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 4035 - Remote Sensing & Photo Interpretation - Student Spotlight

Module 3 - Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) Classification 

For Week 4 in GIS 4043, students were instructed to locate and identify features using Google Maps street view, construct an unbiased sampling system, and calculate the accuracy of Land Use/Land Cover classification maps.  

The blog postings for Week 4 illustrated that a number of students had a good understanding of how to conduct an accuracy assessment on a LULC classification. However, this week, we would especially like to highlight Daniela Sabillion!

Her blog post is easy to understand, provides an excellent overview of the accuracy assessment techniques learned in this week's Module, and demonstrates a high level of understanding of the material. Daniela provides a brief review of the two main types of accuracy assessment: in-situ and ex-situ.  Despite not having the highest accuracy (which has a lot to do with the differences in scale of the imagery vs the scale of the ground truthing), her blog post provides a good description on how she developed a stratified random sample using a fishnet grid created in ArcGIS. In addition to the description, she also provided graphics of both (a) different sampling methods and (b) her table of sampling points with accuracy assessment (yes or no) with notes. These additional graphics greatly assist with interpreting the process she used for conducting the accuracy assessment.  

In addition, her map demonstrates a keen design. It is easy to read, the map elements are extremely well balanced, and the colors she chose make it very easy to distinguish the different LULC classes.  Overall, Daniella's blog posting was very good!

F2F GIS 4043 Lab - Introduction to GIS - Student Spotlight

Module 4: Sharing GIS Maps and Data

In this week's face to face GIS 4043 Lab "Sharing GIS Maps and Data", attention is shifted to designing for web maps vs paper maps.  Specifically, students learn how to share GIS maps and data with others as a KMZ file accessible through Google Earth and as a map package viewable on ArcGIS Online or Desktop.  Both results can be easily shared with others via email or similar.  Students were asked to develop their own "Top 10" list/rank of locations of their choice, map, and then share.

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

We liked how Adam researched his top ten list topic and chose a topic that hits close to home. He provides background information and methods on his blog post so others could duplicate the project if they wanted. Pensacola is ranked #8 on water quality scale. Check out his post to learn more.

Online GIS 4043 Lab - Introduction to GIS - Student Spotlight

Module 3: GIS & Cartography

The goal of this week's lesson in Introduction to GIS is to present some fundamental cartographic design principles that will help you produce more accurate and aesthetically pleasing map products using a GIS.  Fundamental map design elements are described that can lead to high-quality cartographic products (e.g., layout, balance, use of color and symbols, the figure-ground relationship, north arrows and compass roses, scale bars, metadata). Detailed information about mapping point, line, and area features using a GIS are presented with examples. Students created three maps of Mexico this week, implementing cartographic design principles. 

This week, we would like to highlight the outstanding work of Jason Lewis! 

Jason created a nice set of maps this week that combined everything we've covered in class so far. We really like his color choices and labels that all easy to read and understand​.

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!