Final Project

This is the final project for this class.

My proposal was to find a location for a community wind farm on the DelMarVa Peninsula (Delaware, Maryland, Virginia Peninsula).  The criteria was to find a suitable location with appropriate wind speed, land and population while avoiding sensitive environmental locations and schools.  I do not have access to the I:drive right now to be able to link to it so I have presented the slide presentation and summary here as jpg images until I can get access to the I:drive again.

This is my slide by slide summary. I felt that I was successful at obtaining my goal of finding a good location for the wind farm.  I found that when I used the tools I specifially needed for the analysis I came up with good results.  My original proposal said that I would use different analysis tools but I realized I was trying to find ways to use these tools instead of just using the best tools for problem at hand.

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

Vector Analysis I Process Summary

This Vector Analysis Lab was actually kind of fun.  We are working on the analysis part of GIS and it is interesting.  I like making the maps but finding info using various layers and combinations is pretty neat. 

Below is my Process Summary and MetaData.  I included all the layers we worked with, not just the three originally listed and the new ones.  Also, I detailed each step in the Process Summary as I went because I saved as I went which I found very useful.

PART I: Metadata

1)     File name: Flood_Zones

o   S:\ Vector_analysis\Lab7Data\flood_zones

o   Data Type: File Geodatabase Feature Class

o   Feature Type: simple

o   Geometry Type: polygon

o   Reference System:

§  Projection Name: Custom

§  Projection: Albers

§  Datum: D_North_American_1983

§  Units:  Meters

2)     File name: Major_highways

o   S:\ Vector_analysis\Lab7Data\major_highways

o   Data Type: File Geodatabase Feature Class

o   Feature Type: Simple

o   Geometry Type: Line

o   Reference System:

§  Projection Name: Albers Conical Equal Area (FGDL)

§  Projection: Albers

§  Datum: D_North_American_1983_HARN

§  Units:  Meters

3)     File name: Superact_wells_esc

o   S:\ Vector_analysis\Lab7Data\superact_wells_esc

o   Data Type: File Geodatabase Feature Class

o   Feature Type: Simple

o   Geometry Type: Point

o   Reference System:

§  Projection Name: Albers Conical Area (FGDL)

§  Projection: Albers

§  Datum: D_North_American_1983_HARN

§  Units:  Meters

4)     File name: Join_Output

o   S:\ Vector_analysis\Lab7Data\join_output

o   Data Type: File Geodatabase Feature Class

o   Feature Type: Simple

o   Geometry Type: Point

o   Reference System:

§  Projection Name: Albers Conical Area (FGDL)

§  Projection: Albers

§  Datum: D_North_American_1983_HARN

§  Units:  Meters

5)     File name: Join_Output_2

o   S:\ Vector_analysis\Lab7Data\join_output_2

o   Data Type: File Geodatabase Feature Class

o   Feature Type: simple

o   Geometry Type: Point

o   Reference System:

§  Projection Name: Albers_Conical_Area (FGDL)

§  Projection:  Albers

§  Datum: D_North_American_1983_HARN

§  Units:  Meters

6)     File name: Parcels Nearby

o   S:\ Vector_analysis\Lab7Data\parcels_nearby

o   Data Type: File Geodatabase Feature Class

o   Feature Type: Simple

o   Geometry Type: Polygon

o   Reference System:

§  Projection Name: Custom

§  Projection: Albers

§  Datum: D_North_American_1983

§  Units:  Meters

7)     File name: Pensacola_Parcels_Feb10_clip

o   S:\ Vector_analysis\Lab7Data\ Pensacola_Parcels_Feb10_clip

o   Data Type: File Geodatabase Feature Class

o   Feature Type: Simple

o   Geometry Type: Polygon

o   Reference System:

§  Projection Name: Custom

§  Projection: Albers

§  Datum: D_North_American_1983

§  Units:  Meters

8)     File name: Rails

o   S:\ Vector_analysis\Lab7Data\rails

o   Data Type: File Geodatabase Feature Class

o   Feature Type: Simple

o   Geometry Type: Line

o   Reference System:

