Geography 292: Geospatial Analysis with Web GIS

Chapter 1

The first chapter provided an overview of Web GIS, highlighting its growing influence across various sectors, including government, business, research, and education. What stood out the most was the versatility of this technology, especially in terms of data hosting and sharing. Whether data is stored in the cloud via ArcGIS Online or managed locally by users, Web GIS seamlessly integrates key components like data, layers, web maps, scenes, tools, and applications. Understanding how these elements interact to create dynamic, shareable maps helped clarify the overall system.

The tutorials reinforced these concepts effectively. I learned how to generate new items, organize them into folders, incorporate images into popups, and publish maps for public access. The process was fairly intuitive, particularly with prior experience using ArcGIS Desktop. However, Web GIS takes accessibility to another level, making data visualization and sharing much simpler for a wider audience.

Chapter 2

Building on the first chapter, Chapter 2 explored different layer types and introduced smart mapping, a feature that streamlines the process of designing maps to highlight patterns within data. It was helpful to see how smart mapping automatically suggests styles and applies data-driven logic, making it easier to create clear, visually appealing maps without requiring expertise in cartography. The table detailing various mapping styles served as a useful guide for selecting the most appropriate visualization method based on the project’s goals.

Another key takeaway was ArcGIS Arcade, a scripting language that allows users to modify how data appears in popups, even when certain attributes are not readily available. It reminded me of working with formulas in Excel but adapted for GIS applications. The chapter also delved deeper into popups, demonstrating how they can be customized to enhance the user’s understanding of the data being displayed.

A particularly interesting topic was Story Maps, which enable users to integrate text, multimedia, and interactive maps into a cohesive narrative. This makes them a powerful tool for communicating complex information to audiences who may not be familiar with GIS. The tutorials guided me through creating Story Maps with various features like swipe comparisons and timelines, adding an extra layer of creativity and clarity to map presentations.

Applications Based on Chapters 1 & 2

The concepts from these chapters inspired several possible applications. One idea is a dot density map illustrating all pet stores in the area that sell cat toys. A heat map could be created to visualize the concentration of cat owners based on licensing records or survey data. Another application could be a web map showcasing notable landmarks and attractions in Delaware County, which could be beneficial for tourism and educational purposes.

Additionally, a feature layer could be developed to display underutilized agricultural land within the county, aiding in land-use planning and sustainability initiatives. A more advanced application could involve a flood resilience planning tool, leveraging local data to assess how upcoming infrastructure projects might be affected by flood risks. Such a tool would be valuable for both community members and local government officials in making informed decisions about future developments.

Chapter 1

The first chapter clearly explains the tools available for web GIS. I was impressed with the number of ways WebGIS can be used. I also like how accessible it is to use, it has a global reach, and allows you to share with people. It’s interesting how this technology came to be, the history was very informative.

Chapter 2

Chapter two focused on smart mapping and more informative terminology for ArcGIS. There are so many types of layers, and even different types of layers, such as hosted layers, have different kinds. Intriguingly, so much data can be turned into many different maps. Each map tells the story of its data and can make it easier to understand. Learning all this new terminology makes me question if people who have jobs in this field have all of it memorized or if they figure it out as they go. 

Application 

I used the table on page 41 for some map examples. You could use a continuous timeline with residential data to watch patterns and trends of new houses built and their price, or you could watch which areas are still vacant. 

Chapter One: This introductory chapter gave me a better idea of how Web GIS works and was a deeper dive into that compared to the article that was assigned last week. The purpose of this chapter is to describe how the new version of Web GIS differs from past versions, such as how the site evolved and what it offers now. The chapter gave an overview of the components of ArcGIS and the content types of the site.  There were some helpful tutorials included as well and I enjoyed that they communicated each step clearly, along with providing pictures when necessary.

Chapter Two: This chapter provided more detailed information on layers, the purpose of different types of layers, and what exactly we can communicate with these different kinds of layers. The sample table of smart-mapping is super useful as well and I know I’ll be referring back to it when creating different types of maps. I also liked how the authors explained what steps a user should take based on what type of story they want to tell with their maps. I was especially interested in the idea of express maps, because I liked how this can allow you to draw different features on a map (in my experience, this makes navigation a whole lot easier).

Applications: An application for these two chapters could be my personal story, because this intrigued me when I saw this example on page 35. I could place different markers based on where I grew up, where I live now, the schools I went to, etc. I think that creating an express map would be the best way to portray this information. This is because I could mark the points of each area I’d like to focus on, and also be able to draw arrows from one destination to another. An express map could allow me to annotate different areas on the map and explain my personal story even further.

 

 

 

Chapter 1

This book shares a very good quality with the book from 291 which is that they both are able to provide very thorough explanations of somewhat complex topics, while keeping it concise. The first chapter discusses the first stages of Web GIS and its evolution to the modern cloud-based service. It also discusses the purpose behind Web GIS and its unique place in different GIS systems. In addition it makes a point to examine the ways in which Web GIS has kept up with technological advancements. I appreciate how much of an emphasis is placed on the social aspect of Web GIS. 

