Category: Uncategorized

Chapter 3 introduces us to the basic of ArcGIS Online Experience Builder which included creating various  widgets such  as a 2D map widget, 3D map widget and a table view widget. All of these were able to put into one centralize page using the experience builder and specifically with the 2D and 3D map widgets, we were able to allow the two to interact with each other if one was for instance zoomed in, the other would zoom in. Chapter 3 also introduced us to pages and ho to create and navigate between multiple pages, for instance, we had a page that showed the data summary  view for hurricanes and earthquakes as well as outside websites which we linked the FEMA website.

Chapter 4 introduces us to mobile integration of ArcGIS online which first included creating surveys with Survey123. Through the creation of a survey through Survey123, we were about to log a particular location on a map embedded within the survey through the Survey123 app downloaded on a phone and see that data in the analyze tab on Survey123 web. We were also able to do something similar using ArcGIS QuickCapture. Using QuickCaputure, we was able to create and equip buttons to be able to allow a perosn to capture photos from the QuickCapture app on a phone which would then also be uploaded to ArcGIS online to see the location of where the photo was taken and for what purpose which depended on which button you clicked within the app. I see this best being used to capture data on  a variety of things which could includes plumbers capturing data on plumbing issues within buildings across a town or city and its location and being able to later go back and look at that data.

Ch 7: In this chapter, we were introduced to the basic terminology of web scenes and the types of scene layers. We learned how we could create scene layers using ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Drone2Map. We also learned how to create web scenes using Scene Viewer, and were introduced to 3D-related fields such as VR, AR, XR, metaverse, indoor GIS, urban planning, agriculture, and others. We first explored various scene layers in Scene Viewer and were taught how to use Scene Viewer to create web scenes with thematic and realistic symbols, and also how to edit feature layers with z-values enabled. This one was fun to me as it reminded me of last ½ semester’s work. Being able to create an actual map and see different aspects of it in a 3D version.

 

An application could be creating a 3D GIS map showing walking and biking trails around Delaware. I would use online trail locations, elevation data, and satellite pictures to display the different routes and their surrounding landscapes. The map would be able to help people find outdoor rec spots and could compare trail distances.

Ch 5: In this chapter, we learned how to use ArcGIS Enterprise. We learned its components and supporting platforms, including Kubernetes, and were then introduced to caching. This is an important technique because it helps us create cashes like vector tiles, raster tiles, and feature tiles for feature layers. We learned how to publish these different types of layers as well through ArcGIS Pro. This allowed us to create a comparison web app to compare the vector and raster tiles. Through the tutorials we were able to find, add, and symbolize spatial data layers within a map viewer, and learn how to understand how to query or style the features to extract meaning from a certain location. I thought that this chapter wasn’t too bad; the only annoying thing is that I wasn’t able to download ArcGIS Pro onto my computer, so I had to go into the lab.

 

Ch 6: In this chapter, we learned the basic concepts of spatiotemporal data, the values and challenges of loT, and the ArcGIS products that can meet these challenges. We learned how to use ArcGIS Velocity, ArcGIS GeoEvent Server, ArcGIS Dashboards, and ArcGIS Mission. We were taught how to use real-time layers in web maps, create dashboard apps with actions, and use Arcade-based formatting. We were also able to create time-enabled layers and animate time-series data. This chapter was really cool to me, as we were able to make a board that had operational data on certain geographic features (hurricanes and earthquakes).

 

An application for these chapters is that I could create a GIS map that tracks weather patterns across the US. Using public data from NOAA, the map would be able to display temperature, precipitation, storms, and other weather conditions in different locations. The map could use real-time data to show changing weather conditions and allow users to compare weather patterns between different regions. Caching could help the map load faster by storing frequently accessed weather information.

Chapter 3:

This chapter gives an inside look into the ArcGIS Experience Builder and explains why and when to use it as opposed to using basic configurable web apps. Experience Builder allows for use of more features, choices, visual control, and flexibility of interactive web app design. Benefits of this include: making responsive web apps without writing any code, combining 2D web maps and 3D web scenes into a single view, working smoothly across desktop computers, tablets, and smartphones, and setting up actions so that different widgets can interact with each other automatically. The chapter explains the main building blocks of an app (pages, windows, templates, themes, data sources, and widgets). Pages and windows are used for structure, themes allow certain visual designs, data sources add web maps or feature layers. Widgets are split into functional tools (maps, tables, charts, dynamic text boxes, and filters) and layout tools (sections, rows, columns, and sidebars). Experience Builder comes in three editions: ArcGIS Online, Portal for ArcGIS, and Developer edition, which lets you build custom widgets.

