GEOG 303 - Lab 2

Work through Chapter 4. The data is on the J drive. Use ArcCatalog to copy the data you will need (ch 4) to your zip/flash. Remember to always work off your own drive! (and ALWAYS copy GIS files using ArcCatalog). As you work through these chapters, remember that your data is on your zip/flash, not wherever the book points you.

Provide brief answers to the following (must be typed):

a)  Perhaps the most important thing in this chapter is the discussion regarding metadata. Go through that section of the chapter again - when you're finished, do the following: 1) pick any individual shapefile from the GTKARCGIS subdirectory. Make sure the shapefile has metadata (not just categories without any metadata associated) - and more metadata than simply coordinates and a list of attributes. If it doesn't have any metadata, select another dataset. Repeat as necessary. Type out the filename and all the metadata that is associated with that shapefile (again, not the categories, but the actual metadata). Give a brief description of what's important and why.

b) Go onto the web and search for information regarding metadata. Provide a 1-2 page writeup which defines metadata, explains it's importance, and any other information you might find. For those that may be confused about what 1-2 pages really means: at least one page of text, no more than two pages of text, 1.5 line spacing, 1" margins, 12 point font. Be sure to properly reference what you find. Plagarism is NOT a good thing.

c) goto http://www.yakimap.com and play around with the (Internet) web mapping section (parcel mapping). Then, fire up google earth and play around with that. Finally, do the same with Google Maps. Compare and contrast the three applications - especially in regards to what you can learn about Yakima. What do you like. What don't you? Any questions/suggestions?

Due date: Monday, 12 October, 2009.  4 points.