Author: anbahrey

Getting to Know Web GIS (2022, 5th edition)

Chapter 7

Photorealistic (recreates reality using photos to texture features) and cartographic (moves 2D thematic mapping techniques into 3D) are the two main types of scenes, or 3D web maps. 

The 4 main elements of scenes are surfaces, features, textures, and atmospheric effects. 

The Main Types of Scene Layers (3D Layers):
3D Object Scene Layers – Used to represent and visualize 3D objects.
Building Scene Layers – Allow the user to visualize complex digital models of buildings and interact with all the components of a building.
Integrated Mesh Scene Layers – Constructed using Drone2Map, which is a desktop app that turns raw, still imagery from drones into valuable information products.
Point Cloud Scene Layers – Provide a fast display of large volumes of symbolized point cloud data.
Point Scene Layers – Used to display large amounts of point data not possible with a point feature layer.
Voxel Scene Layers – Represents multidimensional spatial and temporal information in a 3D volumetric visualization.

The General Steps to Creating Web Scenes:
1. Choose a global or local scene
2. Choose a basemap
3. Add layers
4. Configure layers (layer styles, labels, pop-ups)
5. Capture slides (if needed)
6. Save and share 

VR uses headsets or multiprojected environments to generate 3D views, sounds, and other sensations that simulate a user’s physical presence in a virtual environment. XR refers to all real-and-virtual combined environments and human-machine interactions (AR, VR, and MR). A metaverse is a network of 3D visual worlds focused on social connection.

ArcGIS Urban applies GIS technology to urban planning to streamline plan creation, analyze the impact of plans, visualize current projects, and facilitate public engagement. 

Chapter 7 – Web Scene Using Feature Layers and 3D Object Symbols (Carpocalypse)

 

Application based on ideas from Chapter 7

I could create a 3D web scene that shows where light pollution might be highest in Delaware County, helping identify areas where wildlife or human health could be impacted. Using land use and building footprint data, I would upload these layers to ArcGIS Online and build the scene in Scene Viewer. I would then extrude the buildings to visualize densely built-up areas and use smart mapping to color-code land use types, highlighting commercial and industrial zones that typically contribute more to light pollution. I would also add a layer for parks or open spaces to show which natural areas are most affected by nearby development.

Getting to Know Web GIS (2022, 5th edition)

Chapter 6

Moving, discrete, stationary, and change are the categorical groupings of spatiotemporal data. The time value of an event can be a point in time (e.g. moment of lightning strike) or a duration of time (e.g. the time a wildfire starts and ends) in spatiotemporal GIS data. 

IoT is the network of physical objects embedded with sensors and network connectivity that enable these objects to collect and exchange data. Smart cities (supply information to assist a city in managing assets and resources efficiently) are an enterprise IoT application and smart homes are a consumer IoT application. 

The basic components of both ArcGIS Velocity and GeoEvent Server are ingest, process, and output. Feed items, real-time analytic items, and big data analytic items are exclusive to ArcGIS Velocity. 

The poll or the push method may be used to deliver real-time data from servers to clients. The traditional approach is the poll method where a client periodically polls the server to retrieve the latest data. The push approach is a new way to serve data using the HTML5 WebSocket protocol. 

ArcGIS Dashboards allows the user to monitor and track events in real or near real time by providing a common view of the systems and resources being managed. 

ArcGIS Mission provides geospatial collaboration and tactical awareness capabilities. The three components of Mission are Mission Manager (web app), Mission Responder (mobile app), and Mission Server (ArcGIS Enterprise server). 

Animating time-series data allows the user to visualize the data at each step, or interval, and see patterns and trends emerging over time. Animating time-series data involves creating a time-enabled layer, adding the layer to a web map, and creating a web app using ArcGIS ready-to-use web client.

Chapter 6 – Dashboard

 

Application based on ideas from Chapter 6

I could create a web dashboard that explores how land development in Delaware County affects local waterways and wetlands. By combining parcel, zoning, and hydrology data, the dashboard would visualize which properties are located near sensitive environmental areas. Users could interact with the map, filter parcels by zoning type, and view statistics like the number of developments within a certain distance of streams or wetlands. Charts, indicators, and pop-ups would make it easy to understand where development might pose a risk to water quality or natural habitats. This kind of application could promote environmentally responsible planning by making complex spatial data clear and engaging for the public.

