Lab 2 - Wisconsin Population and Median Age by County

Background Information:

The purpose of this lab was to become familiar with bringing in various data sets, checking their data integrity and then using these data sets to make them visually pleasing. We focused on using the United States Census Bureau for getting our data. Being that it was the Census Bureau we were not too concerned with the quality and source of the data. We were to create a map with Wisconsin's population by county and also a map presenting a data set of our own choice.

Methods:

The first step was getting comfortable using the U.S Census Bureau's website. By following this hyperlink you are brought to the Fact Finder Census Bureau Website. To acquire the population information for Wisconsin select "people" on the left hand side of the page and from there "basic count/estimate." From there scroll until you find the desired information, in this case it was total population and download it.

To acquire the Wisconsin shape file, go to "geography" on the left hand side of the page. To get all the counties click "state" then "counties" and select "all counties" for the state of Wisconsin.

Once downloading the desired files you have to unzip the newly acquired attribute tables. View the tabular and metadata in Excel and be sure the change the CSV file in to an MS Excel Workbook file. This allows the data to be used in ArcGIS.

From there I added the shape file to ArcGIS and also my unzipped MS Excel Workbook file. It is important to check the attribute table and verify all the data carried over and is not corrupt or missing.

To join the shape file and Excel table there has to be a common attribute to link them together. In this case, they both shared a GEO#id so the tables were linked together through that.

Now that my data was linked, I simply had to change the symbology under properties and change it to graduated colors so differences in data could be easily recognized and visually appealing. There was no need to normalize this data set.

To create the second map I essentially followed the exact same steps except with a different variable this time. The first map focused on a total population dataset while for my second map I chose median age. Fortunately the common attribute between by shape file and data set was GEO#id so that step remained the same. My second data set had three variables so by using the meta data I was able to pick which variable I wanted to present. I chose median age for both males and females in the state of Wisconsin.

Because I was focusing specifically on Wisconsin, I changed the projection for both data frames to NAD 1983 Wisconsin TM.

 

Results:

Figure 2.1 The map on the left presents the population of each county while the right map shows the median age by county.

 The graphic above shows two different maps made of Wisconsin. By looking at the map you can see that population and median age are directly related. In more populated counties there tends to be a trend of a lower median age.

Sources: United States Census Bureau. (2015, March 20).

 

 

GIS I Lab 1: Base Data - Confluence Project

Background Information:
The Confluence Project is a multi-organization project located right at Eau Claire's confluence. The project is supported partially by Eau Claire county, the state, and outside donators. The project includes housing, a community center, and a venue for a variety of different performances.

Methods: 
The first step in the process was making a new geodatabase that would hold the information pertaining to the proposed Confluence Project site. This involved digitizing the proposed site in to a feature class. With the site being digitized it was much easier simply adding it from the geodatabase for each individual map rather than digitizing it for six maps.

Using the newly created geodatabase along with information provided by the city and county of Eau Claire six maps were made showing various data in reference to the Confluence Project site. These six maps can be found below in (Figure 1.1)

The first map shows the parcel data and proposed site. A basemap was inserted with parcel area, centerlines and any water features near the site layered on top.

The second map features the proposed site with the Public Land Survey System or PLSS feature class added over our basemap. This gives an idea of a more specific location for the proposed site.

The third map focuses on civil division in Eau Claire County. A basemap was used with the digitized proposed site overlaying. This shows the Confluence Project will be located in the city of Eau Claire and also how a snippet of the county is divided in to different civil divisions.

The fourth map focuses on population density and census boundaries around the confluence. Along with the basemap, information from the city and county was used to represent the pop. density in and around where the proposed site is located.

The fifth map breaks a part of the city in to different zoning classes. A zoning area features class was used and sorted in to similar classifications. With the information sorted and classified it made the appearance of the map and information easier to interpret and understand.

The final map deals with the numerous voting wards in Eau Claire. A data frame was inserted along with a basemap, the proposed site and also the voting ward feature class. Labels were added to the wards for easy identification.

(Figure 1.1)

Although the maps really do not present any patterns between one another they do give us some insight on the area around the proposed site. There is a relatively dense amount of people already living near the proposed area and with even more housing being brought in that number will only rise higher. It is also interesting that the Confluence Project will be not only residential based but also commercial and public.

Sources:
Q:\StudentCoursework\CHupy\2155.GEOG.335.001\LAB\lab1\City of Eau Claire.gdb
Q:\StudentCoursework\CHupy\2155.GEOG.335.001\LAB\lab1\2009-07-13_EauClaire.gdb
Mapping Services. (n.d.). Retrieved February 20, 2015, from http://www.eauclairewi.gov/departments/public-works/engineering/mapping-services