Lab 2

Introduction: The goal of this lab was to gain an understanding of how to import information from the internet into ArcGIS and use it, as well as how to publish our work from ArcGIS and ArcGIS Online.

Methods:  In this lab a number of skills were developed. From Importing information, to using that information in a map, as well as how to share and publish that data. This was done by first going to the US Census Bureau's Fact Finder Website and retrieving the population information required on Wisconsin. This was done by setting various parameters in the site and narrowing down the search to more easily access the desired information. After the data was retrieved, and the data imported into the ArcGIS software a blank ArcMap was opened and the tabular as well as spatial data was added. From here data tables were merged to allow for the visual spatial representation of population in Wisconsin. After forming this map further data on Wisconsin was pulled from the Census Bureau's website and in a similar fashion added to a separate map in a separate data frame. Both maps were then improved and finished by adding legends, scales, north arrows, etc... creating a cartographically pleasing layout. After this was completed the map was saved and a new goal was introduced. The original map was copied into a new document and changed to remove the second map and be properly formatted. After ArcGIS Online was signed into and a series of steps including labels, descriptions, and tags were added, the map was analyzed for errors, the map was then published to UW-Eau Claire – Geography and Anthropology. The final step was create a web map from the feature service. In a web browser ArcGIS the UWEC enterprise was signed into and this opened up the UWEC Geography & Anthropology ArcGIS Online account. After this the shared map from before is reconfigured through a series of menus and tools. Finally after reformatted, with popups added, the new map is then saved and shared.

Results: The results of this lab are that the created map was shared in two places in two different forms for different purposes. The patterns on the maps show a few things. The general population WI map shows that the highest concentration of people is in the south east of the state. The rural population map shows how rural populations are clustered away from the large city clusters, but still represented in the other map.

Sources:
Data Access and Dissemination Systems (DADS). "American FactFinder - Search." American FactFinder - Search. N.p., 05 Oct. 2010. Web. 09 Apr. 2017.            

ArcGIScom News. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Apr. 2017.