Getting to Know Web GIS (2022, 5th edition)

Chapter 3

Web apps created using Experience Builder are called web experiences. Web experiences contain at least one page and can have multiple pages or windows.

Creating a Web Experience:
1. Pick a template (Web AppBuilder classic, mapcentric, dashboard, web page, or website)
2. Select a theme
3. Add source data
4. Add and configure widgets (functional and layout) (configure content, style, and action settings)
5. Refine layouts
6. Save, preview, publish, and share

Widgets, or a JavaScript and HTML component that encapsulates a set of focused functions, can be categorized into two groups: message actions (listen to triggers and perform actions automatically) and data actions (actions button that users can click and select from a list of actions to perform). Triggers, targets, and actions are the three components of message action configurations. 

The three editions of Experience Builder are embedded in ArcGIS Online, embedded in Portal for ArcGIS, and developer edition, with new enhancements first added to the ArcGIS Online edition, then to the developer edition, and finally to the Portal for ArcGIS edition. 

 

Chapter 4

Mobile GIS refers to GIS for use on mobile devices (smartphones and tablets) and is built mainly on android, iOS, and Microsoft Windows operating systems as well as wireless communication technology (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular network technology, and satellite internet services) and positioning technology (GPS and IPS). 

Hosted feature layer views provide a direct way to share data with the public and simultaneously allow members within the organization to keep that data up to date.

A feature template defines the types of data items that users can add to a layer.
Data integrity: Prevents users from entering invalid values for important attributes
Ease of editing: Makes it easier for users to know what type of feature they are using or adding

Depending on the development of the team’s skillset, the application’s required functionality, the targeted platforms, and the amount of funding available, a mobile app may be developed using a browser-based approach, a native-based approach, or a hybrid-based approach.

ArcGIS Field Maps allows organizations to plan and coordinate fieldwork, access maps online or offline, capture accurate data and return it to the office, and obtain the locations of mobile users as well as monitor their current location and analyze their previous locations. 

Survey123 provides two ways to design smart forms: Web Designer (quickly build surveys with no training) and ArcGIS Survey123 Connect (supports more advanced question types or more complex rules). 

ArcGIS QuickCapture is designed to capture data from a moving vehicle.

ArcGIS Indoors assists in understanding the location of things and activities happening within an organization’s indoor environment.

ArcGIS Companion allows the user to access their ArcGIS organization, content, and profile.

Chapter 4 – Survey

 

Application based on ideas from Chapters 3 & 4

I could create an Emergency Response Routing App to assist first responders in Delaware County with identifying optimal routes during emergencies. Using data layers like road networks, traffic patterns, fire stations, hospitals, and parcel data, the app would generate the fastest and safest routes based on real-time conditions. First responders could input an incident location, and the app would analyze road closures, traffic congestion, and proximity to emergency facilities to recommend the best path. Interactive features could allow users to visualize service areas for fire stations and hospitals or predict delays based on historical traffic data. This app would improve response times and enhance coordination between emergency services.

Getting to Know Web GIS (2022, 5th edition)

Chapter 1

Web GIS is accessible and versatile with many ways for information to be shared and utilized by various organizations. The five main content types of web GIS: data, layers, tools, web maps and scenes, and apps (basemaps, operational layers, and tools are basic components). 

Depending on where the underlying data is stored, feature layers can either be hosted or nonhosted.
Hosted: A web service is based on ArcGIS- managed data (data is stored in ArcGIS Online cloud database or ArcGIS Data Store)
Nonhosted: A web service connects directly to user-managed data (data is stored and managed by an organization)

Workflow for Building Web GIS Apps = Data sources, desktop tools, ArcGIS Online/ArcGIS Enterprise, client apps

Attachment Viewer is an instant app template that allows the user to quickly build an app that presents spatial data with a feature-by-feature browsing experience and image-based display.

Chapter 1 – App

 

Chapter 2

Feature layers are the most common type of operational layers and hosted feature layers are the most widely used operational layer. Hosted feature layers, hosted Web Feature Service (WFS) layers, hosted tile layers, hosted vector tile layers, hosted Web Map Title Service (WMTS) layers, hosted scene layers, hosted image layers, and hosted map image layers are all all types of hosted layers that can be published to the Esri geospatial cloud. To publish a hosted feature layer, a user could create a feature layer from their own data, create a feature layer from an existing template, or create an empty feature layer and define their own fields interactively. 

