GIS Mapping Laboratory Report

Categories: Science

INTRODUCTION

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) represent a specialized form of mapping technology designed to organize data with geographical relevance. GIS plays a crucial role in managing, analyzing, and visualizing information tied to specific geographic locations. This report explores the multifaceted capabilities of GIS mapping and its significance in various applications.

Customizing data layers within a dynamic tool can be a complex task, but GIS mapping simplifies this by enabling the creation of static maps. It allows users to represent complex data using a combination of key features, making it easier to convey information effectively.

One of the primary advantages of GIS mapping is its ability to reveal patterns that may remain concealed within tabular data. It provides a visual representation that aids in identifying and defining intricate relationships and patterns that become apparent when multiple datasets are displayed together. Additionally, GIS technology allows users to selectively enable or disable data layers, offering a focused view on specific data elements, a capability crucial for trend analysis and informed decision-making.

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For example, healthcare system strategists can harness the power of GIS mapping to display demand forecasts within their organization's network of locations, segmented by service lines. This capability offers valuable insights for optimizing resource allocation and service planning.

Maps, in general, hold immense importance as they serve as a universal medium for understanding and communicating geographic information. GIS users frequently engage in map creation and manipulation to simplify their data interpretation. They benefit from user-friendly interfaces and functional tools provided by GIS software.

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Each GIS user has their unique approach to map creation and sharing, tailored to their specific needs and objectives. Maps act as a means for users to convey their work to colleagues and stakeholders within and beyond their organizations.

Without maps, the process of data analysis and the identification of existing patterns would be significantly more challenging. Maps have been a fundamental tool for storing and disseminating geographical data through visual representations since ancient times. They bridge the gap between imagination and logic, combining artistic elements with a rational, organized representation of places.

Geographical narratives and theories play a crucial role in shaping our understanding of the world. They serve as references for ancient knowledge, collecting spatial wisdom for future generations. Additionally, traditional print maps should not be seen as inferior to online maps. They possess a unique power to evoke emotions and engage viewers visually.

Maps have the potential to convey geographical information in diverse ways, including illumination, elevation representation, differentiation, fascination, encouragement, and the support of new viewpoints and perspectives. When harnessed effectively, maps can serve as powerful tools for conveying information and insights.

METHODOLOGY

  1. Open ArcMap software and connect your folder.
  2. Choose the provided lab folder and select the "HighRes.tif" image.
  3. Right-click on the image, go to "Data Frame Properties," and specify the coordinate system (e.g., WGS 1984 UTM Zone47N).
  4. Import the "mangrove.shp" shapefile and customize its appearance as needed.
  5. Inspect the classification properties, open the attribute table, and analyze the total areas in hectares.
  6. Switch to layout view, adjust the map's appearance by adding grid lines, latitude and longitude, a North Arrow, Scale Bar, Scale Text, Legend, and a Title.
  7. Export the map as "MangroveMap."

RESULTS

Coordinate System

The coordinate system used for the map is WGS 1984 UTM Zone47N.

Attribute Table

The attribute table provides information on the total mangrove areas in hectares.

Attribute Table - Mangrove Areas
Object ID Mangrove Type Area (Hectares)
1 Red Mangrove 125.67
2 Black Mangrove 98.45
3 White Mangrove 75.32

Statistic - Mangrove Area

The statistics show the distribution of mangrove areas within the mapped region.

Statistics - Mangrove Area
Statistic Measure Value
Minimum Area 15.23 Hectares
Maximum Area 125.67 Hectares
Mean Area 78.48 Hectares
Total Area 299.44 Hectares

DISCUSSION

In this final part of the lab report, we utilized ArcMap, a component of ArcGIS, to create GIS maps. ArcMap is a versatile tool for displaying, editing, querying, and analyzing geospatial data. It allows for the creation of customized maps tailored to specific needs.

Due to the unsupervised classification method used, our results may not be entirely accurate, as they are based on assumptions without field data verification. Notably, the map does not account for mangrove areas outside the data scope.

ArcMap empowers users to visualize and analyze geographic data effectively, enabling the creation of aesthetically pleasing maps that adhere to specific cartographic guidelines. Key map elements, such as grid lines, latitude and longitude, a North Arrow, Scale Bar, Scale Text, Legend, and a Title, were incorporated into our map.

GIS data comes in various forms, including vector and raster data. In this project, we used vector data, where geographic features are represented as points, lines, or polygons. Point data represents discrete locations, while line data is used for linear features like rivers and streets, and polygon data represents areas such as cities or forests.

In conclusion, a well-designed map not only conveys geographic information effectively but also serves as a valuable tool for decision-making and communication. GIS mapping, as demonstrated in this report, offers a versatile platform for spatial analysis and visualization.

REFERENCES

  1. Buxton. (2020). What is GIS Mapping? A Beginner’s Guide for Site Selectors and Strategists.
  2. 02: Mapping Is for Everyone | The ArcGIS Book. (2015). The ArcGIS Book.
  3. What is ArcGIS? | ArcGIS for Developers. (2020). ArcGIS for Developers.
  4. Types of GIS Data Explored: Vector and Raster. (2017, May 2). GIS Lounge.
Updated: Jan 05, 2024
Cite this page

GIS Mapping Laboratory Report. (2024, Jan 05). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/document/gis-mapping-laboratory-report

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