Lab 8 Assignment

 

The first map shows the percentage of black people in various U.S. counties. Clearly, the highest proportion of black people is in the southeast where the darker shades of orange and red are concentrated. The rest of the country is shaded in yellow and light orange, meaning these counties have a lower proportion of black people. This map was created by combining county data with population data from the U.S. census. These two layers were joined, and a color scheme was created to depict the various percentages of black people.

        The second map shows the percentage of Asian people in U.S. counties. The highest proportion of Asian people appears to be on the West Coast and in the northeast, along the coast of New York. These locations are represented by shades of blue on the map. On the other hand, most other areas of the U.S., including Central America, contain mostly yellow shading, meaning there is a lower proportion of Asians. Like the first map, this map was created by combining county data with population data from the U.S. census. The two layers were joined, and a color scheme was used to represent different percentages of Asian populations.

        The third map shows the percentage of all the other ethnic races of people in U.S. counties. The highest proportion of these races appears to be on the western side of the United States, stemming from Texas to California. These regions have shades of dark blue, purple, and hot pink. Contrastingly, there are less of these races located on the eastern side of the United States, and these regions are represented by shades of turquoise. Like the previous two maps, this map was created by joining a county data layer with a population data layer from the U.S. census, and a color scheme was created to represent the different population proportions.

        In conclusion, these census maps depict percentage information for different ethnic groups of U.S. counties. By joining layers on ArcGIS and creating a color gradient, this data can be represented visually. The various percentages of an ethnic group are divided by ArcGIS into different categories, and each category is assigned color. In the case of my graphs, darker colors correspond to greater percentages (a greater proportion of the ethnic race). The maps show that the greatest percentage of black people is in the southeast, the greatest percentage of Asians is far in the west and on the coast of New York, and the greatest proportion of other races is on the Western half of the U.S.

        My overall impression of GIS is very high. GIS provides the ability to create an enormous variety of maps, with different projections, themes, layers, types of data, etc. With ease, one can zoom in and out of a map, add shapes and details to the map, change labels, accentuate features, etc. The possibilities seem to be endless. GIS makes it possible to communicate a wide variety of information easily, it provides the ability for people to access map information from all around the word, and makes it possible to pinpoint the location of many of Earth's features. It is clearly an important and highly useful technology for various different people and disciplines.

Lab 7 Assignment

Wildfires devastate the vegetation, property, and financial state of California. California used to have a typical “fire season” lasting from June to October, but more recently it seems that the fire season lasts year round. California’s worst wildfire occurred in October of 2007. These wildfires caused the largest evacuation in the history of California when 1,000,000 people were forced to evacuate their homes. The fires were so bad that Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency and George Bush ordered federal aid to help fight the fire and help California. These fires left 9 dead, 85 injured, and 1,500 homes destroyed.

More recently, the Los Angeles County Station Fire of 2009 burned through LA. This fire was the largest of all the wildfires in California in 2009 and the tenth largest in California’s history. It lasted from August 26 to October 16—outside of the typical “fire season” and burned 251 square miles of land and destroyed 89 homes. It cost California $93.8 million dollars and took the lives of two fire fighters.

As shown on the second map, the Station Fire burned through Angeles National Forest, a park in LA County. The fire began in the forest by arson. It spread rapidly due to decades of fuel buildup, with lots of dead shrubbery and trees, and drought. Furthermore, brush strands were so thick and high that firefighters had difficulty accessing the fire, and consequently, it spread to a greater degree. After the fire ended, measures were taken to restore areas of the forest to how it used to be.

The second map also shows hospitals that were nearby the Station Fire. It is important to know which hospitals are close to wildfires in case a hospital needs to be evacuated or if injured people need to get to a hospital. For example with the Station Fire, one firefighter suffered a femur injury and had to be airlifted to a nearby hospital.

In conclusion, wildfires are an enormous problem in California. Not only do they destroy the national forests, but they injure and kill firemen and civilians, destroy property, and cost California millions of dollars. Knowing the nearby locations of hospitals is important in saving lives and implementing strategies to prevent the hospitals from suffering from fire damage. As fires become fiercer and more frequent in California, we need to better understand how to study them, map them, and prevent them.