Smart mapping uses intelligent defaults, data-driven visualizations, and innovative workflows to allow the user to share professional-quality maps easily and with minimal cartographic or software skills. 

ArcGIS Arcade allows the user to build custom expressions based on existing fields and geometries the way that Microsoft Excel allows the user to write formulas to work with their spreadsheet. 

ArcGIS Living Atlas provides basemap, imagery, boundaries, people, infrastructure, and environment content categories.

The types of blocks (components used to build a story) include sidecars, slideshow blocks, map tours, swipe blocks, and timeline blocks.

Chapter 2 – Story Map

 

Application based on ideas from Chapters 1 & 2

I could create a Flood Resilience Planning App to help Delaware County officials and residents see how new infrastructure projects might be affected by flooding. Delaware data layers like floodplain boundaries, road networks, parcel data, and elevation contours would visualize areas prone to flooding and how developments might be impacted. Users could explore “what-if” scenarios, like whether a proposed road expansion could become a flood hazard or if a new neighborhood is at risk. Interactive tools could allow users to click on specific locations to see flood risk levels, past flood events, and property ownership details.

Hello! My name is Ashley Bahrey and I am a junior Zoology, Environmental Science, and Geography major. I am from Bristolville, Ohio and I like to make jewelry and crochet in my spare time. I also have three cats that I love and adore!!!

Upon poking my OWU ArcGIS Online account, I was able to discover a lot about Esri and the resources that I can interact with. I did not expect the available training courses to have estimated completion times ranging from hours to weeks. I also found the Field Operations training curriculum category surprising, but it certainly makes sense that enhancing field data collection accuracy would improve the overall efficiency of GIS projects. I have stumbled upon the Esri Community page while troubleshooting for desktop GIS and I think it’s really cool that there is a public place where users can come together to solve problems and the records of these exchanges can be used to craft a solution to a similar issue. 

Reading through “Get Started: What Is ArcGIS Online” exposed me to loads of awesome tools I will be able to use to visualize 2D and 3D data with ArcGIS Online. I learned that the ArcGIS Notebook Editor includes a Tasks feature that allows you to schedule notebooks to run automatically, meaning ArcGIS can process data or generate reports on a set schedule without you having to run them manually. I was also introduced to Instant Apps for quickly building web apps, Web AppBuilder for more customizable apps, and Field Apps for data collection in the field, which are selected based on what you want the app to do (viewing, analyzing, or collecting geographic data).

ArcGIS Online Basics Training Course:
The ArcGIS Online Basics training course showcases the general capabilities of ArcGIS Online and provides a good summary of web layer types and functions. The scenarios for choosing the appropriate sharing level (private, group, organization, or public) at the end of section 3 demonstrated why it is important to consider who can access your organization’s content in certain scenarios. Section 4 taught me about how ArcGIS app builders allow you to create interactive web apps without coding, offering tools like Instant Apps, Dashboards, StoryMaps, and Experience Builder to enhance your content and engage your audience.

Two Esri online training courses that look interesting to me are “Getting Started with Data Management” and “Using GIS to Solve Problems”. I believe that learning how GIS data is structured, stored, and accessed as well as a five-step process to solve a problem using GIS would better equip me with the skills to utilize GIS efficiently in the future.

Search 1: “ArcOnline atrazine”

This map is found in a StoryMap made in ArcGIS Online which recaps a 2021 study led by Atreyi Guin, graduate student at the University of Michigan, that identified the stream networks vulnerable to pesticide (atrazine) contamination within the North Raccoon River Watershed in northern Iowa using the weighted overlay method in ArcGIS Pro. 55% of streams fall under the risk of being contaminated with pesticides from the adjacent corn fields and of those “at risk” streams, nearly 19% are in close proximity to highly populated areas with a population of more than 10,000 people.

Search 2: “ArcOnline superfund sites Ohio”

This is a map of Superfund reuse sites, or formerly contaminated Superfund sites that have since been remediated and are being repurposed for new, safe, and productive uses (green space, commercial, residential, public service, industrial, military/federal use, or mixed use projects) in Ohio. Data points were obtained from the Superfund Enterprise Management Systems (SEMS) database and the map is updated as more sites are placed into reuse (last updated on October 8th, 2024).