Geography 292: Geospatial Analysis with Web GIS

Hi, my name is Abbie Grogan. I am from Louisville, Kentucky and I am a Pre-professional Zoology major with a Chemistry minor. I am a junior here and I am a captain of the OWU women’s lacrosse team.

Since I took 291, I am confident in my abilities to maneuver and work through ArcGIS online. Those computers loved to give me issues last semester for the longest time, so I am very happy to avoid those now. I completed the ArcGIS Online Basics course, which introduced me to fundamental GIS concepts and highlighted the powerful features of ArcGIS Online. One of the most valuable aspects I learned about was how feature layers allow for detailed data visualization, which aids in analyzing trends across different locations. I also gained an understanding of the Web AppBuilder, a tool that enables users to create interactive applications without requiring coding skills. This makes GIS tools much more accessible to those without technical backgrounds but who still need to utilize geographic data.

The first thing I found when looking through Google Scholar was a guy named Ranjani Varaghur doing a study through Penn St University on the soil in the Big Elk Watershed area. This map is the elevation of the area he was doing his experiment.

The second map that I found was a collected list of D1 lacrosse players and where they come from. The map shows the sport has been growing nation wide as it was really only popular on the east and west coast of the US for a long time.

My name is Emily Kocel and I am a Junior double majoring in International Studies and Environmental Studies. I am from Worthington, Ohio. I love animals and have always grown up with at least two cats and a dog. I like to draw and watch TV in my free time.

I am a little bit familiar with ArcgGIS Online from taking the previous GEOG 291 course. However it was good to explore and take the time to familiarize myself with the website. I added the basic stuff to my profile like a picture. There are a lot of different courses offered in the Training tab. There are options for individuals or for organizations. I like the community section where people can share their experiences with other people using GIS.

When reading the introduction to what ArcGIS Online is, I found a lot of helpful information. It starts with just a basic overview of what it is, which is a cloud based mapping and analysis solution to make maps, and analyze data, all of which can be shared and collaborated. There are many different things that can be done using ArcOnline such as creating maps, scene apps and notebooks.

The web training ArcGIS online basics was very informative. The beginning talked about different content types, some of which I already knew such as layers. All map and web scenes have layers, each with different data. Together these layers make maps. Scenes are similar to maps except you can visualize from a 3D environment. Apps are new to me, they allow you to control how other users interact with maps and scenes.

I first searched up ArcGIS and deforestation.  ArcGIS Online can be used to analyze deforestation. The Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) uses ArcGIS Online to monitor deforestation across the nation. They can gather real time information on activities such as mining, wildfires, and agriculture which are all drivers of deforestation.

https://www.esri.com/about/newsroom/arcnews/dashboards-help-monitor-and-abate-forest-loss-in-guyana/

The second thing I looked into was ArcGIS Online and water resource management. It took me to the esri website where there were  different types of water management. One that caught my attention was sewer data management. It said that Sewer Data Management can be used to map separate sewer assets, edit data, view system maps in field and office, view asset reports, and collaborate with map notes. It was developed for state and local governments, airports, ports, and rails, and for facilities. 

https://doc.arcgis.com/en/arcgis-solutions/latest/reference/introduction-to-sewer-data-management.htm

https://learn.arcgis.com/en/projects/get-started-with-arcgis-utility-network-for-wastewater/

My name is Colin Counahan. I am a Junior on the Lacrosse team. I am from the greater Columbus area. I am majoring in Education Studies and am minoring in Communications, Religion, and History. In my free time, I enjoy traveling and playing golf.

The first chapter of Nadine Schuurman’s GIS: A Short Introduction gives an insightful overview of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and their impact on various fields. It begins by highlighting how GIS has become essential in modern life, influencing industries such as navigation, urban planning, healthcare, and even retail. Despite its wide use, many people remain unaware of how GIS shapes their daily lives.One keyArcGIS Online Basics_Certificate_03212025 takeaway is how GIS is more than just mapping software. It combines spatial analysis with computer science, enabling users to visualize and interpret complex data. The chapter discusses the historical development of GIS, noting its roots in cartography and its evolution through technological advancements. I found it fascinating how early GIS methods relied on physical overlays of maps, a technique that later inspired computerized systems. It shows how simple ideas can lead to groundbreaking technology. A particularly interesting point is GIS’s identity crisis. It can mean different things to different people—a tool for city planners to map zones or a philosophical framework for researchers to analyze spatial data. This versatility is a strength, but it also makes GIS challenging to define. The author does a great job of explaining how GIS bridges quantitative methods with intuitive visualizations, making data more accessible and impactful. What stood out most was the emphasis on visualization. Maps and graphs are not just tools; they’re powerful ways to uncover patterns and tell stories. The example of Dr. John Snow’s cholera map in 1854 demonstrates how visualization can solve real-world problems.Overall, the chapter effectively conveys the importance and complexity of GIS while raising thoughtful questions about its societal and ethical implications. It made me think about how technology influences our perception of the world and how critical it is to use it responsibly.

#1: My search was “wolf telemetry GIS applications”

I found an example of GIS applications in wildlife management through the study of Yellowstone wolf pack territories. This map, titled “2021 Yellowstone Wolf Pack Territories,” represents the spatial distribution of wolf packs using aerial location data. The map highlights several wolf pack territories, such as Wapiti Lake, Mollies, and Junction Butte. GIS is vital for tracking these packs, helping researchers understand their movement patterns, territory size, and interactions with prey and other wildlife. This information informs management strategies to maintain a healthy balance within Yellowstone’s ecosystem, as wolves are keystone predators.This GIS application also benefits park visitors and staff by identifying areas where wolf activity is prominent, aiding in both educational outreach and safety measures. 

Source: National Park Service, Yellowstone Wolf Project Report

#2 Crime patterns in Cleveland

I found an example of GIS applications in urban safety management through the study of crime patterns in Cleveland, Ohio. This map, titled “Cleveland Crime Density Map,” represents the spatial distribution of crime rates across various neighborhoods. The map highlights areas with higher concentrations of criminal activity, such as Downtown, Glenville, and Clark-Fulton. GIS is vital for tracking crime incidents, helping law enforcement agencies understand where resources are most needed and enabling them to allocate patrols more effectively. Additionally, this technology supports policymakers and urban planners in addressing underlying factors that contribute to crime in specific areas. This GIS application also benefits residents and community organizations by raising awareness about local safety concerns and encouraging engagement in neighborhood improvement initiatives.

Source: Neighborhood Source: Zillow

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Hi! My name is George Naples and I’m a junior here at OWU. I am an Environmental Studies and Geography double Major.  I’m from Youngstown, Ohio, and I enjoy collecting vinyl records and going to concerts in my free time. I also have a one year old golden doodle named Arlo!

I had some experience with WebGIS from taking 291 previously this semester. However, exploring WebGIS just to explore it was quite the refresher. I hadn’t realized all I had posted to my account. I found them immediately  as they’re displayed as soon as you open your profile. 

Looking further into the website I was drawn to the Community & Forums tab. This often helped me when experiencing issues in ArcGIS that I knew had a very simple fix. It was interesting to see the dashboard side of the forums. From my previous experience I mostly interacted with reddit-style Q&A threads. Seeing the different Q&As, updates, and alerts gave me a better understanding at how ‘alive’ this section actually is.

Reading through “Get Started: What is ArcGIS Online” I was pleasantly surprised with just how many different features there are. The ones that truly stuck out to me were the accessibility of programs like Python/the various types of ArcGIS web apps, as well as how easy it is to collaborate with others directly through ArcGIS Online. The accessibility of utilizing different apps within ArcGIS Online is incredibly convenient, allowing people to be much more productive than they would’ve been having to exit to another software. The collaboration aspect is also very intriguing. I love the functionality of Google Suites and this has the same usability.

When completing Web Course: ArcGIS Online Basics I truly enjoyed the process of how the program walks you through the software. Carrying over from the textbook, it is so nice to have instructions written as plainly as possible. The biggest issue I ran into was that I did not realize I had to click submit on the quizzes. I enjoyed the teaching style of building that was carried over from the book as well. Outside of that it was smooth sailing.

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For my first google search for Arc Online applications I wanted to look at something about car sales. I tried a few different searches, but I did not find anything until I started looking at car dealerships. The first Webmap I found was titled “Car Dealership Market Opportunity in the United States. This map is somewhat old, due to be retired in December of this year (2025). This map represents the market opportunity for car dealerships in the United States in 2017. It utilizes a multi-scale map, changing boundaries depending on state, county, zip code, tract, and block group.

For the second application I searched I wanted to see something about brick & mortar Apple Store locations. I came across a map that had two layers; Apple Stores, and median household income by zip code.

Hello! My name is Wasif Karim, I’m from Bangladesh, doing a double major in CS and Physics at Ohio Wesleyan University, and I am set to graduate in May 2026. I’m taking this class because of my growing interest in geography and how technology, especially GIS, can be applied in diverse fields. Additionally, this course provides me with the perfect opportunity to integrate my programming skills and problem-solving techniques into new and exciting areas. Outside of my academic pursuits, I have been working in a Fortune 500 company as a software engineering intern since my sophomore year. I’m also the current president of OWU Robotics Club where enjoying working on various robotics projects like self-driving cars, autonomous drones, and so on.

