Geography 292: Geospatial Analysis with Web GIS

I think that the real time aspect of WebGIS is really cool. It has the ability to update the position and location of an object as it moves spatially. This is made possible by the use of mobile phones, sensors, and the internet creating an abundance of data that is found in real time. To get more specific, the real time data is referred to as spatiotemporal data and it is found by observations of objects and events while they move or change through time. The book gives the example of when something is located and where it is located. This type of data has four main categories: moving, discrete, stationary, and change. Moving data can be considered as something that moves locations over time. This consists of objects like airplanes, buses, cars, etc. The second category of discrete data are just by chance occurrences. The book states that they are something that “just happens” and examples can be anything from criminal incidents to geotagged Instagram posts. The third kind of data is stationary. This kind of data is something that stays in one space, however, the value that it contains changes. The book gives examples of wind speed and direction and also water level gauges. The fourth data type is change. As the name suggests, these data are those that change or grow throughout time. The book gives the examples of wildfires, floods, urban sprawl, and LULC change. These categories of data are updated in two different ways: point in time or duration of time. Point in time references the one moment an event occurs and are usually put in a single attribute field. Duration of time is typically when something starts and ends. These types of recordings are usually recorded using two different attribute fields, one for starting and ending. 

For this section of the book, I would like to create a map that students would be able to use to look at reported crimes on campus. Students would be able to send in an instance, and the instance would then show up on the map and use an icon that would represent it. For example, a stolen bike would have a bike symbol, and gun shots could have a gun symbol. This would use discrete data and the time would be recorded as a point of time.

Chapter One: This was mostly an introduction to WebGIS and spent a lot of time going over exactly what it is. I think this was helpful because although I have already taken GEOG 291 and become familiar with ArcGIS, I am fairly oblivious to the information that the first chapter talked about. I found it interesting and honestly exciting that so many people could be connected through a website like this. Being able to connect and share information on a worldwide scale is something that I just knew nothing about before this. I am excited to learn how companies and individuals alike take advantage of WebGIS and how I can take advantage of it too. The tutorial one was also a very basic introduction to the software. I used my hard drive to download the zip file which took much less time than it did when I tried to do it in 291. It was way more intuitive than ArcGIS was. I enjoyed working on the app more than the map. Both were cool and I am already really excited to figure out how to make an app and what ideas I have for the final project.

Chapter Two: My biggest takeaway from this chapter was the different mapping styles. I enjoyed getting to see the different types with a little picture and sample description. I liked that a lot. I still am in awe of how exciting the online version of this is. I know I am the last person on earth to know about WebGIS but it is still so cool to me. Tutorial two was so interesting. It gave me big Apple website energy for the last few sections. I am enjoying slowly learning about the content without being thrown into it. I feel like that is a big difference from the first module. This is much easier to understand and I think it is more intuitive

This chapter was a lot easier to follow from the ones from last week, it helped a lot more that we only had to focus on one chapter this week. The chapter started on how to create a dashboard which helps for displaying information. The dashboard also is extremely helpful because the information is constantly changing and the dashboard application constantly updates with the changes. I am not entirely sure what else the dashboard would be helpful for besides updates because the book does not discuss in a lot of detail.  I did like looking at the different tools and how they can be used for collecting data. This section also showed me new parts of ArcGIS online and how you can put multiple things on a page to display. This chapter also focused on stream layers and how ArcGIS online uses them to look at data and sort it. Looking at the real time traffic cameras were very cool. I am not really sure how I would make an application based on what this chapter taught. An idea that might work would be to use a time application in something like seeing the population of wildlife through the different seasons. This application could help with migration along with just seeing what kind of presence these animals have during different times of the year in different areas.

The schedule says to skip Chapter 5 so I didn’t attempt the assignment/tutorial but I did still read it, albeit maybe not as in much detail as usual. Chapter 5 discusses the creation of a ‘self-managed’ or private Web GIS and the various reasons for doing so. Chapter 5 also discusses ArcGIS Enterprise, the version of the program made for private types of GIS programs. Also mentioned are ‘portal collaborations’, the differences between various tiles and features such as vector, raster, and feature tiles, and the different strategies for choosing any of the various layer types.

