Author: amgregory

Application 1

https://owugis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/attachmentviewer/index.html?appid=e3365a9e9ba547c1ba7bb384f6bc98bc 

In my first application, I decided to build an interactive web map that displays the various locations I have traveled to that I find meaningful. Through this idea, I considered framing it through the lens of environmental consciousness – which I did. As I have discussed throughout this course, environmental consciousness is a pressing concern that affects every individual. By mapping our own movements and lifestyles, we can better visualize our personal ecological footprints. This map was created using ArcGIS Online and Experience Builder, a platform that allows for a more immersive and user-focused experience than a traditional static map. My goal for this app was to move beyond simple data points and instead highlight a commitment to sustainable practices. I utilized a hosted feature layer to input specific locations, adding descriptions and categories that reflect my journey. This project aligns with my belief that minimalism—living with only the bare essentials—is a vital strategy for reducing waste. By exploring these locations in a structured, digital format, users can see how individual movement and residency are interconnected with the broader environment.

Application 2 

https://owugis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/3dviewer/index.html?appid=d4fa0652a4e449098bb922a0d54db0c9 

The second application I have chosen focuses on the visualization of a local park using ArcGIS Scene Viewer – the park being Mingo Park. As we move toward a more sustainable future, the way we design and perceive our shared green spaces becomes crucial. 3D web scenes provide a realistic experience that 2D maps cannot, allowing us to visualize height, depth, and the physical presence of nature in our communities. This is essential for addressing matters such as overexploitation. Through accurately modeling our natural resources, we can better advocate for their preservation and future. In this scene, I utilized 3D object layers and sketch layers to represent environmental features such as trees. One of the most impactful elements of this application is the daylight tool, which simulates how shadows and sunlight interact with the environment over time. I had fun playing around with it! Despite this feature being amusing, it highlights the importance of environmental conservation in urban planning, further showing how the air we breathe and the land we inhabit are affected by the physical structures around them. While some may debate that high-tech mapping is a pursuit of profit, I believe that using 3D GIS is a necessary step in driving economic growth that does not come at the cost of the planet. However, I do also believe that this technology is powerful and should be used carefully – similar to ArcGIS-Pro. All in all, this application is, and can be, used as a tool for scholars and activists alike to promote a deeper awareness of the natural world.

In chapter 7 of the textbook Getting to know Web GIS, the main focus was on 3D web scenes in ArcGIS and how they expand traditional 2D mapping into a more realistic experience. Instead of just looking at flat maps, 3D scenes allowed me and other users to visualize height and depth more clearly. These 3D scenes are called web scenes, which can include different types of layers such as feature layers, scene layers, and elevation surfaces. It was somewhat interesting to learn about the difference between photorealistic scenes and cartographic scenes. In scenes that are photorealistic, the use of imagery is applied in attempt to mimic the real world.  On the other hand, cartographic scenes use symbols driven by data. These symbols can include color and height, further representing information such as population density. This makes 3D useful not just for visualization, but also for analysis. The chapter also explained different scene layer types, with each scene layer helping users’ model entire landscapes and buildings. Some of the scene layer types discussed were 3D object layers (buildings), point clouds (LiDAR data), and integrated mesh layers (from drone imagery). These allow GIS users to model entire cities, buildings, or landscapes in detail. Moving on to the actual tutorial part of the reading, it showed how to actually build a 3D scene in Scene Viewer by adding layers (with the addition of styling them) and editing features. I liked how you can interact with the scene: rotate it, measure distances, and even simulate sunlight and shadows. The textbook made a connection between 3D GIS and newer technologies like VR, AR, and the metaverse. This link was interesting to me because it shows how GIS is expanding beyond just maps into immersive environments. This system is ever evolving and will be in use for years to come. I think 3D GIS makes maps way easier to understand, especially for things like cities or buildings. Seeing height differences visually is more intuitive than trying to interpret numbers on a 2D map.  At the same time, it feels more complex than 2D mapping. There are more settings (like elevation modes, z-values, and symbol configuration), which can be confusing at first so many buttons! However, once you get used to using this application, it becomes a powerful tool you can keep handy.

Application Idea 
One application idea for this chapter’s content would be creating a of a local park using my own collected data. For example, I could map trees, benches, and buildings as point and polygon layers, then use extrusion and 3D symbols to make them realistic. I could also include underground features like pipes or utilities if data is available. This would help visualize how space is used and could be useful for planning improvements or studying environmental patterns.

 

Chapters 5 and 6 from Getting to know Web GIS focus on caching, on-premises Web GIS, and the role of spatiotemporal/real-time data in GIS applications. While these concepts are more technical, they highlight an important shift in how GIS systems manage and deliver large amounts of data efficiently. These chapters emphasize how Web GIS supports dynamic and scalable data processing. Backtracking to the key term caching, particularly with tile layers, which improves performance by storing pre-built map images. Instead of generating maps every time a user interacts with them, cached layers allow for faster loading and smoother user experiences. This is especially important for large datasets or applications with many users. In contrast, on-premises Web GIS (ArcGIS Enterprise) allows organizations to manage their own data and infrastructure, offering greater control over security and customization compared to cloud-based systems like ArcGIS Online.

Chapter 6 introduces real-time GIS and spatiotemporal data, which adds both space and time into analysis. This allows users to track changes as they happen, such as traffic patterns, weather events, or sensor data. The ability to process and visualize real-time information shows how GIS is becoming more predictive and responsive, rather than just descriptive. An application of these ideas using my own data could involve tracking places I visit over time, such as study locations or travel patterns. By incorporating timestamps and location data, I could create a map that shows how my movement changes over days or weeks. Using cached layers would ensure the app runs efficiently, while real-time updates could make the data more interactive and relevant. These chapters also left me with questions about when to use cloud versus on-premises systems, and how to balance performance with data accuracy when working with real-time information.

