Final Project

Cartographic Skills Final Project

         For the past twelve weeks, in the GIS3015 Cartography Class, we have been learning how to design maps using different skills. We learned basic cartography skills, we learned to critique maps, and design maps. We also learned about Datums, Coordinate systems and projections. We worked with typography, introducing map elements; land partitioning systems, as well as spatial statistics that helped us develop more elaborated maps. In addition, we were introduced and were able to practice with many thematic methods.

          All these skills, specifically the thematic methods, helped me create this final project map. This map was created to show college entrance exams scores for the United States by state, for the 2014 SAT scores.

          The scores are collated by test participation and the mean score totaled for critical reading, mathematics, and writing scores are shown by state. Next, the states where broken up into four sections allowing for better visual understanding at the glance of even an inexperienced eye, which was the goal in creating this specific map.

          In the preparation of this map, I chose a bivariate choropleth thematic method. This specific type of thematic method, allows you to combine two colored choropleth maps into one map. This technique allows for complementary colors and is easy for the map reader to understand the information.

Google Earth

Module 12 – Google Earth

For this week’s assignment, we were asked to convert a Dot Density Map of Southern Florida population that was done for module 10 in ArcMap10.3 into a KMZ / KML file format using ArcMap10.3 conversion tool kit. We also needed to make a simpler version of the legend to convert to a KML file because the conversion would ignore most of the symbology setting applied to the layer from ArcMap. We also used placemarkers and recorded a tour using Google Earth.

We first converted the dot density map to Raster KMZ file and then converted the dot density layer to a KML file format.  We then opened the converted file in Google Earth and we had to make some adjustments. One of the adjustments was to the dot density map to Raster from solid fill to outline. We then added the dot density layer. This layer gives you the legend. Google Earth only allows to chose from a list of locations as to where the list of the legend will be placed on the screen.

We then had to create some placemarkers in Google Earth. They look like push pins and you can move them to any location on you map and give them a title and color or shape from a list. We created eight of them from the Miami metropolitan area to St. Petersburg and locations in between.

We recorded a tour using Google Earth. A record tour lets you use the placemarkers as at points for the movie. Once you started recording you would click on a placemarker and you would start zooming in to that location. You are able to slow down the zoom if you wanted to and you could also turn around on any direction you wanted and turn on or off the 3D building in the area. Then click your next placemarker. At the end you were asked to save the move to a KMZ file.

3D Mapping

Module 11 – 3D Mapping

For this week’s assignment we were introduced to 3D mapping thru an ESRI training course online. On that course, we learned some new key terms like 3D Features, Extrusion, and Triangulated irregular Network (TIN) among others. We were also introduced ESRI Arc Scene and Arc Globe. Our lab instructions reinforced what we had learned from the online training course and we also learned how to export to KMZ/KML file for uses on Google Earth.

3D Features - Is a representation of a three-dimensional, real-world object in a map or scene, with elevation values (z-values) stored within the feature's geometry.

Extrusion - Is the method of projecting features in a two-dimensional data source, into a three-dimensional representation.

Triangulated irregular network - A vector data structure that partitions geographic space into contiguous, non-overlapping triangles. The vertices of each triangle are sample data points with x-, y-, and z-values.

For our lab exercise, we were asked to convert 2D building layers to a 3D features. The information is of buildings in the Boston, Massachusetts area. The shapefile and the Boston.tif file are from Mass.gov/Mass GIS. The files contain information on building polygon layers and elevation data, to help create a 3D representation of the buildings.

After working thru the lab and creating 3D representations of buildings in the Boston area, we were asked to export our work as and KMZ/KML file which you can be opened in Google Earth.

I enjoyed this week’s assignment very much. I liked being able to create 3D features and I also learned it takes lot of information to come together to be able to create a 3D features.  I have used KMZ/KML files for my job with the city.  I have only done it in 2D it has come in very handy.  In addition, I have been able to send the utilities department files showing the approximant location of the sewer manholes and hydrants, and updated city limits so they can use it in Google Earth.