1. Accomplishment Statements

Lab1

Acquired basic ArcGIS operation techniques and important GIS Concepts. Explored a variety of scenarios that GIS is applicable in real word.

 

Lab2

Be able to clearly state the difference between GCS and PCS, Transformation and Projection-on-the-fly. Gained knowledge into the ArcCatalog File Management system and GeoDatabase. Familiarize myself with coordinate system, projection and datum, and acknowledge the importance of consistence in spatial reference system in a research. Worked with remote sensing imagery and understood the advantages of it.

 

Lab3

Became fully able to conduct simple GIS analysis and export maps in layout view. Developed skills in using Buffer, Raster to Vector Conversion,  Reclassification, etc. Be aware of the presentation of map: the basic elements including north arrow, scale, legend. Also be aware of the map design and aesthetics.

 

Lab4

Retrieved data from various databases and inputed to ArcGIS GDB. Be able to join tabular data and spatial shape file to conduct GIS analysis. Created maps with different data classification schemes and got Impressed & Shocked by how maps can be biased when we made 4 different data classifications. Acknowledged the ethical implications in GIS.

 

Lab5

Performed EIA for Ski resort and worked in a non-peronal perspective. Learned the communication skills with clients in regards of findings in GIS studies. Learned the data visualization by multiple procedures and the importance of data file management.

 

2. Personal Statement & Reflection

After taking the GEOB 270 Course especially the lab part, I found GIS is quite a  practical skill that requires much hands on jobs, in fact I learned quite a few by performing lab analysis by distinguishing problems during the labs seeking for improvements. GIS is a quite inspiring discipline, and it helps me to conceptualize a lot of geographical problems. Besides the introductory GIS Analysis techniques learned from class, I also got a good understanding or ethics on GIS.

But most Importantly, from this course I have also learned TWO lifetime benefiting quality:

1. Be critical on Maps because Maps could be biased too (as I never knew this before).  

2. Think Geographically.