References

Wikipedia contributors. "October 2007 California wildfires." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 8 Nov. 2010. Web. 23 Nov. 2010.

Wikipedia contributors. "2009 California wildfires." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 1 Nov. 2010. Web. 23 Nov. 2010

"Station Fire". InciWeb (United States Forest Service). September 4, 2009. http://inciweb.org/incident/1856/. Retrieved November 23, 2010.

“Fire and Aviation Management.” United States Department of Agriculture. November 13, 2009. http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5167212.pdf. Retrieved November 23, 2010

“Station Fire 38% Contained: Evacuations Ordered.” Los Angeles Times. September 3, 2009. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/09/station-fire-38-contained-evacuations-ordered.html. Retrieved November 23, 2010.

Lab 6 Assignment

1. The following is the extent information of my area in decimal degrees: Top = 34.306388888 N; Left = -118.835277777 W; Right = -118.561666666 W; Bottom = 34.1202777769 N. The spatial reference is the GCS North American 1983. The area I chose is located in Southern California. More specifically, my area includes the mountains of Simi Valley, the 118 freeway, and part of Rocky Peak Park. On the east, this area extends into Chatsworth and Northridge. I chose this region because I liked the mountainous terrain and steeply sloping hills that it contained. The following maps portray different characteristics of my area (relief, slope, and aspect). The final map is a 3D portrayal of the area.

Lab 5 Assignment

         Map projections are an essential part of ArcGIS and the creation of complex and detailed maps. However, like all technology, there are both large benefits and potential pitfalls and inaccuracies to the features of the software. The main benefits arise from an increased amount of information available via the creation of 2D maps, whereas the main pitfalls are inaccuracies and limits to what projections can do.

        The benefits of map projections are endless. First and foremost, they allow for the 3-dimensional earth to be viewed in 2 dimensions. This allows for a model of the earth to easily be folded up and carried around. Consequently, a road map can be carried with one in the car, a campus map can be carried with one around school, etc. It obviously would not be practical to always be carrying a globe or 3-dimensional projection of the earth around. Projections also allow the entire earth to be viewed at once, unlike on a globe, in which only around two-thirds of the earth can be viewed at once. In addition, map layers created by projections can be overlayed, and each layer can show different data. Consequently, large amounts of information can be shown on a single map.

        However, no map projection is a completely accurate representation of the earth, and this is the main pitfall of projections. Map projections either distort the distances between locations on the earth, the areas of certain places on the earth, or the angles between different locations on the earth. Consequently, depending on the projection used, a country that in reality is larger than another country might appear to be smaller. Or, two locations that in reality are very far apart might appear to be fairly close to one another on the projection. Normally, a map projection can only preserve one of the three previous qualities (distance, area, or angles). However, even equidistant map projections don't completely conserve distance--distance is only conserved in a certain direction. In addition, if two maps stem from different projections, they cannot be layered on top of each other because boundaries between countries and features would not align properly.

        Despite its inaccuracies, map projections comprise the core of cartography. Without them, maps would not exist. By using a combination of equidistant, equal area, and conformal projections, one can get a good idea of the layout of the earth. If a projection is used in combination with a globe, one can get an even better idea of the locations of the features of the earth. All in all, without map projections, many things we take for granted, such as GIS, road maps, and sailing the seas, would not be possible.

Lab 4 Assignment

My ArcMap experience was very positive, especially on my third time completing the tutorial. Initially, I found the program confusing and it was tedious to complete the entire tutorial. The third time completing the tutorial, however, went much more quickly, and I made fewer errors and more thoroughly understood what exactly I was doing. I began to understand how I could apply the techniques used to future mapping exercises.

The tutorial helped me to understand the enormous potential of ArcGIS. It can model future geographical plans, show how noise affects a spatial area, predict the outcomes of various policies, etc. It can easily zoom in and zoom out of maps, show various layers of a map, automatically create legends and scales, and can even graph data. It is also very visually appealing—background colors can be used, shadows can be added to maps, fonts can be changed, and items and features can easily be moved around on the map.

