Lab 3: Downloading GIS Data

Introduction:

The goal of this lab exercise was to experience the process of producing a map from data collected from the US Census Bureau using the methods we have learned thus far. While the first portion of the overall map was created using directions provided by our professor the second portion was practice for us to create one ourselves. 

Methods:

First, we needed to download data via the US Census Bureau website. After searching through the multitude of data they offer, we needed to download it from the website and unzip the files into a separate folder. Within the zip file was a shape file of the Wisconsin counties as well as other data regarding the counties. Once the files were unzipped we could pull the data into excel and review it before bringing it into ArcGIS. In order to have the data represented in a way that could be used geographically, the downloaded data from the US Census Bureau was joined with the table which was imported from Excel. Once this was complete, we can use the quantities: graduated colors method of symbology to represent our data on the map of the state of Wisconsin and its counties. 

The next step was to complete this process again using a set of data that I chose individually. The process was the same, however instead of looking at population of the counties I looked at the percent of the population of African Americans in each 

Results:

As can be seen by analyzing the maps above, there is no distinct correlation between the population per county and the percent of that county's population which is African American. While some counties such as Milwaukee County have some similarities because there is a very high population in general and also a high percentage of African Americans. Both these maps could stand alone as they display different sets of data. The map on the left represents the populations for each county in the state of Wisconsin while the map on the right shows the percent of African Americans within the population of each county. 

Sources:

U.S. Census Bureau. (n.d.). American FactFinder.  Retrieved from http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/searchresults.xhtml?refresh=t  

ESRI Virtual Campus v. MAG Labs

Throughout this course we have done a number of lab exercises in order to apply what we are learning in the classroom to the real world of GIS. Not only have we used the Mastering ArcGIS textbook labs to sharpen our knowledge and skills but also utilized the ESRI Virtual Campus. While both have their advantages they offer the same objective.

MAG labs (those which come from the Mastering ArcGIS textbook) are extremely helpful to understanding the information read in the textbook. The teaching tutorials provide step by step instructions on how to apply all the new things taught in that chapter to real data. For me, this is something that really helps me to understand the material. They are often quite long but make it so that no part of the process is confusing. 

We more recently started to use the ESRI Virtual Campus and the various topics they teach. After taking two, three hour courses (one on making a 15-Min Map and another on Geodatabases) it was clear just how helpful these courses are. They provide great detail when explaining the subject matter and do so in a concise manner that allows you to really get a grasp on the topic. They also offer practice procedures so that you can test your knowledge and apply it to really make sure you understand what is being discusses. After doing the reading and watching the very informative videos you are tested on what you have learned. These "exams" are nice because you really see what areas of the subject you understand and what areas you need to review and get some more practice in. 

Both of these different lab exercise methods are very helpful in gaining a better understanding of the key topics in GIS, however, the ESRI Virtual Campus courses are very straight forward and the videos have really helped me to grasp difficult topics. For this reason, I prefer the ESRI Virtual Campus labs but the MAG labs certainly have their strengths as well. The instructions for the teaching tutorials are amazing and extremely clear. This really teaches the methods well.