Eureka!

I just reached a turning point with this website. I was getting a little worried because I thought I would have to create layers manually, which was going to end up being a lot to handle. But I was clicking around and found that I can search layers, change the canvas, add demographic information, all kinds of things. The data was already collected. 

Needless to say... I just got very EXCITED!

I was looking at some tips on making great base maps, and people want simple background so that they can create their own maps--yes, I know it took me awhile to notice that. It is like when you are selling a house. You present the house with simple items, so that the potential buyer can visualize putting their own flare to the space, promoting them to buy the house; same with base maps.

For my end-of-the-year project, I have to figure out how to create simple base maps that people want to use. What am I going to do with my maps that sets them apart from other simple, base maps...hmmm?

back to thinking and wondering around on ArcGIS 

To Do list:

I apologize for being gone for a few weeks, I got caught up with other school work-->which is not an excuse. I am just being honest.

I was looking around on ArcGIS, and there are some really cool maps that I would love to try out.

For Example, this map http://bit.ly/z85cid has a really cool, vintage layout but I don't know how to even get my stuff to look like that.

Today, I am going to look around and see if I can figure out how to make a cartogram map. Hopefully, I figure it out.

Be back later

I want to do something like this...

Cherry & Silver Track Meet 2012

Link to my Cherry and Silver Track Map

http://bit.ly/wPqX2s

Notes for next time:
--> to make sure the area with the data only shows up in the screen instead of having to zoom into the area
--> figure out how to create a legend

First Upset

I have been working on a topographic map of all the schools that participated at University of New Mexico's Cherry and Silver Track Meet last weekend for a few hours now. I finally put the finishing touches on my map (after having to start over 3 times) and... it deletes!

Apparently I do not have an account on ArcGIS.com--even though I thought I did--so I need to work out those kinks first before I am going to slave over another map.

It looked very nice though, so I am going to re-due it and post it later on today.

Some notes I have on ArcGIS so far:
--> I don't like that I have to create a new layer for each school in order for them to be on map. I wish there was a layer already made for Universities, that I could just select those that participated through a search.
--> I liked that I could link webpages to the pinpoint, as well as a description and image.
--> I wonder if you could do 3D maps using ArcGIS.com?

Just some thoughts after working with this last map. Don't worry, I will figure out everything and have a map posted up soon!!!

My Motives

I walked into my adviser's office for my last advising meeting as an undergraduate and I sat down with the intension of just showing him the classes I was going to end up taking. He then asks me,

"What do you want to do with your Geography degree?"

I had to think about it, because I only planned to pursue Sociology. After sitting down with him he reminded me that Geography is connected to everything, and reminded me why I fell in love with Geography and decided to major in it in the first place. So we brainstormed, tossed around a few ideas, and ended with the Geography of Sports. He showed me an interaction map that was created on ArcGIS.com && I fell in love. This is what I want to do for my last semester of college, create maps about one thing near and dear to my heart; Sports.