Week 4 Vector Analysis Lab

For this lab, I learned how to utilize the Buffer and Overlay tools and I learned how to distinguish between attribute and location queries. Vector data was analyzed by using spatial queries. Additionally, the overlay tool was utilized to combine or exclude several features.

The first part of this lab revolved around learning how to recognize the various types of shapefiles and feature classes. Spatial analysis was also a focus. I practiced the skills of creating and manipulating a geodatabase in ArcGIS Pro. I then imported a .mxd file which I had to run several location queries on to locate the data I wanted. One such query was locating land parcels that are within one mile of Escambia County hospitals. Next, I used the select by location option to select data features that fall completely within the Enterprise_Zones layer. The final steps were to find intersecting features and to spatially join tables. Overall, this part of the lab further enforced my knowledge on how to utilize queries and other aspects of spatial analysis by having me find the number of risk features within each drainage basin in Escambia County.

The second part of this lab produced a map that identifies possible campsites within the De Soto National Forest that are not within conservation sites. Buffer analysis was utilized. The steps included creating a fixed distance buffer with the Roads layer. Next, I created a variable distance buffer with the Water feature class. A multi-ring buffer was used to create the Roads_MulipleringBuff300m layer.  By utilizing the attribute tables, I was able to add new fields to the Water_Buffer and Roads_Buffer layers so I could perform a union with them. This step produced the Buffers_Union layer. Because I wanted to identify potential campsites in the forest that are not within conservation areas, I needed to exclude the conservation layer from the map. Once this was complete, I distinguished the areas. The map above is a representation of my product. The campsites are represented by one of three colors; grey, red, or yellow. The grey regions have the least amount of area while the yellow regions have the most.

I am also including a map that below that identifies all of the potential campsites (that are not in conservation areas) as one cohesive color. The area percents are not included in this map.