 

Chapter 2

Chapter two opened with explaining to the reader what feature layers are. Although I did not explicitly need to learn this again because of my experience in 291, it again does an amazing job as always of maintaining concise, clear explanations. The main focus of this chapter is to have the reader learn how to create and use hosted layers. The process of creating different layers and maps in Web GIS is very similar to the Desktop version, however it is much more polished than the actual software itself, which I guess makes perfect sense to be accessible and user-friendly.

 

Application

An application for the parcel dataset from the Delaware County database is creating a continuous timeline of the most recently sold parcels to the possibly never sold parcels. This could be useful to city planners and community organizers in spatializing the places in the county that have high levels of generational wealth.

Chapter 1
Chapter 1 introduced the fundamentals of Web GIS and emphasized how it’s becoming a powerful tool across different industries like government, business, research, and education. What really stood out was how flexible and far-reaching this technology is especially when it comes to hosting and sharing data. Whether the data is hosted in the cloud through ArcGIS Online or managed directly by users, Web GIS makes it possible to connect all the essential parts: data, layers, web maps, scenes, tools, and apps. Seeing how these elements come together to create interactive and shareable maps helped make sense of the whole system.

The tutorials were especially helpful in reinforcing the concepts. I learned how to create new items, add them to folders, attach images to popups, and publish maps for public viewing. The process felt pretty intuitive, especially after some experience with ArcGIS Desktop. Still, Web GIS offers a new level of accessibilitym it’s built for broader use and makes sharing data and visualizations much easier.

Chapter 2
Chapter 2 went deeper into layer types and introduced smart mapping, which is a feature that really simplifies the process of styling maps to highlight patterns in the data. It was useful to see how smart mapping uses defaults and data driven logic to help users make clean, meaningful visualizations without needing a background in cartography. The table outlining different mapping styles was a good reference and gave me a better idea of how to choose the right map type depending on the project.

I also learned about ArcGIS Arcade, a scripting tool that’s used to customize how data is displayed in popups even when certain attributes aren’t already available. It reminded me of using formulas in Excel, just adapted for GIS. Popups themselves were covered in more detail too, showing how they can be personalized to help map users understand what they’re looking at more quickly.

Another part of the chapter that stood out was Story Maps. These allow users to combine text, media, and interactive maps into one cohesive narrative, making them a great way to communicate information to people who might not be GIS experts. The tutorials walked through how to create story maps using different types of blocks like swipe comparisons and timelines, which added even more creativity and clarity to the presentation.

Applications Based on Chapters 1 & 2
The ideas from these chapters sparked several potential applications. For example, a dot density map could be used to show all the pet stores in the area that sell cat toys. A heat map could display the concentration of cat owners based on licensing data or survey responses. Another application could be a web map highlighting popular landmarks or attractions in Delaware County, which would be helpful for tourism or education purposes. I also thought about using a feature layer to show currently unused agricultural land in the county, which could help with land use planning or sustainability efforts. A more advanced idea would be to create a flood resilience planning app, using local data to show how future infrastructure projects might be impacted by flood risk. This could be really valuable for both residents and local officials as they make decisions about development.

Chapter 1

I was surprised by all of the different web hosts and other internet usages for GIS that were discussed in this chapter.  The section on technology also provided a lot of insights on what all of this data can actually be used for as well. The overview of contents was very useful (data, layers, web maps, scenes, tools, and apps). The section on different types of layers was also very helpful in understanding how they can be applied to projects in the future.

 

Chapter 2

At it again with more information on layers in this very helpful section. The table on smart-mapping styles was also useful, and the description will be helpful when determining what type of map to use for a project. The pop-up function seems very similar to the desktop version. I also recognized the story maps from desktop, I think this is very useful for when you are trying to convey information to an audience that might not be very familiar with your topic.

 

Applications

I looked to the table on page 41 to guide some of my ideas for different types of maps. An application for a dot density map would be locations of pet stores where I can buy my cat toys in the area. Another application would be a heat map, which could indicate the number of cat owners in the area.

Chapter 1: The first chapter highlights what GIS is all about, and what it is most commonly used for. Government agencies, business and research centers ahve all started using GIS for different applications. The tutorials were fairly easy to get through. I was able to access all of the data and complete the steps as necessary. The most interesting thing I found in chapter 1 was being able to add attachments to popups on a map. I understood most of the instructions because a lot of it was taught during GEOG 291 as well. Tutorial 1 had me create a new item and learn how to put it into a new folder, add photos and share my item publicly. 1-2 was about adding fields to my layer editing the data for the fields. 1-3 allowed mee to familiarize myself with both the content and settings toolbars and what each button does. I symbolized the  points and created popups. In the last tutorial I created an instant web app , as well as showing me the different views for the maps and how to publish the map to the public.

Chapter 2: The beginning of the chapter talks about different types of layers and what their most common uses are. It also goes over the basics of Pop ups and ArcGIS Arcade which is an expression language that allows you to display information where there is no attribute field. I also learned all about StoryMaps which I find to be the most interesting use for Web GIS as it can be used for so many different things and is so easy to understand. 2-1 was about geocoding to create a feature layer. The second tutorial was on symbolizing in different ways and how to use different effects. 2-3 was about creating and editing pop ups on a map by creating expressions. 2-4 allowed me to add new content to all of the popups . The fifth tuorial was on how to create a story from start to finish and the last one was on using swipe blocks and express maps.

