Symbolizing Data - Reading Assignment

On Wednesday we will begin talking about map symbology and how it pertains to creating effective maps. ArcMap is a powerful tool for creating maps and has a rich collection of symbol sets and custom features that allow for great looking maps. However, symbolizing data goes beyond just creating maps, it is critical in order to make meaning out of data that you view in ArcMap. As we begin this next topic, I want to you all to read "Drawing and Symbolizing Features", which is Chapter 4 in the book Mastering ArcGIS, of which you already read Chapter 1. It can be accessed through Electronic Reserves, just follow the link on the right. Let me know if you have any questions.

Data Models and File Formats

In class yesterday, we discussed data models and file formats. This can all be quite confusing I know, so I encourage each of you to take a few minutes to review the presentation. Below are a few key notes to consider:

• Two types of data models for representing real-world data in GIS: Vector and Raster
• Vector data consists of three types: Points, Lines, Polygons
• Raster data consists of two types: Discrete and Continuous
• Vector data is more accurate and has a higher degree of precision, is better for mapping, but can require for intense geoprocessing
• Raster data is gridded, and the accuracy will depend on the resolution (50m vs. 4km)
• Raster data tends to be easier to geoprocess
• File formats for storing vector data include: Coverage, Shapefile, Geodatabase. However, the shapefile is the standard format for NOAA.
• File formats for storing raster data include: Grid, Tiff, Jpeg, GeoTiff, ASCII Grid
• Data models and data file formats are different
• All data has an associated attribute table. For each record or row in the attribute table, there must be one "feature" in the spatial data, or seen in ArcMap. This relationship must be one-to-one.
• The term "feature" can be used to refer to a polygon or line feature, instead of polygon or line shapefile, but it is the same.
• In a shapefile, there could be one feature, or many individual features. This could mean one point, one line, one polygon, or many of each. There must be at least one.
• Geometry types of vector data must be stored separately.

Lab Assignment 2

In class yesterday we started Lab Assignment 2. The data for the lab can be accessed on our class drive by connecting to Unity, or here through Google Docs:

http://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B-HSgDs2zf9LNDgyYzg0MzctNmNmMC00MTkyLTk3ZTMtOTczNjM5OWI0ZTky&hl=en

The actual assignment can be found in Lab Materials under Class Resources on the right sidebar. This lab will be officially due Friday.

Network Drive Link

Here is the path to the network drive that we will use this semester:

\\unity.unca.edu\sharedfiles\AtmosphericSci

The data will be in my folder, Greg Dobson.

To map the drive, go to My Computer/Tools/Map Network Drive

Lecture Presentations Uploaded

The first two lecture presentations for the semester have been uploaded to the Google Group, and can be accessed from the right side bar under Class Resources, Lectures / Class Notes. You can also click here:

http://groups.google.com/group/atms-373/web/lectures-class-notes?pli=1

Again, I will upload all lecture notes and presentations to the Google Group. The Google Group has three pages, each of which can be accessed under Class Resources on the right (Course Documents, Lab Materials, Lectures / Class Notes). You can also visit the Google Group directly here:

http://groups.google.com/group/atms-373/web

First Reading Assignment

For your first reading assignment, please take a look at the first chapter in "GIS Fundamentals", by Paul Bolstad. It is titled "An Introduction to GIS" and can be accessed here online:

http://www.paulbolstad.net/3rdedition/samplechaps/chapter1_sample.pdf

This is one of the better introductory chapters that I have come across. It is very broad, but provides a great overview to the world of GIS. Keep in mind that there are no texts specifically relating GIS to meteorology and other ATMS fields, so as you read through, start to think about how this can be applied to weather, climate, and hydrologic applications. This should be considered "test" material!

Welcome to ATMS 373-02, 2010, GIS in Meteorology

Welcome to the 2010 edition of ATMS 373-02, better known as "GIS in Meteorology". This semester you will be introduced to the exciting world of GIS and Geospatial Technologies and learn how they can be applied to the Atmospheric Sciences community, including meteorology, climatology, and hydrology application.