Author: mwkarim

After reading Chapter 6, I realized it’s focused on spatiotemporal data—basically data tied to both time and location—and how it’s used in real-time GIS. I found it pretty eye-opening, especially the part about the Internet of Things (IoT). I hadn’t really thought about how devices like smart thermostats or traffic cameras are constantly feeding data into systems like ArcGIS.

One of the coolest parts was learning about ArcGIS Dashboards. They make it easy to visualize live data, kind of like an infographic that updates itself. I also liked the idea of time-enabled layers—being able to scroll through time to see how things change is super useful.

Application idea: I’d like to build a dashboard using Delaware County data to track how land development affects nearby waterways. With zoning, parcel, and hydrology layers, you could see where development might be putting wetlands or streams at risk.

Chapter 3 – ArcGIS Experience Builder

In Chapter 3, I became aware of ArcGIS Experience Builder, a program that lets users design unique web apps without knowing how to code. Even people without a technical background can use it because of its easy-to-use interface. The capability to merge 2D and 3D maps caught my attention the most. Numerous opportunities for interactive spatial data visualization are made possible by this feature. Additionally, I valued the range of pre-made templates that aided in my app’s initial development. It was simple to modify and produce an interesting app because of the flexibility in content organization and the addition of various media types. This chapter demonstrated to me how easy web mapping can be, even for novices, and how non-developers can make sophisticated mapping apps.

Chapter 4 – Mobile GIS

The significance of mobile GIS was covered in Chapter 4, particularly in light of the growing use of wearable technology and smartphones to access spatial data. Learning about applications like ArcGIS QuickCapture and ArcGIS Indoors, which give users access to real-time spatial data on mobile devices and are increasing the efficiency of field data collection, was interesting. Despite their great convenience, I found that these apps have certain drawbacks, like small screen sizes and trouble managing big datasets. Nonetheless, field surveys and emergency response tasks benefit greatly from the ability to gather and evaluate data while on the go. The chapter clarified that while mobile GIS is excellent for certain tasks requiring mobility, traditional web-based GIS tools are still more suitable for more intricate analysis.

Application Idea

After reading these chapters, I came up with the idea for an app that addresses environmental issues in Delaware by fusing web-based mapping with mobile GIS. The app’s main objective would be to monitor the region’s invasive plant species’ spread. By using a mobile device to take pictures and geotag their location, users would be able to report sightings. A web-based dashboard would also be available for users to view and examine the data on an interactive map. Residents, local government officials, and environmentalists may find this app to be a useful tool for tracking and controlling the spread of invasive species. The app could support community involvement in conservation initiatives and give decision-makers useful information by fusing simple mobile data collection with an interactive web interface.

Delaware Data Inventory

I looked over a number of significant data layers that are pertinent to the area for the Delaware Data Inventory assignment. Among the most intriguing layers were the Flood Zones, which are crucial for disaster response and preparation, and the School Districts, which display the geographical borders of various school districts. I also looked into the Parcel Data, which displays property boundaries and ownership information, and the E911 Data, which gives emergency services the most recent information. Applications pertaining to real estate and urban planning may benefit from these layers. Road networks and building outlines provided a clear picture of the region’s infrastructure, while other layers, such as the Public Land Survey System (PLSS), were a little more complicated. Overall, reviewing the Delaware Data Inventory helped me see the depth of spatial data available and its potential for various GIS applications.

Hello! My name is Wasif Karim, I’m from Bangladesh, doing a double major in CS and Physics at Ohio Wesleyan University, and I am set to graduate in May 2026. I’m taking this class because of my growing interest in geography and how technology, especially GIS, can be applied in diverse fields. Additionally, this course provides me with the perfect opportunity to integrate my programming skills and problem-solving techniques into new and exciting areas. Outside of my academic pursuits, I have been working in a Fortune 500 company as a software engineering intern since my sophomore year. I’m also the current president of OWU Robotics Club where enjoying working on various robotics projects like self-driving cars, autonomous drones, and so on.

Upon diving into ArcGIS Online, I first focused on the account settings and customization options. I found the platform’s user interface to be intuitive and straightforward, which significantly streamlined my navigation through various features like profile settings, data management tools, and training resources. One aspect I particularly appreciated was the flexibility to integrate and manage multiple data layers, allowing for more complex spatial analyses. The data integration and querying capabilities within the platform are impressive, especially considering my background with data-driven applications. The connection to external APIs and the ability to leverage Python scripting for automating geospatial processes is an exciting prospect for further exploration. Additionally, I explored the “My ESRI” section, where I could track available resources and training, which aligns well with my previous experiences in utilizing online development environments.

One notable takeaway from the reading was learning how ArcGIS allows for adding different layers to maps, which not only helps visualize multiple data sets simultaneously but also enables collaboration by sharing maps with others. Additionally, I appreciated the detailed explanations in each section of the reading, which will definitely be useful whenever I need guidance on how to perform specific tasks within ArcGIS.

For my free training this week, I completed the “ArcGIS Online Basics” course. I learned about different types of web layers, their functions, and how to work with them in a more efficient manner. I especially enjoyed the hands-on practice with the platform’s map creation tools, which gave me a solid introduction to creating interactive maps and using GIS data. Here is a screenshot showing the completion of the activities in the four main sections of the course:

For my Google Scholar search (Carte de postes en eau autonome – Map of posts in eau autonome), as I was particularly interested in how GIS is used in the field of robotics and autonomous systems, areas I have hands-on experience with. One interesting article I came across was about using GIS to optimize autonomous vehicle navigation and path planning, which aligns closely with my personal project of developing an AI-driven self-driving car.

For my second Google Scholar search (Dron- loisir drone survol zones), I focused on the use of drones for recreational and environmental surveying. One article I found discussed how drones are being used for mapping and surveying various zones, including environmental and urban areas. The study highlighted how drones can capture high-resolution imagery and geospatial data, making it possible to monitor environmental conditions such as vegetation, water levels, and urban expansion over time. The integration of GIS with drone technology allows for detailed analysis and monitoring of areas that are otherwise hard to access, and it serves as a great tool for sustainable urban planning and conservation efforts. This aligns well with my interest in leveraging drones for advanced environmental and spatial analysis.

 

I’m excited to continue learning more about how GIS can complement my knowledge in programming and autonomous systems. The first week has been a great introduction, and I look forward to exploring more advanced features and applications of ArcGIS Online throughout the course.