For chapter 1 an application I could create is landmarks throughout Delaware County or its Key Attractions. For Chapter 2 I would choose to create a feature layer on current unused agricultural space in the county.

Chapters 1 and 2 provided a solid introduction to Web GIS and how it’s used to share and work with geographic data online. I learned how systems like ArcGIS Online make it easier for users to create interactive maps and apps. Chapter 1 explained how Web GIS has evolved and how it connects different components like data, servers, and users into one system. The tutorial showed how to create a basic web map app that displays points of interest, which helped me understand how Web GIS apps are structured.

In Chapter 2, the focus was on smart mapping and the role of feature layers. I learned how these layers let users visualize data in meaningful ways and how maps can be styled to highlight different patterns or trends. The tutorial in this chapter showed how to use population data to build a map that tells a clear visual story. One thing I’m curious about is how to decide which symbology or mapping method works best for a given dataset? Are there general rules, or is it mostly up to the user?

Geog 291 Application

To apply what I learned, I created a simple Web GIS app using population data from Delaware County. I used smart mapping to show areas with higher or lower populations. This kind of app could help explore local demographic trends or support planning decisions. It was a good way to practice using hosted layers and the map styling tools introduced in the chapters.

In Chapters 1 and 2 of Getting to Know Web GIS, I was introduced to the foundations of web GIS and how it connects with the broader digital geography ecosystem. I learned how ArcGIS Online is not only a mapping platform but a full suite of tools that supports interactive mapping, data sharing, and spatial analysis through the web. What stood out most was how easy it is becoming for non-experts to engage with spatial data through intuitive interfaces and web apps.

Chapter 1 discussed the growth and importance of Web GIS in the modern world, with examples across government, business, education, and environmental fields. Chapter 2 covered the basics of creating web maps, publishing data layers, and configuring pop-ups and symbology. I appreciated the real-world examples that showed how GIS is used to solve spatial problems and communicate stories effectively.

Application Idea Based on Chapters 1 & 2

Using the Delaware Data from Geog 291, I’d like to create a web map showing broadband access gaps across different counties. I could layer internet speed data, demographic information, and educational access points to highlight areas where underserved communities may lack reliable internet. This could be useful for policymakers or school districts trying to allocate funding for digital access programs.

Getting to Know Web GIS (2022, 5th edition)

Chapter 1

Web GIS is accessible and versatile with many ways for information to be shared and utilized by various organizations. The five main content types of web GIS: data, layers, tools, web maps and scenes, and apps (basemaps, operational layers, and tools are basic components). 

Depending on where the underlying data is stored, feature layers can either be hosted or nonhosted.
Hosted: A web service is based on ArcGIS- managed data (data is stored in ArcGIS Online cloud database or ArcGIS Data Store)
Nonhosted: A web service connects directly to user-managed data (data is stored and managed by an organization)

Workflow for Building Web GIS Apps = Data sources, desktop tools, ArcGIS Online/ArcGIS Enterprise, client apps

Attachment Viewer is an instant app template that allows the user to quickly build an app that presents spatial data with a feature-by-feature browsing experience and image-based display.

Chapter 1 – App

 

Chapter 2

Feature layers are the most common type of operational layers and hosted feature layers are the most widely used operational layer. Hosted feature layers, hosted Web Feature Service (WFS) layers, hosted tile layers, hosted vector tile layers, hosted Web Map Title Service (WMTS) layers, hosted scene layers, hosted image layers, and hosted map image layers are all all types of hosted layers that can be published to the Esri geospatial cloud. To publish a hosted feature layer, a user could create a feature layer from their own data, create a feature layer from an existing template, or create an empty feature layer and define their own fields interactively. 

Smart mapping uses intelligent defaults, data-driven visualizations, and innovative workflows to allow the user to share professional-quality maps easily and with minimal cartographic or software skills. 

ArcGIS Arcade allows the user to build custom expressions based on existing fields and geometries the way that Microsoft Excel allows the user to write formulas to work with their spreadsheet. 

ArcGIS Living Atlas provides basemap, imagery, boundaries, people, infrastructure, and environment content categories.

The types of blocks (components used to build a story) include sidecars, slideshow blocks, map tours, swipe blocks, and timeline blocks.

Chapter 2 – Story Map

 

Application based on ideas from Chapters 1 & 2

I could create a Flood Resilience Planning App to help Delaware County officials and residents see how new infrastructure projects might be affected by flooding. Delaware data layers like floodplain boundaries, road networks, parcel data, and elevation contours would visualize areas prone to flooding and how developments might be impacted. Users could explore “what-if” scenarios, like whether a proposed road expansion could become a flood hazard or if a new neighborhood is at risk. Interactive tools could allow users to click on specific locations to see flood risk levels, past flood events, and property ownership details.