Lab 2: Downloading GIS Data

Introduction: The goal of this lab was to become familiar on downloading and mapping data from an online source. This involved several objectives that included:

1. Downloading Census data and shapefiles from the US Census Bureau (for both Total Population in Wisconsin and a variable of my choosing)
2. Combining the shapefiles with the data in ArcGIS
3. Mapping the information and building a layout suitable for both maps

Methods:

Downloading
First, I downloaded the data and shapefiles I needed by visiting the American FactFinder database at http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/searchresults.xhtml?refresh=t. I used the advanced search tools to find data that contained the total population census information and occupancy status information from 2010. I used the SFI because I only needed basic standard Census data. I then downloaded a shapefile map of Wisconsin that included all counties.

The data files were downloaded and then saved as an excel workbook for uploading to ArcGIS.

Combining Shapefiles and Data

After bringing in the shapefiles and data tables onto ArcGIS, I wanted to combine the shapefile with the variable I was mapping (Total Population and Occupancy Status seperatly). Before joining the attribute tables of the two files, I wanted to preview what this would look like to make sure no problems existed with the files and if they shared common attributes I could use to join them.
 I opened both attribute tables separately, then under Table Options in one of the table windows, chose “Arrange Tables” à New Vertical Tab Group.

The attribute table for Occupancy status was listing the titles of the attribute data as a feature ID. To solve this, I opened the document in excel and deleted the problem column.

 To permanently join the tables together, I then right-clicked on the shapefile in Table of Contents and under “Joins and Relates,” I chose “Join.” I chose the field to join the shapefile with the Excel Workbook Attribute Tables by GEO_ID. Because table joins link tables together based on common attributes, I joined the shapefile and the excel workbook of decennial census information by GEO_ID because they share the same geographic id field (GEO#id). 

Mapping 

 I mapped the total population data by quantities with a graduated color scheme. I mapped the total population per county. However, the total population attribute did not map at first because it was imported as a string field type. To fix this problem, I added a new field as a "double" field type. I right clicked this newly added field and brought up the field calculator and chose the field that contained the total population. I was then able to map total population of individuals in each county,

For the shapefile joined with occupational status data, I mapped number of vacant houses per county and normalized it by the total number of houses per county to get a vacancy rate. This was also mapped quantitatively with a graduated color scheme.

Results:

Wisconsin US Cencus Data by County 2010: Percent Vacant Housing and Total Population. End product maps.

Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, United States Census Bureau (2010). American FactFinder - Search. Retrieved March 17, 2015 from http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/searchresults.xhtml?refresh=t.

Lab 1: The Confluence Project

Background: In 2012, Clear Vision Eau Claire--an initiative group working to develop a collaborative vision for Eau Claire announced  intentions to construct "The Confluence Project." This project will is supported in partnership by UW-Eau Claire and the Eau Claire Regional Arts Center. It will consist of a new community arts center and student housing and commercial retail as well as three performance spaces, galleries, studios, and more. This complex is to be located in downtown Eau Claire at the river's confluence across from Phoenix Park and is to start construction in 2014.


In this lab, I prepare a basic report that contains base maps with all relevant information surrounding the Confluence Project. In order to do this, I had to:

1. digitize a proposed site for the Confluence Project
2. write up a legal description of the site parcels
3. and build several maps containing this information.


Digitizing a Proposed Site:
I first created a new geodatabase and feature class to store the proposed site as a new feature. The attributes were collected in the feature "Proposed Site" by adding parcel area data to the map and editing the proposed site using a polygon and without the use of End Snapping and Vertex snapping to insure the vertices and nodes of the proposed site match. The two polygons traced the outline of the parcel area and were saved in the "Propsed Site" feature.

Proposed area feature for The Confluence Project(shown in orange)

Writing a Legal Description of the Proposed Site:
I used the identify tool to find the parcel information for the parcels the proposed site resided in. I read documents explaining how townships and towns differ, what civil divisions are defined as, and how sections are described.                  

Parcel Information using Identify 

Legal Descriptions:

Parcel 1:

Parcel Number : 02365  

PIN: 1822122703200042068

Street Number : 128  

Street Name : Graham Ave. 

Township: 27

               Range: 9

               Section #: 20

               PLSS-DESC: NENW2027N09W

Parcel 2: 

Parcel Number : 020357  

PIN: 182212270920004263

Street Number : 202  

Street Name : Graham Ave. 

Township: 27

               Range: 9

               Section #: 20

               PLSS-DESC: NENW2027N09W

Building Maps:

Civil Divisions: displays the civil divisions between the city of Eau Claire and the surrounding area within Eau Claire County. I added the county boundary and civil division classes as well as the proposed site feature classes to a world imagery basemap.

Census Boundaries: shows population densities around the proposed site for the Confluence Project with the proposed site, tracts, and population 2007 feature classes (population 2007 was normalized by square mile) added to a world imagery basemap.

PLSS Data (Public Land Survey System): shows quarter quarter parcel boundaries with the proposed site, PLSS quarter quarter feature classes added to a world imagery basemap.

City Parcel Data: shows the parcels the proposed site occupies and the parcels surrounding it. The proposed site, centerlines, parcel area, and water feature classes were added to a world imagery basemap.
Zoning: displays the zoning districts surrounding the confluence project. The proposed site, centerlines, and zoning classes (grouped into commercial, industrial, public park, residential, and transportation) were added to a world imagery basemap.
Voting Districts: displays the voting districts in the area surrounding the proposed site. Proposed site and voting wards 2011 feature classes were added to a world imagery map. All voting districts are labeled on the map.

All six maps were laid out on a 11x17 landscape page format complete with legends (where necessary), scale bars, north arrows, and separate titles. The source (City of Eau Claire and Eau Claire County 2013) is written on the bottom right of the document. The file was exported as a .jpeg with 300 dpi.

Results: