Author: wbsiegenthaler

Chapter 1
Chapter 1 introduced the fundamentals of Web GIS and emphasized how it’s becoming a powerful tool across different industries like government, business, research, and education. What really stood out was how flexible and far-reaching this technology is especially when it comes to hosting and sharing data. Whether the data is hosted in the cloud through ArcGIS Online or managed directly by users, Web GIS makes it possible to connect all the essential parts: data, layers, web maps, scenes, tools, and apps. Seeing how these elements come together to create interactive and shareable maps helped make sense of the whole system.

The tutorials were especially helpful in reinforcing the concepts. I learned how to create new items, add them to folders, attach images to popups, and publish maps for public viewing. The process felt pretty intuitive, especially after some experience with ArcGIS Desktop. Still, Web GIS offers a new level of accessibilitym it’s built for broader use and makes sharing data and visualizations much easier.

Chapter 2
Chapter 2 went deeper into layer types and introduced smart mapping, which is a feature that really simplifies the process of styling maps to highlight patterns in the data. It was useful to see how smart mapping uses defaults and data driven logic to help users make clean, meaningful visualizations without needing a background in cartography. The table outlining different mapping styles was a good reference and gave me a better idea of how to choose the right map type depending on the project.

I also learned about ArcGIS Arcade, a scripting tool that’s used to customize how data is displayed in popups even when certain attributes aren’t already available. It reminded me of using formulas in Excel, just adapted for GIS. Popups themselves were covered in more detail too, showing how they can be personalized to help map users understand what they’re looking at more quickly.

Another part of the chapter that stood out was Story Maps. These allow users to combine text, media, and interactive maps into one cohesive narrative, making them a great way to communicate information to people who might not be GIS experts. The tutorials walked through how to create story maps using different types of blocks like swipe comparisons and timelines, which added even more creativity and clarity to the presentation.

Applications Based on Chapters 1 & 2
The ideas from these chapters sparked several potential applications. For example, a dot density map could be used to show all the pet stores in the area that sell cat toys. A heat map could display the concentration of cat owners based on licensing data or survey responses. Another application could be a web map highlighting popular landmarks or attractions in Delaware County, which would be helpful for tourism or education purposes. I also thought about using a feature layer to show currently unused agricultural land in the county, which could help with land use planning or sustainability efforts. A more advanced idea would be to create a flood resilience planning app, using local data to show how future infrastructure projects might be impacted by flood risk. This could be really valuable for both residents and local officials as they make decisions about development.

Hi, my name is Will Siegenthaler. I’m from Chicago and currently majoring in Economics at Ohio Wesleyan University. I’m a member of the men’s lacrosse team and also work as an economics tutor on campus. Tutoring has been a great way for me to strengthen my own understanding of economic concepts while helping other students succeed.

I recently started exploring ArcGIS Online through my OWU account. I was impressed by the amount of resources available, especially in the Training section where there are plenty of free courses for students. I also spent some time looking through the ArcGIS Blog, which features real-world examples of how GIS is being used across different industries. It helped me start thinking about how these tools might connect to fields like economics and sports analytics.

After reading “Get Started: What Is ArcGIS Online,” I realized how much more this platform offers beyond just creating maps. Features like the Living Atlas give users access to a wide range of datasets, and the platform encourages collaboration, which is great for team projects or research work.

I also completed the ArcGIS Online Basics course, which introduced me to how data layers work and how geographic information can be visualized in meaningful ways. One of the tools that stood out to me was the Web AppBuilder—it allows you to build interactive web apps without needing any coding experience. That’s a huge plus for someone like me, who’s more focused on data analysis than programming.

ArcGIS Online plays an important role in the public health world by helping professionals better understand and respond to community health needs. With the ability to visualize data geographically, organizations can track where services are lacking, streamline operations, and prepare more effectively for unexpected health events. The insights gained through spatial analysis lead to smarter planning and stronger outcomes when it comes to improving access to care and overall well-being.

When I first started exploring ArcGIS Online, I found a heat map from a study focused on plant behavior. The map pulled together data from March through May of 2014 and tracked plant activity during those months. This kind of visualization could be especially helpful in monitoring how flowering patterns shift when temperatures fluctuate, offering potential connections to allergy seasons or agricultural impacts both of which tie into public health planning in different ways.

Overall, tools like ArcGIS Online give health professionals and researchers a powerful way to turn data into action, leading to more targeted, effective, and sustainable health strategies.