Student Spotlight 3/9-3/13; Cartographic Skills

GIS 4043/L Introduction to GIS
Penelope Mitchell, Instructor

Congratulations to Nicole Crull  for being selected as this week's student spotlight!  Check out Nicole's blog here - Nicole's Adventures. Nicole lives in Portland, Oregon, with her husband and 5 yr old mini dachshund named Otis. Nicole moved to Oregon to get her bachelors at Oregon State University in fisheries and wildlife. Throughout school and after getting my bachelors she worked spring and summers doing wildlife surveys(spotted owls, marbled murrelets, and bats) for various local environmental companies and the National Park Service. In the near future, Nicole hopes to move from seasonal field work to a more permanent desk job with GIS helping to seal the deal!  When not in school or in the field, she is a bird watcher, hiker, baker, gardener, workout partner to her husband, dog lover, and avid knitter. Welcome to the program Nicole and we hope that you enjoy the spotlight.  You describe your self as very detail oriented - we can totally relate to that!  Congratulations and keep up the great work!

Module 7: Choropleth & Proportional Symbol Mapping

In the Choropleth and Proportional Symbol Mapping lab students were tasked with presenting European population data and wine consumption per capita on one map! Students used the choropleth thematic mapping method as well as their choice between proportional or graduated symbol mapping to get the job done. They also called upon their data classification knowledge to best present the data. Students also had the option for bonus points to create and import a picture symbol into ArcMap to use as their proportional or graduated symbol. Utilizing picture symbols is a slippery slope as they can be difficult to interpret if not effectively designed and applied--so the extra step could hurt or help one’s final map grade.


Laboratory Learning Outcomes:

• Utilize choropleth and proportional/graduated symbol thematic mapping techniques
• Choose an appropriate color scheme to best present data
• Implement suitable data classification scheme for 4 datasets
• Create effective thematic picture symbols
• Work with 3 data frames
• Compile map in accordance with cartographic design principles

Nicole did a great job presenting the 4 datasets. She opted to use the quantile data classification method for the population density map, thus giving a clear spread of population data across Europe. Wine consumption was represented using graduated symbology to ensure clear communication of symbol size. Nicole then took the extra time to utilize a thematic picture symbol to represent wine consumption. The choice of the round wine decanter was genius because it mimics the simplicity and clear communication of basic circle symbol, whilst incorporating the wine theme into the mix. Nicole used Corel draw to clean up the picture symbol and remove the white background, she then imported into ArcMap. Lastly, the map layout and design is clean and crisp in this map. Each dataset is presented at a size and scale to allow a clear visual, and maximum utilization of map space. Great work Nicole!

GIS Internships - Let's get to work!

GIS4944/5945, GIS Internship, Instructor, Mrs. Leah Lewis, GISP

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT AWARDS

The following student was chosen to highlight their current GIS internship experience.

Jose Falconett (click to check out his program blog)

Jose is a currently enrolled in the graduate extended GIS certificate plan.  He is on track to wrap up all courses in the next few semesters.  Jose resides in Ocala, Florida, and has a very diverse background ranging from management in the health care industry to work with the Florida Forest Service.   We are very happy that Jose has chosen GIS Online @ UWF to further his education.  

Internship Background - Jose is currently working with the City of Ocala's Public Works Department.  Types of projects he is working on include, map creation for city stormwater, FEMA analysis, and AutoCad conversions.  It sounds like Jose is a busy intern!  Congratulations on your achievement and keep up the good work!

Looking for an intern or partnership with UWF and GIS Online, please contact Leah Lewis at lewis@uwf.edu to find out how our students can help you!