Sunday, April 17, 2011
Module 12, Week 14
INTRODUCTION:
This week, our final week of new content, we learn how GIS is quickly evolving and how such GIS-based technologies as Server, Open Source, Data and Web Services, and Web Mapping are changing the way people access and interact with spatial data, including weather and climate data. NOAA, the NWS, and many other agencies are taking full advantage of this "next generation" of GIS. This week we will discuss what Open Source means for GIS, how Servers can efficiently provide access to data, through "services", and how MashUps and APIs have revolutionized the way data and maps are viewed online.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Next week is the last week of the semester for us, including our last class, and our final exam, which will be Wednesday, April 27th, from 11:30am - 2:00pm. Stay tuned for more details, but start preparing now! It will be cumulative!
This week, our final week of new content, we learn how GIS is quickly evolving and how such GIS-based technologies as Server, Open Source, Data and Web Services, and Web Mapping are changing the way people access and interact with spatial data, including weather and climate data. NOAA, the NWS, and many other agencies are taking full advantage of this "next generation" of GIS. This week we will discuss what Open Source means for GIS, how Servers can efficiently provide access to data, through "services", and how MashUps and APIs have revolutionized the way data and maps are viewed online.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
- What is Open Source
- Understand advantages and disadvantages of Open Source
- What is Open Source GIS
- Become familiar with Open Source data file formats
- Become familiar with Open Source GIS desktop platforms
- What does Enterprise and Server-based GIS refer to
- What are data and web services
- Understand WMS and WFS services
- What is Web Mapping
- What are MashUps
- What is an API
- Understand how Google fits into Web Mapping
- Understand the difference between Google Earth, Google Maps, Google My Maps, and the Google Maps API
- Understand how mashups and web mapping can disseminate data, and be ingested into other applications
- Development of Web-Based GIS Applications for Decision Support and Situational Awareness
- GIS Enterprise Architecture in the NWS
- Lecture 13 - The Next Generation of GIS
- 91st AMS Presentation - Preparing and Communicating Forecasts of High-Impact Weather Information using GIS and MashUp Technologies
- 90th AMS Presentation - Development of web-based GIS applications for decision support and situational awareness
Next week is the last week of the semester for us, including our last class, and our final exam, which will be Wednesday, April 27th, from 11:30am - 2:00pm. Stay tuned for more details, but start preparing now! It will be cumulative!
Monday, April 11, 2011
Module 11, Week 13
INTRODUCTION:
This week we will learn about Virtual Globe technology, its implications for the NWS, and specifically how Google Earth can be used and customized to disseminate a variety of spatial, weather, and climate data. In addition, we will learn how Google Earth and ArcGIS Desktop can be integrated with one another. We will also learn about a new data format, KML/KMZ.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Next week will learn about the other Google component, Google Maps. In addition, we will learn about web-mapping in general, data services, and Open Source GIS.
This week we will learn about Virtual Globe technology, its implications for the NWS, and specifically how Google Earth can be used and customized to disseminate a variety of spatial, weather, and climate data. In addition, we will learn how Google Earth and ArcGIS Desktop can be integrated with one another. We will also learn about a new data format, KML/KMZ.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
- What are Virtual Globes
- Difference between virtual globes and GIS
- Understand the KML / KMZ data format
- Become familiar with common virtual globe platforms
- Become familiar with Google Earth
- Understand how Google Earth is used within the NWS
- What are come common applications of Google Earth
- Understand the linkages between ArcGIS Desktop and Google Earth
- What is situational awareness
- Understand basic difference between the three versions of Google Earth
- Become familiar with how Google Earth operates
- Become familiar with weather and climate KML data
- Understand how Google Earth can be customized
- What are three primary ways to create KML data
- What are the parts of a KML data file
- How can KML data be customized
- Understand how to get KML data into Google Earth
- Become familiar with how to convert shapefile data to KML data
- Using Virtual Globes to Improve Situational Awareness in the National Weather Service
- The Application of Virtual Globe Software in Fire Weather Forecasting
- The Application of Virtual Globe Software in Forecasting Flash Flooding of Low Water Crossings
- Lecture 11 - Introduction to Virtual Globes
- Lecture 12 - Advanced Google Earth; ArcGIS Integration
- 89th AMS Presentation - Using Virtual Globes to Improve Situational Awareness in the NWS
- Lab 6 - Viewing ATMS Data in GE
- Lab 7 - Advanced Google Earth
- Lab 7 Data
- Lab Assignment 6 is due by Wednesday, April 13th. Submit via e-mail to me.