Chapter 6, as its title implies, discusses ‘spatiotemporal’ data, or data relating to space and time and details GIS systems which update data in real time. I’ve never heard the internet referred to as the ‘Internet of Things’ so that’s definitely interesting. Chapter 6 also discusses ‘stream layers’, how to use ArcGIS to look at real time data, and animate time-based data. As for the tutorial, looking at things such as real time traffic cams is interesting to see. It was nice to have everything going smoothly but I could only get as far in the chapter 6 tutorial to the end of 6.4 whereupon trying to tell the code to make a certain icon the color red, the arcade script code just decided it hates the color red or something and decided to stop working entirely, rendering the table completely useless. From what I could do though, I liked the idea of real time GIS.

To be honest, I’m not quite sure how I would go about making an application based on what was learned in chapter 6. Perhaps an app showing the real time flow data in streams and rivers?

This chapter went very smoothly and I finally didn’t run into any problems using ArcGIS Online. The beginning of the chapter went through how to create a dashboard app, which is useful for displaying information that is constantly changing and the dashboard can keep it up to date, which is a very useful application. This section also introduced me to new elements on ArcGIS Online and how to put multiple elements on one page to display as much information as possible. The next section went over how to use Arcade to format certain things. This section involved adding a bit of code, but it was pretty easy and I got it to work. Next, the chapter went over how to add a time slider to show how things like population can change over time. I got more practice with symbolizing attributes and what sizes and colors to use to show up best on maps. I think it would be very interesting to use the time slider for a project idea, and this could really be used to show a wide variety of data. If there is data available, I think it could be cool to show a time slider of tree leaf fall in autumn. It would be interesting to see how leaf fall compares from state to state. 

 

Chapter 6:
I loved learning how to make the live-updating dashboard. I didn’t know that something like this was possible. It’s very cool that the data will be updated on the stop. I am curious to know the other applications for something like this. I wonder if there are any other uses besides incident updates. I also believe that this is one of the easier tutorials to follow. I didn’t encounter many issues and moved through them fairly quickly. The only part where I struggled was with Arcade. While I appreciated that this was also a chance to get to learn how to use it, it wasn’t as straightforward as the rest of the tutorial. For example, I kept receiving error messages within the code and couldn’t find a solution after troubleshooting. I had to skip over the Arcade portion completely due to all the error messages. The time-enabled feature layer was also something interesting to create. It’s another way to add more detail to what you are working on. Each tutorial shows me more possibilities.

Ideas:
After completing the tutorial I wanted to think more about other potential applications of the dashboards. I specifically was thinking about environmental applications. One that I thought of was a dashboard that tracks flooding or extreme weather. In regards to my other ideas I have had for the final project, I think I could use the dashboards to track foot traffic at certain grocery stores.

Chapter 6:

• This was a really interesting chapter. I thought that the tutorial went smoothly there were some areas that I couldn’t complete but for the most part I understood the concepts. I really liked being able to see different tools that can be used for data collection. Like in the beginning tutorials working with the dashboard and imputing data with various forms.
• 

Week 4

 

Ch. 3

This chapter was short and sweet. I feel a little more comfortable with this stuff than the things used in 291 (that’s just my opinion). The 3D maps took a little bit to load, but it worked. I was worried it wouldn’t since I haven’t got the 3D maps to work on the first try in the past section. The focus on this single topic was easy to follow and made it easier to focus.

 

Tutorial for Ch. 3

3D map worked, it just lags a little bit (blaming BishopNet, may try to do later tutorials at home on my own internet). I had a couple issues with the 2D and 3D changes for the maps, but I don’t think I missed anything major. I’ve come to understand that the software isn’t perfect, so I don’t let the discrepancies discourage me. The animations are very laggy which makes me worry about doing the tutorials like this on my laptop as it might make it crash.

 

Ch. 4

The phone application is a little weird, but I get why it’s a thing. I can see how it could be useful to certain groups of people to develop other applications based on it or how to see land maps conveniently. This could be an issue to use if the internet is bad or if you don’t have enough data on your device for everything to work properly. The use of AR is something I’m vaguely familiar with since some mobile games use it (Pokémon Go is a prime example of this, along with the fact it uses location maps to verify where you are and what roads, waterways, or landmarks are nearby). 

