Flow Line Mapping

Module 10 continues our education of the different types of thematic maps.  This week focus was line flow maps.  Line flow maps are used to show a number of different types of flow including traffic, commodities, migrations, and air flow, to name a few.  This week we showed the statistics covering the immigration to the United States for the year 2007.  Using proportional lines we are able to visually and immediately give the reader of the map a clear indication where the most and fewest immigrants came from.  This map was made using a predetermined background created in ArcMap, with all other aspects being created by me using Adobe Illustrator.  This week, I finally started to get the hang of the pen tool.

Vector Analysis 2

Week 10/11 found us working with the ArcToolbox once again, only this time instead of transforming we were overlaying.  Using the various Overlay tools were were able to successful identify areas of interest  given specific criteria.  The Buffer Tool allowed us to create a buffer around a line feature of a specified distance   The Union tool allowed us to join features and attributes of two classes (water_buffer layer and the roads_buff300m layer) into one layer that showed us were the criteria matched for these two buffers.  The Erase tool allowed us to further analyze the data and exclude and area that was contained within the conservation area polygon.  The use of these tools allowed for creation of the map below.

Isometric Mapping

Spring break couldn't have come at a better time.  I needed the break to refuel my brain, but getting back into the swing of things has been a little tough this week.  This week we continued learning about and creating different types of thematic maps.  Module 9 focused on Isometric maps.  Contour maps are the most common form of isometric maps and if you have ever watched a weather report, you have seen an isometric map.  Our data this week included average annual rainfall for the state of Georgia.

Proportional Symbol Mapping

This week we created two maps displaying different proportional symbols.  One created completely using ArcMap and a second created using Adobe Illustrator.  The purpose of creating two maps in two different systems was to illustrate that even though both programs can create proportional symbols, sometimes one has clear advantages over the other.

The ArcMap only map, while functional, definitely has limits. The only symbols that can be used and maintain proportion are circles and square.

Map 1 - created exclusively with ArcMap

The map created using Adobe Illustrator is not limited by symbology.  New custom symbols can be created and used, while still maintaining proper proportions. Labels can be placed as needed.

Map 2 - created with Adobe Illustrator

Data Search

GIS data is everywhere, but the trick to getting it is knowing where the data you need is located.  As GIS professionals, we will be called on by supervisors, co-workers, and clients to find this data when necessary, and they always seem to want it now.  Much data is available online, however, if you deal with small local or municipal areas, as I do, it is a good idea to make contact with a local government GIS department.  Data is sometimes free, sometimes not, and sometimes it can be bartered for, in a if you share your data, I'll share my data way,

Our assignment this week was to find multiple layers of data and display them using 1-3 maps.  I chose to create three maps.  I thoroughly enjoy the art of making a map.  There is something about the fine tuning and tweaking that can take me into a world where no one else exist.  Unfortunately, I tend to spend way too much time on the first map and feel like I'm behind the 8 ball most of the time.

This map displays the land use for Hardee county Florida.  A highly agricultural county, I also chose to add a layer to show the gross acreage of invasive plants within the county boundary.  A quarter quad image file shows some of this agricultural area.

Choropleth Mapping

This week we dove more into Choropleth maps.  Choropleth maps are the most commonly used thematic map.  They can be used to display classified or unclassified data.  The advances in analysis software makes choosing a classification much simpler for today's cartographers. ArcMap enables the user to easily chose various classifications, examine the class breaks, and view the map display in just a few clicks.

Our first map displays the population change based on each state's population change from the US Census of 1990 to 2000.

Choropleth Mapping Map 1

Our second map displays the population change based on regional divisions using the same US Census data as map 1.

Choropleth Mapping Map 2