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Chapter 3:

ArcGIS Experience Builder was made to be more configurable and flexible than other apps. This chapter introduces the terminology of the software as well as the layout and templates, etc. A web experience contains at least one page but can also have multiple pages or windows. A page is a document rhat is the foundation for the app’s layout, you can choose from a template. Windows are complimentary to pages and only have body content. A web experience has one theme and each page can have one template. Experience Builder has two types of widgets: basic and layout. Basic widgets are functional and can perform as app tools. Layout widgets are containers that help to organize widgets. 

Chapter 4:

This chapter provides an overview of Mobile GIS and three options for building apps. It introduces Esri mobile apps, and discusses the popular types of apps and frontiers. Some advantages of Mobile GIS are mobility, location awareness, ease of data collection, near-real-time information, large volume of users, and a versatile means of communication. Mobile app development includes many different approaches, browser-based, native-based, and hybrid-based. ArcGIS Field Maps is a new product that combines several previous products. It is an all-in-one solution that can support the different phases of field workflow. 

Application:

I think it would be interesting to use this software to create apps that display environmental quality indicators, such as water quality, air pollution, and proximity to resources. This would be helpful for scientists and policymakers to identify areas and populations that are at risk or at future risk for environmental hazards. This would also be a great tool for the public as they could create buffer zones around their homes and they can see the highest risks in their local area. 

Week 1

Hi all, my name is Luke, and I am a Junior ENVS Major here at OWU. Having already taken the 291 course, I was already familiar with the layout of the class page and website. I did, however, go into the settings and change the theme to “coffee”, which I thought looked nice, and also added a short biography to my profile. 

While reading through the “Get Started” article, one thing that stood out to me about ArcGIS Online was how much easier it is to share maps and data with the Online version compared to the Pro version. Being able to collaborate and share information seems like a very useful aspect of ArcGIS Online. Another aspect I read about in this article was that ArcGIS Online is also available on iPhones and tablets, which seems like another very useful feature. Overall, ArcGIS Online appears to be a more accessible software, with more emphasis on collaboration and sharing than the Pro version. 

In the ArcGIS Online Basics training course, I learned about the sharing capabilities within the software, such as the private, group, organization, and public sharing options. These options allow users to limit access to maps that might be private and share them with their desired audience. I also learned about the different types of layers, such as features, tiles, and map images, and how to identify whether a layer is a basemap layer or an operational layer. 

Two courses I found that might be interesting to complete were the “Forest-Based Classification and Regression Analysis Using ArcGIS Pro” and “Analyze Imagery with Raster Functions Using ArcGIS Online.”

One article I read came from the ArcGIS blog and explained how mapping can be used to display urbanization patterns and the expansion of urban areas. This can be done in a variety of ways, but the most common is measuring green space within an area and calculating NDVI, as shown in the image below. 

https://www.esri.com/arcgis-blog/products/arcgis/imagery/use-imagery-and-demographics-to-address-rapid-urbanization 

Another study I found interesting came from a parks district in my home state of Minnesota, which used aerial drone imaging to take pictures of deer, then used ArcOnline to create deer zones to better understand local deer populations. 

Week 2

Chapter 1 emphasizes the sharing capabilities of ArcOnline and how it can be used at any level of experience with GIS mapping. In short, the online version makes GIS more available to everyone, allowing GIS users to share information with peers in other professions and the general public. Content types were also highlighted in this chapter, such as data, layers, web maps, scenes, tools, and apps. It also explains the difference between basemaps and operational layers, in which basemaps provide reference or context, and operational layers can be edited by users for whatever purpose they need. I also learned about the difference between hosted and non-hosted feature layers, where hosted layers use data stored within the ArcGIS software, and non-hosted data comes from outside sources that a user or organization uploads. Attachments can also be uploaded to Arc and used to include more information or a visualization of a location on a map. 

The Chapter 1 tutorial showed how to create a map, upload imagery and files, and do basic edits to it, such as editing data within a point. It also explained how to share a completed map and how to create a web app from a web map. 

