Lab 3 Data Collection and Projections

For this lab, I collected public safety data from the UWF main campus by using the app Collector.
I also learned how to use the ArcGIS project raster tools to re-project data.

The first part of this lab revolved around data collection. I chose to collect data on crosswalks. Here, I set three conditions that explained the state of the crosswalks: excellent, fair, and poor. Before I could collect the data, I had to set up an empty feature class and share it as an editable feature layer. Then, I created a web map through ArcGIS online. My collected data was then synced to my web map through the Collector app.  https://pns.maps.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?webmap=c8b786ae31e34b6b8bf83a0a86b07c4c

The second part of this lab revolved around learning how to transform or project GIS data. I created feature classes from the original data (cntbnd_Sep15) through the Data Management Projections and Transformations Project Tool. Once the projections were made, I compared them visually and quantitively. The next step of the lab was to identify each projections' calculated square area of four Florida counties. Finally, a map was created that displays multiple map views of the different projected coordinate systems.  This map is the one you see above.

Lab 2 Cartography Map

This map represents the location of the University of West Florida within Escambia County and includes other important signifiers such as cities and rivers. The main objective of this lab exercise was to introduce the basic requirements of a professional map. We were encouraged to explore various methods of preparing a map layout. All maps we may produce require a title, north arrow, scale bar, creator, legend, date of creation, and data source.

While utilizing ArcGIS, I tried to maintain a neutral color scheme and a standard font. Here, the chosen font was Arial. When I was designing my map layout, I forgot that to move the inset map and its contents, the data frame needs to be activated!

Overall, this lab taught me to be wary of my color choices, as this is a major factor in the readability of a map. I also learned what map elements are essential to a functional professional map.