Sam Wernert lab log
about me
Hi! My name is Sam, I am a first year student studying Inclusive Elementary Education. I am an active member of Delta Zeta and in my free time I love to hang out with my friends!
Lab #1 Jan 24 - Jan 26
Lab #2 Feb 1 - Feb 7
Lab log #1 Jan 24-Jan 26
Map Plans
My map will be for elementary students studying Washington’s population changes in each of its counties between 1900 and 2020. Viewers will need little to no previous experience with reading maps. The final map will be on the internet so it will be created to be viewed on a computer screen or tablet/iPad.
My data
https://data.wa.gov/Demographics/WAOFM-Census-Population-Density-by-County-by-Decad/e6ip-wkqq
https://www.ofm.wa.gov/sites/default/files/public/dataresearch/pop/april1/ofm_april1_poptrends.pdf
Duck duck go: My research on Washington's population on duck duck go brought up facts and articles about what percentage of Washington state is vaccinated against covid-19 however I was unable to open many of the documents. In addition, it brought up high saturated images of lakes and forests. Overall duck duck go tended to bring up more information about Washington dc than Washington state
Title of doc, Map data links, format of data
WAOFM - Census - Population Density by County by Decade, 1900 to 2010
https://data.wa.gov/Demographics/WAOFM-Census-Population-Density-by-County-by-Decad/e6ip-wkqq (scroll to bottom)
1900- 2010 table
2. State of Washington 2020 population trends
https://www.ofm.wa.gov/sites/default/files/public/dataresearch/pop/april1/ofm_april1_poptrends.pdf
2010- 2020 PDF
Problems Experienced
During this lab I had a difficult time finding reliable data. I had to change my key words / search terms that I was using. Additionally, I usually use my mac and in the beginning, it was confusing use a desktop, but I think I am getting the hang of it. At first, I did not know how to create and manage files. After watching a few YouTube videos I now have all my files nicely organized onto the computer.
Which data is the best for ArcGIS 10 via Excel ?
ArcGIS Preparing data input states “Converting LIDAR data to tiled TIFF will result in loss of point information. Instead, in ArcGIS, manage LIDAR data using LAS files or LAS datasets within a mosaic dataset so that no data is lost. Alternatively, LIDAR can be characterized to a DEM or DSM with fixed pixel size.” and it is recommended that you store each collection of files in a separate directory.
Relevant information websites (5)
https://www.history.com/topics/us-states/washington
https://www.theolympian.com/news/state/washington/ (Washington news)
https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/geography/states/article/washington
https://depts.washington.edu/moving1/Washington.shtml
https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/immigrants-in-washington
Population change websites (2)
Washington was among the fastest-growing states. Here’s why that’s no longer the case
The Seattle Times Article shows why Washington saw an abrupt increase in population recently and why that will not continue
2. Washington state population steadily increases, tops 7.7 million residents in 2021
Website shares information on how the covid-19 pandemic has altered the population of Washington and how their major population changes are only temporary.
Sites on Google Earth (10)
1. Olympic National Park
2. The Space Needle
3. Snoqualmie Falls
4. Lake Chelan
5. Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
6. Leavenworth
7. Washington State Capitol Building
8. Spokane Riverfront Park
9. Museum of Glass
10. San Juan Islands
Lab log #2 feb 1-feb 7
Part 1: An Introduction to HTML
Using Fire Fox I copied three text/HTML files into my HTML folder. I will later develop these into my personalized pages.
Part 2: Learnins’ the HTML
Using Fire Fox and Notepad I edited my HTML for my project-page, home page, maps page, and map mashup page so that my information about Washington is available on the internet.
Part 3: Fancy up Your HTML
I am still currently working on making my HTML pages look good, but I was able to change the background color of my personal home page and add some additional bullet points and images.
Part 4: Create a Lab Log Blog
This is my lab log blog! I created it using google sites. It was slightly difficult to use but it is much easier than Word Press. I will continue to update my lab log as the class progresses.
