Geography 292: Geospatial Analysis with Web GIS

Chaoter 1

In this tutorial, I published a feature layer using a CSV file, added attachments, created a new attribute field, and entered its values. Then, I added the layer to a web map, configured the style and pop-ups, and built a web app using the Attachment Viewer template. According to the book, this app can be used on smartphones and other devices, which I think is really convenient.

Honestly, when I started this tutorial, I was using a different edition of the book for the first time and felt completely lost. I thought I’d never get it done. But in the end, I managed to complete it, and it feels great to have it working!

Chapter 2

In this tutorial, I created a feature layer using geocoding, styled it with smart mapping, and configured the pop-ups using Arcade. I also added images, links, and charts to the pop-ups. After that, I built an ArcGIS StoryMaps web app, embedding videos, images, web maps, and scenes, and set up sidecar and swipe blocks.

One thing that really surprised me was seeing how small New York’s population was in 2010 compared to now, while Columbus actually had more people in 2020 than I expected.

In tutorial 2-2, there was a part where I was supposed to choose “above and below” as the theme, but when I was doing it, that option wasn’t available, so I just went with “above.”

Chapter 1: 

• This Chapter taught me several key benefits and use of WebGIS. I thought that it was really interesting how WebGIS supports users from all over the world and allows them to share and communicate data with one another. The idea that companies and individuals can share this data simultaneously is really cool and a great use of technology. Using this chapter and the given tutorial, I explored WebGIS and the fundamentals of this application. Some of the things I particularly enjoyed reading about were the use of base map and operational layers and many of the tools that go into those layers. Even from just these two layers, a lot of data can be interpreted and analyzed. I also really enjoyed reading about how WebGIS is planning to evolve with growing technology and how this application will change in the future. This makes me interested in how AI will be adapted within GIS and many of the services that WebGIS provides. 

 

Chapter 2:

• While reading this chapter and completing the given tutorial, I learned about even more layers that can be used within WebGIS and how they add even more room for potential analysis. This chapter also touched heavily on ArcGIS and how it differs from WebGIS. I enjoyed reflecting back on my time using ArcGIS earlier this semester. I used what I learned in terms of layers in the chapter and applied them within the tutorial for this chapter. This process wasn’t too difficult and I like how the user interface is set up and how user friendly WebGIS is. 

Chapter 1

I’ve always been an “own your files” guy but I like the collaborative aspect of the cloud, and that the public has some access to the services as well. Everything being online makes me worry about security, but although I don’t know the technical stuff very well I think AWS has to be pretty secure considering how many things run on it.

Definitely so far web gis seems to have more features and a simpler layout than desktop, and seems much more simplified for people like me who are significantly more nature and field work aligned than into technology.

Still super excited to mess around with mobile stuff. If it’s not assigned I might on my own anyways. And augmented reality is always interesting. I have to imagine putting geographic layers over your vision would give a whole new perspective on the landscape and the map/scene. We didn’t get to do a whole lot with scenes in 291 so doing those more online will be sweet

A lot of this was gone over in the online esri tutorials. I found myself skimming through a bit that already  made sense to me, either from there or 291.

I thought the first tutorial was easy and fun to do. Configuring the pop ups was a bit of a struggle, because as much as I tried I couldn’t get the picture to upload for ESRI. the link to the powerpoint did show up in the pop up caption, at least. These kinds of stories are an exciting way to show images by location and in my opinion, makes geographical information palatable to the general public. I guess that’s the whole point of GIS isn’t it!

After this I didn’t realize we didn’t have to do the assignment at the end, and I skipped ahead to chapter 2 a bit to try and figure out how to do it. I decided to just map out a few of my favorite metro parks and actually started making a CSV file with their locations. I ended up asking Krygier before getting further and decided to save time and use that as a bit of a starter idea? It would get significantly more complicated than just parks and popup images like I was planning, in that case.

Chapter 2

Smart mapping sounds really interesting and seems like it would help with some of the confusion I had with desktop GIS, particularly things like making aure all the data is cleaned and lined up. Well, I can’t imagine it can compensate for sloppy nasty data but it seems like it would help make it clear *where* the slop is.

Arcade makes no sense to me, I had to look over the book a few times to see that it’s just a way of doing math. Because I can do that, but generally I see anything that looks like code and my brain shuts off.

The Living Atlas sounds fun to look through. The concept of having premade layers to combine and tell your own story sounds like a good way to be creative with less busy work. I think there’s a lot of potential for artistic expression and flow in this program, and I’m wondering what kind of interactive forest cover, tree type, hydrology, who even knows layers for my metro parks app. Finally I’m glad to be doing stories more because I didn’t really parse that in 291.

