Module 12: Future of Cartography

This week in lab we took our south Florida population density dot map and converted the map to a KMZ file using Map to KMZ tool and converted the population density layer to a KMZ file using the Layer to KMZ tool.  We then took the KMZ files to Google Earth, added landmarks to specified cities and then a tour of those landmarks.  Not a lot of "work" this time for lab, used the "work" from module 10, but the results were very cool. 

Neo-Cartographer is map making that is conducted outside of professionally trained cartographers.  One method of Neo-Cartography is Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI).  VGI projects can range from public participants gathering and posting data to a website that contains a opensource map to participants reviewing visual data and providing observations.  For me, the greatest consideration of VGI data is the intention and audience of the data.  If the data is to be used by the public for information purposes (posting locations of bicycle routes and the condition of those routes for other bicyclist) then the accuracy of the data would be of low concern, other than those using the site.  If the data is to used for research purposes to address funding for conservation (number of a species is declining in an area and should be funded for improvements) the data would, in my mind, need to be obtained in a responsible, measurable, accurate scientific process.  These: accuracy, responsibility and measurability, are some of the concerns with VGI.  Bioblitz is a term that is being utilized for public events being held around the world to invite volunteers out to a defined area to gather information.  Typically the event is to gather data about species in the area.  Although the data could be used locally for a preliminary evaluation of the health of the defined area it seems to usually be used to create community awareness and interest in conservation.  Geo-collaboration is also utilizing opensource maps as well as other electronic collaboration methods for multiple users, both professional and novice, to work together on projects.  Geo-targeting is the process of delivering content to users based on their geographic location (adds for swimwear goes to Florida and Hawaii where winter parkers go to Alaska).  Geo-targeting is being used often by marketers. 

Cloud functions in three base service models – Software-as-a-Service (SaaS); Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS); and Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) (https://www.gislounge.com/learn-about-gis-in-the-cloud/).  Cloud Computing and Cloud based GIS utilizes the cloud to house large amounts of data to allow for easier access, easier distribution, capture data in near real time, less IT management.  Cons to the Cloud GIS include web access is required, security is a concern, lack control with external hosting, volume of data increase time, and data formatting may be effected by the cloud. ( http://geoawesomeness.com/gis-cloud/).



 

Module 11: 3D Visualization and Mapping

The top frame shows the building extruding from the landscape as well as the blue points of the wells that were set to an offset of 3 to show their location above ground.  As the images progress through the perspective change in the end showing the wells extruding underground.

This week 3D.  Lecture information included a video conference presentation by Nathan Shepard, member of the 3D team with ESRI, and the presenter of the 3D Cartography Techniques: an Introduction, 3D Urban Mapping from Pretty Pictures to 3D GIS a white paper by ESRI and finally ESRI training module 3D Visualization Techniques Using ArcGIS.  

The 3D data types: photorealistic scenes, cartographic scenes and augmented reality scenes seem to be more of a continuum from photorealistic (looks like photo) through a hybrid area classified as augmented reality (both real looking elements and non-real informative cartography) to cartographic (informative but no realism). Extent of 3D maps can be planetary (global) or local (fish tank).  The primary elements of 3D include surface, texture, features and marginalia and effects.  There are challenges to 3D mapping, it can be disorienting and hard to navigate, map content can be hidden and continuous and progressive scale.  The advantages of 3D: can show vertical info, intuitive symbology, human style navigation and superhero style. (Shepard, N., 2015, ESRI)  

The ESRI training provided information as well as exercises to reinforce concepts.  Elements discussed in the training: elevation terrain model, raster, triangulated irregular network (TIN), terrain dataset, terrains built from feature class, feature class data, multipatch features, and shape files. 3D GIS requires a surface, texture- Z values (height information either contained within or obtained from another layer) and features (with Z or interpolable data for Z).  The exercises 1) base height for raster and feature data 2) roles for 3D data 3) vertical exaggeration 4) illumination and background color 5) extruding building & wells, extruding buildings for value and extruding for multipatach.  

Work was performed in ArcScene with Analyst Extension.  Data was exported as KMZ file and opened in ArcGlobe.  

This week has been the most difficult and frustrating to date.  Utilizing the navigation in the 3D is interesting.  I often flew to outerspace and had to figure out how I got there and how to get back.  I don't feel I have an understanding of the terminology or concepts for this week.  More exposure and practice will be required for me to feel I have any grasp on this new and different world of 3D.