Hurricanes - Coastal Flooding from Hurricane Katrina

In this lab we were to assess the damage from storm surge caused by Hurricane Katrina to  three counties in Mississippi.  The three counties Hancock, Harrison and Jackson Counties are all on the Gulf Coast with wetlands and barrier islands that normally protect the coast from too much damage.  We are told that the wetlands and coastal woodlands are important not only for habitat but also for the economy due to the fishing and paper industries.

Looking at the maps, we can see that many of the populated areas are along the Gulf coast and rivers.  The storm surge inundated the coastal communities, wetlands, coastal forests and inland. 

This map shows the elevation and hydrography of the three counties and the surrounding area.

This map shows the flooded areas with a graph of percentage of type of lands flooded.

This map shows the infrastructure and health facilities at risk from storm surge.

This Map is an addition showing the table with acres of coverage per type of land.

Using these maps as reference, I would suggest that the first priority would be to repair damage to Highway 90 that runs through all three counties along the coast.  Along this highway are the majority of hospitals and populated areas.  This highway will be essential to bringing more aid in and allowing access to vital health facilities and communities. Restoring the wetland and forested areas to bring the economy back to a viable and sustainable working area will need to be a priority after these first essential areas are repaired.

Process Summary

Deliverable 1:

1)      Examined the directory structure

2)      Documented the map for “Coast1”

3)      Set the environments

4)      The instructions said to Expand General Settings.  There was no “General Settings” that I saw, so I chose “workspace” and it seemed to be the same thing.

5)      Used the Mask function to limit the analysis to the three counties.

6)      Set the features for the Elevation feature class.

7)      Added the layers islands, water and river layers, setting the symbology.

8)      Created a map showing elevation, hydrology and populated areas.

9)      Exported as Coast1_cmb.jpg 

Deliverable 2 and 3:

   Documented the map for “Coast2” and set the environments

1)      Used the Spatial Analyst feature and the Math toolset to calculate the storm surge in meters and to isolate the area flooded by the storm surge.

2)      Used the Reclass tool to “reclassify” the land values.

3)      Saved the output raster as “reclandcover”

4)      Isolated the flooded land cover using the Times tool and saved the raster as “floodedlc”.

5)      Relabled the reclassified flooded land cover by adding new field to attribute table.

6)      Saved as a new layer.

7)      Added the counties, places and island layers and labled and symbolized.

8)      Calculated the percent in the attribute table and created graph of flooded land by land-cover type.

9)      Added the graph to the map. Saved and exported the map of flooded land and graph to Coast2_cmb.jpg

Deliverable 4 and 5:

   Documented the map for “Coast3” and set the environments

1)      Added counties and usa_streets layers. 

2)      Changed the symbology

3)      Added railroads, hospital and churches layers and symbolized

4)      Added flooded_land layer and made 50% transparent instead of 25% because I thought it worked better to show the other information more clearly.

5)      Calculated the acreage by clearing map and adding counties and floodedlc layers. 

6)      In the floodedlc attribute table added two float fields “acres” and “sqmiles”

7)      I tried to add this table to the Coast3 map but I couldn’t get the sizes to work right.

8)   Saved and exported the map of infrastructure impacts to Coast3_cmb.jpg

Natural Hazards/Earthquakes

This assignment the learning outcomes were to:

- query earthquake attributes to reveal how depth and magnitude relate to spatial location
- use GIS to identify features at risk during an earthquake
- map earthquake data and local geology to determine seismic hazard
- explain how geology and magnitude values relate to building damage
- map building damage to reveal the configuration of a gault
- import data from an earthquake catalog and  visualize it in 3D
- create a report that explains data being utilized in the GIS poject, answers important questions and summarizes the process of creating a map of the earthquake fault

This first map shows the Railroads at Risk.  At a level X on the Modified Mercalli Scale, rails will bend.

PART III: Process Summary DetailsWrite down step-by-step instructions for the one process listed below. Do not copy the instructions verbatim from the lab exercise.