The readings from Chapters 3 and 4 focus on ArcGIS Experience Builder and ArcGIS Web AppBuilder, both of which expand the capabilities of Web GIS by allowing users to create fully interactive applications. Simply put, these tools take web maps to another level. They provide a framework for designing customizable, user-focused GIS experiences that integrate maps, data, and interactive tools into a single platform. ArcGIS Web AppBuilder emphasizes convenience through prebuilt widgets and templates, allowing users to quickly create functional apps without coding. The art of coding is something I struggle with, so the use of this system is innovative. Beginners are especially being benefitted from this network for projects that need to be completed efficiently. In contrast, ArcGIS Experience Builder offers more flexibility and a modern design approach, allowing users to create more dynamic and visually engaging applications. Its drag-and-drop interface makes it adaptable across devices, which reflects the growing importance of mobile-friendly GIS.

 One of the most important takeaways from these chapters is how user interaction and design play a major role in Web GIS. It is not just about displaying data, but about how users engage with it through tools like filters, search functions, and interactive dashboards. This highlights a shift from simply presenting geographic information to creating meaningful, user-driven experiences. An application of these ideas using my own data could involve creating an interactive map of meaningful locations in my life, such as places I have lived or traveled. Using Experience Builder, I could design an app that allows users to filter locations by category and view images or descriptions tied to each point. This would create a more immersive and organized experience compared to a basic web map. These chapters also raise questions about when to prioritize simplicity versus customization, and how design choices can influence how effectively users interpret geographic data.

The readings from Chapters 1 and 2 focus on introducing Web GIS and how it has evolved into an accessible system for sharing and analyzing geographic data. Simply describing Web GIS as online mapping would be an understatement – the merging of cloud computing, web services, and GIS has completely transformed how spatial information is used. Web GIS allows users to access data from anywhere and create interactive applications without needing advanced programming skills; in other words, it is quite user friendly. One of the most important concepts discussed, in my opinion, is the role of the geospatial cloud. Particularly in ArcGIS Online, this platform allows users to store, manage, and share geographic data through hosted feature layers, which can be created from simple formats like CSV files. These layers act as the foundation for building web maps and apps, which can then be customized with symbology, pop-ups, and attachments such as images or videos. The workflow from data to layer to map to app highlights how interconnected each component of Web GIS is.

Another key takeaway is how Web GIS supports a wide range of applications, from government decision-making to everyday navigation. The shift toward real-time data and mobile access makes GIS more relevant, making it more used than ever before. This also raises questions about data accuracy and management, especially as more users contribute information. An application of these ideas using my own data could involve creating a map of places I have lived or traveled to. By uploading location data and attaching photos, I could build an interactive app using the Attachment Viewer template. This would allow users to explore each location in a structured and visually engaging way, demonstrating how Web GIS can be used not only for analysis, but also for personal experience.

Alyssa Gregory Week 1

Hey everyone! I’m Alyssa Gregory, and I’m looking forward to continuing my experience with GIS in this course. I have already taken GEOG 291, because of which I already have some familiarity with ArcGIS Online and its user interface. This week, I finished the required tasks which included reviewing the syllabus and schedule and completing the training course. Because of my experience in GEOG 291, navigating ArcGIS Online felt somewhat easy and familiar. Also, while looking through my account, I noticed that the My Profile section can be used to organize and present projects in a more discrete and professional way, which seems important beyond just this class and in the workplace too. I also looked at the Training and Help sections, which showed how learning GIS is an ongoing process, with a wide range of resources available depending on how proficient you are. The reading “What Is ArcGIS Online” reintroduced some ideas I had seen before and also helped clarify the bigger picture within those ideas. One key point is that ArcGIS Online is a cloud-based platform, which makes mapping more accessible and flexible compared to traditional GIS software (so many files to download!). Another important note of ArcGIS Online is its focus on sharing and collaboration. This software shows how maps function not just as tools for analysis, but also as a way to communicate information and connect people.

In addition to looking over the website, I completed the ArcGIS Online Basics training course. This course served as a review, while also providing a deeper knowledge of certain features. In the training, I practiced adding and styling layers. These actions showed how presentation of data can influence how it will be interpreted. The course also emphasized that maps are not neutral, and that design choices play a role in shaping understanding (this idea was presented in various sections throughout GEOG 291.

While looking through other ESRI training options, I found a few that seemed especially useful in the future: Spatial Analysis with ArcGIS Online and Getting Started with Mapping and Visualization. These courses seem like they would help build more advanced skills and a stronger understanding of how GIS can be applied. Exploring GIS applications through Google and Google Scholar showed how widely this technology is used in different fields.

Noise pollution mapping uses GIS to measure and put numbers into visual images. The mapping data will include variation in sound levels throughout different areas. This will be especially clear in cities with heavy traffic or even just a high-density population. These maps help identify high-noise zones and guide decisions like adding sound barriers or planning where to construct roads.  Source: Slabbekoorn, H. (2019). Noise pollution. Current Biology,29(19), R957–R960. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2019.07.018

 

Indoor GIS focuses on mapping spaces inside buildings like airports, hospitals, and malls, where GPS and the internet doesn’t work well. This helps with navigation and emergency response services. This is done by using detailed floor plans and spatial data.  Source: Li, Y., Kong, N. N., & Hum, K. (2021). Indoor GIS Solution for Space Use Assessment. Papers in Applied Geography, 7(1), 104–116. https://doi.org/10.1080/23754931.2020.1843526