Chapter 2 dives deeper into the many types of layers and how to publish them. It also introduces the concept of smart mapping, which allows users to style their layers so that their maps display an intended purpose. Some examples of this are heat, color, and size, relationship, dot density, and type and size map styles. Pop-ups can also be useful for creating a more detailed map. When a location is clicked, a default pop-up shows the list of attributes and values for that location. Users can also add images, charts, and other external data to pop-ups to create a more interactive map. This chapter also highlights the different ways that users can explore and preview maps, such as map tour blocks and slideshows.

The chapter 2 tutorial showed how to edit layers using the styles pane, and how data can be displayed in a way that is visually appealing and makes sense. Using storymaps was a little complicated with how many options there were to add different types of text, images and animations. I found the express maps to be useful in creating a quick and simple visual. 

One application I thought of was to use data from colleges and universities to visualize changes in student enrollment over a period of time. This could be used to see trends in the preferences of college students when selecting schools, which could be used by schools to make changes to meet their enrollment goals. This could also be further developed into a web app that allows prospective students to suggest where they should go to college, based on how their interests and educational needs line up with those of students currently attending those schools.

Ch. 3: The map portion of this chapter went very well and I was able to easily create the maps needed. I can see how this would be useful in displaying all sorts of data. However, I had several issues with the data summary portion. First of all, I found out that using the link given in the tutorial does not work on a MacBook, so I had to go to the link in my browser, download the image, and upload it manually. Secondly, the views navigation widget would not work, which might be why I could not get the dynamic content widget to work later on, even though I made sure I was following the instructions.

Ch. 4: I had several issues with this chapter as well, most notably that the URL that had our data for the chapter would not load when I typed it into my browser. I skipped the first and second  tutorials because I could not obtain the data for them, though I was able to get the gist of it from reading the instructions. On the third tutorial, I noticed that a number of the instructions did not exactly line up with the website. I assume this is because the book was made in 2022 and the website has been updated since then. Because the website is similar enough to how it must have been when the book was published, I was still able to do these tutorials. This part of the book was really useful for getting some experience in using some of the apps ArcGIS has to offer.

I think that an interesting way of implementing what we learned in these chapters would be to make a map of forest density across the U.S.. The data could be displayed similar to how it was in the tutorial for the chapter 3 map, though in the case of the 3D map the entire region would need to be a raised data point as opposed to the skinny data ‘poles’ used to describe the buildings and their height.

Chapters 3 and 4 discuss the use of Web GIS for developing applications instead of just maps. One of the key ideas discussed in these chapters is that the map is just part of the whole application, and the application is what allows us to work with the data. Both chapters discuss the need for applications to be developed for specific purposes. In Chapter 3, ArcGIS Experience Builder is discussed as an application builder for the web. One of the key ideas discussed is that Experience Builder allows us to create applications by organizing different elements like maps, text, and tools in a specific way. This allows us to control the way users use the application. Another key idea discussed is the use of widgets. This is important because widgets provide tools like searching, filtering, and viewing the map. Another key idea discussed is the use of different screen sizes because users can use different types of devices like phones, tablets, or computers.

In Chapter 4, ArcGIS Web AppBuilder is discussed. This is another tool for building applications on the web. This tool is based on templates, which allows us to build applications quickly. This is important because we can build applications quickly by using the template. This tool is less flexible compared to Experience Builder, but it is easier to use. One of the key ideas discussed is the use of this tool for sharing the map with other people by adding tools for better interaction.

Another key concept in the two chapters is that web applications involve the integration of maps with tools that can be used by the users in the exploration of the data. The tools used will be determined by the purpose of the application. For example, the tools used in an application targeting the general public will be different from those used in an application used in the process of analysis.

An application idea based on the two chapters using my own data is the creation of a web application that can be used in the visualization of the patterns associated with sleep and the use of smartphones. The application can be created using the data obtained through the survey process. The users can be allowed to interact with the application by filtering the data based on different variables.

From the two chapters, I still have a few issues that I need clarification on. The first issue is the conditions under which it is best to use the Experience Builder instead of the Web AppBuilder. The two tools seem to be performing the same functions, although with different levels of flexibility. The two chapters have provided more understanding of the application of the Web GIS in the creation of applications that can be used in the exploration of the data in the best way possible.

