Bayou Texar Map

This is map that I created in my GIS class using Arcmap in the ArcGIS desktop program. This map is showing sample points of positive contaminants in Bayou Texar, plaintiff Properties near these contaminant sample points and market value of the parcels in Bayou Texar. To this, the parcels data file was first added then the x and y data was added from the contaminants and claimants clv files provided. These x and y data was made sure to have the correct coordinate system and the data was exported as shape files added to the map creating the two sets of points. Next, the parcel values clv file was added and then the data from that file was joined with the data from parcel data file so that the attributes can be joined to have one shape file with all the required data. The data for that target file for the join was then exported to another shape file to make the join permanent. Then, that new file was added and the old one was removed. Next, a symbology was used to show the market value using a color ramp of the parcels. Next, a base map called topology was added before changing to layout view to begin adding the basic map elements such as current date, author, north arrow, title, scale text, scale bar, and legend. Lastly, final modifications and fixing was done to the map for final submission. The map was then saved and exported to a jpeg file to be posted up here in my blog.

Georeferencing Data Map

This is a Geo-referencing map showing a part of Florida; it was created using the Arcmap program in the ArcGis program. The map was first created by adding in the unreferenced raster and an already referenced data set showing the same area. Then the fit to display feature in the georeferencing tool was used to bring the layer needed to reference into the current area being viewed and then the display was manipulated so that the features on both the known and unknown layers can be seen clearly. Then features present in both layers were visually identified and the add control points feature was used to create links. Next the RMS errors for the links were reviewed and pointes were delete or change as needed to ensure the knwon and unknown line up properly. Next, a transformation type was chosen and the to complete georeferencing the Update Georoeferencing button was selected. The same process was done for the second unreferenced raster file. Then, a new shape file for athletic fields was created and then the athletic fields, buildings and the roads were digitized. Finally, in layout view the standard map elements were added, such as the north arrow, map title, author, date, scale text, scale bar, and legend along with the RMS error; and then the map was saved and exported as a jpeg file.

Projection and Coordinates Map of Florida

This is a map showing two different projections of Florida and four counties within Florida and their respective area in square kilometers. This was done in my GIS class using the arcMap program in ArgGIS. First the data given was added into arcMap and then that data was projected to another coordinate system called UTM using the project tool from the data management tool box. Next, that new projected data was added to the map as well. Then, a new data frame was inserted and named "UTM" and the "layers" data frame was renamed to "Albers". The new projected data was then drag into the new UTM data frame and removed from the Albers data frame. Next, in the attribute table for this data in both data from, a new field called area was created and then the area was calculated using the 'calculate geometry' function found when right clicking the new field "Area". After that, a symbology was created that shows the four different counties as seen in the map and their respective areas by using a color ramp to distinguish the exact counties. Next, in layout view, the map elements were inserted, such as the north arrow, scale text, scale bar, title, legend for each projection, date, author and text showing the type of coordinate that is used for each projection. Next, a raster data was added to the map that needed spatial reference, which was then set using arccatalog by going into the properties of that data in arccatalog, edit the spatial reference and then one that is appropriate was chosen. The data was then added into the both data frames. Then using the project raster tool, which is slightly different that the project tool used earlier, the coordinate system of this raster data was projected to UTM  zone 16 and then added to both data frames again. Final modification was done to the map before it was saved and then exported as a jpeg file and posted here in the blog.

GPS Points Collection Map

This is map my group and I created in our GIS class. This map shows specifically one building, one road and tree trees located on the University of Belize campus in Belmopan. First off, to get this data we had to go out and mark the points with a GPS along with recording attribute data for each of the three. For roads the condition was recorded, for the building the name and area was recorded. Area was calculated automatically on the GPS using a specific application on the GPS. For the trees the name and height (by class,i.e short, average and tall) was recorded as the attribute data. The GPS way points where then taken off the GPS on transferred onto a junk drive. Next, the GPS data was imported into the ArcMap program using the GPX to features tool in the program. Then, a shape file for trees, roads and buildings were created by right clicking the folder we are working with and clicking new shape file. The coordinate for each shape file was set as WGS_1984 coordinate system. The shape file for trees was set as point, buildings as polygons and roads as polylines. Next the specific fields of attribute data that we are looking for and recorded was entered by going to the properties of each of these shape files while in arc-catalog and entering the name of the field we want for each shape file along with the data type for each field. Next arcMap was opened again and these three new shape files that were created were added. Next, we started an editing session by going to customize , then tools and the editor. In the editor tool bar we click start editing to begin the editing session. Next, in the create features windows that opened the three shape files were there. each one was clicked and the the proper construction tool was chosen and the buildings (polygon) were drawn by connecting the points, same as the roads (polyline). After that process was completed the edits were saved and then the attribute table was opened for each layer one at a time and the non-spatial data was entered in their respective fields. Once that was done the edits were saved again and the editing session was ended. Next, a base map called world topography that is found in the program was added. After that, we entered the layout view and changed the page to landscape and added in the basic map elements, such as the north arrow, title, date, author, scale text, scale bar and legend was added and modified to personal specifications.The labeling for each layer was turned on as well. Lastly, an inset map was created by adding a new data frame and adding the the world countries data to show the extent of Belize; and another using Belize districts data to show the extend of the layers. Then, the final modifications were done to the map, it was saved and then exported as an image.