Upon diving into ArcGIS Online, I first focused on the account settings and customization options. I found the platform’s user interface to be intuitive and straightforward, which significantly streamlined my navigation through various features like profile settings, data management tools, and training resources. One aspect I particularly appreciated was the flexibility to integrate and manage multiple data layers, allowing for more complex spatial analyses. The data integration and querying capabilities within the platform are impressive, especially considering my background with data-driven applications. The connection to external APIs and the ability to leverage Python scripting for automating geospatial processes is an exciting prospect for further exploration. Additionally, I explored the “My ESRI” section, where I could track available resources and training, which aligns well with my previous experiences in utilizing online development environments.

One notable takeaway from the reading was learning how ArcGIS allows for adding different layers to maps, which not only helps visualize multiple data sets simultaneously but also enables collaboration by sharing maps with others. Additionally, I appreciated the detailed explanations in each section of the reading, which will definitely be useful whenever I need guidance on how to perform specific tasks within ArcGIS.

For my free training this week, I completed the “ArcGIS Online Basics” course. I learned about different types of web layers, their functions, and how to work with them in a more efficient manner. I especially enjoyed the hands-on practice with the platform’s map creation tools, which gave me a solid introduction to creating interactive maps and using GIS data. Here is a screenshot showing the completion of the activities in the four main sections of the course:

For my Google Scholar search (Carte de postes en eau autonome – Map of posts in eau autonome), as I was particularly interested in how GIS is used in the field of robotics and autonomous systems, areas I have hands-on experience with. One interesting article I came across was about using GIS to optimize autonomous vehicle navigation and path planning, which aligns closely with my personal project of developing an AI-driven self-driving car.

For my second Google Scholar search (Dron- loisir drone survol zones), I focused on the use of drones for recreational and environmental surveying. One article I found discussed how drones are being used for mapping and surveying various zones, including environmental and urban areas. The study highlighted how drones can capture high-resolution imagery and geospatial data, making it possible to monitor environmental conditions such as vegetation, water levels, and urban expansion over time. The integration of GIS with drone technology allows for detailed analysis and monitoring of areas that are otherwise hard to access, and it serves as a great tool for sustainable urban planning and conservation efforts. This aligns well with my interest in leveraging drones for advanced environmental and spatial analysis.

I’m excited to continue learning more about how GIS can complement my knowledge in programming and autonomous systems. The first week has been a great introduction, and I look forward to exploring more advanced features and applications of ArcGIS Online throughout the course.

Hi everyone. My name is Owen. I’m a senior here at Ohio Wesleyan University I’m a zoology major. In the beginning half of the semester, I took GEOG 291, so now I’m finishing the semester off with GEOG 292.I learned a lot and 291. It was very informative class. I felt like i took a lot away from it so I’m excited to learn more in 292

Having taken 291 my mind was already blown with the sheer vast capabilities of arcGIS as a program. And after looking around the website and scrolling through the settings, I can say that I am less overwhelmed at the start of this arcGIS online then I was at the start of 291.

The introduction on arcGIS was straightforward and left me with little to no questions. I found the ability to make maps off-line to be extremely interesting, especially compared to 291 which I had to do on a desktop working with arcGIS online. Makes this class and this is fieldwork much more helpful.

When tasked to google and find arc online, I chose something that I enjoy doing on my weekends here at a Ohio Wesleyan University that being hiking. So I googled arc online mountain trails. And began searching. I found one that described geospatial tool development for the management of hiking trails specifically in the holy side of meteora this was interesting to me because last semester I used the tools in 291 to make the maps and now I’m seeing them coincide with something I’m interested in and AR online

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Potsiou, Chryssy, et al. “Geospatial tool development for the management of historical hiking trails—the case of the holy site of Meteora.” Land 12.8 (2023): 1530.

Hi everyone! My name is Maggie, I’m a senior and I am a psychology major and business minor. I’m taking this class because my roommate is a geography major and recommended that I dip my toe into the geography world (I also needed a 0.5 credit to graduate in May). I’m excited to learn more about geography and to have a little challenge during the last half of my senior year spring semester. In my free time, I enjoy doing puzzles, playing Fortnite, and hanging out with my cat named Frankie (she is perfect).

