Thursday, July 20, 2017

GIS 4048 - GIS Applications - Student Spotlight

Module 7Minimum Essential Dataset (MEDS): Protect

The MEDS protect lab wrapped up our investigation of GIS in homeland security and law enforcement.  This was a two part lab, with students first compiling and preparing a Minimum Essential Dataset for the Boston Metropolitan Statistical Area, then using the MEDS to identify critical infrastructure, define security checkpoints, and set up clear view surveillance points in the vicinity of the Boston Marathon finish line location.


This week, we would like to highlight the outstanding work of Andrew Stevens!



Andrew did a great job compiling the critical infrastructure and surveillance maps.  The infrastructure map utilizes military template with an easy to use grid to facilitate ease of finding features.  The checkpoint inset map provides street labels so checkpoint locations are easily understood.  The locator inset map is set to the appropriate scale so the user easily understands where in Boston the event zone is located. Local level roads are included in the map, which is important as the Boston Marathon occurs on this street network, but the roads are symbolized subtly so the information does not overwhelm the map.  The surveillance map provides street information and incorporates enough transparency to see the aerial imagery beneath the viewshed dataset.  Each surveillance point is located by number and associated surveillance elevation height that will allow a clear line of sight.  The LOS with the most obstructions is presented in a graph so it is clear where the obstacles are located.  And again the locator inset map is set to a scale that communicates where in Boston this area is located.  

Excellent work Andrew!

Thursday, July 6, 2017

GIS 4048 - GIS Applications - Student Spotlight

Module 5: Crime Analysis

The Washington D.C. Crime Analysis lab kicked off the Homeland Security and Law Enforcement topic.  Students utilized crime data from the DC Metropolitan Police Department to determine crime patterns in proximity to police stations and to identify underserved area(s) potentially in need of a police substation to curb crime.  Additionally students utilized density analysis to locate hot spots of certain crimes.


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



Adam’s crime analysis map stood out as a spotlight for its crisp and clear presentation and the ease to which it communicates results.  The range graded police shield symbols are classified and symbolized for quick data acquisition--it is clear at a glance which police stations handle the most crime.  The numeric station labeling adds additional information without crowding the map. The added subtext on the map provides useful information such as an overview of DC crime patterns, the location of the proposed substations and why.  The crime graph easily communicates the crime dynamics of city. Overall, excellent page layout and map organization.

Excellent work Adam!

Monday, July 3, 2017

Happy 4th of July!


Whether you are celebrating with fireworks cookouts or studying, we hope you have a great 4th of July holiday! 


Did you know?
  • There are thirty-one places nationwide with "liberty" in their names. The most populous is Liberty, Missouri with 29,581 residents. The state of Iowa boasts four such towns, which is more than any other state: Libertyville, New Liberty, North Liberty, and West Liberty.
  • Thirty-one places are named "eagle" after the majestic bird that serves as our national symbol. The most populous community is Eagle County, Colorado, with a population of 51,359, then Eagle Pass, Texas, with 26,401 residents.
  • Twelve places have "independence" in their name. The most populous of these is Independence, Missouri with 109,400 residents.
  • Nine places adopted the name "freedom," including Freedom, California, with 6,000 residents.
  • There are five places in the country that are named "America," the most populous being American Fork, Utah, population 25,596.
  • There is one place named "patriot" - Patriot, Indiana, with a population of 195.