Geob 270-Lab 2: Coordinate Systems and Spatial Data Models

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Projection Obstacles

In lab 2, we learn how to repair misaligned and improperly referenced spatial data. Coordinate system information (such as area, angles, direction, and distance) are crucial when working with spatial information but, improperly referenced data is a common occurrence. When this spatial data is projected into a different coordinate system, this may cause problems in how it is displayed when added to the map (Misaligned layer). To fix this, you would have to use ArcToolbox and use the Data Management Tools to change the layer’s projection into the right coordinate system.

Landsat Data Advantages

Landsat is a remote sensing program that has been continuously scanning earth since 1972.  It uses sunlight as its energy source and measures the response of objects and surfaces on Earth. Landsat satellites are able to use different wavelengths to produce images of the objects and surfaces of the Earth.

Landsat data is used to measure land change due to natural disasters, for example the effects of the tsunami on the coastal vegetation before and after the tsunami. A research question for geographical analysis would be like this: ‘What was the effects did a natural disaster such as Tsunami have on the coastal vegetation in a specific location?  The location you would choose would be the specific location in which the Tsunami happened in (e.g. The 2004 Indian ocean Tsunami in Acheh, Indonesia). The interval in which you would used would be 2 weeks before the tsunami, the period after the Tsunami, and 10 years after the tsunami. It is important to take into account of seasonal changes when looking at the data, for example, for the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami data, you would have to look out for monsoon seasons.

 

 

Geob 270-Accomplishment Statements: Lab 1 to 3

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Lab 1

Gained fundamental knowledge of GIS components (such as vector, raster and queries etc.) and ArcMap software to improve my understanding towards Geo-spatial analysis to be used in future lab assignments and research.

Lab 2

Learned how to manage and change projections while repairing improperly referenced spatial data using ArcToolbox application within ArcMap to manipulate different coordinate system in order to get a more accurate analysis on geospatial data.

Lab 3

Practiced working with spatial and tabular datasets, both raster and vector and identify areas of Vancouver that was affected by a potential tsunami. As a result, I created a map that display healthcare, education facilities, roads and landuse area in the city of Vancouver that are at a potential risk of tsunami if one was to occur.