1)      Part 1:

1.      Started with the NewMadrid.mxd map

2.      Compared Population Centers to hypothetical earthquake

3.      Answer: Memphis, Tennessee

4.      Selected by Location for the Urban Areas with the Source Later “New MadridMMI” and summarized to create an UrbanRisk table

5.      Answer: 91

6.      Calculated the population density using the Counties layer and adding the new field for “Population Density”.

7.      Answer: 60,088,857

8.      Created graph for population density

9.      Assessed risks for roads and railroads comparing with the Modified Mercalli Scale

10.  Created map for railroad risks, added all pertinent information and exported as “RailroadsAtRisk.jpg”

2)      Part 2:

1.      Started with the Northridge1.mxd map

2.      Set the property symbols using the layers ‘property’, ‘symbology tab’

3.      Selected by Attribute for the “unsafe” and “limited entry” properties.

4.      From here on I could not get any further. I could not get the Kernel Density tool to work correctly, I followed the directions exactly several times, rebooted the computer and program, allowed it to use the defaults after trying the settings in the directions and it still would not set up the raster to describe the density of the damaged buildings.

3)      Part 3:

1.      Started with the Northridge2.mxd

2.      I could not get past adding the text file.  I could not locate the NorthridgeAfter.csv file in the files on the S:drive or the R:drive, I tried rebooting several times and looking in the files directly and in ArcCatalog and could not find any files even similar.

4)      Part 4:

1.      Started with Northridge3.mxd

2.      I could not get very far in this part either.  I tried to summarize the DaysAfter field in the earthquakes layer but when I tried step 3, to open the table and create the graph, the table was not actually formed, just a properties layer.  I tried this several times, started from scratch, shutting the computer off, etc.

I was really looking forward to this lab, read all the fascinating background material and then became more and more frustrated as I tried to move through.  If you could tell me what I did wrong (or what you think I might have done), I would greatly appreciate.  Sadly my first assignment will have a very poor grade and I was not able to get through ¾ of the lab.

UPDATED

As I figure out the other maps, I will post them and their process summaries.

Part 4:



Applications In GIS

I am back for my 2nd semester in GIS.  This one is starting off really interesting and I am looking forward to proceeding with the assignments.

First, here is an example of how GIS is used in my industry, Delaware Dept of Natural Resources (DNREC) One of the things the scientists here have been looking into is Sea Level Rise and the possible impacts.  Using data they have collected themselves and using the median data collected from sources like NOAA, EPA, etc, the data was then overlaid with DNREC scenario maps.  The locations that are in areas of potential impact were identified.  The potential impact sites were identified at .5m, 1.0m and 1.5m increase from Mean Higher High Water (MHHW).

The map here is one I created with their data layers.  Below are links to the actual presentation by Delaware Coastal Programs, part of DNREC.

State Sea Level Rise Map:

http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/coastal/Documents/SLR%20Advisory%20Committee/PublicInvolvementWorkshops/CustomStatewideMap_new300.pdf

Explanation and Presentation to Public:

http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/coastal/Documents/SLR%20Advisory%20Committee/PublicInvolvementWorkshops/SLRPublicEngagementSessionPresentation.pdf

Information on Committee:

http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/coastal/Documents/SLR%20Advisory%20Committee/Finalized%20Documents/SLR%20Advisory%20Group%20Intro%20One%20Pager%20FINAL%20020811.pdf

Loose Ends Lab - Part 1 and 2

Process Summary Details Part I

There isn’t much for me to write for this Process Summary but it was an interesting and informative exercise.

1)     The information on the Table of Contents was really good because I often just played around until I got it to do or show what I wanted it to, now I have more of an idea what each TOC view does and how to use it better, particularly the ‘View by Order’ where you can move the layers around and will handle the Layer Groups.  Knowing that ‘View by Source’ shows the non-spatial data was enlightening, as well.

2)     Learning how to insert my own graph and to play with the settings was pretty cool…I am looking forward to playing with that more.  Remembering to set up the basics in the View/Graphs/Create then going back into Advanced Properties is great and will save much frustration.