In the second tutorial, I found the way the CSV file seamlessly fit into the data appealing. I’m glad I did the tutorial before working more on my other assignment, because I would not have realized that you still have to kind of plug the data in, at least with the addresses. Anyways, it all showed up, but I had significant trouble with such a small thing: even with all the panes closed I could not get the map to the exact right extent to show all the cities with their names. Like I said, just a small thing that made me mad. I don’t know if the program has set zoom distances or if I just have butter fingers. In the map, at the end of 2.2, I just hit “zoom to layer” and accepted that viewers would just have to click on some cities to see the names.

Also kind of an aside but if I was making this tutorial I wouldn’t want the shadows. I thought they were ugly and distracted from the actual information being displayed.

On to arcade, it was bad. I struggled to find globals until I realized it was actually the profile variables menu. Eventually, I got it, and configured the pop ups.

On to the story, I struggled to find the right scene and web map because I was searching in the wrong search bar! It’s the top top one. Then starting out the story was ok but I couldn’t find the add map action button anywhere, no matter where I looked. I tried messing around with the map tour but that was something else. The text in the menu is weirdly light so I could barely see it! So, I moved on. I added the scene, and then, the express map and last image. So, the story is mostly complete.

I guess my idea, based on what I started in chapter 1, could definitely involve metro parks! I could make a map of them and make popups with pictures of things to see there, as well as data about things like trail difficulty, wildlife, or distributions of trees or wildflowers. Maybe I could make an easy visual guide for which parks to go to to see which plants or wildlife?

Chapter 1

 

Chapter 2

Chapter 1
Chapter one was pretty fundamental. it goes over the basics and core concepts of Web GIS. it points out well how GIS isn’t just for Geography nerdz (yes with a z). GIS is really an application the can go toward any proffesion. The apps were also fun to search around for.

Chapter 2
Chapter two was a lot more specific as it went over the feature layers. it also brought together the idea of storymaps. I am a huge fan of story maps because it’s (in my opinion) the best way to get “non-science” citizens connected with the scientific community.

Overall between the two chapters it have been interesting. I think I still perfer using ArcPro for most work, however I can see that WebGIS is better and more applicable at times. I am excited to see the other ways it can be used in the upcoming weeks. And I am excited to see if it changes my prefence of software.

CHAPTER 1- The Absolute Basics, And a Brief History

• WebGIS is cheaper and more user friendly than typical GIS
• Can be used for all sorts of applications- even daily life.
• ArcGIS is hosted by amazon (booo. Insert thumbs down here.)
• COVID had a major boom on ArcGIS usage (and cloud usage in general)
• The John Hopkins COVID-19 tracker was an ArcGIS project
• Hosted vs Nonhosted:
  • Hosted data is data stored in the cloud database
  • Nonhosted is data which is stored locally

 

CHAPTER 2 – Basic info on layers and Pop-ups (and some other stuff)

• Types of Hosted Layers:
  • Feature Layers
  • Web Feature service layers
  • Tile Layers
  • Vector Tile
  • Vector tile service
  • Scene
  • Image
  • Map Image
• There are quite a few ways you can style your map, all which best convey different information
• Pop ups are a way to display further information
• Arcade allows you to post more info that isnt in an attribute field
• Living Atlas is a database of datasets which are usable by anyone with an ArcGIS account
• WebGIS stories is fast and easy to use and make

 

TUTORIAL:

I did the 2nd Tutorial which goes over how to present population change patterns and such on a story map.

Chapter One: 

Web GIS is a modern way of creating, storing, and sharing maps by using the internet instead of keeping everything on a single computer. This allows users in different locations to access the exact same data, tools, and maps at the same time. In the past, only one person could use the information at once, and if data needed to be shared, it had to be downloaded and sent out manually. Any changes required resending the updated version. Now, information is stored in the cloud, so everyone sees the most current version in real time. Web GIS includes many helpful features like layers, map tiles, images, and real-time data that can be added directly to maps. There are many options within these features depending on what is needed for the project. People can open and use these tools on computers, tablets, and even phones, making access much easier and more flexible. Web GIS also allows data to be accessed without distance being a limitation, giving it a global reach. It supports a large number of users, has a lower cost per user, is easier to maintain, and works across many different platforms. Because of these advantages, more businesses, organizations, scientists, and even everyday individuals are using Web GIS to collect and understand data. Cloud computing plays a big role, and its usage grew a lot during COVID-19 when data needed to be updated quickly and viewed by many people. The system also focuses on strong user security. Technology for Web GIS continues to advance, improving from early closed websites to open systems that support two-way communication. Many available apps allow spatial analysis while still sharing similarities like basemaps and layers. Users can also attach extra information to points or locations, helping them better interpret and understand the data they are working with.

