Week 3

Overview:
Students explored ArcGIS StoryMaps and Dashboards, learning how to combine maps, text, and multimedia into engaging narratives. They built an example Story Map and were introduced to ArcGIS Dashboards for real-time data visualization and decision-making. The session also included a brief introduction to Microsoft Power BI for business data analysis.

Objective:
Students learned to create interactive visual stories and dashboards to present geospatial and analytical data effectively, enhancing their communication and data interpretation skills.

Overview: In the afternoon, students attended a crop tour in San Patricio County. The tour opened with discussions about potential implications of insects in the fields, and the important factors when determining if treatment is necessary. Students then observed the assortment of varieties in corn, cotton, and sorghum.

Objective: At the end of the day, students gained insight on industry updates regarding factors applicable to farmers. This included learning about the latest advancements in pest control techniques, the effectiveness of various herbicides, and understanding how economic trends impact agricultural practices.

Overview: In the afternoon, students participated in a hands-on session exploring GIS applications using Python and spatial databases. The tutorial introduced the use of PostGIS and Python for importing, managing, and analyzing geospatial data. Students were also introduced to ArcGIS Notebooks and learned how Python can be used within ArcGIS to automate tasks, visualize live data, and perform spatial analyses.

Objective: At the end of the day, students developed foundational skills in spatial data analysis and visualization. They gained experience working with PostGIS, SQLAlchemy, and GeoPandas, and learned how to build real-time data apps using Streamlit. These tools equip students to analyze geographic patterns and trends, supporting informed decisions in agricultural contexts.

Overview:
During the morning, students participated in a crop tour through Jim Wells County. The tour began with a conversation about the impact of insect populations on crops and how to assess whether intervention is necessary. Attendees also examined a variety of corn, cotton, and sorghum types planted in the fields. Additionally, students explored how genetic engineering is being applied in agronomy to improve crop performance and resilience.

Objective:
By the end of the day, students had developed a deeper understanding of current developments in the agricultural sector. They learned about innovative pest management strategies, evaluated the performance of different herbicides, and discussed the influence of economic conditions on farming decisions.

Overview:
In the afternoon, students worked closely with the professors to clarify the goals and expectations of their individual projects. With this guidance, they refined their objectives and began reviewing literature from similar or related research efforts to better inform their approach.

Objective:
By the end of the day, students had a clearer understanding of their project direction, gained insight from existing studies, and secured the necessary materials to begin the next phase of their work.