- Lab Assignment 7 is due by the end of Monday, April 18th. Submit to me via e-mail.
Next week will learn about the other Google component, Google Maps. In addition, we will learn about web-mapping in general, data services, and Open Source GIS.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
GIS Internship at NCDC
Full Announcement
Although the description mentions database skills and not GIS, I can tell you that the position will involve some GIS. The work is in support of the Regional Snowfall Indicies that NCDC is creating, similar tot he Northeast Snowfall Impact Scale if you are familiar with that. Two previous UNCA ATMS students have worked with Mike Squires at NCDC on the project, after having taking this class you are in now.
Let me know if you have any questions. You might have to officially apply through he UNCA Career Center. Although posted through UNCA, you will be working at NCDC. I will not be part of the selection team, but can answer any questions you may have.
Although the description mentions database skills and not GIS, I can tell you that the position will involve some GIS. The work is in support of the Regional Snowfall Indicies that NCDC is creating, similar tot he Northeast Snowfall Impact Scale if you are familiar with that. Two previous UNCA ATMS students have worked with Mike Squires at NCDC on the project, after having taking this class you are in now.
Let me know if you have any questions. You might have to officially apply through he UNCA Career Center. Although posted through UNCA, you will be working at NCDC. I will not be part of the selection team, but can answer any questions you may have.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Module 10 - Week 12
INTRODUCTION:
This week we will continue discussing and learning about GIS-based spatial analysis. Recall that analysis such as this represents the true power of GIS, that is, GIS is capable of much more than just creating maps. Last week we learned about basic spatial analysis through data selections, or queries. We will continue learning how to do queries this week, but also learn about advanced spatial analysis, more commonly referred to in the GIS world as Geoprocessing. Through Geoprocessing, we manipulate datasets to asked advanced spatial questions and identify spatial relationships. Much of this leads to the creation of new datasets.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
LAB MATERIALS:
Next week you will be working on the first part of your final projects. The final project is meant to test all of the skills and knowledge you have acquired through the semester, with specific focus on analysis and mapping.
This week we will continue discussing and learning about GIS-based spatial analysis. Recall that analysis such as this represents the true power of GIS, that is, GIS is capable of much more than just creating maps. Last week we learned about basic spatial analysis through data selections, or queries. We will continue learning how to do queries this week, but also learn about advanced spatial analysis, more commonly referred to in the GIS world as Geoprocessing. Through Geoprocessing, we manipulate datasets to asked advanced spatial questions and identify spatial relationships. Much of this leads to the creation of new datasets.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
- What is Geoprocessing
- What does Geoprocessing mean for GIS
- How does Geoprocessing differ from selection or query analysis
- Understand how Geoprocessing leads to the creation of new datasets
- What is ArcToolbox
- What are some things to consider when using ArcToolbox
- Understand the difference between raster and vector tools
- What is advanced Geoprocessing
- Become more familiar with data selections and queries
- Understand the difference between attribute and spatial queries
- Be able to analyze selected (queried) data
- Be able to export selected features as new shapefiles
- Become familiar with ArcToolbox
- Be able to perform basic Geoprocessing tasks using ArcToolbox
- A Preliminary Review of Tornadoes Impacting Interstates: Service and Societal Considerations
- SVRGIS: GIS Graphical Database of Severe Weather Reports in the U.S. (1950-2005)
- Lecture 10 - Advanced Spatial Analysis
LAB MATERIALS:
- Lab Assignment 5 data will be on our class server or from here.
- Information on final projects will be discussed on Wednesday, March 30th.
- Lab Assignment 5 is due by the end of the day on Friday, April 1st.