Chapter Two:

GIS is about smart mapping and storytelling. This makes the GIS software easier for everyone to use. This chapter focuses on how smart mapping helps people to create clear maps and how things are automatically suggested such as color, symbols, and styles based on the map one is creating. This helps the user to create the map quicker and shows the patterns such as amounts, categories, and the relationships shown without someone having expert skill level in them. This chapter also talks about the different hosted layers which are web feature service, vector tile, tile, tile service, scene, layers, and map image. They also have features such as from existing templets, your own data, or empty. these can be used in many different ways and even at the same time. Once a hosted layer is updated every connected map also updates at the same time. This helps to keep everyone’s data current. Storytelling is also a huge component it allows for combining maps with text, images, and videos which can help to explain a pattern or place and why it matters. This then turns the maps into stories that help people to understand the data and to resonate with the information.  WebGIS makes it very easy to share these maps and the stories that go along with it very easily through the internet and can be viewed through many devices.

This week I read chapters 1 and 2

Chapter 1-

This chapter was an introduction to Web GIS, including the history and what went into developing web GIS. It discussed the advantages to the use of GIS for web, which include global reach, low cost per user, easy to use, and so much more. I learned the common patterns of GIS which are Mapping and visualization, Data management, Field Mobility, Monitoring , Analytics, Design and Planning, Decision support, Constituent engagement, and sharing and collaboration. I also learned the five main types of content. Data, Layers, Web maps and scenes, tools, and apps. Apps are the “face of Web GIS”, and are offered in bundles such as office and field app bundles, that users can configure and work on their own. The chapter then defines the main user types and the privileges given to each, which include viewers (who can only view items), storytellers (can only create stories and express maps), editors and field workers (who can only view and edit data), creators, GIS professionals, and Insights Analysists (who can edit, create, share content, and do analysis). I then learned about the components of a Web GIS app. Base maps provide context, Operational layers are themed layers for use, and tools go beyond mapping and carry out common tasks like geocoding and routing. It then walks you through tutorial 1 which walked me through Points of Interest in Redlands, California.

 

Chapter 2-

This chapter introduced me to feature layers. I learned about the different types of hosted layers. Hosted feature layers (which are used to visualize data on top of the base maps), Hosted Web Feature Service (WFS) layers, Hosted tile layers, Hosted vector tile layers, Hosted web map tile service (WMTS) layers, Hosted scene layers, Hosted image layers, and Hosted map image layers. It then details how to publish those layers, and use smart mapping. I learned I could make many different map styles with smart mapping. I really like to heat maps, they look really pretty to me, but you can also make color and size maps, comparing maps, relationship, dot density, predominant, type and size, continuous timelines, vector field. I also learned how to incorporate pop ups into my maps for things like videos and graphs, and attribute values. The chapter then taught me “storytelling” with GIS apps, and exactly what the app should include to make the experience fast, fun, and easy. It’s a simple equation of maps, narrative, and multimedia that creates a story. It then took me through tutorial 2, which worked with US population change data. I really enjoyed this tutorial and working with the map and different layers to create a story.

In chapter 1 I learned about the basic concepts and advantages of Web GIS. The thing that I really love about web GIS is that the content can be shared with so many people around the globe. Web GIS has so many ways for people to collaborate and get a deeper insight into data. I also hadn’t thought about how the government would use web GIS. This chapter also went over the evolution of web GIS which was interesting. I’m excited about the apps in web GIS, especially the storymaps.

For tutorial 1, I created a web GIS app to show the main attractions in Redlands, California. I first created a feature layer from a CSV file and added attachments to it. I then added a field to my layer and edited the attributes. Next I created a web map and configured its style and pop ups. I didn’t struggle too much but GIS always takes me a while. Finally I turned my web map into a web app. 

 

In chapter 2 I learned about smart mapping and storytelling with GIS through the use of story maps. This chapter focused on hosted feature layers which support vector feature querying, visualization, and editing. A lot of information about smart mapping and styling I already know about thanks to GEOG291. I remember making a story map in that class as well. 

