Chapter 1:
Chapter 1 is primarily focused on the basic fundamentals of Web GIS and some differences it has to other GIS systems, as well as its functions. One idea that stood out to me is how GIS has shifted from being a private software with projects conducted on private computers to something that is interactive and collaborative on the web through Web GIS. The chapter highlighted the importance of this. It allows GIS data to become much more accessible to whoever may need it. As well as provide a place to store and collect said GIS data. It is very convenient to have all of this data so easily accessible. In my eyes, the system seems to be structured around content (data and maps), possible capabilities (tools and analysis), and its users (people interacting with the system in different roles/ways). All of these topics were mentioned or detailed in Chapter 1. Another key takeaway from Chapter 1 is the importance of layers. Of course, we are able to manipulate and view the different layers within the actual ArcGIS platform. However, the ability to also perform this action on the web without any complex software is valuable. Being able to stack different types of information and turn them on or off makes maps much more powerful, as it changes maps from a boring static visual into a tool for analysis. So the fact that this is available through the web without needing to access any complex GIS programs is invaluable for accessibility reasons previously mentioned. All of this was highlighted in chapter 1.
Chapter 2:
Chapter 2 builds on the fundamentals of the previous chapter by focusing more on how data is presented. There is an extremely wide range of possible ways to present data within Web GIS. This chapter introduces Smart Mapping. Smart mapping is the idea to design maps in a way that matches the type of data being shown, ensuring the visual effectively communicates the information wanting to be displayed. It is a key idea, because it guides users toward appropriate visual styles based on their data. For example, if you want to display numerical data, it is often best represented with a color gradient. I am still thinking about how different visualization choices (like using a categorized map versus a heat map) can lead people to draw different conclusions from the same dataset. With Smart Mapping aiding the user, they do not need to be an expert in order to properly display their data in the most efficient way. I also found the explanation of system components and data types useful, in particular, the difference between hosted layers and non-hosted layers. Hosted layers are already existing data within the layer being published, and is managed online and already ready for users to use. Non-hosted layers are controlled by users, where the users manage the data. Chapter 2 explains the difference well. Overall, both chapter tutorials were understandable and simplistic to perform.
Applications:
I am very interested in plants and the ecosystems they live in. As previously mentioned, Smart Mapping could allow you to effectively display numerical data through a color gradient map. It would be cool to create a gradient map to show variation in plant growth across different areas. I could collect data by measuring plant height/density in several locations, with each location being assigned a number value based on the measurement I collected. Using a color gradient map, areas with higher plant growth could be shown in darker shades. While areas with lower growth could be shown in lighter shades. This would make it easy to identify patterns in length. Using smart mapping would help ensure this is done correctly.