Learning Module: Creating spatial data

Introduction

In this lab, you'll be digitizing your own vector data as the first part of a series of labs to develop research sites within Arcata forest.

Learning Outcomes

• Define the main data models used in GIS: Vector (points, polylines, and polygons) and Raster
• Digitize new vector data using existing raster data
• Add metadata to spatial data
• Estimate Uncertainty

Reading (optional)

• Bolstad, Chapter 4
  • All but "Coordinate Transformation"

Presentations

• Features, Themes, and Layers
• Data Models: Vector (Points, Polylines, Polygons) and Rasters
• Raster Data
• Where Spatial Data Comes From
• Introduction to Digitizing With An Introduction to Uncertainty
• Introduction to Metadata

Activities

Go outside, find a place where you can see for a long distance and make a list of the things that you see. Now organize the things into themes that might appear on a map. Add things that are under the ground and in the air (temperature). What other things appear on maps that are not visible (county lines, property boundaries, high water marks from tsunamis). Next, create a table with five columns, one for the name of the theme and one for each of the data types. Enter into the cells the range of extents that you would use each data type for each theme.

Lab

• Digitizing Features Around Arcata Forest