My campus map has three categories of locations: study spaces, my dorm and class locations. Analyzing the data, I decided that I wanted to analyze the number of days a week I spent at each location as well as the different types of spaces I frequent on campus. I used ArcGIS’s built-in symbols as well as the size of each symbol to display the data. The more time spent in a location, the bigger its icon appears on the map. A graduation cap icon represents locations where I attend class, the icon with a person reading represents study spaces and the icon with a house is where my dorm is. There are multiple locations where I attend class and study so the same icon is displayed for both places, allowing users to analyze the spatial distribution of different activities in my life. The size of the icon is also a very clear indicator of where most of my time on campus is spent. After adding the CSV data, I inserted a polygon layer onto my map in order to outline each of the buildings I frequent on campus.
Upon completion of this project, I realize the immense capability of ArcGIS. This platform allows users to layer different types of data on top of each other. This is helpful in providing a platform for combining different types of data related to the same topic. ArcGIS’s visualization tools provide users with an in depth analysis of the functionality and distribution of different places. ArcGIS also allows users to create engaging and informative visualizations of spatial data. Its customizable nature allows users to modify its tools to fit their specific goals. Users are able to import their own data and layers as well as change the size, color and shape of icons. In general, I think that web mapping is a potent tool for analyzing spatial data in the digital humanities world. It allows users to analyze similarities and differences between different places.
