Author: nmirandaramirez

Preface +Ch.1: Before reading the book I was very nervous to start using ArcGIS Pro because I am not very good with technology. However, after reading the preface I felt reassured primarily because the book was set up in a step-by-step format. Therefore, I was very relieved when I noticed that chapter one was specific with its instructions and how to use the app, especially with finding the tabs, panes and other items. Despite these specific instructions I still struggled with finding these buttons but that could be due to my eyesight. That made the tutorial longer, but eventually, I believe I was able to manage most of the GIS settings and projects. Nonetheless, I would like to start working ahead with the other tutorials in order to avoid feeling overwhelmed. 

In this chapter, I learned that the file geodatabase is a folder that stores features and raster’s etc., meanwhile a project is a file that contains maps and related files. I also learned that the GIS software is able to detect certain features depending on the order they are displayed. Thus, the feature at the bottom of the pane is displayed first and then the layers above it are displayed afterwards. I learned that features that cover larger areas should be at the bottom of the list. I also believed that having buffers available was a good way of demonstrating the relationship between features, especially because they are transparent. Another interesting part of ArcGIS Pro was being able to see some features when you zoomed in on the map. This reminded me of Google Maps, where you can see individual street names or locations the closer you zoom in. Despite my technological struggles, I was happy to experience the basics of GIS and I hope to improve both my GIS and technological skills. I was able to improve on them throughout the other chapters, but I could always use more practice.

Ch.2: In chapter two I was able to learn how to add symbols and characterize my map. I learned that a thematic map can be used for solving a problem and consists of many layers. The importance of this map is to ensure that the features are identified as figures since it makes up the majority of the map. Otherwise, if a feature is not identified then the GIS will count it as ground. Part of the first tutorial was to display symbols for the New York map, which was fun because I really like colors. Although, for some reason the water on my GIS map was not turning blue, everything else was fine. In the third tutorial I also learned that a definition query is used to limit the features to a subset for a large collection. It is used to filter features of a layer instead of temporarily selecting features to work with. Throughout the chapter, I also noticed that some terms such as natural breaks, and quantile from the first book are mentioned. Furthermore, I also learned how to create a histogram which was interesting.

Even though this chapter was fun to explore especially with the colors, I still had technological difficulties. Throughout the chapter the instructions began to be less specific, especially when it came to the “Your Turn” exercises. I understand that these were meant to put into practice what we learned from the tutorial but since I don’t understand computer software and have bad vision, it was hard to complete it. Other times, the system would not allow me to fully complete my tasks so I had to skip some of the instructions. I still read over them to get an idea of how the features were supposed to work, so I would not fall behind. 

Ch.3: Throughout this chapter, I still struggled with the software at times but I still read through what I needed to do to make sure I understood what was going on. I also noticed that at this point the instructions were a lot less specific compared to the first chapter. Personally, I noticed that the wording for some of the instructions were complicated and it did not make much sense to me. Especially when it was referring to the sizes of rulers, guidelines or legends.  Another confusing part of the tutorial was when the instructions mentioned zooming in on a specific area on the map. Sometimes I would forget to use the bookmark system to zoom in on a location, which led me to manually do it and I would get confused when comparing my map to the example map. I do not think it was entirely required, but it would have been useful to have the same map section as the reference. 

I also thought it was useful to learn how to create a story and post a map on the website. This is useful because it may be helpful to share information with others, especially when it comes to expanding research. I believe that being able to have this source is helpful for students overall,when it comes to sharing data, giving credits and  asking for help during the research process. Towards the end of the chapter I was also able to learn how to create a bar graph using the map. At the end of all the chapters and tutorials I realized that there was a lot of statistics and graphing involved with GIS. As well as repetitive actions in order to change a certain symbol or feature. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the creativity allowed within the software and I hope I will continue to enhance my knowledge.