§  Projection Name: Custom

§  Projection: Albers

§  Datum: D_North_American_1983_HARN

§  Units:  Meters

9)     File name: Pensacola_Schools

o   S:\ Vector_analysis\Lab7Data\pensacola_schools

o   Data Type: File Geodatabase Feature Class

o   Feature Type: Simple

o   Geometry Type: Line

o   Reference System:

§  Projection Name: Custom

§  Projection: Albers

§  Datum: D_North_American_1983_HARN

§  Units: Meters

10)  File name: Drainage_Basin

o   S:\ Vector_analysis\Lab7Data\drainage_basin

o   Data Type: File Geodatabase Feature Class

o   Feature Type: simple

o   Geometry Type: Polygon

o   Reference System:

§  Projection Name: Albers_Conical_Area (FGDL)

§  Projection:  Albers

§  Datum: D_North_American_1983_HARN

§  Units:  Meters

11)  File name: Escambia_cellular

o   S:\ Vector_analysis\Lab7Data\escambia_cellular

o   Data Type: File Geodatabase Feature Class

o   Feature Type: simple

o   Geometry Type: Point

o   Reference System:

§  Projection Name: Albers_Conical_Area (FGDL)

§  Projection:  Albers

§  Datum: D_North_American_1983_HARN

§  Units:  Meters

12)  File name: Superact_risk_features

o   S:\ Vector_analysis\Lab7Data\superact_risk_features

o   Data Type: File Geodatabase Feature Class

o   Feature Type: simple

o   Geometry Type: Point

o   Reference System:

§  Projection Name: Albers_Conical_Area (FGDL)

§  Projection:  Albers

§  Datum: D_North_American_1983_HARN

§  Units:  Meters

13)  File name: sum_output

o   S:\ Vector_analysis\Lab7Data\sum_output

o   Data Type: stand alone table

o   Table Type: File Geodatabase Table

PART III: Process Summary Details

1)     Started ArcMap and opened ‘VectorAnalysis_1.mxd’. I followed the steps in the lab instruction and saved as I went, (a lesson learned) then erased all once I completed the lab.  Saving did help since I realized as I was going through the steps and answering the questions that I missed changing a spatial selection method on one of the queries so it was easy enough to go back to the previous saved .mxd. I chose to detail the steps to keep it straight in my mind.

2)     Located land parcels within 2000 feet of school using ‘Select by Location’ query – saved as “S:\ Vector_analysis\Lab7Data\schools.mxd”

3)     Located land parcels within 1 mile of hospital, within the already selected features, using ‘Select by Location’ Query. Saved as “S:\Vector_analysis\Lab7Data\hospital.mxd”

4)     Located land parcels that were not within a kilometer of a railroad, within the already selected features, using ‘Select by Location’ Query. Saved as “S:\Vector_analysis\Lab7Data\rails.mxd.”

5)     Located the land parcels within 3000 feet of cellphone towers, using ‘Select by Location’ query.  Saved as “S:\Vector_analysis\Lab7Data\escambia_cellular.mxd”

6)     Checked how many features were selected by ‘Open Attribute Table’. 

7)     Created new layer and saved it as “Vector_analysis\Lab7Data\Parcels_Nearby.mxd” and unselected the layer, deleted the other .mxd files but kept the Parcels_Nearby.mxd

8)     Located the land parcels within the Enterprise_zones polygon layer.

9)     In the Superact_risk_features layer, used query to find this feature in the already selected parcels.

10)  Used the ‘Target layer features intersect source layer features’ to find  the parcels that are affected by flood zones and their value.

11)  Used the ‘Select by Attributes’ function to find the ‘residential’ parcels and the total market value of the parcels within the flood zone.

12) Saved final .mxd as Vector_Analysis_cmb.mxd