We merge Data with Space We Map Data to communicate Data
to
Map
Map
to
Information
Information
to
Knowledge
Through this, we read the space We Map to think For the brain, The Unmapped Data is Knowledge
Artifact No 1 Projections compared
What are Projections? We must transform earth’s three-dimensional surface to create a flat map. This process is called a map projection. By visualize shining a light through the earth onto a surface, we can understand how map projections alter spatial properties. Why do we use different projections? Each projected coordinate system is suitable for specific areas of land. If we use the wrong projection for the map, the area, shape and distance would not be well preserved. How do we work with projections in ArcGIS? We can change the coordinate system of each layer in the property section under Projected Coordinate System Main goal of this exercise: Understanding the logic behind the coordinate systems and the effort for reaching the most precise demonstration of the 3d and curved land surface on 2d paper or screen New concepts I learned: coordinate systems, graticule Skills and proficiencies needed for this exercise: Changing the coordinate system and choosing the best one Adding a north arrow, scale bar, graticules Different data types Identifying the effective and ineffective out comes: The effective outcome is the one with minimum distortion The Unmapping process (from map to knowledge): We should always be aware that the earth surface is curved and a two dimensional map is not a hundred percent accurate especially in large scale maps.
Jamaica in different Coordinate Systems How are Area, Shape and Distance changing?
Projection #1
Projection #2
Projection #3
North Pole Orthographic
Eckert V
NSIDC East Grid North
What is aggregate data? aggregate data are data combined from different measurements.
Artifact No 2 Symbolizing aggregate data
Why do we need aggregate data? When we combine data, new information emerge. This helps understanding a phenomenon from different perspectives. This is the threshold between raw data and information. Generating aggregate data facilitates recognizing the patterns and dynamics within different data. Why do we symbolize aggregate data? We visualize data to understand it better. Symbolizing quantitative data helps us conceptualize and remember the relationships and proportion of data classes. A picture is worth a thousand words. How do we symbolize aggregate data in ArcGIS? We first join two layers of data and add the combination to the attribute table. Then we can symbolize it in the property minute under Symbolize. Main goal of this exercise: Having a thorough understanding of different data types and being able to effectively combine aspects of data to generate more information. Skills and proficiencies needed for this exercise: different ways of selecting features and turning them into new layers / Extracting new data from existing layers / Classifying quantitative data / Working effectively with color pallets, texture, pattern etc / Being concise (minimizing data ink) / Imagining how people from other backgrounds will read the map Identifying the effective and ineffective out comes: In working with aggregate data, the effective out come very much relies on the effective question. The consistency of data resources is also important. For example its better to work with data from the same year The Unmapping process (from map to knowledge): In aggregatin data, having a clear and well defined question in mind is very important. What is it that we want to know more about and how can we generate this knowledge. Quantitative information is very helpful, but we shouldn’t reduce our knowledge to the quantitative aspect of it.
Amenities in each neighborhood
Number of amenities not standardized standard deviation
Number of amenities not standardized natural breaks
Number of amenities not standardized equal intervals
Two effective ways to present data
Three Ineffective ways to present data
How well is my neighborhood served?
Number of amenities Standardized natural breaks Color Value
Number of amenities Standardized natural breaks Symbol Size
Artifact No 3 Catalogue of Spatial Relationships
What are spatial relationships? Spatial relationships are defined as Connection or intersection, containment and proximity How do we indicate and select objects based on spatial relationships in ArcGIS? In the selection section we can navigate to select by location and define the layer that we want to select from. Then we should choose the spatial relationship that we are looking for in relation to the second layer Main goal of this exercise: Understanding the relationship between different data types and Achieving proficiency in selecting effectively among them Skills and proficiencies needed for this exercise: Understanding the dialogue between different data types and different spatial relationships Choosing the best spatial relationship to work with based on the question Creating charts from the attribute table Selecting objects based on their spatial relationship Clipping objects using other objects Identifying the effective and ineffective out comes: The key to achieving the effective outcome is translating the question in to a combination of data types selected based on their spatial relationship. The outcome should communicate a clear message. The Unmapping process (from map to knowledge): Interpreting the map is important in working with spatial relationships. We should keep in mind the spatial limitation of each data set in combining with other data sets.
Industrial areas within 1km of the riparian zone Building footprints completely within riparian zone Industrial areas Roads intersecting with the riparian zone Building footprints Riparian zone Region of interest
Developments in the Riparian Areas How urban development is fragmenting the riparian zone?
Building footprints completely within riparian zone
Roads intersecting with the riparian zone
Industrial areas within 1km of the riparian zone
Urban development is fragmenting the riparian zone
2 % of the riparian area is occupied by the buildings
2 % of the building footprints are completely within riparian area
12 % of the riparian zone is within 1km of the industrial areas
8 % of the roads are intersecting with the riparian area
3 % of the riparian area is occupied by roads (based on average road width)
Industrial areas within 1km of the riparian zone Building footprints completely within riparian zone Industrial areas Roads intersecting with the riparian zone Building footprints Riparian zone Region of interest
Artifact No 4 The figure-ground relationship
Why do we show figure-ground relationship? To draw attention to some features How do we indicate figure-ground relationships in ArcGIS? By using different symbols Main goal of this exercise: Prioritization. Choosing the best visual method to emphasize the figure. Efficient and Minimal communication Skills and proficiencies needed for this exercise: Using open or closed objects Spreading out or aggregating features Choosing between complexity and simplicity Orienting the objects Using color to emphasize Desirable use of labels Designing the edge Using grids and textures Identifying the effective and ineffective out comes: The effective outcome is the most straightforward and the most concise.
Riparian area within communities How to demonstrate the figure-ground relationship?
Weak
Strong
Color
Edge
Texture
Artifact No 1 Three stories about a Calgary neighborhood
What is story telling through maps? A story has different sequences. Each sequence has its own goals and audience. Through this process, we overlay layers of information to see the same place through a variety of lenses. Each stakeholder might have a unique approach to the project and we start addressing their concerns through story telling. How do compose a story map in ArcGIS? By using all the previously mentioned tools and skills in a minimal manner Main goal of this exercise: Combining all the mapping tools and techniques to form a coherent and understandable visual narrative Skills and proficiencies needed for this exercise: Adding labels Adding legends Adding base maps Using figure-ground techniques to emphasize the core of the story Adding shape files using ArcEditor Choosing the best methods for emphasize visual differences Using our freedom in map making Choosing what to map and what to omit Identifying the effective and ineffective out comes: Too much information on a single map can reduce its capacity in communicating clearly. The minimal representation indicates our depth of understanding of the subject. The Unmapping process (from map to knowledge): In the story telling stage, we start a conversation with the map. The language is a combination of the symbols, colors, patterns, classes etc . Here is when we can ask questions and expect answers. Sequential unfolding of the information helps us create a cohesive mental model of the subject and at the end of the story we have achieved knowledge.
Connecting the Islands A bridge as a green corridor has been suggested in the south-east side of Shaganappi golf course. The main objective is to Connect.
Wildlife
Biking
Community
ISSUE: two patches of natural habitat are disconnected
ISSUE: Biking trails are disconnected
ISSUE: Sandhurst community is isolated within the road network
AUTHOR: environmental design consultants
AUTHOR: Local stakeholders
AUTHOR: Real estate consultants
GOAL: building a bridge with an additional level of green corridor to connect two natural areas.
GOAL: integrating and connecting the two bike paths
GOAL: band value of Sandhurst community may increase after connecting it to the other communities in the south
AUDIENCE: environmental impact assessment committee
AUDIENCE: Decision-makers
AUDIENCE: Local stakeholders