Ch 4: Chapter four  was very specific when it came to creating density maps, which are maps that show the level of concentration in different areas. Reading patterns on these maps are easy and useful to understand. Additionally, these maps can map density of features or feature values. Furthermore, these maps can map defined areas but not specific centers of density. One type of this map includes  dot density maps where each area is based on how much each dot represents. There are two specific versions of creating this type of map. One way is by representing the data graphically and the other way is when the analyst would individually control the amount of dots represented.  The other type of defined area map is a shade density area map, which is similar to mapping ratios, class ranges and colors. These types of map styles were mentioned in chapter one. 

In order to map specific places, using a  density surface map can identify individual locations. This type of map is good for point or line features that are concentrated. Although, with this type of mapping the GIS would choose a radius to identify the features within the area in order to map the data. Another important aspect of density maps are the density values. One way of creating density values was to use cell size which can determine the  clarity of patterns. Typically the  smaller the cell the  smoother the pattern, and the larger the cell the pattern is more coarse. At the end of the chapter, I realized there is a lot of work when it comes to creating GIS maps. It is also important to remember previous topics. Terms such as equal intervals or  quantiles were brought up from chapter three when using graduated colors to map density surfaces. It is important to  keep up with the readings and not forget previous subjects. 

Ch 5: Chapter five was very specific when it came to choosing the best method of selecting areas within a map. I learned that it is  important to map  areas to monitor current events within it and it is good for comparing any patterns or important information. In order to compare areas it is important to analyze the type of data used to describe each area. For example, if it was a single area, the researcher would monitor the  activity or summarize the information. Contrary, if it is multiple areas, the research would see how much of something is inside each area to compare. Another important aspect of mapping areas is to consider what kind of feature is inside each area. This can help determine which method to use to organize the data. The researcher could use a list feature which is listing all the features inside an area. One could use a count feature which totals the number of features inside an area. Summarizing the number of features within an area is a final method of collecting information.  

However, each type of method comes with its own challenges when it comes to including the total amount in an area. For example, using a list feature would require an inclusion of areas partially inside a boundary. Meanwhile, other features may have to be fully included within a boundary.  I believe that this is another example of the difficulties of interpreting data that the GIS system has. Furthermore, most of the data comes down to whether it is discrete or continuous. This means that the rest of the analysis is based on the type of data. Despite all the particularities of creating area maps, and interpreting data, it will make conclusions easier in the end. Especially when it comes to creating data tables or charts to represent data statistics. 

Ch 6: In chapter six I learned about mapping data information nearby the feature or original data. Gathering this information could help map and discover ongoing events nearby or plan for future projects. One of the methods used to gather nearby data is using distance, where time, money or distance is measured using straight lines within featured areas of influence. This method is efficient to estimate travel range. One way of achieving this is by using buffers which are extended lines to measure area within the features. Although, this data can use time or money to measure the straight line distance as well. Assuming that GIS measures the same distance, I wonder if the results would be the same even if the straight line distance was measured in different units. 

Additionally, it is also important to figure out how to interpret the values corresponding to the spatial area. There are some maps that would prefer to model the data on a flat surface while others prefer a round surface. The planar method is when the area is small enough to be represented and shaped as a flat map. Contrary, the geodesic map is when the area is large enough to appear correctly on a curved surface of a globe to present accurate results. Furthermore, the chapter also mentioned the importance of using count summary as previously mentioned in chapter five. This seemed a bit repetitive and redundant,  but it may also serve as a reference for the researcher to build on previous skills and enhance what they already know.  In this second reading assignment I was able to learn a lot about mapping densities and areas. As well as the importance of paying attention to nearby surroundings. It is also interesting to notice how previous skills and details build onto each other as the book progresses. Sometimes it enhances a previously mentioned topic, but other times it does feel repetitive. Nonetheless, I was intrigued by the amount of GIS knowledge I gathered and can’t wait to try it out!