3)     I have been wondering how to use the “dynamic texts” function so this was very useful.  I can see where different codes can get pretty complicated but knowing the basics like date formatting is very useful.

Process Summary Details Part II

Again, there is not much to add to the Process Summary Details, however, the second Loose Ends Lab showed some interesting tools, particularly how to share files while not losing data needed for the functioning of the map.

1)     I followed the directions and opened up the files, learning how to use the Repair Data Source to find the source folder and also seeing what a correctly saved map document looks like.  This will be very handy when sharing files in my office.

2)     Knowing that Data Driven Pages need to be exported as a PDF seems like it will be good necessary information for the future.

3)     I look forward to working with these tools more.

Georeferencing

In this lab we georeferenced two raster images to match vector data.  I learned some useful skills in this lab but I was disappointed in my final results.  I don't like how the map looks and felt everything was disjointed throughout the entire lab.  But, I know we learn from the projects that don't turn out as nice as we would like, as well as the pretty ones.  So, here is my map for this lab.

PART III: Process Summary Details

1)     Added the shapefile layers: building and roads and the images uwf_n.jpg

2)     Used the Georeferencing tool to georectify by using the ‘control points’ function.

3)     Used the transparency function to better see the layers to align.

4)     Used the RMS Error data in the Links Table to better align the map.

5)     Added the ‘uwf_s1.jpg’ image and georectified that, as well, using the Transformation function to adjust the distortion.

6)     Tried to eliminate the black edges on the images by using the Display Background Value and by moving the layers but I couldn’t get it to work right and the line stayed on my map.  It seemed several other students had the same issue.

7)     Digitized the UWF gym building and new road

8)     Created a 3D scene using ArcScene and ‘floating on a custom surface’ to create elevation where there wasn’t elevation data.

9)     Exported this jpg as arcscene_image.jpg to ArcMap

10)  Added the essential map elements called for in this lab

11)  Exported map as “Georeferencing_cmb.jpg” to S:drive

Data Editing assignment

This week's assignment was very useful.  I had some of the regular frustrations but just had to slow down and start again, paying attention to details.  The mistakes I make are sometimes useful, I am able to see a little bit how some things work and how they don't, which will hopefully help me as I start work outside the class with ArcMap.

This assignment was about learning how to edit information, combining features and selecting specific information to show and creating new features.  We were using information about Gulf County to find a good location for an office for the BOCC with certain criteria such as, the property needed to be county owned, over 20 acres and vacant.

Here is the map I produced.

Process Summary Details

I saved along the way and found this very useful again since I ended up closing down and restarting a couple times.  It ended up that I was doing everything correctly but I just didn't think it looked right.

1)     Added the layers ‘GulfCounty_Roads’ and ‘GulfCounty_Parcels’ to ArcMap

2)     Used the Editor Tool to Merge the two Parcels 03334-000R and 03341-000R, changed their information in the ‘GulfCounty_Parcels’ attribute table to reflect the new status.

3)     Added the new created shapefile layer “CountyOwned.shp” to ArcMap

4)     Used the Calculate Geometry and Field Calculator tools to display wanted information.

5)     Ran a Definition query to hide the features not needed for this map.

6)     Added the new created shapefile layer “SuitableParcels.shp” to ArcMap

7)     Using the Editing tool again with the snapping tool, adjusted the roads from the ‘GulfCounty_Road’ layer to fit better. 

8)     Using the Creating Features tool, drew the road feature for the cul-de-sac development.

9)     Changed colors, added labels and essential features to map showing the new Suitable Parcels layer with parcel id, the original Gulf County Parcels and the updated Gulf County Roads.  Added an aerial basemap.

10)  Saved as S:\Data_Editing\final.mxd and exported as S:\Data_Editing_cmb.jpg

Vector Analysis II Lab

Process Summary Details
Once again, I detailed my steps because I got stuck, this time at the Union section.  I had made 2 mistakes that were not allowing the proper attributes to show up.  I found detailing the steps helped me retrace and start again with a better understanding of what I was doing at each section and then I could duplicate it without any problems.