Next week you will be working on the first part of your final projects. The final project is meant to test all of the skills and knowledge you have acquired through the semester, with specific focus on analysis and mapping.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Module 9 - Week 11
INTRODUCTION:
This week we will continue the discussion of "data", and we will continue working with "raw" data in GIS; entering raw data into GIS, editing it, manipulating it, and outputting it. Specifically we will continue with the tornado mapping exercise, as well as some other "raw" data exercises. In addition, we will begin the discussion of "Basic GIS Analysis". After all, it is this "spatial" analysis that represents the true power of GIS. We will learn how to ask "spatial questions" of our data through data selections and queries in ArcMap.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Lecture 9 - Basic GIS Analysis: Queries and Selections
SUPPLEMENTAL RESOURCES:
NWS Warnings Using GIS - 88th AMS presentation
LAB MATERIALS:
Same as from Module 8 (be sure you still have them!)
HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT:
LOOKING AHEAD:
Next week we will continue talking about basic GIS analysis, and also add advanced GIS analysis to the equation, specifically, geoprocessing.
This week we will continue the discussion of "data", and we will continue working with "raw" data in GIS; entering raw data into GIS, editing it, manipulating it, and outputting it. Specifically we will continue with the tornado mapping exercise, as well as some other "raw" data exercises. In addition, we will begin the discussion of "Basic GIS Analysis". After all, it is this "spatial" analysis that represents the true power of GIS. We will learn how to ask "spatial questions" of our data through data selections and queries in ArcMap.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
- Understand difference between spatial and attribute data edits
- What is GIS Analysis?
- What are GIS-based queries?
- What are GIS-based selections?
- Understand how basic GIS analysis can lead to further data creation
- Be able to create and edit attribute data in ArcMap
- Be able to create new shapefiles using ArcCatalog
- Be able to use the "Editor" toolbar in ArcMap to edit data
- Understand how table "Joins" work in ArcMap
- Be able to subset data to create new data
- Be familiar with "Georeferencing"
- Verification of NWS Warnings using GIS- click on "Extended Abstract"
- Integrating GIS into Storm Assessment......- click on "Extended Abstract"
Lecture 9 - Basic GIS Analysis: Queries and Selections
SUPPLEMENTAL RESOURCES:
NWS Warnings Using GIS - 88th AMS presentation
LAB MATERIALS:
Same as from Module 8 (be sure you still have them!)
HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT:
LOOKING AHEAD:
Next week we will continue talking about basic GIS analysis, and also add advanced GIS analysis to the equation, specifically, geoprocessing.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Module 8 - Week 10
INTRODUCTION:
This week we will discuss the long eluded to, much anticipated, subject of coordinate systems and map projections, collectively referred to as "spatial reference information". For a variety of reasons I have waited till the mid-point of the semester to introduce this topic, but that should by no means take away from its importance to the study of GIS. In fact, without spatial reference information, there would not be GIS. GIS is all about layering information to assess patterns and relationships, among other things. But it is the individual layer's "spatial reference information" that allows it to be overlaid correctly with other layers. Most of this is handled automatically and behind the scenes in ArcMap, but there are still some important things about the subject that you should be familiar with.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Chapter 3 from GIS Fundamentals (pages 94-116)
Chapters 2 and 3 from Understanding Map Projections (just skim over)
Both of these are also available from the side bar
CLASS MATERIALS:
Lecture 7 - Spatial Reference Information
Lecture 8 - Data
SUPPLEMENTAL RESOURCES:
Video - Introduction to Projections
Video - Projection Tool
LAB MATERIALS:
Exercise folder from the Class Server, called "Mar16".
HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT:
None.
LOOKING AHEAD:
Next week we will continue working with "data", especially in terms of entry, analysis, and editing. More specifically, we will begin discussing true spatial analysis, and learn how to query and geoprocess geographic data in GIS.
