Geog 482
Geography 482 Projects
Project 1: Plotting Coordinates and Map Projections
This project, in many ways, teaches the fundamentals of what GIS is based on. The ability to project maps is a crucial cog in performing geographic or spatial analysis. Furthermore, understanding coordinate systems and datum is key to a GIS professional’s ability to project data based on any given number of factors such as audience, position, use, etc.
Project 2: Census Data and Thematic Maps
This project illustrates the power of Census TIGER/Line files and thematic maps. Powerful thematic maps can be created using Census data to show trends, perform analysis and other operations. Choosing the right classification method is extremely important and varies based on the purpose of the map.
Project 3: Acquiring Geographic Data
Project 3 provides an opportunity to search for available geospatial data via local clearinghouses. I learned that there is a large volume of data available free of charge for the State of Maryland thru the Maryland Mapping Resource Guide (MMRG). MMRG can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.marylandgis.net/index.jsp