The tutorial for this chapter explains the step by step process for making a complete web app that displays historical earthquake and hurricane data using both 2D and 3D map views. The tutorial begins with picking a template, adding 2D map and 3D scene data sources, and creating section views to allow users to switch back and forth between map views and data summaries. It demonstrates how to set up map triggers so that panning or selecting features in the 2D map updates the 3D map automatically. It also explains adding dynamic summary statistics inside of a text box, building an interactive attribute table, and configuring a widget controller to house Filter and Chart widgets. It then walks the reader through creating a multi-page web app with navigation links in the header.

Application: Creating an economic development web app for Delaware County. This app would combine 2D land maps and 3D building models. Users would be able to filter available commercial properties by acreage or zoning type using a table and chart widget, and selecting a property in the table would zoom both maps directly to that spot. It would also allow for both city planners and business owners to visualize local growth potential across different townships.

Chapter 4:

This chapter involves mobile GIS and field data collection apps. It shows how location tracking, mobile workflows, and web mapping tools are used to gather, update, and manage geographic information directly in the field. Mobile GIS makes Web GIS technology available for field workers, allowing them to record data, perform asset inspections, and track locations accurately. The chapter talks about three primary ArcGIS mobile applications: ArcGIS Field Maps, ArcGIS Survey123, and ArcGIS QuickCapture. Field Maps uses map layouts to collect data, display smart forms, and connect to high-accuracy GPS units. Survey123 uses form surveys with smart display logic created through XLSForm design. QuickCapture uses large buttons to make capturing data quick and simple while moving in vehicles or on foot.

The tutorial in this chapter shows the reader how to set up a full field data collection workflow. It shows how to create feature layers with fixed drop down rules (domains) and subtype settings, build smart forms with required questions and dynamic visibility rules, configure offline map areas for locations that lack cell service or internet connection, and collect data on a mobile device that updates an online web dashboard being used.

Application: Creating a park asset inspection app for city maintenance workers across community parks in Delaware County. Staff working in the field would be able to use mobile devices to report damaged playground equipment, snap and upload photos, select repair priority levels from drop down menus, and send reports back to an administrative dashboard. This would allow for faster repair time, improvement of public safety, and up to date records in the parks.

 

Chapter 5

Chapter five covers caching and on-premises Web GIS. Different types of map layers are used to help web maps work better. ArcGIS Enterprise is a platform that allows for creating, managing, analyzing, and sharing geographic information among organizations. By using ArcGIS Enterprise, GIS data is managed through organization servers. Raster and vector tile layers were covered again. Each layer has advantages. In the practice, I connected ArcGIS to a portal for publishing layers. I compared different titles and learned to understand how caching helps maps load faster. Choosing the correct layer type is important because it affects the perforation and the interaction of the maps. How does an organization decide if they are going to use ArcGIS Online or ArcGIS Enterprise?

Chapter 6 

 

In chapter six there was a focus on maps and spatial data being used for real-world applications and patterns to make decisions. I followed the practice to explore geographic information and watched the layers work together. One question I have is how these tools can be used to analyze more complicated problems. When all of the information comes from different sources, how do they determine which is accurate? 

An application I could use this for is showing a real-time traffic map. For example, right now my route to school is shut down and I have to use an alternate route. Many other people treaveling from Morrow County to Delaware are in the same dilemma. By using the information and inputs from other people I could have a real-time map to plan my commute better. This would be similar to how GPS shows roads in red that are backed up. 

Chapter 5:

I found Chapter 5 of GTKWGIS very interesting. It touched on some very important Web GIS features, including raster tile layers (which deliver maps as image files in the PNG or JPG format) and vector tile layers (customizable data that delivers maps as grouped vector files in the PBF format). The chapter’s tutorial also has a great guide on how to use them effectively to create a web map, which was very helpful.

The chapter also talked about ArcGIS Enterprise, which is a variation of ArcGIS Online. While it has some key differences, it includes several configurations, such as on-premise and online/cloud availability.

Application:

One application I can think of based on the content in Chapter 5 would be an environmental conservation organization comparing a vector and raster tile layer of the same forest to track deforestation rates across (for example) a 20 year time interval. The raster layer would be the older layer of the two, due to the fact that raster layers are more static/unchanging than vector layers.