One idea I have about the application of the concepts learned in Chapters 3 and 4 is the creation of a web application that will show the location of daycare centers in my area along with their ratings and capacity. I will be using the data I have about daycare centers in terms of their location, the number of children they can accommodate, and the ratings of their staff. I can create such an application using Experience Builder.

Chapter 1:

Chapter 1 is primarily focused on the introduction of the basic concepts of Web GIS and how it is different from other traditional GIS systems. In this chapter, the reader is made aware of the fact that Web GIS is not only about making maps but is more about connecting data, tools, and people through the internet. One of the major ideas presented in this chapter is that the field of GIS has moved from being static and desktop-based to being interactive and web-based, like ArcGIS Online. Another significant idea presented in the chapter is that of web GIS as a system of content, capability, and users, which is vital in the sense that it indicates the fact that GIS is not only about the application but is a complete environment in itself. In the chapter, the reader is made aware of the fact that maps are no longer only about the visualization of the data but also about the interface of the data. In the context of maps and visualization of the same, the concept of layers is presented in the chapter, where the reader is made aware of the fact that different kinds of information can be stacked and turned on and off as per the requirement of the person using the map. Another significant idea presented in the chapter is that the data can be obtained from anywhere and can be shared with anyone.

The tutorial part of this chapter assisted in this learning because we were able to learn and understand how to use ArcGIS Online. By creating maps and viewing maps, I learned that it is quite easy to combine information and display it in a meaningful way. I also learned that symbols can influence how information is interpreted. One of my thoughts while learning this chapter is how much control the user has over information being displayed. This chapter has helped me learn that Web GIS is not only about mapping. It is about communication and collaboration.

Chapter 2:

Chapter 2 is a continuation of the concepts learned in Chapter 1. This chapter is more focused on how information is visualized and analyzed. One of the main concepts learned in this chapter is smart mapping. This is a feature that helps users choose the best way to display their information. This feature is quite helpful because it does not allow users to randomly choose symbols and colors. This feature ensures that maps are more accurate and easier to understand. This chapter also shows that there is a variety of information that can be used. This information includes counts, categories, and continuous values. By using color gradients when dealing with numerical information, one can better understand such information.

Another important concept is the significance of data classification. The way data is classified can affect how it is mapped. This helped me understand that maps are not entirely objective, as they can be affected by decisions taken in the process. Another new concept is expressions. These allow users to personalize data. Even though this part was a bit hard to understand, it helped me understand how flexible GIS is in dealing with different data.

The tutorial in this chapter required more attention to detail compared to Chapter 1. Every small step, like choosing the right field or changing settings, was very important to the final result. Completing the tutorial in this chapter also showed how Web GIS tools can assist users while still offering opportunities for customization. One thing that was not clear to me while working through the tutorial in this chapter was how different map styles might influence how a person interprets the same information. This chapter was beneficial to me in terms of helping me understand the connection between visualization and analysis in GIS.

Application:

One of the applications that can be done based on the concepts learned in chapters 1 and 2 is creating a map that shows my weekly schedule. I can input my locations such as my classes, work, and home. I can also use symbols and color to represent my activities. By using smart mapping, I can visualize my schedule and see how my time is allocated to various locations. This can help me understand my schedule better and understand my routines such as how often I go to work.

My name is Kainaat Aslam and I am a senior in school at OWU. I am excited about data analysis and GIS because I believe that spatial data is something that can be extremely useful in helping us understand the world around us, especially in areas such as public health and social issues. I look forward to being able to learn more about how I can use ArcGIS Online in a practical sense.I have completed all of the assignments for this week, such as reading the course blog, completing the quiz, and making my way around my ArcGIS Online account, reading the “What is ArcGIS Online?” section, and completing the ArcGIS Online Basics course. I have already taken the GEOG 291 course, so I know a little bit about some of the basic concepts and tools. When making my way around my ArcGIS Online account, I noticed that it is a very interactive and user-friendly website. One thing that I thought was kind of interesting is that it is very customizable, especially in the profile section where it allows you to connect to training resources, forums, and the ArcGIS community all in one place. Another thing that I noticed is that it has a lot of tools and data available, so it is easier to be able to use it for projects without having to gather all of your own data.

