Module 4--Geoprocessing

During Module 4, I learned several tools to conduct geoprocessing functions using Python and Spyder. This was a much more enjoyable module because it allowed me to actually perform mapping functions. In other words, I saw the reason why we learn Python.

Some of the new tools I learned for Python:
--Model Builder, which actually built a model using a click/drag function and then having it perform the function. This is a much more visual method to use the tool.
--Buffering, to include dissolve.
--Clip, selects, erase tools.
--Add XY coordinates to a shapefile.
--Using the GetMessages() function to add commentary about the function performed.
--Make a toolbox.

Again, a few points to remember:
--Be very cautious of spelling (module, especially).
--Ensure capitalization is consistent with syntax.
--Consistency with quotation marks and contractions.
--Ensure URL of environment is accurate (spelling, slashes, etc.).
--Ensure comments section at top is complete (name, date, etc) using the # symbol.

Feedback of Hospital Script: Add XY Coordinates, Buffer,m Buffer Dissolve

The above screenshot displayed the results of the script written to add XY coordinates to the hospital shapefile, add a buffer, and then diffuse that buffer to a single feature. To complete this assignment, I broke the script into three parts, where I tested each script to ensure it worked properly before going to the next script. I also commented out commentary to explain what each step would perform. I used the GetMessages function to return the start time, date, etc.. I then added a print statement (separately) to return commentary on what the function performed.

All in all, this was an enjoyable module and a welcome change from the previous modules.

Criteria 2--Homes and Parcels

For criteria 2, I quantified the number of homes and parcels impacted by the transmission line. I relied heavily on the U.S. Census Bureau TIGER files and imported edges and addresses. I also downloaded data from the Sarasota and Manatee Counties Assessors' Offices to obtain updated information.

I obtained my data in two ways. First, I conducted a heads up count where I methodically counted the number of parcels inside the corridor (yellow) or within the 400ft buffer (orange). I then utilized the TIGER files (and compared it with the assessors' files), created an intersection with the buffer and then the corridor, and determined the number of houses and parcels.

The amount of houses and parcels were nowhere near the result from my heads up count. I decided to use my heads up count for my analysis for a number of reasons:  The imagery was much older than the assessors' files and the Census data was close to 10 years old, what constituted a parcel was not known, and there were many structures on the map that might have been houses, garages, barns, sheds, etc. Additionally, in some of the more wooded areas, it was impossible to see structures due to the trees and shadows.

One of the important lessons learned for all maps produced was to make sure all layers had the same geographic reference system and projection. Additionally, the units of measure were required to be imperial, so any metric unit had to be converted to feet, miles, etc.

Homes and parcels within the study area. The inset map shows the full corridor in a smaller scale
in order to orient the viewers. The symbols are consistent with regard to type and color. I have also
included a comparison between the heads up counts and the assessor counts.

Criteria 1--The Environment

Four criteria were researched, analyzed, and mapped:

Environmental Impact.  By using a topographic map and downloading shapefiles from the National Wetlands Inventory, I plotted all sensitive environmental areas on my map. I added all required shapefiles and created a 400ft buffer around the preferred corridor. The Study Area and Preferred Corridor feature classes were the base from which all other maps were produced.

Once all the feature classes were populated on the map, I was then able to utilize GIS tools to determine the number of areas and acres impacted by the corridor. The requirements and goal of the study was to protect wetlands, route the corridor through disturbed land, and sustain the aesthetics of the area.

Throughout my project, I retained consistent symbology to avoid confusion. I also color coded the map borders to categorize them based on criteria.

Macro View of Environmental Map

This is one of many environmental maps and graphs produced to demonstrate the
impact of the transmission line on the environment.