Graduate Applications in GIS Student Spotlight!

GIS5100 Applications in GIS, Dr. Paul Zandbergen

Spatial Accessibility Modeling

In this lab students examine the use of GIS for modelling spatial access to facilities and services. Students learn the basics of network analysis using the Network Analyst extension by completing a number of tutorial. Next, students work through a simple example of measuring spatial accessibility, employing straight-line distance instead of network travel distance or time. Finally,  students complete a spatial accessibility analysis your network analysis skills. The specific scenario is the closure of one of the branches of a community college to determine how many potential students are affected.

Student Learning Outcomes:

• Prepare data for use in network analysis
• Perform typical network analysis, including service areas and closest facilities
• Compare different approaches to measuring spatial access, including straight-line distance and network-based travel time
• Process and summarize demographic data based on metrics for spatial accessibility, including summary tables and cumulative distribution functions
• Implement a spatial accessibility model using network analysis for a given scenario

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT AWARDS

The following student was chosen for their exceptional work on the Spatial Accessibility Modeling assignment:

Ellen Markin 

About Ellen: Ellen is currently a GIS Specialist with the Washoe County Assessor's Office in Reno, Nevada. Hired in September of 2013, she has really enjoyed the job so far, and accredits her confidence with GIS going into the interview to the courses taken through the UWF GIS program.  When not at work or working through the labs Ellen enjoys reading Sci-Fi and driving around and camping throughout the West.  Welcome to the spotlight Ellen!

What we like: Ellen completed the analysis with great attention to detail. Sound analysis steps and solid reporting of results in tabular and cartographic format.  Way to go Ellen!