lab 1

Objective:
Continue to familiarize with ArcCatalog and basic functions of Arc Maps (navigational and manipulating functions of Table of contents). I also did this lab at home later than the others so a lot was review.

ArcCatalog:
Files used:  Dem30 (digital elevation Model), Roads_arc.shp

Added the required files and started to work with symbology to change around differrent aspects of the map.

Symbology options
Image 1 stretched
Image 2 Classified
Image 3 Unique Values
Image 4 Vector Field
Image 5 Discrete Color

I think that the one that fits the best would be Stretched. Started using the selection feature that allows for a lot of "equation like" formulas to select different areas of layer to fir within a parameter. selected a road with a length less than (<) 200.507 see below:

I am starting to understand how complex you can get in manipulating the data stored within the files. used a buffer analysis to add a buffer zone. I noticed that my version of the software has an additional field called Method which I left as default (PLANAR) that was not in the instructions (between End type and Dissolve type) it took a while but my computer seems to be able to keep up with the program so far even with Power-point and Google chrome running 

ArcGIS 10.3.1 for desktop under student license provided by UW

Lab 5

Objective:
 Continue working with ArcCatalog and start integrating it with ArcMaps

ArcCatalog:

Started working with converting excel spreadsheets and covert it into a Feature Class based on an XY table. (note: can also use for XYZ coordinate systems. Files are saved as *.csv files converted LabPrac1.csv using. In the class instructions it did not note that the Z field need to be switched but I was able to look at the included pictures to fix. It would not allow me to continue without filling out all fields (changed to lux) when I went to save it had an error which was fixed when i cancled and restarted the project I am not sure what happened but it seemed to work the second time. The second time it was not necessary to change to Z Field.

SELECT > Projected > UTM >
WGS 1984> Northern Hemisphere>
WGS 1984 UTM Zone 10N.prj

ArcMap:
Following the instructions wanted to work with the file DEM 30 but I remember working with Dem 10 so I that instead. I noticed a lot of errors being produced because of the coordinate system so I suspect I will go over that in another lab. Became familiar with transferring files in between ArcCatalog and ArcMaps. 

I like working with the current default configuration but I will try others. (Note: it is interesting feature that arrows pop up when your are moving the different toolbars to designate which area they are going to work within A "snap" function). Found later on in the instructions how to start editing the files so that they work so deleted DEM 10 and restarted with DEM 30. When working with customize I added editor but when I double clicked it the toolbar disappeared. Not sure what happened to the toolbar I clicked the different views "layout button made everything disappeared. I found that with a dual monitor setup if I double click the toolbar will move to my second monitor so fixing the issue was an easy fix. though my map and everything disappeared with layout view. I had to restart the program. Finaly got everything back together by working in the zoom function and rearraging the layers to that everything was displayed properly. Restarting the program did not help but I got everything back together. 

Started working with Properties>Symbology as instructed for every layer except the Basemap which i figured is already setup to display a certain way. I don't really think the hillside picture is appropriate for this feature but I like how you really can make them any way that you like. results shown below:

Last thoughts: I think it is fun to mess with all the symbology features but it would be important to really set it up to try to fit the needs of the project. Ex. I like the hillshade effect but the detail my distract from what you want to focus on. Contrast is an important aspect that definately would be important for this I feel. 

Lab 4

Objective:
Familiarize with the proper use of Arc catalog, Arc toolbox, and Arc Maps and begin maipulating prepared data with Arc Maps and Arc Toolbox.

Results

Arc Catalog
Learned how to import data into Arc catalog using the Folder Connections tools. Imported UW and bbcgis data sets prepared for the class. Each set was downloaded from UW canvas website that was prepared for the class (https://canvas.uw.edu/courses/989343/modules) under week three OCT 12th/14th "lab" bbcgis.zip, and UW.zip. contents shown below.

Navigated panels for Naviagation, Preview, and Description learning how to obtain data and individuals files and how to convert CSV using create feature class from XY table. (note: The amount of information contained in each file is impressive and I can understand the importance in being able to understand the necessary files needed for a project. including in depth information using the identify button) Alll the data can be viewed and edited using tool throughout the catalog as well as using Arc Toolbox.

Started to create own folder under UW_GIS_JDA where I can store all upcoming work if needed.

Final Notes: Feel much more comfortable with the navigation through Arc Catalog I can also respect the amount of information that can be obtained and edited using the system. I can tell it is going to take come practice working with. It is very intuitive structured much like Windows File Explorer