GIS I LAB 3: Downloading GIS Data

Goal and Background:

The objective of the lab was for the students to complete the following 6 skills:

1.     Download 2010 Census data (total population) from the US Census Bureau.
2.     Download a shapefile of the 2010 Census boundaries from the US Census Bureau.
3.     Join the downloaded data to the Census shapefile.
4.     Map the data.
5.     Download and map a variable of your choice.
6.     Build a layout with both maps.

7.     Post to blogger about our lab.

Methods:

First students had to Downloaded 2010 Census Data:

On the U.S. Census Bureau students downloaded the Total Population data for all the counties in Wisconsin. Then we extracted the files from the zipped file.  Then we opened the data in ArcMap.

Next we downloaded the shapefile for the WI census data. Again we extracted the files from the zipped file.

The next objective was to join the data together, we did this by opening the tables we downloaded and extracted and joined them together with the joining tool. Then we added a field into the table and used the field calculator to import the long integers from another filed into the new field in order to categorize that long integer so it could be used as a qualitative symbol on the map. Thus creating a map of the total population per Wisconsin counties.

Students were then asked to create a new map with different data from the U.S. Census Bureau website. I chose the Native American population per Wisconsin county.

Next we built the layout with both the maps, added a title, scale, legend, and north arrow.

Finally, students were asked to post a blog to blogger.  

Results: 

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau 2010

My Thoughts on ArcGIS Online Virtual Training:

By: Anna Smith

 

ArcGIS Virtual Training was a unique experience that I found to be extremely helpful. Although the textbook tutorials and exercises are very good at applying your knowledge to real world examples, I find the Virtual Training ensures a good overall understanding of a subject. With the use of video examples, multiple choice questions through-out the tutorials, and review quizzes Virtual Training is an excellent resource for learning new GIS techniques.

 

In comparison to textbook training I believe the Online Virtual Training left me feeling more confident in my knowledge of the technique taught. The video example was helpful in showing the direction you were heading in. Seeing what is expected of you in the beginning was helpful throughout the creation process of the tutorials. Also the immediate feedback on the multiple choice, and fill in the blank questions were extremely helpful. This helped catch misunderstandings right away, instead of further down the line, which is sometimes the case with the textbook tutorials. Lastly, the quizzes at the end of the tutorials asked application questions that were excellent for clarification. The questions highlighted the main take-aways from that specific technique and provided instant feedback. Virtual Training is a wonderful tool for GIS training.