 

Tutorial for Ch.4

This tutorial was not as easy as the Ch.3 one. I switched to my IPad to try it, but that didn’t really fix it. Loading times were long for this one too, but it also may just be my device. I would be interested to know how more of the mobile applications work since it’s supposed to make this more accessible.

 

Delaware Data inventory:

I think I did this in 291? I remember going in and reading about what the different things are, not sure if that was the same thing. 

 

End of semester idea:

I want to try to do something relevant to chapters 3 and 4 since that seems a little easier and more accessible to me since I am a commuter. 

The reading basically  talks about how to properly use the Experience Builder within ArcGIS. It’s a guide for users, introducing them to the tool’s and different functions of it. It covers different aspects like selecting templates, choosing themes, designing layouts. Additionally, it talks about features like dynamic content, charting, filtering, triggers, and actions, providing users with a thorough understanding of how to leverage these tools effectively. I liked chapter 3 and I feel like the chapter 3 tutorial was the best one yet. It’s just really long and that can be a bit annoying  I’m not gonna lie. But it went pretty smooth and I was able to do it. The map making is complex but I can tell that knowing this information could probably go a long way over time. Can literally make a map for anything you think of.

 

My idea for the application is that we could setup a map around Delaware or anywhere in the Columbus area and it could show different locations of car accidents and whenever there’s an area with several reoccurring accidents we could highlight those areas differently than the rest. This can keep roads and neighborhoods safer if we spread the information gained.

 

Chapter 3 introduces the ‘Experience Builder’, an ArcGIS component that allows for app to be configured with more functionality than what is typical, such as dynamic content, charting, and reporting. Chapter 3 also introduces the various terminology of the Experience Builder component. The chapter also explains the workflow for creating web apps with the Experience Builder, and how to understand widgets and their contents. Chapter 3 also explains how to configure widgets and use things such as filtering. Finally Chapter 3 discusses ‘triggers’ and ‘actions’, and how to utilize them. The Experience Builder is a multi-step process which starts by using a template or by starting from scratch. From using the Experience Builder maps can be made in 2D or 3D, and allow you to configure the various widgets, themes, layouts, and presets. The tutorial went smoother than the ones in chapter 1 and 2, but it was still a bit difficult and technical and took a while to complete. That being said, I love learning about natural disasters so this is right up my alley. Also at least this one worked and despite it being a bit difficult it did ultimately end being a little bit fun.

Chapter 4 introduces a mobile version of GIS software, the approaches to building mobile apps. collecting data, and the configuration of feature layers. I have never been a particular fan of mobile apps, something you can thank the constant spam of mobile app ads for. However, I see how mobile applications of GIS could be utilized to an advantage. A mobile system also potentially allows for more people to access the software and make data collection easier. The features listed are also compatible with numerous different operating systems, and with ArcGIS only being operable on Microsoft and Windows systems, collaboration and the sharing of data becomes easier. As for the tutorial, it had some of the same problems as tutorials 1 and 2, with serious mismatches between the book and website that made completion of 4.1 and 4.2 impossible as once again the option to add an expression was not there, or rather it was there but the options the book instructed me to select were not. The majority of 4.3 was doable until it asked to me to find a ‘change style’ button which could not be found. With 4.4 being a follow up to 4.3, this made it impossible to proceed with that as well. I was apprehensive with 4.5 as I’ve never been a fan of downloading apps onto my phone for academic reasons as it always signs me up to some email newsletter. In addition my app store account is linked to my fathers email which I don’t have the password for so I was unable to download the app to begin with. I had the same problem with 4.7 and 4.9 being unable to access the app store and with it being late in the evening I was unable to contact my father. 4.6 was also broken as I was unable to uncheck a ‘only search in your organization’ button and this part of the tutorial relied on data that would’ve been created with 4.3 and 4.4 but because those could not be completed, I was also stuck here. 4.8 had the same issue and 4.6 with no option to uncheck the ability to only search within the organization and multiple results turning up when I input what the book asks me to search. In short, while the reading portion of Chapter 4 was interesting, the tutorial was a nightmare to sit through and try to go back through things to see what I missed. Dr Krygier if you see this, I don’t know what you can do about this, but these books are somehow severely out of date already. At the very least parts of it were doable compared to tutorials 1 and 2 which effectively blocked me from the start.