Part 5: Create a Google Maps Mashup
During the previous lab, I used Google Earth and pinned ten important/fun locations within Washington. I then combined all of my sites into a folder and transferred that folder onto my http://go.owu.edu/~srwernert account by using FileZilla.
Problems Experienced
During this class I have realized that I am not very good with working with computers lol. I attempted to work on this lab on my personal computer over the weekend but my work did not save and it was super confusing. I decided the best option was to come into class early and work on lab 2 and figure thing out on the desktop.
Lab #3 Feb 9 - Feb 14 Lab #4 Feb 14 - Feb 21
Lab #3 Feb 9-Feb 14
Data Processing
Brief Definitions
.txt - a text file that has a structured sequence of electronic text.
.cvs - uses a comma to separate values, usually for numerical data. Each line is a different set of data.
.xls - an excel spreadsheet often used for numerical data
1) The data I am using includes the two files for the 1900- 1990 decennial census population data, one file for the 2000 - 2010 decennial census population data, and then a file for the 2020 population data.
2) I opened Microsoft Excel and used Other Workbooks to open my 1900 - 90 txt file.
3) After I opened the file the Wizard window popped up. I shifted the data breaks so all my data was organized correctly.
4) Back in Excel I saved the file as 1900-90.xlsx. Then I removed the wording at the top of the sheet, the total US population row, total state population row, and all the other data for the other states.
FIPS
FIPS are unique identifier codes for each county in the US.
1) ArcGIS requires you to make sure that the FIPS are seen as text instead of numbers so you must force the numbers to text by entering a "Y" in front of the FIPS code. After this, I made sure my FIPS codes were 5 digits.
2) Then I continued on to the next step and labeled the state abbreviation column as "State" and the column with the counties as "County".
3) Then in any area where there were - I replaced it for 9999999999. Lastly, I replaced County (with a single space before it) with nothing. I saved as washington-1900-2020.xlsx
6) Using my co-est00int-01-55.xls and co-est2020-alldata.csv files I added the data for 2000, 2010 and 2020. The data was originally formatted differently so when I pasted it in the cell I selected "paste options: match destination formatting". There were no commas in my sheet so I did not need to eliminate them.
7) Lastly I opened Open Office and viewed the Spreadsheets. Then I found my washington-1900-2020.xlsx file and saved it as a .dbf into my data folder.
DBF Files
.dbf files are dBase database files. These are used for organizing data into multiple records. ArcGIS uses .dbf files to store null values and store floating-point numbers as text.
1) Finally, within my data folder, I created a new folder called Original Data and put all my preexisting files into in except for my main .xlsx and .dbf into the new folder.
Comments on processing data / Problems with lab
Overall I learned that processing data is a lot easier than finding it. However, sometimes you have to try several diffrent ways of formatting before it works correctly. I prefer to manually type everything instead of using shortcuts that way I know if I made a mistake, it was my fault and not the computer. I think it is also easier to type in info rather than figuring out a shortcut and hoping that it doesn't mess up your entire spreadsheet. I liked that I already had saved my data into my data folder during lab 1 so I did not have to relocate it on the website.
I had a slightly difficult time saving the final version of my file as a .dbf however after closing out of excel I was able to save it. Otherwise, this lab was significantly easier than the previous two.
lab #4 Feb 14-Feb 21
ESRI and ArcGIS Desktop & online
1) Using ArcMap on the desktop I started with a new empty map. I made my data frame from the table of contents. A data frame holds a series of map layers and information common to all those layers including the map projection and coordinate system of your map layers. The table of contents lists all the layers on the map and shows what the features in each layer represent and it helps the user manage the display order of map layers and symbols.
2) To the World data frame I added a map layer by adding data. Layers are logical collections of geographic data that are used to create maps and scenes To do this I right-clicked World and hit add data. Then I selected the C:/GIS Lab Data/Data-ESRI/ESRIDATA_2000 and connected the folder and added it to the data window. Lastly, I went to properties/general and changed the name of the layer to country.
