ATMS 373 - GIS in Meteorology

2011-04-20T18:34:00.001-04:00

Module 12, Week 14

2011-04-17T22:38:00.004-04:00

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:

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

SOFTWARE OBJECTIVES:

READING ASSIGNMENTS:

CLASS MATERIALS:

Lecture 13 - The Next Generation of GIS

SUPPLEMENTAL RESOURCES:

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

LAB MATERIALS:

HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT:

LOOKING AHEAD:

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!

Module 11, Week 13

2011-04-11T11:01:00.006-04:00

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:

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

SOFTWARE OBJECTIVES:

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

READING ASSIGNMENTS:

CLASS MATERIALS:

Lecture 11 - Introduction to Virtual Globes
Lecture 12 - Advanced Google Earth; ArcGIS Integration

SUPPLEMENTAL RESOURCES:

89th AMS Presentation - Using Virtual Globes to Improve Situational Awareness in the NWS

LAB MATERIALS:

Lab 6 - Viewing ATMS Data in GE
Lab 7 - Advanced Google Earth
Lab 7 Data

HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT:

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.

LOOKING AHEAD:

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.

GIS Internship at NCDC

2011-03-30T13:54:00.003-04:00

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.

Module 10 - Week 12

2011-03-27T15:03:00.005-04:00

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:

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

SOFTWARE OBJECTIVES:

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

READING ASSIGNMENTS:

CLASS MATERIALS:

Lecture 10 - Advanced Spatial Analysis

SUPPLEMENTAL RESOURCES:

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.

HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT:

Lab Assignment 5 is due by the end of the day on Friday, April 1st.

LOOKING AHEAD:

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.

Module 9 - Week 11

2011-03-20T23:01:00.007-04:00

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:

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

SOFTWARE OBJECTIVES:

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"

READING ASSIGNMENTS:

Verification of NWS Warnings using GIS- click on "Extended Abstract"
Integrating GIS into Storm Assessment......- click on "Extended Abstract"

CLASS MATERIALS:

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.

Module 8 - Week 10

2011-03-13T23:13:00.013-04:00

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:

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

SOFTWARE OBJECTIVES:

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

READING ASSIGNMENTS:

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.

Test 1

2011-03-02T12:34:00.003-05:00

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!

Module 7 - Week 8

2011-02-28T21:08:00.007-05:00

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.

Accessing the File 1 Server

2011-02-20T20:48:00.002-05:00

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.

Module 6 - Week 7

2011-02-20T19:57:00.005-05:00

Introduction:

This week we will continue to work with map symbology; specifically how it is applied in ArcMap. In the new lab assignment, we will symbolize single symbol data, as well as unique values as categorical and quantities data. In addition, we will will begin discussing the art and science of Cartography, including thematic mapping and map design. This will be further demonstrated in ArcMap by using the Layout mode of ArcMap, which is where maps are created.

Learning Objectives:

Become familiar with the symbology and why it is important for communicating data
What is a map?
What is cartography?
What is map making?
Become familiar with the two types of maps (general purpose and thematic)
Difference between qualitative and quantitative thematic map
What is map scale?
Understand difference between small scale and large scale maps
Be able to describe in detail the map design process
What does symbology mean for maps?
Understand the four main map elements (title, scale bar, north arrow, legend)
What are additional map elements?

Software Objectives:

Be able to create a layer file
Describe the difference between Data mode and Layout mode in ArcMap
What is the difference between the Layout toolbar and the Tools toolbar?
Understand the basic process for adding map elements to the map
Understand how to edit map elements
What are map templates?
Understand how to export maps from ArcMap into other digital files

Reading Assignment:

Drawing and Symbolizing Features - "Mastering ArcGIS, Chapter 4"
Introduction to Thematic Mapping - Cartography (Thematic Map Design), Chapter 1"

Class Materials:

Lecture 6 - Creating Maps and the ArcMap Layout Mode

Lab Materials:

Homework Assignment:

Lab Assignment 3 is due prior to class on Wednesday, February 23rd.

Looking Ahead:

Next week we will continue with map symbology, map design, and creating maps. Specifically, we will work with some NWS\HPC and recreate some of the actual maps found on their websites.