When reading the “What is ArcGIS Online?” section, one thing that stood out to me is that ArcGIS Online is useful in that it allows users to create, analyze, and share maps in a collaborative environment. This is useful for individuals and organizations. Another interesting thing is that it allows for real-time data, and this can be useful for things such as weather and emergencies. As I went through the training in the ArcGIS Online Basics course, I learned how to make maps, how to add various layers, and how to customize my visualizations. One thing I found interesting is that I learned how to symbolize my data in different ways. Another thing I found interesting is that even though this is a very powerful tool, it is also very easy to learn how to use it, especially if I follow the tutorials. As I went through some of the other available training courses through ESRI, I found two that I think I would find interesting. One is called “Spatial Analysis Using ArcGIS Online.” I think this would help me become more proficient in using this tool for more complex analysis. The second one I found interesting is called “Cartography.” I think this is important if I want my maps to look good and be easily understood by my audience.

As I went through some of the GIS applications using ArcGIS Online, I found two interesting ones. One is using GIS in public health, for instance, by tracking diseases such as COVID-19. These maps help us track how this disease is spreading and where I am more likely to get it. The second one I found interesting is using GIS in environmental mapping, for instance, by tracking how much of our forest is being destroyed and how climate change is affecting us. These maps help us visualize some of the changes that are occurring in our environment. I found this week interesting as I got more familiar with ArcGIS Online and its capabilities, and I am looking forward to learning more throughout this course.

Another interesting application I came across is environmental mapping. An example is the monitoring of deforestation and the effects of climate change. In this case, the changes are monitored using GIS. It is possible to track changes in forest areas using the technology. It is also possible to identify areas of concern. For instance, organizations like Global Forest Watch use ArcGIS tools to analyze the patterns of deforestation. Such data is useful for conservation.

 

Sources:

https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html

https://www.globalforestwatch.org/

 

 

Chapter 3-

This chapter focuses on the ArcGIS Experience Builder. It teaches users when and how to use it, the terminology behind it, the workflow for creating apps, widgets content and style, triggers and actions, and more. The purpose of the Experience Builder is to let you create unique web experiences with more flexible layouts, content, and widgets that act around 2D and 3D data. This gives you lots of creative freedom if creating an app. To begin, you can choose between a premade template or create your own. This also allows you pick the theme of the app and add in the GIS data. You can also include widgets that change function and style based off what your desired action is. The widgets include basic and layout. Basic is mainly for app tools and include map, legend, query, filter, edit, chart, elevation profile, and more. Layout are created to help organize them onto pages or windows. These can also perform different actions: message and data. It can also be altered to fit any screen size based off what the users will likely access it on. The main thing that stood out to me during this reading was how much more advanced the projects on WebGIS appear to be. They also seem to be more audience focused compared to the desktop GIS application. The reading also explains the editions of experience builder which include developer, ArcGIS Online, and Portal for ArcGIS. The tutorial of this chapter focused on creating a web experience of hurricane and earthquake data.

An idea of a project that I could complete using the Experience Builder is an app focused on traffic in populated areas. The experience would take average commuter time, traffic data, and accident density within the area. The app could also include interactive portions that could have live updates of where accidents are to help users find the most efficient route. This app created through the Experience Builder would be aimed to help people living in cities know how the commute time will change based of time of day, and can help them save time.

