Author: ttweber

Chapter 7 covered creating and navigating 3D web scenes. I learned about photorealistic scenes, which recreate real-world textures, and cartographic scenes, which turn 2D data into 3D thematic maps. It was interesting to see how different scene layers, like 3D objects and building layers, can be combined for detailed visualizations. I also explored tools like VR, AR, and indoor GIS for immersive mapping. A question I had was how large 3D scenes perform on mobile devices. Managing detail without slowing down seems important for real-world use.

For my application, I would create a 3D web scene of land use and ownership in Delaware County. Using parcel and zoning data, I would extrude parcels and color-code them by type, helping visualize patterns for planning.

Chapter 6 introduced the concept of spatiotemporal data, information tied to both space and time, and showed how it plays a major role in real-time GIS applications. I thought the examples of real-world uses, like 911 call tracking or live environmental monitoring, really helped connect the technical ideas to practical situations. It was especially interesting to see the Internet of Things (IoT) mentioned, since I had only thought about it in a historical or abstract way before. This chapter made it more concrete by showing how sensors, networks, and real-time processing tools like GeoEvent Server and ArcGIS Velocity work together to collect and use data on the fly.One of the most useful tools introduced was ArcGIS Dashboards, which makes it easy to present live data using maps, charts, and filters. I also learned how to animate time-series data using time-enabled layers and web apps, something I had seen before in GEOG 291 but was able to explore in more depth here.

For my project idea, I would create a dashboard showing how land development in Delaware County may affect nearby waterways and wetlands. By combining parcel, zoning, and hydrology data, I could highlight where new developments overlap or come close to sensitive environmental areas. Users could filter parcels by zoning type, view statistics on buffer zones near streams, and interact with time sliders to see how development patterns have changed. This tool could support better decision-making for sustainable growth and help raise awareness about water quality and habitat protection.

Chapter 3 

Chapter 3 focused heavily on the Experience Builder, and I found the whole process incredibly engaging. What stood out most was how intuitive and user-friendly this tool is, even for individuals without a deep GIS background. Being able to create web maps using both 2D and 3D perspectives added a new layer of interactivity, and organizing content through widgets made the experience more dynamic. One idea that came to mind during this chapter was to build a web map visualizing crime patterns in Delaware County. With widgets and charts, users could explore what types of crimes occur most frequently, and where hotspots are located. It would be a powerful tool for community awareness and decision-making.

Chapter 4 

This chapter highlighted the importance of Mobile GIS, especially for real-time data collection and access. One of my favorite tools was Survey123, which was surprisingly simple to set up and personalize. I liked how I could tailor the survey to local issues, then deploy it on my phone and analyze the results back on my computer. I also learned how to publish editable feature layers and explore Field Maps—a useful tool for tracking and recording data while in the field. The rapid data collection section especially stood out for its practicality in fast-paced, real-world scenarios.

Application Ideas 

I’m thinking about applying these GIS tools to the world of urban infrastructure and municipal maintenance. Using web maps and mobile apps, cities could streamline how they collect, visualize, and respond to infrastructure issues. For example:

• Residents could report issues like broken sidewalks or illegal dumping via Survey123.

• City crews could access Field Maps to view problem areas in real time and log repairs.

• City planners could use a web map dashboard to identify which areas consistently have the most reported issues and allocate resources more efficiently.

This kind of system would make city services more responsive, transparent, and data-driven, while also engaging the public in maintaining the spaces they live in.

Data Inventory

Done in 291

Chapters 1 and 2 provided a solid introduction to Web GIS and how it’s used to share and work with geographic data online. I learned how systems like ArcGIS Online make it easier for users to create interactive maps and apps. Chapter 1 explained how Web GIS has evolved and how it connects different components like data, servers, and users into one system. The tutorial showed how to create a basic web map app that displays points of interest, which helped me understand how Web GIS apps are structured.

In Chapter 2, the focus was on smart mapping and the role of feature layers. I learned how these layers let users visualize data in meaningful ways and how maps can be styled to highlight different patterns or trends. The tutorial in this chapter showed how to use population data to build a map that tells a clear visual story. One thing I’m curious about is how to decide which symbology or mapping method works best for a given dataset? Are there general rules, or is it mostly up to the user?

Geog 291 Application

To apply what I learned, I created a simple Web GIS app using population data from Delaware County. I used smart mapping to show areas with higher or lower populations. This kind of app could help explore local demographic trends or support planning decisions. It was a good way to practice using hosted layers and the map styling tools introduced in the chapters.

My name is Trey Weber. I am a Junior on the Lacrosse team here. I’m a Finance major and I’m minoring in Economics. I am from Denver, Colorado. In my freetime I like to ski and work on cars with my dad.  

I spent some time looking through last semester, but spent much more time exploring my ArcGIS Online account, and I was honestly surprised by how much it offers. The Training section is super helpful. It had tons of courses ranging from quick tutorials to in-depth lessons that span weeks.

One thing that stood out was the ArcGIS Blog and the Community forums. It’s cool to see how active the user base is, and I even found answers to a couple of things I was stuck on last semester just by browsing.

Through the “Intro to ArcGIS Online” page, I learned you can build and share maps in 2D or 3D, collaborate with others, and everything is saved to the cloud. I also didn’t know you could automate tasks in ArcGIS Notebooks or use Instant Apps to quickly turn your maps into interactive web apps.

The ArcGIS Online Basics course was also useful, it broke down different sharing settings (Private, Group, Organization, Public) and gave a good overview of app-building tools like Dashboards, StoryMaps, and Experience Builder. I really appreciated the step-by-step guidance and knowledge checks.

Overall, exploring the platform more deeply has shown me how much more ArcGIS can do beyond just making maps. It’s definitely something I’ll keep going back to throughout the semester.

Urban Planning: Enhancing City Development

ArcGIS Urban is a web-based 3D application designed to improve urban planning and decision-making. It allows planners to visualize projects within their local context, analyze data, and create sustainable environments. By evaluating multiple zoning, land-use, and development scenarios with 3D visualizations and urban analytics, stakeholders can address challenges such as housing shortages and climate resiliency.

Public Health: Improving Health Outcomes

ArcGIS Online is utilized in public health to enhance health outcomes, increase accessibility to healthcare, and build healthier communities. By applying GIS, public health professionals can identify coverage gaps, improve workflows, and plan for unforeseen events. This spatial analysis leads to better resource allocation and more effective public health strategies.

Sources: 

https://www.esri.com/en-us/arcgis/products/arcgis-urban/overview?

https://www.esri.com/en-us/industries/health/overview?