Map of Cayo

This is a map created in my GIS class using ArcGis (Arcmap). This map shows a polygon of Cayo district along with Cayo's major roads, major rivers, towns and protected areas. To complete his map all the necessary and relevant spatial data files were downloaded from BERDS and GeoNode websites; which were the roads shape files, Surface water shape files, protected areas shape files and the towns and cities shape files. Then from the Belize base map layer the Cayo district polygon was extracted by selecting Cayo by attributes and then exporting the data of this layer to a new layer hence being Cayo polygon. Then the Belize base map was removed or made invisible. After that, each layer was added and each one was clipped using the clipping tool so that the layer only displays the data for the Cayo district. Specific unique value symbology and labeling was done for each one of the layers to display specific information needed. For example only rivers was shown and label instead of rivers, streams and creeks for the surface water layer. Each layer was also modified to personal taste and modification. Next all the data for each layer was converted to annotations so that each labeling can be modified individually. Next the basic map elements were added, such as the title, north arrow, scale bar, scale text and legend. The legend was also modified to specific preferences. After that, a new data frame was added and the base map layer was added to it in order to create an inset map showing exactly where the Cayo district is in Belize. Then, a text box was created so as to state the sources used in this map. Next, the author and current time was added, which was set from before in the map documents properties along with the title, and changed to font size 10. Lastly, final modifications and specifications based on personal preference was done and the map was saved and exported as a picture (jpeg file).

GIS Cartography of Mexico

This is a map showing the distribution of population in Mexico that was created in my GIS class using ArcGIS (ArcMap). A color ramp was used to denote the different population sizes in Mexico. It also contains map elements such as: the north arrow, map title, scale bar, scale text, legend, date and author of the map. The process in which this map was created is after opening the ArcMap program and Arc-catalog program the data sets were drag from catalog into Arcmap to insert the data sets. Before that, the map document title was changed to "Mexico" in the map document properties. Next, since we were focusing on Mexico, I zoomed to the 'mex_boundaries' layer which focused the map on the country of Mexico. Then, all Mexico states needed to be selected, so this was done using the selecting by attributes method; whereby a query was created to do this. Next, a new layer was created call, mex_states, from the 'america_admin' layer which was then turned off after the new layer was created. Next, all the world Countries were labeled with their country name by going to the 'world_countries' layer properties and enabling labels. Then, a new fill color and outline size 2 was chosen for the World Countries. After that, the symbology and color ramp was done for Mexico to show the distribution of the population. Next, the basic map elements were added, such as the North arrow, map scale, scale text; then the map title, map author and date was added as a dynamic text. Then a legend was added as well to specific modifications. Lastly, final modifications were done to the map and then exported as an image.

This map is map focused on central Mexico, showing roads, rivers, railroads and major towns and cities. This map was created from the previous map by adding the layers, mex_rails, mex_rivers, mex_roads, and mex_urban and the mex_states layer was turned off. Next, in the rivers layer symbology properties it was changed so that only major and primary rivers are shown on the map and not all the others like streams, creeks, etc, so as not let the map look as clustered. The same thing was done with the roads layer, so as to show only federal roads under the 'authority' field in the attribute table for this layer. Next, the mex_rails layer was displayed using the predefined railroad symbol style; and then an appropriate fill color was chosen for Urban areas and the line around the polygon as removed by putting no color as the outline color. Next , advance labeling was done with the urban areas by going into label properties and doing a query that showed all urban areas with more than a million people. Then, the map scale was changed to zoom in and show central mexico only. Next, labels where converted to annotations to be able to manipulate and modify each label individually. Then, the "Distrito Federal" label was modified and changed to "Mexico City", and the other three labels on the map in central Mexico was also given a different modification. Next, the labels for the world countries were also changed to annotations and the "Mexico" label size was increased. Next, an inset map was created showing all of central america and then highlighting Mexico to show where on the map it is located. This was done by inserting a new data frame and adding the world countries data and then zooming in to show all of the Central American region and then the properties for this new data frame was accessed to be able to show the "layers" data frame in this new data frame, which highlights Mexico. Lastly, elements were rearranged to fit properly on the map and final modifications were made before saving and exporting to an image file.

This next map shows the elevation of Mexico using raster data, symbology and color ramp. It was created from the previous map above by first, removing all of the data from the "layers" data frame was removed except the world countries data. Next, the 'mex_elev' raster was added to the layers data frame and its symbology properties was observed. Then, a strectched symbology was chosen along with an appropriate color ramp that best displayed the elevation of Mexico. Finally, all map elements that are already there from previous maps was updated and final modifications were done before saving and exporting the map an image file.

My Map of World Countries by Population

Above is a map I created using ArcGIS, ArcMap, in my GIS class that displays the Population in 2007 of the World Countries; whereby the lightest color to darkest color is the least population to greatest population. To first create this map the data for the map was downloaded from UB moodle website and saved on the computer. Then ArcMap was opened and the world countries data (shape files) was added first. Then country names in the attribute table was arranged in ascending order. After this, the data for the cities was added and the symbol for the cities was changed to a black square size 2. Then a more complex color scheme was used to display the different population size for the word countries by going into the world_countries data properties and adding a symbology to it. Next the back ground color of the page was changed to blue by going into layer properties and them change the frame background to blue. Next the data view was exported to a map by changing the view to layout view where the elements such as map title, north arrow, scale and scale text was added to the map by going to the insert tab and inserting each one individually. After the last finishing touches and personalizing to the map was completed the map was saved and then exported as a JPEG file to upload the image of the map here.