Mastering multiple platforms will result in a more precise outcome.
In this weeks lab we were tasked with creating a top10 list of our choosing. I chose a top10 list based on U.S. cities with the worst water quality. This top10 list was compilied in 2017 by simplewater.us(http://www.simplewater.us/simplewater-blog/2017/1/17/10-worst-cities-for-water-quality).
I chose this top10 list because I knew that our very own Pensacola, Florida has a reputation for having remarkably poor water quality and it ranks at number 8 on this list.
The first set of data was compiled in a spreadsheet, using excel, and was arranged according to rank, name, address, city, state, zip, and URL of a picture image. This data was then converted to a .txt file and imported into arcGIS online. Using arcGIS online, symbology was editing to reflect accurate representation of ranking order and ,once finished, the top10 map was created for public viewing. I found that arcGIS online has limited customization when compared to arcMap, but that is to be expected for a web-browser based mapping tool.
The second map we created was done by downloading the the arcGIS online data and opening it directly with arcMaps. A shapefile layer was copied from the features.gdb file we downloaded from arcGIS online. Using the top10 shapefile and the given worlds streets shapefile a .mxd was constructed to reflect the ranking and location of the top10 U.S. cities for worst water quality. Once finished we were able to use the map package feature and re-upload this new .mxd back into arcGIS for public viewing and downloading.
The final map we created involved the layer to KML conversion tool. This tool allowed us to convert the existing top10 shapefile layer into a .kmz format. The .kmz format is a format used by the Google Earth program. Opening the .kmz file from within Google Earth allowed for overlaying of the top10 layer directly onto Google Earths surface reflecting our originally created symbology and ranking.
Overall, I really enjoyed this weeks lab. My favorite aspect was converting and uploading shapefiles so that they can be used in different programs. I found that aspect extremely valuable and may prove useful in future mapping projects.
http://arcg.is/yG0Xm
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