Chapter 3 – ArcGIS Experience Builder
In Chapter 3, I became aware of ArcGIS Experience Builder, a program that lets users design unique web apps without knowing how to code. Even people without a technical background can use it because of its easy-to-use interface. The capability to merge 2D and 3D maps caught my attention the most. Numerous opportunities for interactive spatial data visualization are made possible by this feature. Additionally, I valued the range of pre-made templates that aided in my app’s initial development. It was simple to modify and produce an interesting app because of the flexibility in content organization and the addition of various media types. This chapter demonstrated to me how easy web mapping can be, even for novices, and how non-developers can make sophisticated mapping apps.
Chapter 4 – Mobile GIS
The significance of mobile GIS was covered in Chapter 4, particularly in light of the growing use of wearable technology and smartphones to access spatial data. Learning about applications like ArcGIS QuickCapture and ArcGIS Indoors, which give users access to real-time spatial data on mobile devices and are increasing the efficiency of field data collection, was interesting. Despite their great convenience, I found that these apps have certain drawbacks, like small screen sizes and trouble managing big datasets. Nonetheless, field surveys and emergency response tasks benefit greatly from the ability to gather and evaluate data while on the go. The chapter clarified that while mobile GIS is excellent for certain tasks requiring mobility, traditional web-based GIS tools are still more suitable for more intricate analysis.
Application Idea
After reading these chapters, I came up with the idea for an app that addresses environmental issues in Delaware by fusing web-based mapping with mobile GIS. The app’s main objective would be to monitor the region’s invasive plant species’ spread. By using a mobile device to take pictures and geotag their location, users would be able to report sightings. A web-based dashboard would also be available for users to view and examine the data on an interactive map. Residents, local government officials, and environmentalists may find this app to be a useful tool for tracking and controlling the spread of invasive species. The app could support community involvement in conservation initiatives and give decision-makers useful information by fusing simple mobile data collection with an interactive web interface.
Delaware Data Inventory
I looked over a number of significant data layers that are pertinent to the area for the Delaware Data Inventory assignment. Among the most intriguing layers were the Flood Zones, which are crucial for disaster response and preparation, and the School Districts, which display the geographical borders of various school districts. I also looked into the Parcel Data, which displays property boundaries and ownership information, and the E911 Data, which gives emergency services the most recent information. Applications pertaining to real estate and urban planning may benefit from these layers. Road networks and building outlines provided a clear picture of the region’s infrastructure, while other layers, such as the Public Land Survey System (PLSS), were a little more complicated. Overall, reviewing the Delaware Data Inventory helped me see the depth of spatial data available and its potential for various GIS applications.