Assignment - Spatial Skills Exercise
General Guidelines
The Spatial Skills Exercise aims to develop students’ abilities to visualize, analyze, and work with spatial data. This assignment focuses on applying geospatial data management and analysis techniques using Python and the ArcGIS suite. Students will answer one or two prompts, which may require creating maps or performing spatial analyses. The primary goal is to provide hands-on practice with the tools and concepts covered in lectures and in-class activities.
Evaluation Criteria
- Answering the Questions Correctly (30%): Clarity and accuracy in the answers to the questions and instructions.
- Interactive Map & Cartographic Principles (70%): Adherence to cartographic principles (e.g., the use of appropriate projections, symbology, labeling, color schemes, and layout), as well as ensuring the functionality of the interactive map. Demonstrated time, thoughtfulness, and care in preparing the map and accompanying explanations.
| Assignments | % of Final Grade | Due |
|---|---|---|
|
Exercise 1. Map Fundamentals
|
5% | 01/28 |
|
Exercise 2. Spatial Integration
|
10% | 03/03 |
|
Exercise 3. Spatial Analysis
|
15% | 04/04 |
Description
This exercise introduces students to the basics of cartography and map design. Students will create an interactive map focusing on symbology, labeling, projections, and layout to ensure clarity and visual appeal.
Focus
Students will learn to aggregate, overlay, and intersect multiple geospatial datasets. This exercise focuses on combining layers of spatial data to analyze patterns and relationships that are critical for addressing public policy challenges.
Focus
Building on previous skills, this exercise involves performing advanced spatial analyses, such as clustering, regression, or hotspot detection. The emphasis is on applying geospatial methods to solve complex, real-world problems and effectively interpret the findings of the analysis.