This week I read chapters 1 and 2
Chapter 1-
This chapter was an introduction to Web GIS, including the history and what went into developing web GIS. It discussed the advantages to the use of GIS for web, which include global reach, low cost per user, easy to use, and so much more. I learned the common patterns of GIS which are Mapping and visualization, Data management, Field Mobility, Monitoring , Analytics, Design and Planning, Decision support, Constituent engagement, and sharing and collaboration. I also learned the five main types of content. Data, Layers, Web maps and scenes, tools, and apps. Apps are the “face of Web GIS”, and are offered in bundles such as office and field app bundles, that users can configure and work on their own. The chapter then defines the main user types and the privileges given to each, which include viewers (who can only view items), storytellers (can only create stories and express maps), editors and field workers (who can only view and edit data), creators, GIS professionals, and Insights Analysists (who can edit, create, share content, and do analysis). I then learned about the components of a Web GIS app. Base maps provide context, Operational layers are themed layers for use, and tools go beyond mapping and carry out common tasks like geocoding and routing. It then walks you through tutorial 1 which walked me through Points of Interest in Redlands, California.
Chapter 2-
This chapter introduced me to feature layers. I learned about the different types of hosted layers. Hosted feature layers (which are used to visualize data on top of the base maps), Hosted Web Feature Service (WFS) layers, Hosted tile layers, Hosted vector tile layers, Hosted web map tile service (WMTS) layers, Hosted scene layers, Hosted image layers, and Hosted map image layers. It then details how to publish those layers, and use smart mapping. I learned I could make many different map styles with smart mapping. I really like to heat maps, they look really pretty to me, but you can also make color and size maps, comparing maps, relationship, dot density, predominant, type and size, continuous timelines, vector field. I also learned how to incorporate pop ups into my maps for things like videos and graphs, and attribute values. The chapter then taught me “storytelling” with GIS apps, and exactly what the app should include to make the experience fast, fun, and easy. It’s a simple equation of maps, narrative, and multimedia that creates a story. It then took me through tutorial 2, which worked with US population change data. I really enjoyed this tutorial and working with the map and different layers to create a story.