Lab 6 Terrain Analysis using LiDAR Data

Lab 5 - Unsupervised / Supervised Classification

Unsupervised Classification

Supervised Classification

Image Rectification

Having a map rectified to map coordinates can be beneficial especially if you use the image a background layer for digitizing objects on a map. Currently I use rectified images for this purpose. I also can see the usefulness in geo-intelligence. Anlysists can give map coordinates of objects of concern in an image that may require on ground analysis.

The two main pitfalls I encounter in this lab were, accurate ground control points and an image that is fuzzy, which will lead to inaccurate ground control points. It is important that the image being rectified has enough landmarks to use as ground control points. If the image is of a large body of water it would be difficult to have enough landmarks in order to get a precise rectification of the image.

Module 3 Lab

1. Provide a brief description of why the following features appear as they do in this thermal infrared image: This image was taken of Fort Worth, Tx during the winter and in the morning. The heat island effect can explain why roads, automobiles, sidewalks, and bright spots on many rooftops. Roads absorb more heat and remain warmer through the night as do sidewalks and patios. The bright spots on the rooftops are chimneys; all of these objects add thermal energy to the air. Whereas storage sheds, natural and man-mad vegetation cool off quicker throughout the night and release less thermal energy to the air.

2. Explain why the front parts of the cars have a hot spot on them at arrows number 1 and 2. The engines are running.

Module 2 Lab

The first photo is the Multi-spectral mode (R2, G3, B4) display and the second photo is the Panchromatic display. The contrast between the two photos that if most noticeable, is the appearance of land. It is blue in the first photo, whereas its black in the second photo. Another distinguishable contrast is how water is represented. Water has a reddish tint in the first photo compared to the water is a dark gray color in the second photo. The water in both photo's change color relative to the depth of the water, lighter color represent shallower depths and gets darker as the water depth increases. Urban areas in both photos are have white apperance.

Module 11 - Google Earth Lab

I chose this location based on the following information from the U.S. Department of Energy National Renewable Energy Labartory.

Wind Power Classification
Wind Power Class: 6

Resource Potential: Outstanding

Wind Power Density at 50m W/m2: 600 - 800

Wind Speed at 50m m/s: 8.0 - 8.8

Wind Speed at 50m MPH: 17.9 - 19.7

Ornithology: The Great Lakes Region longest migration route in the Western Hemisphere. The low altitude and ideal habitation along this route makes it preferred fly away corridor for many bird species. This can be a problem for all locations in the Great Lakes. However I feel that the height at which the birds fly will not be an issue, but can be a problem when birds land in the area.

Noise: I don't feel noise will be an issue since the islan I propose to locate these windmills do not have dense population and the windmills will be in the water at a 1/2 mile distance.

Shadow flicker : Shadow Flicker will not be an issue for the same reasons as Noise.

Shipping Impact: This location will not have an impact on shipping. The ships will maintain a wide distance from the island.

Landscape and visual impact: The windmills will been seen but I feel that as time goes by they will considered as part of the natural landscape as does street lights and energy poles do now. There is not a tourist industry at this location so tourism will not be harmed

Module 10 Lab - Isohyet Map

Module 9 Flow Map Lab

Non-Contiguous Cartogram

Contiguous Cartogram

Module & Dot Proportional Map

Module 6 - Proportional Symbol Map

I used a nested arrangement legend in order save space. The projection is Europe Albers Equal Area Conic, I beleive this projection allowed for a better proportional map.

Module 5 Choropleth Gray Scale Map Lab

I chose the North America Albers Equal Area Conic this allowed for Alaska to be represented in its true size compared to the Contiguous United States.

Module 5 Choropleth Lab

I chose the North America Albers Equal Area Conic this allowed for Alaska to be represented in its true size compared to the Contiguous United States.

Module 4 Map Composition Lab

Module 4 Typography Lab

Data Classification Lab

Good Map

I consider this a good map. It provides alot of information needed without looking cluttered. It has legend, scale bar and a north indicator.

Bad Map

I would consider this map of Bangkok Thailand a bad map since it doesn't provide accurate information for navigating. It doesn't provide a legend or a scale bar to represent distance.

Mental Map Exercise

I currently reside in Florida; which explains why I chosecostal regions as my first preference. I love the mountains and if I had to live in a cold weath area again I would want to be in a mountain region. I grew up in the midwest and I do not miss the winters therefore I placed the midwestern states and states with similar winters last.

ME

I retired from the Air Force in 2006, my last job as the base Explosives Safety Manager introduced me to GIS tools used to analyze and comply with regulations governing the amount of explosives and the required seperation distances to other facilities. I now am employed by the company that created the software I was using in the Air Force. Since joining my current company and my exposure to GIS has increased and so has my interest in GIS.

I look forward to this program and learning from everyone.
Jeff