In tutorial 2, I learned how to create an app that presents the spatial patterns of US population change, explore the reasons behind the patterns, and share what I found with the public using a StoryMaps story. I first created a feature layer using geocoding. Then I configured layer style using smart mapping. Next I configured layer pop ups using ArcGIS Arcade. When trying to add an expression I was pretty confused but I guess it worked out. Then I added images and charts, created a story, and worked with swipe blocks and express maps. I really enjoy making storymaps and web GIS makes it pretty easy to do. 

 

I think it would be fun to make a map using the attachment viewer to show important buildings on campus or attractions in Delaware. It would be helpful for future students to see the locations as well as pictures and captions of different academic/housing buildings around campus. It would also be helpful for students or people to see popular spots in Delaware to visit. 

Pinde Fu Chapter 7: This chapter focuses on web scenes and 3D maps. There are 2 types of scenes, those that are photorealistic which use images to generate textures onto the models. There are also cartographic maps which make maps that are in a 2D plane and make them 3D. The main components of a scene are: 

• Surfaces: continuous measurements such as elevation 
• Features: operational layers which are either on, above, or below the surface
• Textures: which provide context to the map
• Atmospheric effects: lighting and clouds, and fog

When using web scenes there are a number of layer types you can have. This includes: 

• 3D object scene layers: used to visualize 3D objects 
• Building scene layer: Displays buildings/cities 
  • Overview: displays buildings as a single layer 
  • discipline : combines layers into one 
  • Category layer: Represents categories of objects 
  • Filter: Displays selected attributes of buildings 

• Integrated mesh scene layers: uses drone data to generate 3D scenes
• Point cloud: displays points in 3D 
• Voxel scene: Combines spatial and temporal data 

Web scenes support the use of VR, which allows users to go into maps rather than view them from outside with 2D. The 3D and VR can be accessed from many devices along with VR headsets. There is also integration of XR/MR which is where real-world and digital objects are in the same space, this is accomplished through a combination of sensors and technologies that allow for real objects to be read. This makes it possible to collaborate from afar and to work more intuitively with GIS. 

The metaverse is a connection of digital objects, VR, and social connection. This combines realworld and computer generated objects as well as places, which could allow for training, to occur that otherwise would not. This also can allow construction or repair crews to visualize where something is before getting started, such as working on pipes, and other underground objects. 

GIS indoor allows for mapping things that are inside a building. This makes it easier to locate things such as an item in a grocery store, or a room inside a building. An important use case would have been during covid, when GPS was not enough to contact trace individuals, since GPS cannot account for walls, whereas GIS can.  

Tutorial 7.1: This tutorial brings you to this link, which is a premade web scene. It provides you with some instructions on how to navigate it.  

• To pan use the left click
• To rotate the orientation use right click 
• To zoom use the plus and minus keys

 

Tutorial 7.2: To make a new scene, select the scene at the top of the screen. Then at the top right of the screen select a new scene and the type of scene you would like to make. You can then add layers like normal either locally or from the web. To make a layer 3D you can click on it then change the style to be 3D, to alter the attribute used to generate the 3D layer you can do so at the top of the tab where it says “Choose the main attribute to visualize”. To make it so that height is determined by an attribute change the height setting to attribute driven. To make the labels more intuitive and easier to read toggle on the improve perspective. 

3D map showing population density as state height 

Tutorial 7.3: This tutorial teaches you how to make a 3D design. We used a park as a case study for this. We configured our 3D objects to be 3D types, this displays 3D representations of the objects we have marked as points of interest on our map. In the options you can select the a type and then the marker box, which will let you configure the shapes you want to use. The list includes different types of vegetation. 

 

7.4: This tutorial had us using a version of the scene we made in the previous tutorial. This one had us adding in a sky layer, and a few underground layers. For the sky layer we added helicopters, which were configured using size, and then as 3D objects. To change the resolution of the scene you can navigate to the settings tab then resolution and adjust the slider (I could not find this). 

7.5: This section has us adding in specific objects, to add a car, go to the POI layer, then click edit, then car, from here you can place a car by clicking on the map, then you can rotate it and move it around. 

 

7.6: To add extra detail to the scene you can click the daylight/weather button which looks like the sun, this allows you to change the time of day that is displayed, you can also enable shadows and have the scene run a day/night cycle. To slice and look inside objects you can use the slice objects button in the scene tools menu. To change the orientation of the slice press control. To get an election profile use the elevation profile tool in the scene tools menu. 

3D design of a park  (had a little bit of fun)

I could use this to create a design for a potential green city or food forest. This seems like a very good way to do simple landscape designs.