Application Idea: Attempting to go off something I enjoy and using what information I was able to learn in Chapters 3 and 4, as an avid angler, it might be an interesting idea to create a 2D/3D map using a hydrology dataset which shows various fishing locations on bodies of water in a given location, such as within Delaware County. This application could not only give a better view of the area from both a 2D and 3D perspective, and then customized to show what species can be caught in x location and if said location has a history behind it. For example, a 2D/3D view of a spillway beneath a major dam, what species can be caught in the spillway, and the history of the dam itself.

Data Inventory: The instructions say to include it in the posting so not sure if this will transfer over correctly. If it does, fellow students, I apologize for the wall of text. Not sure how else I’m supposed to turn this in.

• Delaware County E911 Data: Contains all certified addresses within the county. Supports emergency services and geocoding. Updated daily and published monthly.
• Township: Shows different townships in Delaware county. Updated on a need-as basis and published monthly.
• PLSS: Shows all Public Land Survey System polygons in military districts. Shows boundaries between PLSS systems. Updated on a need-as basis and published monthly.
• Dedicated ROW: Consists of a map of roadways designated ‘right of way’ within Delaware County. Updated on an as needed basis and published monthly
• Zip Code: Shows all ZIP codes in Delaware county based on a 2003 census. Updated on an as needed basis and published monthly
• School District: Shows all school districts in Delaware county based on parcel records. Updated on an as needed basis and published monthly.
• Street Centerline: Depicts the center of the pavement of public and private roads within Delaware County. The data is intended to support appraisal mapping, 911 emergency response, accident reporting, geocoding, disaster management, and roadway inventory. Layers are updated daily but 3D fields are updated annually
• Recorded Document: Dataset consists of points that represent recorded documents in the Delaware County Records. Documents include vacations, subdivisions, centerline surveys, surveys, annexations, and other miscellaneous items. The dataset was created to facilitate the process of locating miscellaneous documents within Delaware County. The dataset is updated on a weekly basis and is published monthly.
• MSAG: MSAG (Master Street Address Guide) is a featureset of the 28 different political jurisdictions that make up Delaware County. created to ease the process of locating the boundaries between cities and towns. The data is updated on an as-needed basis and is published monthly.
• Survey: Shows points of land surveys with Delaware County. Most of the data was recorded before 2004 but is still being updated on a daily basis and is published monthly.
• GPS: Identifies GPS points as established in 1991 and 1997. Published monthly and updated on an as needed basis.
• Parcel: Shows all polygons that represent cadastral parcel lines within Delaware County. This data is maintained by the Delaware County Auditor’s Office. The data is maintained on a daily basis and is published monthly.
• Tax District: This set of data consists of all tax districts within Delaware County. The data is defined by the Delaware County Auditor’s Office. The data is updated on an as needed basis and is published monthly.
• Subdivision: Shows all subdivisions in Delaware County. The data is updated daily and published monthly.
• Precinct: Shows all of the Voting Precincts within Delaware County. The data is maintained by the Delaware County Auditor’s Office. The data is updated on an as needed basis and is published as needed by the Delaware County Board of Elections.
• Annexation: Data contains Delaware County’s annexations and conforming boundaries from 1853 to present year. The data is updated on an as-needed basis and is published monthly. 
• Municipality: Shows all municipalities within Delaware County.
• Building Outline 2021: The data here consists of building outlines for all structures in Delaware County, Ohio as of 2021. Updated on an as needed basis.
• Address Point: Shows the data from the Location Based Response System (LBRS) and shows all addresses in Delaware County. The data is intended to support appraisal mapping, 911 Emergency Response, accident reporting, geocoding, and disaster management. The data is updated on a daily basis, and is published monthly.
• Condo: Dataset consists of polygons representing condominiums in Delaware County that have been recorded by the Delaware County’s Recorder’s Office.
• Farm Lot: The data here consists of all the farm lots in both the US Military and the Virginia Military Survey Districts of Delaware County. created to facilitate in identifying all of the farm lots and their boundaries in Delaware County. The data is maintained on an as needed basis.
• Original Township: This data consists of the original boundaries of the townships in Delaware County, Ohio before tax district changes affected their shapes.
• Hydrology: Shows all major waterways in Delaware County.
• ROW: Consists of all lines designated as right of way.
• Delaware County Contours: Shows the contours of the terrain in Delaware County.