Classifying & Symbolizing Spatial Data

Links: ESRI Training: Symbolizing Map Layers

Time: The ESRI Training module took me about one hour to complete.

Insights: In this training, I worked on learning how to organize and display data accurately and in a way that would be intuitive to viewers. The training emphasized the difference between qualitative and quantitative data, as well as the appropriateness of using different classification methods depending both on data type and on what information the map was meant to convey to its reader. I enjoyed learning about these classification methods and what types of data best display them, i.e., quantitative, gradual, or divergent data types. Learning how to define these data types and apply the correct visualization will be useful in my future career as I will be using maps to analyze and interpret data.

Issues: This training was fairly straightforward; however, I think it would be beneficial to spend more time learning to intuitive discern the difference between data levels of management.

New Processes used or learned in this professional training:

·        Week 1: Utilize the language of spatial analysis and apply to a thematic map.

·        Week 2: Creating a geodatabase, feature classes, and attribute fields.

·        Week 3: Cartography—appropriate symbology and color schemes.

·        Week 4: Classify and symbolize qualitative and quantitative data.

This training was an opportunity to apply my understanding of appropriate symbology and color theory to convey information accurately and effectively to aid in analysis. The project in the training allowed further exploration and increased familiarity with the ArcGIS software’s ability to apply specific and informative symbology to help readers quickly understand map data and make effective decisions based on that information.