Georeferencing, Editing, & 3D

 

This is the final map of the project and it shows a 3D map of the UWF data layers that were previously georeferenced. The RMS errors and transformations show some of the background information behind the two georeferenced layers. The legend shows the original data layers, the georeferenced rasters, and the digitized features (highlighted in blue). The unique thing about this map is that it is more interactive and complex. This is exemplified by the tilted North arrow. It was interesting to learn that it is possible to make 3D maps on ArcGIS Pro. I really like this style, and would like to experiment more with it for future endeavors. The biggest complication I had for this map and the other one was trying to separate the digitized features from the layers in the legend. I couldn't figure out how to do it the conventional way, so I got creative and personally added the digitized features separately into the legend. 

Because this lab included two maps, I figured I would go over this one as well. This map features the georeferenced layers and the eagle nest conservation area with a 330ft and 660ft buffer around it. I had to redo so many georeferencing points so many times that I feel like a georeferencing master at this point. I had the same issue with distinguishing the digitized features in the legend. It was nice to practice digitizing features because I already had some prior knowledge of it from my GIS4043 class. This activity served as a nice refresher. The buffer activity was also nice and simple and served as a nice refresher. The main struggles I had with this assignment were arranging things properly in the map, distinguishing the digitized features in the legend, and georeferencing (at first). Overall, I feel like I have a solid foundation over these topics now.  

XY Data & Geocoding Lab

 

http://arcg.is/1e4rK81

This map represents the location of schools (from elementary school to college) in Brevard County, Florida. This data was geocoded from the information found on the Florida Department of Education website. This map uses a NAD1983 HARN State Plane Florida East FIPS 0901 Feet projection. 

The geocoding and XY data assignments enhanced my knowledge of the backstage players in GIS. Up until now, I have mostly been concerned with representing data through maps (other than the time I worked with ArcGIS Collector); however, now I have a more comprehensive view of how to get usable and quality data in the first place. When making a map, it is not always possible to manually travel to locations and record sites on the ArcGIS Collector app. Geocoding pre-existing data from credible sources is much more efficient and realistic, especially for my own future GIS endeavors. This was definitely a new difficult concept for me, especially since I only have a baseline understanding of Microsoft Excel. Overall, I surprised myself with my ability to move through the steps with little error. However, the most notable setbacks I had were inputting the formula for the cities wrong and not catching that mistake until the end when all of the formulas were intertwined. I ended up having to manually put in the cities myself which took a long time. I also had issues at the very end with getting a sharable link for my map because the feature layers in the map weren't defined somehow. I did a Google search and was able to fix this issue, though.