Module 5 - Week 6

2011-02-13T22:39:00.008-05:00

Introduction:

This week we will continue to work with the ArcGIS Desktop components ArcMap and ArcCatalog. In doing so, we will also begin discussing Symbology and explore the symbology options of ArcMap. In order for your data to communicate effectively, you must ensure that appropriate map symbology is used. In ArcMap, there are many symbol and color palettes that we can work with to clearly communicate our message. Symbology then leads to map design, which we will discuss next week, both of which are certainly a "fun" component of GIS.

Learning Objectives:

What does it mean to "symbolize" data?
Why is it important that data (and maps) have appropriate symbology?
Understand the difference between categorical and quantities data.
Understand the difference between single symbols and unique values.
What are different types of quantities maps?
Understand the difference between unique vales and classified symbology for raster data.
What are layer files

Software Objectives:

Be able to manipulate symbols in ArcMap
Be able to use the Symbol Selector
Be able to utilize the Symbology Tab of "Layer Properties"

Reading Assignment:

No new reading assignments. Use this time to catch up on previous week's reading assignments.

Class Materials:

Lecture 5 - Symbolizing Data

Lab Materials:

No new materials

Homework Assignment:

Complete Lab Assignment 2

Looking Ahead:

Next week we will continue to discuss Symbology, as well as over all Cartography and Map Design.

Module 4 - Week 5

2011-02-07T09:11:00.012-05:00

Introduction:

This week we will begin working with ArcGIS Desktop software, specifically ArcMap and ArcCatalog. There will be two lab assignments designed to introduce you to both of these components of ArcGIS Desktop. Both will work with weather and climate-related datasets for the Greenville Spartanburg NWS CWA. In addition, we will begin discussing data modes and data file formats, both of which are critical to GIS and ArcGIS. Essentially there are two types of data models that you will need to become familiar with, the vector and raster data model. Both have different data file formats used for storing geographic data for use in a GIS.

Learning Objectives:

Review the basics of ArcGIS Desktop
Difference between ArcMap and ArcCatalog
What is a data model?
What are attributes?
Two main data models used in GIS (Vector and Raster)
Three types of vector data (points, lines, polygons)
Examples of vector data
Difference between objects, features, records
Two types of raster data (discrete, continuous)
What are cell values?
What raster/grid resolution?
Advantages/disadvantages of raster/vector data
Data file formats used for both data models
Understand shapefiles and geodatabases (feature classes, feature datasets)
Raster file types

Software Objectives:

What are the basic operations of ArcMap?
Understand the main components (Table of Contents, Data Frame, Toolbars)
Understand how to Add Data to ArcMap
Understand how to Connect to a Folder in ArcMap
Become familiar with how to interact with data layers in ArcMap (basic navigation)
View multiple data layers in ArcMap
Be able to access the Attributes Table
What is a .mxd file (ArcMap document file)?
Be able to manage and view GIS data in ArcCatalog
Be able to recognize types of data file formats by their Icons

Reading Assignment:

What is ArcGIS 9.3? - Chapter 3 (Desktop GIS: ArcView, ArcEditor, ArcInfo), (pages 23-39, 44, 46)

Class Materials:

Lecture 4 - Data Models and Data File Formats

Lab Materials:

Homework Assignment:

Lab Assignment 1 is due prior to class on Wednesday, February 9th. Lab Assignment 2 is due prior to class on Monday, February 14th.

Looking Ahead:

Next week we will begin talking about symbology, cartography, and map making.

Module 3 - Week 4

2011-01-30T22:50:00.014-05:00

Introduction:

Due to the rather sparse start to the semester that we have had thus far, this week we will review what we have learned so far, including some of the basics of GIS. We will continue to explore what GIS is, what it can be used for, what is consists of, and what are the key components and views of a GIS. This will continue to lay the foundation for the semester as we move more into how GIS is being used in the fields of Atmospheric Science. We will also dive deeper into the world of ESRI and ArcGIS, the latter of which being the main software platform that we will use throughout the semester. You will have an opportunity to work with this software this week, particularly ArcMap, and begin to get a feel for how it operates.

