Lab 2: Creating maps from online data

       The purpose of this lab was to use online data tables as map data and then to publish a map on ArcGIS Online. The website "Factfinder" provided 2010 census data, including a table of population by Wisconsin counties. This data was downloaded and extracted to my "lab2" folder. After converting the table from a comma-delimited file to an Excel Workbook file, it was added to a new map in ArcMap. In addition, a shapefile of associated Wisconsin counties was downloaded from the above website and added to the map. Upon verifying that both files imported properly and shared a common ID (geoID#), they were joined so that the shapefile could be symbolized using data from the table. 

      The first variable to be mapped, total population, did not need to be normalized. A monochromatic color scheme was chosen for the shapefile for easy viewing. Jenks natural breaks with 6 classes rather than 5 were used to show more variability in population. A second variable, percent of the population 5 years and under, was chosen and imported in the same manner as above. A different monochromatic color was chosen and Jenks natural breaks with 5 classes were used. This variable is a percentage of total population, and did not have to be normalized.

      A layout was made of these two maps, shown below. Set in landscape orientation to accommodate both maps, map elements including legends, a title, source, north arrow, scale, and a topographic basemap were also included. As shown below, The southeastern part of the state is more populated, and children under 5 are not as common in the northernmost counties. 

     To create a map on ArcGIS Online, a login is required. Before is could be published as a service through UW-Eau Claire - Geography and Anthropology, the basemap and all layers besides the total population shapefile had to be deleted. A description and tags were entered and sharing was updated to include UW-Eau Claire - Geography and Anthropology. After publication was successful, changes were made via Google Chrome to configure a popup information window that would display the population of each county when that county was clicked on. Below captures the web map with pop-up information of Barron County.

Source: US Census Bureau

Lab 1: The City of Eau Claire's Confluence Project

The goal of this lab was to use basic cartographic skills in order to depict several maps of the Confluence Project in Eau Claire. Clear Vision Eau Claire's initiative to bring the UW-Eau Claire and the Eau Claire Regional Arts Center together would result in a complex that offers student housing, performance spaces, galleries, studios, offices, classrooms, and more. It is thus important to consider the location in terms of the who is living in the area and what kinds of other zoning is present. In addition, those unfamiliar with the project may be interested in knowing where it is in relation to what they know of Eau Claire. The maps created by this lab seek to answer these questions.

Although previously learned skills like symbol properties were used, this lab offered an opportunity to learn new skills focused on cartographic appeal and involving various design elements. First, using layer properties to adjust transparency was necessary in utilizing background imagery, which gives viewers a more worldly sense of what they are looking at. Adding the drawing toolbar allowed for "Proposed Site" callouts on two maps that can be used as location reference maps. As such, the proposed site is extremely small and the callout is an essential identifier. To reach the goal of a visually pleasing map that shows who is living in the area and what type of area it is, two important maps were made. "Census Boundaries" shows the density of people 18-21 years old living in that area. "City of Eau Claire Zoning" shows what types of establishments are in the area. Other maps show the location of the proposed site by highlighting PLSS Quarter-Quarter sections, voting districts, and parcels.

By mapping in this way, viewers can see certain patterns in the area of the proposed site. First of all, "Civil Divisions" shows us that the site is in the heart of the city of Eau Claire, an important quality for such a hip and happening development. By looking at the amount of people 18-21 year olds living in the area, we can assess the access of the site by the age group who will likely be using it most. The map shows us that dense populations of this age group live just south of the site, with a moderate density surrounding it. "PLSS" and "Eau Claire City Parcels" show a closer view of the proposed site location. We see that it borders the rivers, which would offer a great view. More importantly, we see that there are plenty of transportation routes and bridges to cross the river. "City of Eau Claire Zoning" shows that the many amenities found in the central business district are readily available, and that there is plenty of nearby public land. Plus, future residents can see what ward they're voting in. So handy. 
Take a look!  

Source: City of Eau Claire and Eau Claire County 2013