Lab 2: Downloading GIS data

Goals

The purpose of this lab was to learn how to download data from an online source,  produce a map using two different data sources, and finally produce a map using ArcGIS online using downloaded data. The online source that was used was the United States Census Bureau. The tools and skills utilized included downloading data, joining stand alone tables, crating aesthetically pleasing map,and utilizing online web map from ArcGIS.

Methods

I began the project by gathering population data based on Wisconsin counties from the United States Census Bureau, in addition to obtaining a shape file showing the counties in Wisconsin. Specific instructions were given on how to obtain this information. In ArcGIS I had to join the Excel file containing population data to the counties shape file and from there created a graduated colors map showing the number of people in each county shown in. Then i made the map aesthetically pleasing by adding a title, scale, source, legend, and north arrow this is shown in Figure 1 below.

Figure 1, this map shows population mapped by county.

Next I created a map using data of my choice from the United States Census Bureau website. I mapped the percent of people age 20-24 by county. To do this once again it required joining a stand alone Excel table to the counties shape file. then I made the map aesthetically pleasing by adding a legend, title, source, scale, and a north arrow this is shown in Figure 2 below.

Figure 2, This map shows the percent of people age 20-24 by county in the state of Wisconsin.

After creating these two maps then I created a published map using ArcGIS online. To create this map it required using the Population map previously created in ArcGIS. To do this I began by signing in to ArcGIS online and sharing my map as a service with UW-Eau Claire Geography and Anthropology host. On ArcGIS online i then created a "Tiled Map" that shows the county name and the total population when a user clicks on a county in the map. Figure 3 below shows the completed published map.

Figure 3, This is a published map through ArcGIS online showing population by county an a "Tiled map" which gives the ability to click and view individual county population statistics. 

Results

Figure 4 below shows the final map created using Population data and people age 20-24 by county. Milwaukee, Dane, and Waukesha counties contain the highest population total. the south east corner of Wisconsin contains a higher total population than the northern part of Wisconsin. The map showing the age range from 20-24 is more spread out, multiple counties contain 8.5-13.7% of people aged 20-24.

Figure 4, Left map displays Wisconsin population, right map displays percent of population age 20-24.

Sources

United States Census Bureau 2010