The numerous functions of ArcMap lead to an infinite number of different types of maps, graphs, and layouts that are possible; however, this can also lead to confusion and a lack of a standardized and regulated way to map—a pitfall of ArcGIS. In other words, sometimes there can be too many options. If all maps aren’t made in a structured and regulated way, it might be hard to draw comparisons between maps. It can be overwhelming to decide a certain color, line, shape, or chart when there are so many to choose from. In addition, since ArcMap is a computer program, it is destined to crash and for work to be lost.

Overall, I believe the potential of ArcGIS far outweighs the pitfalls. My ability to quickly pick up on simple ArcGIS techniques after only three tutorial trials shows that it is a fairly straightforward and easy-to-understand program. As long as there are guidelines and rules for professional maps, ArcGIS will serve as an excellent tool for graphing and mapping in the future, just as it does today.

Lab 3 Assignment

View 2012 Spain/Morocco/England Trip in a larger map

This is a map of my summer trip to Morocco, Spain, and London. I started in L.A., took a plane to Casablanca, drove to Marrakech, flew to Marbella, drove to Barcelona, flew to London, then flew back to L.A. The map includes the location of a hike I took by Marrakech, designated by a green polygon. The map also includes photographs of Marrakech and Barcelona, as well as a video of "the changing of the guards" at Buckingham Palace.

There are potential pitfalls and consequences of neogeography. First of all, the maps being made are not regulated by professional cartographers and may be misleading or incorrect. It could be difficult or even impossible to know whether one of these maps comes from a reputable map maker or not. In addition, neogeography is limited in that one's map must be made in part by a previously made map or maps. Rather than being able to construct a map from scratch, only details and extraneous materials can be added to a previously existing map. This puts a limit on innovation and creativity. Despite its pitfalls, neogeography is still a clever way to create new, personalized maps.

Image source: http://www.tigminzaraba.com/Marrakech%20Square_1.jpg
Image Yahoo, 1:09 AM, Oct. 19th, 2010

Image source: http://uniglobecarefreetravel.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/barcelona_gaudi_1.jpg
Image Yahoo, 1:20 AM, Oct. 19th, 2010

Video source: http://www.youtube.com/v/aeopSUw-aWU"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/aeopSUw-aWU
Youtube, 12:07 AM, Oct. 19th, 2010

Lab 2 Assignment

1. Beverly Hills
2. Canoga Park; Van Nuys; Burbank; Topanga; Hollywood; Venice; Inglewood
3. 1995
4. NAD 27 and the more updated, NAD 83, are the horizontal datum used to create this map. The national geodetic vertical datum of 1929 is the vertical datum used to create this map.
5. The scale of the map is 1:24,000
6. a. (5cm)(24,000)(1m/100cm) = 1,200 meters
b. (5in)(24,000)(1mile/63360in) = 1.89 miles
c. (1mile/24,000)(63360in/1mile) = 2.64 inches
d. (3km/24,000)(1000m/1km)(100cm/1m) = 12.5 centimeters
7. The contour interval is 20 feet.
8. a. (x/7.5 minutes) = (8.65cm/17.5cm)
x = 3.71 minutes
longitude = 118 degrees 30 minutes - 3.71 minutes = 118 degrees 26' 43''
(26/60)+(43/3600) + 118 = 118.45 decimal degrees
(x/7.5 minutes) = (8.4cm/13.9cm)
x = 4.53 minutes
latitude = 34 degrees + 4.53 minutes = 34 degrees 4' 32''
34+(4/60)+(32/3600) = 34.08 decimal degrees
34 deg 4' 32'' N, 118 deg 26' 43'' W
34.08 degrees N, 118.45 degrees W
b. (x/7.5 minutes) = (1.5cm/17cm)
x = 0.662 minutes
longitude = 118 degrees 30 minutes - 0.662 minutes = 118 degrees 29' 20''
(29/60)+(20/3600)+118 = 118.49 decimal degrees
(x/7.5 minutes) = (0.8cm/13.9cm)
x = 0.432
latitude = 34 degrees + 0.432 minutes = 34 degrees 0' 26''
34 + 0 + (26/3600) = 34.007 decimal degrees
34 deg 0' 26'' N, 118 deg 29' 20'' W
34.007 degrees N, 118.49 degrees W
c. (x/7.5 minutes) = (8.4cm/11.6cm)
x = 5.43 minutes
longitude = 118 degrees 30 minutes - 5.43 minutes = 118 degrees 24' 34''
(24/60)+(34/3600)+118 = 118.41 decimal degrees
(x/7.5 minutes) = (13.5/13.9cm)
x = 7.28 minutes
latitude = 34 + 7.28 minutes = 34 degrees 7' 17''
34 + (7/60) + (17/3600) = 34.12 decimal degrees
34 deg 7' 17'' N, 118 deg 24' 34'' W
34.12 degrees N, 118.41 degrees W
9. a. 580 feet
580 feet x 0.3048 meters/feet = 176.78 meters
b. 140 feet
140 feet x 0.3048 meters/feet = 42.67 meters
c. 700 feet
700 feet x 0.3048 meters/feet = 213.36 meters
10. This map is located in UTM zone 11.
11. 361500 meters (easting), 3763000 meters (northing)
12. (1000m)(1000m) = 1,000,000 meters squared, or 1 kilometer squared
13.