3) Next I changed the map projection by selecting World Frame Data and Properties. Some projections were severely disproportionate but others like the one I used were more proportional. I ended up using WGS_1984_ARC_System_Zone_0 because it preserved the area of the map. Then I added a second layer from the same world folder.
4) Using the table of attribute data associated with my new layer I clicked on and off of a selection of rows to see which part of my map would be highlighted. After experimenting I cleared my selection and closed the attribute table.
5) I began to map the data within the attribute table by electing properties/Symbiology tab/quantities. An attribute table is a database or tabular file containing information about a set of geographic features. Then I picked a graduated color and a data set to map my state. At this point, I also exported my map as a .jpeg
Map Documents (.mxd files) are file formats that allow maps created within ArcGIS software to be stored
6) After turning off the world layer I started to map out Washington state by the Census group blocks. Then I inserted a data frame and added new data to the table of contents. I named that data frame Washington and added the US Census block group data and major roads to the data frame using ESRIDATA_2000/West USA and MajorRoads.lyr. I selected highways and then from the election made a layer named Major Roads. Within this layer, I did not want to include all major roads. I only wanted the interstates so I built the query as "HWYNAME" LIKE 'I%' so that only the highways starting with I were selected and put onto the map. I then added Population, Married, and Mobile Homes so I could compare the data.
7) Lastly I explored ArcGIS and found that you can use a 3D Analysis tool. Meaning that you're able to create and analyze data such as terrain in a 3D model. I think it would be cool to experiment and use this feature in the future. Additionally, there is a geocoding function with ArcGIS that would allow me to see precise locations with in Washington by using coordinates.
ArcGIS Online
8) It was fairly simple to log into ArcGIS onto my desktop computer in the GIS lab, however I had some trouble getting signed into ArcGIS on my personal computer. Within ArcGIS Online there are many sub headings to explore. Within the settings there is general information about your personal account as well as what region your map focuses on and what unit of measurement you prefer. Within the ERSI Training there are many free and paid classes that you are able to take to learn more about ArcGIS. Additionally, the ArcGIS blog is a platform that allows ArcGIS users to share their findings and spread new/upcoming information regarding ArcGIS.
9) Within the getting started portion of ArcGIS online you are able to visualize and navigate both 3D and 2D information. Additionally, you are able to analyze your map, visualize data, and write/document/run Python code. When creating a map you are able to choose a base map, add layers, apply different styles, configure pop-ups and save the map within ArcGIS.
10) I decided to explore the ArcGIS Online Basics 1 hour and 50 minute class. Within the online class, I learned that local files from your computer can be used to add and create map layers. Often CSV files are used during this process. While creating a map a feature layer is a grouping of similar geographic features. This can include a grouping of cities, roads, and buildings. These features are often represented by points, lines, or polygons. There are many ways to share either a final map or one in progress with a variety of people. These projects can be made public, private, or shared within limited organizations/groups.
11) I think the Classifying Mangroves Using Deep Learning Tutorial and the Creating 3D Features from Existing Data web course could be interesting to complete in the future.
12) At first within this lab I found it difficult to navigate ArcGIS on the desktop, however, after exploring it for a few minutes it becomes easier to navigate. I had a difficult time creating my ArcGIS account on my computer, but I ultimately figured out that it was caused by a wifi issue.
Lab #5 Feb 16 - Feb 28 Lab #7 Mar 15 - Mar 30
Lab #5 Feb 16 - Feb 28
Processing Data #2
DBF / Dbase file: files that are able to support data storage and manipulation within ArcGIS
Select by Attributes: allows you to provide SQL query expressions.