 

---

Chapter 6:

I thought Chapter 6 of GTKWGIS was quite interesting, as it discussed some more real-life uses of Web GIS that I could be implementing in my final project. The chapter went over Web GIS features like IoT (a network of physical objects embedded with sensors and network connectivity that allow these objects to connect and exchange data) and ArcGIS Velocity (a real-time GIS product that provides real-time analytic features, feed items and big data analytic items.)

The chapter also went over ArcGIS Dashboard, which provides a comprehensive view of the resources and systems you are using. It integrates web maps and a variety of data uses to provide you with the best overview of your project. This includes charts, lists, and indicators that can update automatically if need be. One question I did have about this feature is whether AI could be successfully integrated into the model, to allow for the production of predictive analytics based on previously seen data.

Application:
One application I can think of for these functions would be a researcher using IoT to track an endangered bird species in their natural habitat or a national park. The IoT could track migration patterns, bird rates as well as mortality rates over a long period of time.

Chapter 7

Unlike traditional two-dimensional GIS, which displays geographic information using length and width, 3D GIS adds height or elevation. This allows users to view geographic features from different angles and better understand their shapes, sizes, heights, and spatial relationships. Three-dimensional GIS uses X, Y, and Z coordinates to represent geographic features. The X and Y coordinates represent horizontal locations, while the Z coordinate represents elevation or height. This technology helps users understand geographic environments more realistically than traditional flat maps.

ArcGIS Scene Viewer is a web-based application used to create, explore, and share interactive 3D geographic scenes. Users can add geographic data layers, change symbols and colors, adjust elevation, view buildings in three dimensions, measure distances, and perform basic spatial analysis. Scene Viewer makes it possible to explore 3D geographic information through a web browser without requiring specialized desktop software. 3D GIS can also focus on mapping and visualizing the interior spaces of buildings. Another important topic is virtual reality, augmented reality, and extended reality. Virtual reality creates a computer-generated environment that allows users to experience a virtual world. Augmented reality adds digital information to the real-world environment, such as displaying underground utility pipes through a mobile device. Extended reality is a broader term that includes virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality. These technologies can improve how people interact with geographic information and understand their surroundings. 

Chapter 7 teaches how 3D Web GIS improves the way geographic information is displayed, understood, and analyzed. Understanding these concepts is important because 3D GIS provides more realistic visualizations and supports better decision-making in urban planning, construction, transportation, emergency management, and environmental studies.

 

Chapter 5

Chapter 5 explains how Web GIS systems are designed to improve the speed, performance, and accessibility of geographic information over the internet. One of the major concepts discussed in this chapter is map caching. Map caching is the process of creating and storing map images, known as tiles, before users request them. Instead of generating a new map every time someone opens an application, the system retrieves previously created map tiles from storage. This makes maps load faster, reduces the workload on GIS servers, and allows many users to access maps simultaneously.

There are different types of caching used in Web GIS, including raster tile caching and vector tile caching. Raster tiles are pre-generated map images that are stored and displayed when users access a web map. Vector tiles contain geographic information and styling instructions that allow maps to be displayed more flexibly. Unlike raster tiles, vector tiles can be restyled, rotated, and customized. On-premises Web GIS refers to a system in which an organization installs, operates, and maintains its GIS infrastructure on its own computers and servers instead of depending entirely on cloud-based services. Maintaining an on-premises GIS requires technical knowledge, hardware, software updates, and regular maintenance.

Overall, Chapter 5 emphasizes the importance of efficient Web GIS infrastructure. It explains that caching improves map performance, while on-premises Web GIS and ArcGIS Enterprise give organizations greater control over their geographic information.

Chapter 6

Chapter 6 focuses on spatiotemporal data and real-time GIS. Spatiotemporal data combines two important dimensions: spatial information and temporal information. Spatial information describes where something is located, while temporal information describes when something happens. Combining these details allows users to understand how the vehicle moves from one location to another over time. Real-time GIS, which refers to the collection, processing, analysis, and display of geographic information as events occur or shortly afterward. Real-time GIS is useful in many areas, including transport. This information helps organizations respond quickly to events and make better decisions. IoT refers to physical devices connected to the internet that collect and exchange information. These devices collect information from their surroundings and transmit it to computer systems for processing. GIS can then display the collected information on maps, allowing users to monitor conditions and identify geographic patterns. 

ArcGIS Velocity, an Esri capability, is used to process real-time and big data streams. It allows organizations to receive streaming information, analyze geographic events, identify patterns, and generate alerts.  

ArcGIS Mission supports communication, coordination, and situational awareness among teams. It allows users to share geographic information and coordinate activities through a common operational picture. This can be particularly useful during emergencies when response teams need to understand their locations, communicate with one another, and coordinate their activities.

