Chapter 1
Chapter 1 introduces us to the capabilities of ArcGIS Pro. The chapter focuses on describing the ArcGIS Pro interface effectively in order for us to understand what it is like to work with spatial data and analyze maps. It introduced a couple of definitions we must know, such as feature classes, rasters, file geodatabases, and projects, as well as a couple of tutorials for the ArcGIS Pro.Ā The file geodatabases clicked for me as a āhomeā for all my spatial data. Itās great knowing thereās a system to keep everything organized when working on complex projects. The step-by-step tutorials simplify the whole process for someone who is a beginner. This chapter does a great job introducing beginners to a technology like GIS and at the same time, it gives us the opportunity to practice. In addition, the examples that were used, such as the analysis of healthcare access in underdeveloped areas, make the content more relatable to the audience. One of the things that I found interesting in this chapter is the 2D and 3D maps. When we analyze something on a 2D map we have less information compared to a 3D map.Ā I had no idea that satellite images could be integrated into maps so easily, but learning that rasters are made of tiny pixels was fascinating. One question that came to mind when reading this chapter was what other fields could use these GIS techniques and help them develop. Reading about poverty risk areas and healthcare access reminded me of a conversation I had with a friend who works in public health. She once mentioned how hard it is to realize which communities communities are underserved without the right tools. This chapter, however, showed me that GIS could be that tool. Iām excited to move into the next chapters and learn how to create maps from scratch. I also want to explore 3D mapping more.
Chapter 2
Chapter 2 got me thinking about the science behind map design. The data needs to be carefully crafted onto the map. This chapter talked about thematic maps. I realized that these maps are around me during my everyday life without realizing it. I learned about how to balance the figure and the ground of a map and how to make it stand out. It made me realize how much thought goes into the maps that we often don’t realize. In addition, it was the first time I heard the word choropleth, however, I had seen these types of maps before. It is amazing how the same dataset can look so much different by dividing the data differently. There was one part that I found tricky and that was the definition queries, as it reminded me of coding. I realized that designing a map is a big responsibility because the choices that the creator makes will shape how people will view this data. This chapter made me realize how maps can be creative and technical at the same time. Also, I especially liked the vivid colors. Itās so satisfying to see the patterns that are created as the shades darken or lighten and how bright colors make the subject stand out. One thing that I liked too was labeling, as there is so much detail involved and it makes so much difference for the map. Iām looking forward to experimenting more with the tools in ArcGIS Pro. I want to get better at finding the balance between complexity and clarity, which is something that this chapter emphasizes a lot.Ā Iām excited to try creating more choropleth maps with different data to see how they compare. I also want to revisit 3D mapping and push myself to learn how to make it more intuitive.
Chapter 3
Chapter 3 was all about making maps usable and impactful for end users, and it gave me a whole new appreciation for how maps go from a tool for analysis to something you can share with others. This chapter connected with the previous chapters and consequently, the previous chapters made more sense. I hadn’t realized how all the elements that are needed to make a map come together and create this clean layout. Building layouts and charts was very interesting to me. Specifically learning how to build layouts made me feel like I was putting the last touches on something that I was going to publish after. ArcGIS makes it really easy to share maps online and that is something really important for someone like me who has no experience with things like that. I had heard about StoryMaps but I didn’t know much about them. I learned that they combine images, texts, and videos and that made me think about how can I use this for the projects that I have for school. I found it a bit overwhelming to figure out the best placements for all the elements in a layout. I was wondering how will I know if there is too much clutter etc. I loved the concept of online sharing but I am curious about how much control I can have after I publish the map. In general, I was wondering how much detail is too much or too little. What stood out to me in this chapter was how much thought I should put when making maps and how much detail is needed. Designing a map is a skill that I should develop but I think that following the instructions and tutorials in the book will make the process easier. I want to try publishing maps to ArcGIS Online in the future, so I am excited to see what I will learn next.