Chapter 4-

This chapter is all about Mobile GIS. It first explains the advantages that Mobile GIS has over the traditional desktop version. These include mobility (being able to take the device anywhere), location awareness through GPS and cellular data, easy data collection, real-time information, more users, and being overall more versatile. The advantage that has directly impacted me this class has been the mobility. It is much more efficient to do work when I can take my laptop anywhere, rather than having to create a set time to go work in the computer lab. To elaborate off the advantage of more users, a layer is added into Mobile GIS that allows you to alter who can view your project. There are additionally different approaches that come with Mobile GIS. These include browser-based, native-based, and hybrid-based approaches. The browser-based allows users to access through mobile web browsers and can reach all mobile platforms. Native-based requires more developer skills and is an app you download onto your device. While this leads to better performance, they often can not run on all platforms and are more expensive to develop. Finally, a hybrid-based approach uses native components and HTML and JavaScript to build native applications. This loads the data into a native app and lets you have deeper integration onto the platform. The chapter also develops on VGI, VR, and AR and how those work within the software. The most interesting tutorial in this chapter was the one describing how a university wants students, staff, and public to report nonemergency incidents on campus. I found this one interesting because it was very similar to my application idea of last weeks assignment, and was a base of how I could achieve that.

An application idea based off this chapter would be creating a community environmental app. This is similar to an app I used in my Biology class that let us take pictures of native plants and upload them into the app to get a better idea of what plants grow in a local area. My idea to add onto this would be an app that lets people take pictures and add when they plant or create a native garden. This would allow community to see where and how people are doing this, and could promote more people to plant native rather than the typical invasive plants. This specifically uses the advantage of real-time data, mobility, and more users.

 

 

Payne Week 2 

Chapter 1 describes how Web GIS has made geographic information more accessible and widely used across different fields including form government and business. It highlights how the system works by organizing data into layers, maps, and apps, allowing users to analyze and share information easily. The chapter also explains key concepts like hosted data and non-hosted data. In addition, it introduces different types of users and roles, showing how people interact with GIS in various ways. The difference between 2D maps and 3D scenes is also emphasized along with the tools used for analysis and visualization. Overall, the chapter demonstrates how Web GIS is a flexible user-friendly system that supports collaboration, data management, and decision-making. 

Chapter 2 focuses on how Web GIS can be used to present and communicate data more effectively through mapping and storytelling tools. It explains smart mapping, which helps users choose the best visual style, such as heat maps or comparison maps to match the message they want to convey. The chapter also introduces pop-ups and ArcGIS Arcade which is a built-in expression language that allows users to customize data, labels, and displayed information. Another key feature discussed is the ArcGIS Living Atlas, which provides a large library of data for maps and layers. The chapter also highlights storytelling tools like StoryMaps where users can combine maps with text and multimedia using different content blocks. 

Application: A cool application of this could be to create a story telling map about your heritage and where your ancestors are from to form a sort of family tree map. 

 

Reading/Working through chapter 1 was a nice review from ArcGIS and week 1. Having a chance to remember all the features that GIS can offer was a good way to get back into the mindset. It was also interesting to learn how WebGIS has evolved with cloud based computing over time, going from stand alone units, to one way communication, to full communication, and finally more complex networks managed by portals. Some of the terms and links in the website have changed since the publication of the book, but nothing unsolvable.

 

 Chapter 2 was again a nice review of the intro module from week 1 and showed a lot of expansion onto those ideas. The living atlas looks like it will be a very valuable tool and I’m guessing I’ll be using it often. Tutorials went the same as the first chapter, no big problems.

 

Based on these chapters, I had an idea for an app that records wildflowers and their locations in parks using crowdsourced data. Users could upload a picture to the app, and their phone would record the coordinates, automatically uploading that data as well. It could also be linked with an app like Inaturalist to identify the flowers. This could be used for hobby naturalists or Natural Resources workers or anything in between

Chapter 3: This chapter was fun to complete to show the differences between 2-D and 3-D maps, specifically having them side by side. Doing simple GIS tasks also lets you learn about the world around you. I learned where the natural disasters happen around North America and actually on the GIS system, I learned how you can select certain points to view them easier. I was able to follow the instructions and pictures scattered throughout the chapter. 

Application: From chapter 3, I would like to create a 3-D map showing the world’s tallest buildings and where they are located. 

Chapter 4: Within these chapters, I have enjoyed working with different types of ArcGIS online systems. I really enjoyed making the survey. I didn’t know that was possible on GIS. This chapter is going to be really handy with regards to making maps of places and pin pointing certain locations and where they need to go. For example, making an amusement park map cellular would be a good example of a time to use this chapter’s learnings in. Also, simple paths can be made with a system like this to get from one place to another.