Author: cnheumasse

Chapter 3: Experience Builder

I found Experience Builder to be a flexible and engaging tool. I liked how it supports both 2D and 3D maps and gives you the freedom to organize pages and customize layouts using drag-and-drop widgets. It reminded me a lot of building a website, which made the process more approachable. The tutorials were very helpful in showing how to create pages, add interactive widgets, and even connect them with map data and pop-ups. I especially liked the idea of using message-based interactions between widgets to create a more dynamic experience. Experience Builder seems ideal for making visually strong and user-friendly web apps that go beyond static maps. I can see this being really useful for public awareness campaigns or educational outreach, where the goal is to make information accessible and engaging to people who may not have any GIS background.

Chapter 4: Web AppBuilder and Mobile GIS

Chapter 4 shifted the focus to mobile GIS and Web AppBuilder. I found the discussion of the “post-PC era” really interesting because it made me reflect on how much work we do on our phones and how GIS has adapted to that. Mobile GIS opens up so many possibilities for collecting data in the field and accessing real-time information. Tools like Survey123 and QuickCapture seem especially helpful for researchers, environmental monitors, and public health workers who need to collect or verify spatial data on the go. The Web AppBuilder felt more straightforward than Experience Builder, using templates and pre-made widgets to build apps quickly. It might be a good starting point for someone who wants to create a basic but functional app without needing as much customization.

Delaware Data Inventory

Since I already completed the Delaware Data Inventory in GEOG 291, I had a chance to revisit it with fresh eyes. The wide range of layers, from parcel boundaries to building outlines and zoning, really show how much spatial data is available at the local level. I found myself especially drawn to the environmental and infrastructure layers. The Dedicated ROW and Storm Sewer layers stood out this time because they could be really useful for planning community-based environmental health projects.

Application Idea

I’m thinking of creating an interactive app using Experience Builder that supports local public health efforts. The idea is to map out areas in Delaware County that may face higher health risks due to environmental or infrastructural factors. For example, I could combine data layers showing population density, access to healthcare facilities, stormwater infrastructure, and flood zones. The app could help identify areas where health services might be harder to access or where certain environmental conditions could increase risk. This kind of tool could be useful for the local health department or emergency services as they plan for outreach, resource distribution, or future development. I’d like to explore adding filtering and chart widgets so users can interact with the data and focus on specific neighborhoods or risk factors.

Chapter 1 Notes and Reflections

Chapter 1 provided a clear overview of what Web GIS is and how it is used across different fields such as public health, disaster response, and urban planning. I found it especially interesting that Web GIS can store data in the cloud or locally depending on the user’s needs. This flexibility makes it easier to collaborate while also managing sensitive data when needed. The chapter explained the key components of Web GIS like data, layers, web maps, scenes, tools, and applications. Seeing how they all connect helped me better understand how the system works. The tutorials were helpful in showing how to upload data, organize folders, and add images to pop-ups. It felt very user-friendly compared to older GIS tools.

Chapter 2 Notes and Reflections

Chapter 2 focused on different types of layers and introduced smart mapping, which I thought was one of the most useful features so far. It automatically suggests the best visual styles based on your data, which takes the pressure off when you’re not sure how to present information clearly. Another useful tool was ArcGIS Arcade. It reminded me of using Excel formulas but for maps. I liked how it allowed you to customize pop-ups even if the original data is missing certain attributes. Story Maps were another highlight. They let you combine text, images, videos, and interactive maps in one project. This format is great for telling stories and making complex data easier to understand. I can see myself using this tool to raise awareness about environmental or public health issues.

Application Idea Based on Chapters 1 and 2

1. Inspired by the reading, I’d like to make a Story Map that explores environmental justice issues in Delaware County. I could use demographic data, air quality measurements, and land use history to show how pollution and climate-related risks are unevenly distributed among different communities. This could be a helpful tool for local advocacy.
2. I also want to experiment with creating a Story Map about my own life. I could map out meaningful places like where I was born in Indonesia, where I live now in Ohio, and the schools I’ve attended along the way. It would be interesting to connect these places with short notes, photos, and lines that tell the story of how I got to where I am today. This could be a creative way to reflect on my journey and share it with others visually.

Hello! My name is Claire Heumasse. I’m a Biology major with minors in Environmental Science and Sociology & Anthropology at Ohio Wesleyan University. I’m originally from Indonesia, and I’m passionate about environmental justice and how we can use tools like GIS to better understand and respond to environmental issues. Outside of academics, I’m involved in the Women in Science club and the rock climbing club. After logging into my ArcGIS Online account, I spent some time exploring the various tabs in the upper-right corner like My Profile, My Settings, and My ESRI. I added my basic info to my profile and found it interesting how you can track completed training and access community forums directly from the dashboard. One thing I really liked was the Training section, which links to a wide range of beginner-friendly courses. I also found the ArcGIS Blog full of useful tutorials and articles on how people are using GIS in creative ways—like mapping coral bleaching or visualizing climate migration.

From the reading Get Started: What Is ArcGIS Online, two things stood out to me. First, I liked how clearly the guide explained the difference between map viewers, scenes, and layers—it helped me better understand the structure of projects I’ll be working on. Second, I found the part on how to share maps with others especially helpful; collaboration seems like a key strength of this platform.

I completed the ArcGIS Online Basics web course. I really enjoyed learning how to create and manage web maps and exploring different layer types. The interactive parts of the training helped me understand how to search for existing layers and add pop-ups to enrich map features. I appreciated how easy the interface made it to build a simple, yet powerful map.

 

I also browsed other ESRI training offerings and found a few that caught my eye:

• “GIS for Climate Action”
• “ArcGIS Location Sharing Privacy Best Practices”
  • Both look fascinating and I may follow up on one of these using OWU’s Connection Grant.

For the application exploration, I chose topics that reflect my environmental focus:

1. I explored an ArcGIS StoryMap titled “Environmental Injustice: How Pollution and Heat Inequity are Disproportionately Affecting Low-Income, Minority Communities in Urban Areas” by Anne Elizabeth Blackburn. This interactive map highlights how communities of color in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Houston face higher levels of air pollution and heat exposure due to systemic urban planning decisions and historical redlining. The StoryMap effectively combines maps, data visuals, and narrative storytelling to illustrate environmental racism and climate vulnerability. It’s a powerful example of how GIS can raise awareness and advocate for equitable solutions.

Source: Environmental Injustice