Lab 2

Introduction: The goal of this lab was to learn how to download, modify, and map data from the United States Census Bureau Website. This data was collected in the 2010 Census.

 

Methods: First, I searched the US Census Bureau Website to find both population and housing unit numbers for the counties of Wisconsin. I used the 2010 US Census SF1 100% data. I then downloaded them as Microsoft Excel files and put those tables into ArcGIS. I then combined the Excel tables into county shapfiles into one shapefile so that the data downloaded had features to match the data and therefore I could map it.

I then mapped to maps, one on county population, the other on number housing units in each county; then added basemaps, scales, titles, etc.
 

Results: The data results were expected, with Madison and Milwaukee as the centers of population and housing and a direct correlation between population and housing units. I now have the very important skill of using US Census Bureau data off of their website.

 

Sources: 2010 US Census SF1 100% data from the United States Census Bureau Website: http://factfinder2.census.gov 

               

Lab 3

Goal and Background: The goal of this lab was to learn how to create a map with shapefiles that we collected ourselves with GPS units. We chose to map the campus mall here at UWEC. The objectives of this lab included learn how to map point features, line features, and polygon features using a GPS unit.

Methods: First we mapped the polygon features by walking around the grass features of the campus mall with our GPS unit actively collecting data along the way. Next we mapped a line feature, the footbridge, much in the same way as the polygon. Finally the point features such as the light posts and trees we mapped by collecting points with the GPS while standing next to the objects. These skills I learned in this lab helped me reach the goal and become familiar with using the GPS unit. 

The next step was putting this data I collected into ArcGIS and mapping it on the computer. I plugged in the GPS unit and transferred the data from a file on the unit into a folder on the computer. Then I transported the data into ArcGIS and put it on top of a satellite photo of the area including campus buildings surrounding it.

Results: The map that I produced with this lab is shown to the left. The satellite image does not match with the GPS data because there has been construction in this area, making it much different today, and the satellite has not updated since then. The point and line features collected seem to be very accurate, however the polygon features have very noticeable glitches where there appear to be extra bits of grass where there shouldn't be and the biggest polygon does not match up from the beginning to the end. These skills I learned in the lab are valuable and useful but mapping polygons such as these would be better produced and more accurate using digitizing techniques.