Ch 1: After reading chapters 1-3 from Mitchell’s book, I finally understood the concern Schuurman had when it came to interpreting GIS data. These chapters explained how the GIS analyst has creative liberty to choose how to interpret their data. This includes symbols, classification themes, colors, etc. More specifically, the first chapter further acknowledges and supports the idea that anyone can use GIS. This could mean that the same symbols may be interpreted differently by other people. Also, the foundation of GIS study reminded me of the scientific method. It focused on the importance of formulating a question, gaining background knowledge and interpreting data. More specifically, it emphasized the importance of understanding the audience and type of data. Distinguishing between the different types of methods is helpful in order to get accurate results for GIS maps. 

One of the useful methods of organizing data is to put them into categories. Which would group similar features and represent them with a number. This type of classification, data setup, and map patterns reminded me of statistics. Particularly because this chapter provided examples on the different types of maps, patterns and interpretation of data. I learned that there are two different types of maps: vector model, and raster model. A Vector model has each feature described by coordinates in space and is represented by a row on a table. A raster model is where features are represented as cells. The book also mentioned other types such as continuous, discrete, phenomena etc. 

However, after reading the first chapter I wanted to know if one GIS system can create multiple maps. Or is it different systems that lead to different maps? With the different types of maps , such as continuous, vector or or raster, I got a little confused on how the GIS system works to create a map.

Ch 2: In the second chapter, I was able to understand the details of making a map through GIS as well as the importance of understanding their patterns. The chapter explains how organizing data using categories, types, or subsets may differentiate the map. Additionally it is also interesting to note that the GIS has a ‘good memory.’ In order to create maps, coordinates have to be given to each feature so the GIS can produce the visual. I thought it was interesting how the system may remember the coordinate or feature. I also believe that having a previous understanding of statistics would be beneficial for GIS, especially when it comes to drawing conclusions. I also felt that this chapter emphasizes similar information from chapter one so it felt repetitive. 

One of the most interesting details about the chapter was the importance of focusing on the audience. There were various points throughout the chapter that reminded the reader to carefully choose the details of the map for easy interpretation. One of the details to consider was how the features in different categories may affect the patterns on a map. Especially if these changes would lead to different results.  Additionally, having a map reference may help the audience understand the importance of the visual data. One of the most popular methods of helping the reader is to use colors to distinguish information. However, as the chapter mentioned, using more than 7 colors may be distracting since only the majority may distinguish them. Nonetheless, as a visual learner, it was interesting to see the examples used to elaborate on the types of maps and data sets used throughout the research. At the end of this chapter I understood how features work, but I was still struggling to understand if the map came from the analyst, GIS or both. 

Ch 3: Chapter 3 further explained the  importance of taking into account the type of data one wants to convey and their targeted audience. More specifically, it details the different types of quantities or counts, amounts or numerical values used for a feature. This chapter reminded me of the categorical vs quantitative data in statistics. Some of the details and information from this chapter felt, once again, repetitive. This chapter reminded me even more of statistics when it started to mention the standard classification schemes. These included natural break, quantile, standard deviation and equal intervals. A natural break is a large gap between values. This could mean that a data point is an outlier or the data may be skewed left or right. Quantile is an unequal amount of features, and compares similar areas. Standard deviation identifies features below or above the mean. An equal interval is like the range divided by the number of classes. 

This chapter also introduced different maps that included, graduated symbols, graduated colors charts etc. Graduated symbols focused on location and graduated colors focused on continuous phenomena. It was interesting to see how key concepts from the previous chapters would come together. Throughout the chapter, I started to understand that the researcher can choose different symbols that could be used to interpret the data, and afterward it would be inputted into the GIS system. Afterward, a map would be created and it would display patterns, colors, schemes etc. However a map may be different depending on the symbols the analyst decided to use in the system. Which could create different maps. I really liked that these chapters worked as a guide on how to create a GIS map. I hope I got the foundation of GIS but I hope the other chapters will help me better understand the system.