HW #2 (Due 06/14)

Posted by mapz on 1:10 PM
This was originally the first day's homework, but due to the room conflict it is now not due until 06/14.

Create a map highlighting the areas on the Texas Gulf coastline is made up of both (1) sheltered tidal flats and (2) sheltered scarps.
Do not zoom-in. The map should contain the entire coastline. Print off a hard-copy of the map, put your name on it, and bring it in when due. Color does not matter. Black-white is ok. Also be sure to write the SCHOOL and the SCHOOLID that you select for your Personal Geodatabase Project.

1. Download the Environmental Sensitivity Index Shoreline shapefile from the Texas General Land Office here. Scroll down until you find Environmental Sensitivity Index Shoreline. We want a shapefile, so click the .shp to the right of the description of the file. Click Accept and download the .zip file. Unzip the contents and view in ArcMap. To learn more about the file, you can click the to the right of the description to view the metadata. Metadata is a file that describes a shapefile.
2. Useful hints:
1. The field 'ESI' contains the shoreline sensitivity index. Use the field definition data outlined below to identify what the codes in the ESI field represent.
2. When you identify the codes you are looking for in the ESI field of the shapefile, sort the table and see if there is a particular field that contains both of the codes that you need...perhaps separated by a slash /. This field, containing both of the codes, is the only field you are interested in. Remember, to select more than 1 feature (row), you can drag down across multiple features to select more than 1. You can also hold down the CONTROL button and select more than 1 feature that way as well. No need to label anything. Just highlight (select) those features, hit the print button and you're all set and ready to go.
3. Here is the code info you need, which I obtained from the begesi.shp.xml metadata file.
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1
walls and other solid structures (least sensitive shoreline type)

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2A
Scarps/steep slopes in clay

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2B
Wave-cut clay platforms

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3A
Fine-grained sand beaches

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3B
Scarps/steep slopes in sand

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4
Coarse-grained sand beaches

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5
Mixed sand and gravel or shell beaches

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6A
Gravel or shell beaches

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6B
Exposed riprap structures

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7
Exposed tidal flats

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8A
Sheltered riprap structures

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8C
Sheltered scarps

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8D
Sheltered rocky or karst shores
New shoreline type added by William White to describe karst outcrops in Baffin Bay, Texas

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9
Sheltered tidal flats

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10A
Salt and brackish marshes

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10B
Freshwater marshes (herbaceous vegetation)

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10C
Freshwater swamps (predominantly woody vegetation)

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10D
Mangroves or woody vegetation in salt water

Plan for the First Class

Posted by mapz on 12:37 PM
OK, here's the plan for the first class:
  • Review syllabus
  • What is Geographic Information Systems?
  • Access to ArcGIS @ Home
    • Each student will receive a 12-month license of ArcGIS 10, student version, to install on your home (off-campus) computer.

Couple of Important Notes for This First Class:
  • Beginning Thursday (06/09), the second class, we will be meeting in Central Library basement, room B20. Hence this abridged first class.
  • Last I saw the bookstore did *not* yet have the required textbook so we will not be making use of it until next Tuesday (06/14).

Welcome to the Class !

Posted by mapz on 12:32 PM
Welcome to the class.

Please note the links at the top of this page. ^

This course is an introduction to Geographic Information Systems, with a focus on the practical applications of GIS. After this course, you will be able to actually use GIS. You will be able to create your own maps and run your own analysis.

Hold onto your hats folks, because this will be one heck of an 11-week ride!! No doubt it will be a lot of work, but GIS is just so dang fun that I promise it will be worth it.

This blog should be checked regularly for any important information, such as changes to my office hours, assignment changes, or class cancellations (but don't hold your breath waiting for that one...).