GIS 5935 - Special Topics in GIS - Student Spotlight

Module 8: Surface Interpolation

Lab 8 in Special Topics had students carrying out different surface interpolation techniques in GIS, including the Thiessen, IDW, and Spline. Also required was a critical interpretation of the results from surface interpolation techniques where students had to compare and contrast different surface interpolation techniques. This lab and the subjects is one of the more analytically rigorous topics that we cover. Comparing multiple interpolation techniques is an intermediate-to-advanced topic in GIS. Most of the student did great in this lab and were able to interpret comparative results within the context of map interpolation techniques.

In this spotlight, we would like to recognize Stuart Boyd! We have recognized Stuart’s work before, and he continues to set an example for his fellow students in the quality of work he produces.  One of the students’ final deliverables was to create a map layout of the difference between the two DEMs derived by the spline and IDW surface interpolation methods. Stuart’s map highlights his careful cartographic design choice and ability to capture/represent the analytical rigor of the methods utilized.  Notice the effective use of map insets and hue in his thematic mapping here.  Great work, Stuart!

GIS 4930 - Special Topics in GIS - Student Spotlight

Module 3: Analyze Week

This week's blog spotlight is from Special Topics in GIS.  For Module 3's Analyze Week, students were to perform Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression analysis on various independent socioeconomic variables for West Virginia in an attempt to define a statistical model that could help law enforcement agencies identify areas of potential meth lab locations (the dependent variable). 

This week, we would like to highlight the outstanding work of Adam Edumundson!

His blog post, in clear, cogent language, defined the complex methodology of this week's efforts while adding in some humor to make it a very approachable fun read for GIS and non-GIS professionals alike.  Adam has always turned in work that had light-hearted comments that gave insight into his various methodologies, and this blog post is no different!  Great job, Adam!

GIS 5935 - Special Topics in GIS - Student Spotlight

Module 8: Lab 3

Lab 3 in Special Topics (GIS5935) had students comparing the quality of two different road networks. They used standard methods determine the completeness of road networks according to an ad-hoc methodology. There is no standard for completeness, but the methodology used here is like the one used in several of the assigned readings (e.g. Haklay, 2010). One of the students’ final deliverables was to illustrate their findings within a single map, which required some creativity and advanced cartographic techniques such as a diverging color ramp.

This week, we would like to recognize Joanne Starr! Joanne comes to UWF GIS with a BA in archaeology from the University of Evansville and an MA in anthropology from the University of Arkansas. Along with the effective use of a divergent color ramp, Joanne’s map also utilizes two different insets to highlight and give context to her map. Follow her progress on her blog at http://joannesgisblog.blogspot.com/.

GIS 4930 - Special Topics in GIS - Student Spotlight

Module 1: Project 1 Report Week

During the first 3 weeks of Special Topics in GIS, undergraduate students completed preparation, analysis, and reporting on (at the time) hypothetical hurricane evacuation routes for Tampa, Florida using ArcMap’s Network Analyst extension. Local, state, and federal governments work together to manage disaster relief and rescue operations. After identifying storm surge zones and potentially flooded roads, students presented these routes as maps within useful pamphlets for hospital patients and their families, for supply routes to shelters, for use as flyers to evacuate downtown Tampa, and as chyrons for local news stations. While preparing their work, Hurricane Irma formed and struck the exact area of interest for this project; students were able to show just how important these spatial analytics are in saving lives.

This week, Special Topics in GIS would like to spotlight Rachel Gwin’s amazing work. In her blog, she created a great flyer detailing the routes downtown Tampa citizens could take to their designated shelter as well as providing a professional chyron for use on network television. Her flyer is well-constructed and easy to read, making her work perfect for the intended audience. Her chyron matches evacuation zone colors with the color of font used to describe each shelter location, as well as providing in-depth instructions on what to bring and what to avoid. The blog itself does a good job detailing what each of the four deliverables entailed. Fantastic work, Rachel!