. This map is a continuation of the first and second map (this is easily done by turning on and off the different layer) so the title, author, date, legend and scale is already on the map. In order to get the elevations the layer of mex_elv needs to be added and the world_countries layer needs to be removed. Then a stretched symbology and a color ramp is applied so that the elevations are visible.

Arc map

Arc map provides many features for map designing. In our previous GIS session, we had a glimps on those features that allows us to identify and locate the different countries and cities of the world. This is done by adding the City and Country layers. Once the city and country layer is added the world map will appear and then the map can be manipulated in the attribute table. With  arce map we are also able to add scale, title and cardinal direction. This map was designed to display the country's population based on their color. Also sombols were given city so that they are easily identified. to eachArc map is a powerful tool with many features which is essencial in the field of NRM.

Map of Belize

My Favourite Map of Belize

I have never thought about which map of Belize is my favourite; but if I had to choose one it would definitely be the one found in the Atlas of Belize. This is so because this map was the first map of Belize that was introduced to me. With this map I learnt the six Districts, our Capital, our barrier reef and many other things that up to today I am currently studying. I choose this map not because it has significant feature or because it is the best scaled map of Belize, I choose this map because it thought me about our hidden jewel and gave me many reasons to be proud of my country.