This week we will discuss the long eluded to, much anticipated, subject of coordinate systems and map projections, collectively referred to as "spatial reference information". For a variety of reasons I have waited till the mid-point of the semester to introduce this topic, but that should by no means take away from its importance to the study of GIS. In fact, without spatial reference information, there would not be GIS. GIS is all about layering information to assess patterns and relationships, among other things. But it is the individual layer's "spatial reference information" that allows it to be overlaid correctly with other layers. Most of this is handled automatically and behind the scenes in ArcMap, but there are still some important things about the subject that you should be familiar with.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
- What is spatial reference information?
- Why is it so important for GIS data?
- Understand the two main type of coordinate systems
- Understand latitude and longitude coordinates
- What is Geodesy?
- What are datums?
- Understand map projections
- Understand difference between map projections and ESRI's use of the term "Projections"
- Be aware of three types of map projections
- What is map distortion?
- What are some common map projections?
- Terminology: Coordinates, Projections, Projected Coordinates, Geographic Coordinates - Spatial Reference Information
- What does data mean to GIS?
- Understand each of the various data tasks associated with GIS
- What are the three main types of original spatial data collection?
- Be familiar with some common GIS data sources
- Be able to examine spatial reference information of a layer in ArcMap
- Understand how the data frame's coordinates are set
- Be able to adjust coordinates of the data frame properties
- Understand how to use the Define Projection Tool and the Project Tool
- Understand the difference in these two tools
- Be able to define a layer's coordinate information
- Be able to convert a layer's coordinate information to a different system
- Be able to plot x/y data in ArcMap
- Be able to create (digitize) basic data in ArcMap
Chapter 3 from GIS Fundamentals (pages 94-116)
Chapters 2 and 3 from Understanding Map Projections (just skim over)
Both of these are also available from the side bar
CLASS MATERIALS:
Lecture 7 - Spatial Reference Information
Lecture 8 - Data
SUPPLEMENTAL RESOURCES:
Video - Introduction to Projections
Video - Projection Tool
LAB MATERIALS:
Exercise folder from the Class Server, called "Mar16".
HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT:
None.
LOOKING AHEAD:
Next week we will continue working with "data", especially in terms of entry, analysis, and editing. More specifically, we will begin discussing true spatial analysis, and learn how to query and geoprocess geographic data in GIS.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Test 1
Test 1, both the written and lab component are due on Monday, March 14th, at the beginning of class. The lab data is on the File1 server. Below is a color image of what your map should look like, remembering of course to change the Interstate color to red. Pay attention to detail!
Monday, February 28, 2011
Module 7 - Week 8
This week we will continue working with symbology and with creating maps in ArcMap. Specifically, we will recreate an event map from the 2009 snow event that the Greenville-Spartanburg NWS office has on their website.
Once we have recreated the original map, we will create some alternative versions to it, experimenting with different class ranges and colors, and additional data layers. We will also add appropriate map elements to the map to make it truly a map product.
Homework Assignment:
Lab Assignment 4 is due prior to class on Wednesday. Essentially, you will peruse the data holdings in the Mater Data folder, within the Instructor Folder on the File1 Server, and create a map with at least 3 layers, being sure to include the appropriate map elements.
Test 1:
As previously stated, Test 1 will be a take-home exam. It will be distributed in class on Wednesday, March 2nd, and due to me at or before the beginning of class on Monday, March 14th. The test will include a lab component.
Once we have recreated the original map, we will create some alternative versions to it, experimenting with different class ranges and colors, and additional data layers. We will also add appropriate map elements to the map to make it truly a map product.
Homework Assignment:
Lab Assignment 4 is due prior to class on Wednesday. Essentially, you will peruse the data holdings in the Mater Data folder, within the Instructor Folder on the File1 Server, and create a map with at least 3 layers, being sure to include the appropriate map elements.
Test 1:
As previously stated, Test 1 will be a take-home exam. It will be distributed in class on Wednesday, March 2nd, and due to me at or before the beginning of class on Monday, March 14th. The test will include a lab component.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Accessing the File 1 Server
In addition to following the steps to the right for the Class Network Drive, remember that we now need to always either restart or log-off and log back in to the computers each week when we come to class, the follow the steps for Class Network Drive. Then at the end of class, you will want to log-off. This is true for any other lab you may visit on campus.
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