1)    Step 1: Creating a distance buffer:

-       Added ‘roads’ data layer

-       In ArcToolbox, under Analysis and Proximity, chose Buffer (A)

-       Parameters for buffer: ‘linear distance of 300 meters’; ‘dissolve all’ buffer borders

2)    Named output feature class “Roads_Buffer300m”

3)    S:\Vector2\roads_buffe300mr

-       Turned off Roads and Road Buffer layers

4)    Step 2: Creating a Variable Distance Buffer”

1.     Added ‘water’ shapefile layer

2.     In ‘attribute table’: Add field of type ‘Short Integer’ and name “buffdist”

3.     ‘Select by Attributes” for ‘lakes’

4.     In ‘buffdist’ column, right-clicked to select ‘field calculator’ and assigned as “150”

5.     ‘Switched Selection’ to ‘River’ feature and assigned “500” in ‘field calculator’

6.     ‘Clear Selection’

7.     In ArcToolbox, selected ‘buffer tool’ and created “Water_Buffer_variable” layer

5)    S:\Vector2\water_buffer_variable

1.     Moved Water layer on top of Buffer layer

2.     Turned ‘Roads’ and ‘Roads_Buffer’ layers on

6)    Saved as S:\Vector2\roadwater_buffer.mxd

7)    Step 3: Using ArcPython to Run Buffer Analysis

1.     Opened the ArcPy window

2.     Typed import arcpy (enter)

3.     Typed arcpy.Buffer_analysis( “Roads”,”S:\Vector2\roads_buffer300m”, “100 Meters”, “FULL”, “ROUND”, “ALL”)

4.     Saved as S:\Vector_Analysis2\arcpyroads.mxd

5.     Turned the new layer off

6.     Layers turned on are:

1.     Water.shp

2.     Roads.shp

3.     Water_Buffer_variable.shp

4.     Roads_buffer300m.shp

8)    Step 5: The Union

1.     In the ‘Water_Buffer_variable’ layer In ‘attribute table’: Add field of type ‘Short Integer’ and name “insd_wbuf”

2.     In attribute table, under “insd_wbuf’ column, right-clicked to select ‘field calculator’ and assigned as “1” for all features

3.     In the ‘Roads_Buffer_300m’ layer In ‘attribute table”: Add field of type ‘Short Integer’ and named”:insd_rbuf”

4.     In attribute table, under ‘insd_rbuf’ column, right-clicked to select ‘field calculator’ and assigned as “1”

9)    Running a union overlay

1.     Select Union tool from Overlay toolset in Analysis Tools toolbox

2.     Input Features: ‘Water_Buffer_variable’’ and ‘Roads_Buffer_300m’

3.     Output Feature Class: ‘Buffers_Union’

4.     JoinAttributes: ‘All’

5.     Gaps Allowed ‘checked’

10) Opened the Attribute table for ‘Buffer_Union’ layer and the proper number of attributes was in the table

11) Select by Attributes query: “insbd_rbuf”= 1 AND “insd_wbuf” = 1

12) Exported ‘selected features’  to “buffer_union_export” shapefile from the TOC and added new layer to map.

13) Turned off all other buffer layers

14) Step 6: Separating and Excluding Areas

1.     Added the conservation_areas’ layer

2.     Chose the Erase overlay function and used ‘buffer_union_expor’t as the input and the ‘conservation_areas’ as the erase.

3.     Named this new layer “possible_sites”

15) Converted the ‘possible_sites’ layer from a multipart layer to a singlepart layer using the ‘Multipart to Singlepart’ tool.

1.     Named this new layer “possible_sites_single”

2.     Added the new field ‘area’

3.     Used the ‘calculate geometry’ function to answer the questions. 

16) Turned off all layers except ‘possible_sites’, ‘roads’ and ‘water’

17) Added Essential Elements

18) Saved file as S:\Vector2\PossibleCampgroundSites_cmb.mxd

19) Exported file as S:\Vector2\PossibleCampgroundSites_cmb.jpg