Final Project - Finding morels in fire burn areas

http://students.uwf.edu/lrp7/morels.pptx

Washington DC Crime Analysis

In spite of all the glitches with this exercise, I really enjoyed the it.  I lived near DC for 6 years and have worked in and with Law Enforcement for nearly 12 years.  The kernel density tool is amazing and way beyond pin mapping.  I am looking forward to applying this project to my work.

 I found three areas that definately need a new station.  The first priority actually has more crimes where it would be the closest station because 189 crimes fell outside the buffer all at the southwest corner of their large beat.

I was a little suprised that the auto theft rate was highest earlier in the evening and fell off sharply after midnight.  I'll have to ponder the reason why.  Maybe many more people out and about plus tourist population. 

Site Selection - Walton County

http://students.uwf.edu/lrp7/Site_Selection_Walton_Co.pptx

Site Selection - Alachua County

This exercise showed me the awesome power of the spatial analyst tools.  The map on the left shows the results of a weighted overlay using the four data inputs from below giving equal weight to each.  The map on the right uses the same data inputs; however, the weights are distributed 40%, 40%, 10%, 10%.  I chose three parcels from each map that I viewed as the most suitable location for the client to choose a house.  It was interesting how the second weighted overlay narrowed the suitable sites to a smaller location.

Urban Planning

These maps were created using ESRI's Virtual Campus Course:  Introduction to Urban and Regional Planning Using ArcGIS 9.  All of the exercises introduced a couple of new techniques and reinforced some valuable techniques.  The Economic Performance map hurt my brain.  Quotient analysis was a new concept for me and the fields seemed very cryptic.

Role of GIS in Disaster Resonse

The roles of a GIS professional in disaster response are numerous and ever expanding. GIS is now an essential part of contingency planning and initial response to a disaster. The most important role of GIS professionals immediately after a disaster strikes is to determine where help is needed and direct responders in their rescue efforts. They must quickly estimate the impact of the disaster on the population, identify vulnerable citizens and determine the best routes for responders and evacuation. The GIS professional must be aware of the scale and scope of the disaster and know where response resources are located and their capabilities.


Once rescue operations are underway, emphasis can then be placed on mapping the impact on critical infrastructure, location of resources, and at risk population. GIS then has the task of mapping patterns of destruction to aid in long process of rebuilding.

GIS professionals from around the country deployed to Houma, LA to operate an enterprise-class GIS system for the Incident Command Post. Initially, the GIS staff supported Coast Guard operations on the water and with over-flight observations and mapping. The GIS team has created or amassed 150 layers of base map data and operational data which is available via the server to users at desktop level. Standardized map products are created on a schedule.
GIS professionals are mapping out the extent of the spill and predicting its trajectory and impact in the area. The GIS team had to assemble a variety of existing data on resources, their habitats and their human uses, and to collect baseline (pre-spill impact) data wherever possible. They are assisting with identifying possible restoration projects.