GIS I Lab 1

GIS Lab 1

Jeff Schweitzer

Goals

The main goals of this lab were to get me familiar with the type of data that will be used when proceeding with the Confluence project. The different types of maps used show the same area but with different data attached to help visualize the area better. The objectives for this lab were to become familiar with some of the given data about Eau Claire County. We wanted to digitize some of the data to emphasize certain pieces of data pertaining to Eau Claire. After looking at some of the data, we were to create a legal description of the two parcels where the Confluence project will be taking place. Finally, we produced a layout that showed a number of maps that we created emphasizing different data.

Methods

I started out this lab by examining the data that was given to me. I used ArcCatalog to view all of the data. I went into the properties of some of the feature data classes to see all of the details within the data. Once I felt like I had a good knowledge of the data being used, I opened ArcMap so that I could start to digitize some of the data. I began by putting a base map into ArcMap. I found where the confluence project is taking place. I then added a layer that showed block groups. This highlighted the parcels that would be used. I proceeded to digitize the areas for the Confluence project. What I created was kind of the base for the six different maps I created. I then proceeded to create a legal description of the two parcels. I used http://www.eauclairewi.gov/departments/public-works/engineering/mapping-services which allowed me to get all the necessary information on the two parcels. I was able to enter the parcel ID and the site knew what lot was connected the the ID. 

After the legal description was created, I was able to start creating the maps. The first map is the voting districts. This map separates the different voting districts. I did this by adding the voting districts class and making it so that each district is labeled by its district number. At the base of the map are the two parcels marking the Confluence project. The next map is the Civil Divisions map. This map was made by adding the the civil divisions and the county data. I then changed the symbology so that the city, town, and village were displayed in different colors. The next map the was created was the EC City Parcel data map. This map displays centerlines, parcel area, water, and of course the proposed Confluence area. This map was created adding the centerlines, parcel area, and water feature classes to the map. I then customized the color of each element so the data was separated. The next map is the PLSS features map. This map was created by adding the proposed area for the confluence project as well as all of the PLSS data. The next map shown is the Census Boundaries map. This map shows population per square mile. The map was created by adding the blockgroups and the tracts feature classes. I then changed the symbology to show population density in the blockgroups in Eau Claire. I also included the data showing where the proposed Confluence project will take place. The final map is the Zoning map. This map divides Eau Claire into different zones. The different zones are commercial, residential, Industrial, transportation, central business district, and public properties. This map was created by adding the zoning areas feature class. I then changed the symbology so that the different types of commercial, residential, industrial, transportation, central business district, and public properties areas were grouped together. I then assigned each zone with a different color so that you can differentiate between them. I also added the centerline as well as the proposed Confluence project site. Each one of these maps had an Imagery basemap so that you could relate the data to an area in Eau Claire. 

Results

The results of this lab turned out very nicely in my opinion. Each map shows different and important data that will be looked over as the Confluence project moves along. The main things that I think should be seen in the results are the Census Boundaries and Zoning information that surrounds the two parcels for the Confluence project. 

            Figure 1. shows the six different maps created to show different pieces of data surrounding the Confluence Project.

Sources

"Mapping Services." City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin :. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Oct. 2015.http://www.eauclairewi.gov/departments/public-works/engineering/mapping-services

"Help." Help. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Oct. 2015.

http://resources.arcgis.com/en/help/