When using ArcGIS, one can always convert map projections from projected coordinate systems. ArcGIS also allows you to translate a data set’s geographical coordinate system into a 2-d projected coordinate system by looking in the layer’s Properties window. Sometimes, Project-on-the-fly will distort the images so the projections look nice and aligned but in order to change actual coordinates, one must change the system of projection so that the map layers are all aligned and on the same scale.
In this lab, we also explored Landsat data with the eruption of Mt. St. Helen’s. Landsat data is useful for geographical analysis because it uses energy waves to detect elevation and can produce a raster layer with topography. With advancing technology, this new satellite imagery can take data from the earth quickly and thoroughly, capturing the earth every 16 days. This is a useful feature when we want to compare landscape changes throughout time. It can also help us extrapolate patterns for future urban planning or environmental protection plans.