Query: allows you to search for a subset of features or table records within a layer
Fields (in a Table): stores qualitative and quantitative data, as well as dates
Records (in a Table): a row or set of data purposely together within a data field
Attributes: non-spatial information about geographical features often stored in a table
Relational Database: spatial data stored in tables with columns and rows
Join function: A tool that allows the user to transfer information from one layer to another
Monitor Fire: A fire that may start on the computer when joining a DBF file fails
Calculate / Field Calculator: A tool that allows the user to perform advanced calculations using Python code blocks
Any problems with this lab, and solutions to the problems:
The only issue I had with this lab was with combining the three states onto one map. I was able to figure it out by using the select by attribute function and instead of using the word "AND" between state names I used "OR"
Lab #7 Mar 15 - Mar 30
Data Classification and Mapping
Choropleth / Graduated color map classification
200 to 961
75 to 200
30 to 75
15 to 30
5 to 15
-5 to 5
-15 to -5
-28 to -15
Highest High 1900-1910 (960.288)
Lowest Low 1920 - 1930 (-27.0879)
I chose my classification based on natural breaks in the data and groups of data, I noticed that I have a lot more positive data than negative data so I have 5 groups of positive ranges and 3 groups of ranges. I did not split the data at zero, instead I used the -5 to 5 category to have a place to show where little change occurred.
Color Choice
I made my choropleth map in shades of green because Washington has a lot of vegetation and it is home to the original Starbucks ( who uses green as their marketing color) This is color blind safe because there is only one color and thew shades easily differentiated.
Graduated Symbol Map Classification
1,600,000 to 2,269,675
1,000,000 to 1,600,000
500,000 to 1,000,000
175,000 to 500,000
75,000 to 175,000
20,000 to 75,000
4,100 to 20,000
2,248 to 4,100
I based this classification scheme on my attribute table. While looking at the table I noticed groupings of population values and organized them into my classification scheme on those trends. I had a few outliers which are included in the 1,600,000 to 2,269,675 group.
Color Choice
I used blue colored dots for my graduated symbol map because is widely known that Washington experiences a lot of rain. Additionally, the state is located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean. I associate water and rain with the color blue.
Problems
Within the lab, I had many computer and ARC GIS issues. With the help of my peers and professor, I was able to overcome these obstacles and successfully complete the lab. I found it difficult to come up with the categorization schemes, but after doing the first one, I better understood how to complete the second one. I learned that I will continue to learn and gett better with computers as I practice.
Lab #8 April 4 - April 20
Lab #9 April 6 - April 20
Lab #8 4/4 - 4/20
Animation
Layout View - a place within Arcgis where you can arrange your map, add titles, legends, and export your maps to more generic graphic file formats
Layout Menu - an area in Arcgis that allows you to change the scale of your map
Layout Toolbar - allows you to change the viewing size of your map on Arcgis
Title - relative and descriptive name for your map
Neatline - The neatline is a thin line that encircles each data frame on the final map, which creates a border and defines where the edge of the map is
.png file - Portable Network Graphic web designers use because it can handle graphics with transparent or semi-transparent backgrounds.
APNG - animated png file
link to your web pages: go.owu.edu/~srwernert
Problems with this lab: I had a difficult time turning my individual png files into one apng file. I then learned that I had to manually select all of the individual png files together by using shift, rather than using a zip file. Also, something happened when updating my project page and now my personal website is not working.
Lab #9 4/6 - 4/20
ArcGIS Online
Discuss how the creation of your basic web map app went, and any problems along the way.
Overall the process of making the basic web mao app went well. It was slightly tedious having to copy and fix each individual layer, but in the end, it all worked out well.
Hosted feature layer? What is it and why important?
The hosted feature layer is a file that holds all the original arc gis desktop data. This is important because it allows you to upload a zip file and not have to re-enter all of your previously entered data onto the online version on arc gis.
There are many other things that ArcOnline can do, poke around and come up with something in addition to the basic map app. For example, one might try and explore animation options in ArcGIS Online web maps: ESRI Animation in ArcGIS Online. For this section, you don’t have to actually do something except if you want. But do show that you have poked around and found some other function that might be interesting to do.
I looked into the widgets on arc gis online. I found the "my location "feature to be helpful so you can compare where you currently are to what locations you are looking at on my map. m
Comments on clown refreshers (via Mitch O’Connell)
Clowns usually freak me out but these ones were okay lol