GIS 1 Lab 4: Vector Analysis with ArcGIS
Geography 335
Greg Burgess
Goal
This lab excercise was a detailed introduction into conducting data analysis using ArcGIS. This was done by creating a detailed map that showed black bear locations in the Marquette area, as well as the best bear habitats. Data analysis is a highly important skill that any one who is hoping to get a job involving Geographic Information Systems should have. For example, by doing data analysis, I was able to determine suitable bear habitats, whether bears were found near streams, and which DNR-regulated areas would be best for new bear habitats. It is a tool that allows ArcGIS users to create high detail maps for many different uses. This lab also introduced a new idea: using indicator maps in order to show specific areas in a state or country. This allows a map maker to show the specific location of the area of interest, all while making a cartographically pleasing map.
Methods
I accomplished this goal by joining and manipulating multiple features, utilizing their data for my map. By performing queries, I was able to find specific data and use it to create new feature classes. By using the buffer, dissolve, clip erase, and intersect tools, I was able to edit the data to find the best bear habitats. These tools make up the backbone of any basic data analysis work, allowing the manipulation of data to produce useful maps.First, I spatially joined a feature class containing data on bear locations with another feature class containing data on land cover in the Marquette County area. This was then intersected with a buffered feature class showing bear habitats in proximity to rivers and streams. This produced a map containing suitable bear habitats where bears had access to water sources. Next, I needed to find where the suitable bear habitats and Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) sites intersected. I did this by dissolving both the DNR management feature and the bear habitats feature classes, and then clipping them to create a new feature class that only showed areas where they overlaped. These steps created a map that showed where the best habitats for bears fell inside of DNR management areas.
Lastly, this information was made into a cartographically pleasing map. This was done by creating a locator map, showing the location of the area of interest as well as Marquette County. This was placed alongside the bear location map. A title, north arrow, legend, scale, and sources were added to the map. This data makes it so any viewer can see where the data came from, what the data is showing, and exactly where the map is depicting.
Results
The result of the data analysis is a detailed map of the Marquette County area, with data on suitable bear habitats (Figure 1). A small indicator map has been included that depicts the northern peninsula of Michigan, as well as Marquette County (shown in yellow) and the study area (shown in green). A data flow model is also included (Figure 2), which shows the steps taken to produce the map.
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Figure 1. A detailed map of the Marquette County area in Michigan. The smaller indicator map on the lower right hand corner shows the Marquette County in yellow and the area of interest in green. A full sized map can be seen by right clicking the map and selecting "open link in new tab".
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Sources
All sources are from the Michigan Geograpgy Data Library
· Landcover is from USGS NLCD:
· DNR management units:
· Streams from:
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