Module 3 - Projections and Data Collection

    For this week's module I compared how different projections can cause the calculated area of created maps to differ. A map was created for the Albers, UTM 16 N and the State Plane N projected coordinate systems. With these maps I compared the areas of select Florida counties.

    I found that the larger the county's area, the greater the differences between the projections are. Of the four selected counties, Miami-Dade showed the greatest amount of difference. This week's module also involved field data collection.

    I chose to catalog the condition of fire hydrants in my neighborhood, and was surprised at how user-friendly the ArcGIS Field Maps App is. I encountered no issues during my data collecting, and I understand how the app would be useful in the field due to its portability and its utility. The offline sync option seems to be especially useful for data collection in post-disaster areas or other areas with poor phone service.

Module 2 - Cartography

    This module had us create a UWF Main Campus location map. This module taught me what the essential map elements are and how to examine GIS metadata.

 

    I placed the essential map elements near the borders of the map as to not draw too much attention to them. I was able to use dynamic text to insert the prepared date. UWF is highlighted in red in the main map, and Escambia County is highlighted in the inset map. I chose this contrasting color to emphasize their relevance.

    We were asked to find the extent of Escambia in degrees, and I was initially unable to get the software to switch its display units. By changing the Output Coordinate System to NAD83 Florida GDL Albers from Albers Conical Equal Area (FGDL) and then changing the display units to decimal degrees I was then able to obtain the degree values of Escambia's extent.

 

    I enjoyed the map creation process and I am looking forward to making more as I improve my cartographic skills.