14. 14 degrees

15. The water flows south.

16. UCLA

 Produced by the United States Geological Survey

Lab 1 Assignment

Disneyland, CA

This is a map of Disneyland Resort in California. It includes detailed sketches of the attractions at the amusement park, making it appear more like a realistic drawing than a typical map. Various locations on the map are numbered, and these numbers correspond to the main attractions of the resort, as well as important locations around the resort. For example, California Adventure is identified as number 5; Downtown Disney is number 10; and LAX is number 6. A compass is provided in the bottom right corner, and even the ocean is included in the map.

I find the map interesting because it is so visually appealing. Every building and attraction is depicted in detail, and the map is essentially a miniature version of Disneyland Resort. It makes you feel like you can jump into the park.

Image source: http://images.search.yahoo.com/images/view?back=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.search.yahoo.com%2Fsearch%2Fimages%3F_adv_prop%3Dimage%26va%3Dmap%2Bof%2Bdisneyland%26fr%3Dyfp-t-701&w=3000&h=1769&imgurl=www.keystothemagic.com%2FParkMaps%2FResorts%2FDisneyland_CA_Resort_Map.jpg&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.keystothemagic.com%2FParkMaps%2FResorts%2FCADisneylandOverviewMap.html&size=492KB&name=Disneyland_CA_Re...&p=map+of+disneyland&oid=c3db2f4f7707379e8b11f1b7f1c8d47e&fr2=&no=2&tt=63300&sigr=12br1uolc&sigi=1241fiv3r&sigb=12uk1sded
Image Yahoo, 1:41PM, Sep. 28th, 2010

This is a black and white map of the human brain. It is derived from various X-rays and represents a cross section of the brain. Major subdivisions of the brain are labeled, such as the corpus callosum, hippocampus, and medula oblongata. The map includes no compass and no legends.

I find this map interesting because it is not what would typically come to mind when one thinks of the word, "map." Rather than representing landforms, freeways, and countries, it represents an essential part of the human body.

Image source: http://www.headinjury.com/!CBRAIN1.jpg
Image Yahoo, 2:00PM, Sep. 28, 2010

This is a map of the major stars and constellations visible in the Northern hemisphere. According to the legend, the dots on the map indicate the intensity of the stars, with larger dots corresponding to more intense stars. In addition, lines are drawn through the stars to designate individual constellations, and these constellations are labeled. The Milky Way is indicated on the map by tiny white dots that curve through the map.

I find this map interesting because it demonstrates that maps are not only useful in diagramming features on the surface of the earth, but they can also be important for diagramming objects millions of miles away from the earth, such as stars. In addition, this map can lead to a fun nighttime activity--stargazing in one's backyard.

Image source: http://www.starfinders.com/images/400map.jpg
Image Yahoo, 2:36PM, Sep. 28, 2010