ArcGIS Dashboards are interactive applications used to display important geographic information in one place. A dashboard can contain maps, charts, tables, lists, gauges, and indicators. They support interactive actions, meaning that selecting a feature on a map can automatically update other dashboard elements, such as charts and tables. Finally, Chapter 6 introduces Arcade, an expression language used within the ArcGIS platform. Arcade allows GIS users to calculate values, format information, create conditional expressions, and customize the way geographic information is displayed. This makes GIS applications more informative and useful for decision-making.

Overall, Chapter 6 demonstrates how combining geographic location with time-based information makes GIS more powerful. It explains how real-time data, IoT devices, ArcGIS Velocity, dashboards, and Arcade can help organizations monitor events, understand geographic changes, and make timely decisions.

Application Idea

Animal Movement Tracking is one application idea. I would use GPS data to track real-time locations and movements of animals, such as deer, birds, or turtles. Using cached map services would be useful because it would display animal habitats and movement routes quickly, while real-time GIS would show changes in animal locations over time. This would allow for users to view animal locations on an interactive map and study their movement and preferred patterns and habitats.

Chapter 3

Overall, while not a very difficult chapter to complete, Chapter 3 contained a few instructional inaccuracies which made it difficult to complete. The Experience Builder was both informational and interesting, and I was very intrigued while messing around with different inputs for the 2D to 3D map companion. Especially analyzing natural disasters near or in Ohio, or separating out earthquakes by magnitude or the date they occurred. What I had the most difficulty with was the vague or inaccurate and outdated descriptions for certain locations within the software. For example, it took me quite a while to locate and update the trigger and action data sections. They are in very different places than described in the textbook. Additionally, I had an odd glitch where the Dynamic Content function only worked if I did not set the text box size to the one as directed by the textbook. It did end up working, but my text boxes ended up a little out of frame.

Chapter 4

Chapter 4 introduced many new concepts to me, and was completely foreign to me even with my experience in GEOG 291. All of the apps functioned slightly different than listed, and did not run very well. If this exact textbook is taught in the future, maybe reducing the amount of these apps used per chapter would be helpful? I found the process quite frustrating to manage myself, and often had to consult outside sources to fix glitches with the app or the data itself. One such example was the fact no matter what I tried in the editor, I could not get my data for Line Incidents to work in either app. The apps also frequently crashed for me, and overall it was an unpleasant experience to deal with. The most helpful and straightforward app was Quick Capture, which actually worked quite well!

Potential Applications:

Experience Builder may allow those who are considering moving to states with higher rates of natural disasters to both analyze, consider their moving location, and prepare for future disasters. Additionally, Experience Builder makes it easy to compare to maps side-by-side and in the exact same location at the same time, making a side-by-side analysis of climate maps or other environmental changes due to climate change easier to monitor. Quick Capture would be a particularly helpful app for field work, especially with defined categories for each button (for example, a specific salamander species could be captured and added to a data set with just the press of a button, unlike software like iNaturalist which requires users to input necessary data).

Chapter 7

In this chapter, I learned about creating and using web scenes, or 3D maps. Web scenes are becoming increasingly important because they have advantages over 2D maps in visualization, analysis, and communication. The visualization aspect of web scenes can be categorized into two groups: photorealistic and cartographic. A photorealistic map aims to create a version of reality, while a cartographic map uses 3D representations to highlight features or symbols. The elements that make up the analysis portion of web scenes include surfaces, features, textures, and atmospheric effects. In particular, the building scene feature layers stood out to me as extremely useful because they allow you to visualize complex models of potential buildings and their components. Finally, the chapter details how we communicate information in these web scenes through VR, XR, and Metaverse. While the concept of Metaverse seems a bit disturbing to me, I appreciate how these technologies create immersive experiences in the maps. Additionally, something cool I learned in this chapter was that ArcGIS CityEngine was used to create massive urban environments in many Disney and Pixar movies. In the tutorials for this chapter, I learned how to create a web scene from a 2D map, symbolize 3D objects, perform a basic 3D analysis in Scene Viewer, and a variety of other techniques in web scenes. These tutorials have probably been my favorite so far because they were relatively easy for me to navigate and I enjoyed working with 3D maps more than 2D.

Application Idea: I would create a web scene of Margaret Sagan Softball Field here on campus. The layers I would add include the field and the surrounding scenery (point layer), the sprinkler system (underground layer), and the dugouts (extruded polygon layers). I would also include fences, the press box, bleachers, trees, pathways, and objects that provide context to the surrounding area.