Skills Learned from GIS Labs
In Lab 1, we learned how to choose appropriate data and to be critical of the sources from which we obtain our data. Building on this skill in lab 2, we learned how to compare metadata, geographic datums, geographic coordinate systems and map projections, allowing us to make sure we are using our data correctly. This is a very important step in GIS mapping, as in order to create an accurate map in ArcGIS, data must be within the same coordinate system, and if this is not the case the coordinates on the map will not be plotted correctly. In addition, making sure that the map projections are all the same so that they are all updated to the most recent projection system will increase the accuracy of the map. By combining these skills of critical analysis of data sources and ensuring the properties of the map are aligned with each other, I now know how to create an accurate, up to date map using reliable data.
Another skill I have learned throughout the labs is gaining an understanding of remote sensing, such as Landsat data, and how this can be effective in ArcGIS. By using Landsat data within ArcGIS, this enabled me to group layers together to create a map analysis of Mount St Helens before and after the volcanic eruption in 1980. By creating layers of images of Mount St Helens in 1979 and in 2002 using Landsat data and changing the colours of each layer, I can turn on and off these layers to analyse how the surrounding landscape has changed. This is a useful skill as it could be used to present a map to environmental organisations who are analysing how the topography and land use has changed around Mount St Helens since 1980.
In lab 3, I found it particularly effective to use the intersect tool in the ArcToolbox to combine data from the areas of Vancouver which were in a Tsunami danger zone and data of where schools and health facilities are located in Vancouver. Although keeping track of the intersected layers was confusing at first (what layers had I intersected? What units are in the attribute tables?), this is a highly useful skill for presenting a map to companies or local governments to show what defense mechanisms should be set up to avoid flooding of danger zones.
Lab 4
For this lab, it was required to obtain data by ourselves instead of relying on the ‘get data’ source provided by the GEOB 270 TA’s. In order to do this, I had to download data from Abacus in order to obtain the shapefile for the area I wanted to map. Further, in order to collect Census data from the Census tract I wished to map, I accessed this information on CHASS. This process allowed me to gain the skills to import data into a GIS map I have sourced myself, and the end result was a map which showed housing affordability in Vancouver compared with Montreal. The skills I learned in this lab included changing classification methods, and how this changes the data you have collected in how it is presented and interpreted on your map. I also understood the importance of metadata when downloading data online, as it informs the analyst what previous editing or analysis has been performed on the data, which could potentially impact the results of your final GIS analysis.
Lab 5
In Lab 5 I was given the task of mapping an environmental impact assessment of a ski resort at Garibaldi Lake. In order to do this, I was required to perform a select by attributes function to calculate the area which is inhabited by a number of different redlisted species. As I had collected data on different endangered species, I had to use the Arc Toolbox to perform a merge on the different species in order to create a polygon which expressed all of the endangered species. This way, it was much easier to calculate how much area is inhabited by redlisted species as they have all been grouped together. Further, I was tasked with displaying information on stream riparian zones. In order to do this, I performed a multi-width buffer analysis on the stream layer. This is a particularly useful skill as it allows the consultant to calculate, not only the area of the rivers, but the area of their 10 meter riparian zones.