GPS Collection, Georeferencing, and Digitizing

Tools: Georeference, KML to layer, Create Features, Join, Add Field/Calculate Field, Buffer and Select by Attribute

The purpose of this project was to learn how to collect spatial data using Google Earth Pro, ArcGIS Field Maps, and a GPS device, georeference images, and digitize points, lines, and polygons.

 The first map layout shows a georeferenced image of the Texas State University Campus in San Marcos. The second map layout shows campus buildings I have digitized and the proposed locations of 3 mini shops that I would place on campus, based on building population data. Here are the steps I used to determine the location of the mini shops:

Analysis Tasks

1. I joined the campus building population data table to the digitized buildings feature class.

2.  I created a weighted population field and calculated the weighted population for each building. This was based on the busiest times on campus.

10am-1pm > 1pm-3pm > 3pm-6pm > 6pm-9pm > 7am-10am

(0.5*10_1) + (0.4*1_3) + (0.3*3_6) + (0.2*6_9) +(0.1*7_10)

Ranking buildings by weighted population allows me to pick locations for the shops at busy, high-traffic areas, which would be suitable for a successful shop.

3. I calculated a 100-foot buffer around the campus buildings. I chose 100 feet because this is a reasonable distance students would walk to buy items they need.

4. From the buffers, I sorted the attribute table by weighted population in descending order. I then selected the location of the mini shops based on the location of the buffers and the weighted population.