Learning Objectives:

Review the basics of GIS, ESRI, and ArcGIS Desktop
Review applications of GIS
Understand the five components of a GIS
Understand the three main "views" or processes of a GIS
What are data layers, what do they mean for GIS?
Become more familiar with ESRI and ArcGIS Desktop
How has ESRI evolved?
Basic understanding of the "ArcGIS Model"
What are the licensing levels for ArcGIS Desktop?

Software Objectives:

First exposure to ArcMap
What are the basic operations of ArcMap?
Become familiar with how to interact with data layers in ArcMap
View multiple data layers in ArcMap

Reading Assignment:

What is ArcGIS 9.3? - Chapters 1 and 2 (Key GIS Concepts, What is ArcGIS?)

Class Materials:

Lecture 2 - What is GIS?
Lecture 3 - Introducing ESRI's ArcGIS; Data File Formats

Looking Ahead:

Next week we will have our first lab exercise assignment, working with ArcMap. We will also begin to learn about data models and data file formats, both of which are critical to fully understanding GIS and more specifically, for working with GIS and other Geospatial software.

Module 2 - Week 3

2011-01-22T23:03:00.005-05:00

Introduction:

This week we will continue learning and reading more about what GIS is, with some specific attention to what it means for the National Weather Service. The Module for this week will center around some key reading assignments and viewing some GIS applications online. You should also begin to become more familiar with ArcGIS software, the main proprietary GIS software used by NOAA and the NWS. Please be sure to have completed Module 1, specifically the reading assignment from GIS Fundamentals, and review Lecture 1.

Learning Objectives:

What is ArcGIS Desktop?
What is ESRI?
Be able to list some NWS applications of GIS
View some online GIS applications (GIS Viewers)

Reading Assignment:

Introducing GIS - Chapter 1 from Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop
What is ArcGIS Desktop? - (ArcMap, ArcCatalog, ArcToolbox) - very short!
Verification of NWS Warnings Using GIS

Online Assignment:

From the list of Atmospheric Science GIS Viewers on the right, as well as from the NCDC GIS Portal, pick two or three that interest you and explore their content. How easy are they to navigate? What types of information or data layers are available? What could these GIS Viewers be used for; what spatial questions could be answered using these tools?

Homework Assignment:

After reviewing the reading assignments and online content from the first two Modules of the semester, including reviewing the NWS Los Angeles presentation in Module 1, provide a 2-3 page paper (double spaced) outlining what you think this GIS stuff is all about. Specifically, provide some examples of GIS applications and give a description of what ArcGIS is, based on what you have read so far. This should encompass roughly 1/3 of the paper. The second 1/3 should provide a brief overview of what you think GIS has meant for issuing severe weather warnings, based on the NWS paper referenced above. The remaining 1/3 should describe two of the online GIS Viewers that you reviewed, whether from the lists provided, or that you found on your own. This description can be brief and general, and should include a reference if it is to one that you found on your own. This paper is due to me, via e-mail, before we meet for class on January 31st.

Module 1 - Week 2

2011-01-10T21:59:00.016-05:00

Introduction:

Greetings and welcome again to ATMS 373, GIS in Meteorology. This week, we will begin being introduced to the world of GIS, discuss some of its limit-less applications, and specifically discuss why GIS is important for the Atmospheric Science community; thus, why is it important for ATMS students to learn about GIS.

Course Logistics:

Be sure to review the Syllabus, as we will in class, and let me know right away if you have any questions about the course and what is to be expected.

Syllabus

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this week, you should be able to

Define GIS
List several applications of GIS (meteorology and non-meteorology)
List some potential uses of GIS
Understand the difference between GIS and Geospatial technology

Class Materials:

Lecture 1

Videos about GIS and Geospatial Technology:

The Geospatial Revolution, Episode 1

GIS applications at NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard

Reading Assignment:

What is GIS? - From "GIS.com"

An Introduction to GIS - From "GIS Fundamentals", by Paul Bolstad

Looking Ahead:

Next time we will talk more about what GIS, and begin talking about the ESRI world. ESRI produces the primary software used in the GIS industry. Don't forget to read the above assignments!

Welcome to ATMS 373-02 - "GIS in Meteorology"

2011-01-10T08:00:00.002-05:00

Welcome to the 2011 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 applications.