After looking through the account settings and poking around this website, I found that I enjoyed the idea of being able to set my own color theme for my viewing pleasure. I also liked how everything seemed pretty straightforward and easy to navigate.

One notable and interesting idea I learned from the reading for this week was that you can add layers to your maps with ArcGIS and allow other users to view/use them as well. Another thing I noticed was how detailed and helpful each section was for certain actions one can take in ArcGIS. I will definitely be referring back to this article when I need assistance or clarification in the future!

I did not take 291, so for my free training this week I completed the ArcGIS online basics course. One of the first things I learned from this course was the different types of web layers and their purpose/function. I also received some practice actually working with a map in the website which is something I had never done before, so I enjoyed that!

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In regards to my Google Scholar search, I was interested in seeing anything having to deal with cats. The first article I came across was about the distribution of feral cat trapping permits in Los Angeles, California. In this area of California, and in other urban areas, feral cats are an increasing problem. In this specific area, there is an estimated amount of 3 million feral cats, and only specific places have permits to legally trap feral cats for a multitude of reasons. The following map shows a distribution of locations where forms/documents have been filled out by individuals when trapping a feral cat.

An additional application I was interested in was the number of cannabis dispensaries in specific areas in the United States. The state that came up in my search was Oklahoma, which I know nothing about and so I thought that was intriguing! The following map shows the density of cannabis dispensaries in the state of Oklahoma.

I really enjoyed the time I spent learning the basics of ArcGIS and I am eager to continue using this website to expand my knowledge in this area.

Sources:

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.

Hi! My name is Parker Tomlin and I am a junior majoring in exercise science with a minor in coaching. I am from Westerville, Ohio. In my free time I like to play baseball, play video games, and lift weights!

I do not have any prior experience with ArcOnline, as I did not take 291. The introduction page had a great overview of what ArcOnline is, and how it is used.  You can explore data in both 2D and 3D, collaborate with people in and out of your organizations, and use analysis tools to understand your data better. You can also share maps easily by embedding them into web pages or social media.

The introduction course was all completely new information to me. The step-by-step guide the tutorials offered was simple and easy to follow. The quizzes at the end of the blocks were good to make sure I understood the things being reviewed. Learning how to create a new map and use online data sources, which we did with snow trails in the Sierra Nevada was also very useful for putting the skills we were reviewing to use.

I like to fish during the summer, so for my first search I searched for “ArcOnline Bass” and found a map looking at tidal bass habitats and the quality of their spawning zones throughout Washington and Maryland. Areas that were severely degraded looked to be areas with large towns or cities.

https://www.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?webmap=82c67b8eba954e478ab84eab46fb0cb3&extent=-78.1535%2C37.8358%2C-74.0968%2C39.7072

I searched for “ArcOnline Grizzly Bears” next, and found a map looking at general grizzly bear locations. The population of grizzly bears seems to be concentrated in Canada, specifically in British Columbia. A small population of bears exists in upper Montana as well.

https://www.arcgis.com/apps/mapviewer/index.html?layers=aa9c54be4b5a4db5beaf9cdc3bbf6fe8

Hello, my name is Gabrielle Plunkett and I am a senior majoring in Zoology. I’m from Cincinnati, Ohio and I have an orange cat named Finn. I took GIS 291 at the start of last semester so I may be a little rusty in the beginning, but I am excited to expand my GIS knowledge.

In 291 I believe I poked around the website a bit, but I don’t think I used it to its full potential. I remember having to upload something from it and it took a while to load. When looking at my profiles I can see I created web maps and feature layers. I looked around the gallery and thought it was interesting to see what data has been collected and maps that were made. The training section also looks like it’ll be good to use if I get stuck.

The introduction to ArcGIS was interesting and a good overview. I think one of the more interesting parts of the introduction was the “be mobile in the field’. Being able to create maps offline and also have the ability to sync them to the latest update has to be extremely helpful for fieldwork. Also being able to access it through a mobile app is cool.

The basics will definitely help me at the start of this course. I will have to look back and remember the difference between the layers.

Search One:
My first search was “ArcOnline Plants”. I found a study using geospatial cloud computing to monitor the phenology of plants. This map in particular is a heat map that shows aggregated March, April, and May 2014 plant data. This type of map could be used to monitor flowering patterns during unusual fluctuations in temperature.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1574954116301078#ab0005

Search Two:
My second search was “ArcOnline Crows”. I have always liked crows so I decided to search and see what would pop up. I found this map for possible American crow viewing points in California. This map would be helpful if someone was out birding or wanted to research crows and needed to find locations they could be at.

https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=8ec23699138c46a08660108f2f44699f