Joe Copsey GIS

  This week I employed what I learned about georeferencing to create a map. Georeferencing is a process that uses a digital raster image or vector database and locates that data in the real world using a spatial reference. The map above shows the georeferenced raster images of the University of West Florida's Campus. The buildings and roads are represented by polygons and lines, which I also learned how to edit and add to a map. The map also displays the location of a Bald Eagles nest located on UWF's campus, and the boundary depicting the protected area surrounding the nest to ensure its safety.

 This week was focused on spatial analysis, and comparing vector and raster data. Examining and evaluating objects geometric and geographic properties to determine and display data effectively is extremely important in GIS. I also learned more about overlay tools in ArcGIS Pro and in what situations to use them.  In my lab assignment, I used publicly available data to create a spreadsheet consisting of school addresses in Manatee County, FL. I am not too familiar with creating spreadsheets using excel, so this was good practice and I will be sure to work on becoming more proficient with the program along with ArcGIS, as it is an imperative skill to possess. I was able to use the data in the spreadsheet to geocode the locations onto a map in ArcGIS Pro. Not all of the addresses were matched, so I was able to learn how to manually fix this issue. Provided in this link is the map I made of the location of  Manatee County Schools .

  This week I learned about vector data, the importance of data analysis, and how it is used in GIS. Vector data is used to represent real life features, and can be used for purposes beyond just mapmaking. I created this map showing of possible campsites in De Soto National Forest, MS. I learned how to employ more geoprocessing tools such as buffers to display the data I wanted.

  This week I learned about map projections and how they affect mapmaking. Due to the curvature of the Earth, it is impossible to show a 100% accurate reading of the Earth's surface in a flat format. Therefore, every map projection differs slightly in some way, and it is important to compare them for the most accuracy. I made this map depicting a comparison between three different map projections of the area of Florida counties. Observe the difference in area recorded between the Albers, UTM Zone 16, and Florida State Plane North projections.  In addition, I got familiar with ArcGIS Online and using a mobile device to collect data in the field. I collected data regarding the condition of all of the stop signs in my neighborhood, and uploaded into a map in ArcGIS Pro. Due to the catastrophic hurricane that affected the area in 2018, most signs were replaced relatively recently and were in very good condition. I also learned that people give you strange looks when you go around ...