GIS Programming - Module 2 - Python Fundamentals

Module 2 for GIS Programming introduced us to the fundamentals of Python programming. This included but was not limited to using data types such as strings and lists, utilizing various methods and functions, and using for and loop structures.  

In the lab, we were assigned 4 tasks that built upon each other ultimately running a script for a dice game. Step 1 involved creating a variable for your full name using a string. This was followed by splitting the string into a list and then using indexing to print your last name.

Step 2 involved correcting two errors in a pre-written script for a dice game followed by Step 3 which required creating a loop that added 20 random numbers between 0 and 10 to a list. I began to struggle at this point but after several attempts, I successfully ran a script. After this, I was completely overwhelmed and burnt out. Unfortunately, I was unable to complete Step 4. Below is a screenshot depicting my outputs as well as a flowchart showing the basic steps and what I completed.

GIS Programming - Module 1 - Python Environments and Flowcharts

Module 1 for GIS Programming built upon the principles of Python we were introduced to in our reading and lecture content. This consisted of learning the basics of the Python programming language, learning to write pseudocode, create flowcharts, and learning the basics of how Python editors work. This was all very intimidating considering I have no experience in computer programming languages however after completing this lab the intimidation factor has decreased.

We began the module by running a python the Python script file CreateModFolders.py using the IDLE. Running this script resulted in the creation of the folder directory needed that will be used throughout this course. This saved a great amount of time compared to having to create this directory of folders manually.

The second portion of this module consisted of answering our process summary questions which included creating a flowchart that illustrates converting 3 radians to degrees followed by printing the result. The formula provided for this task was as follows:

          degrees = radians*180/pi 

I referred to Chapter 3 in Agarwal et al. to complete this task. Following the examples in the text I first created the pseudocode and then created the flowchart using draw.io since we used it in the examples we completed in our lecture. My results can be seen below.

We concluded the module by reading "The Zen of Python" by Tim Peters and writing a paragraph on what we thought it meant.  My personal thoughts after reading it were that it was apparent that aside from being functional Python code should be written in a manner that is easily interpreted, straight forward as possible, and should be consistent and implicit. I was hearing that the harmony of the language is important otherwise the value and reliability would be greatly diminished becoming difficult for others to utilize. I can appreciate this framework since I have worked in many different occupational fields, with each having their own "language". 

Overall, this was a great introduction and I'm looking forward to building upon the foundation of what I have now learned.

Computer Cartography - Module 7 - Google Earth

This week's lab module for Computer Cartography 5007L involved converting ArcGIS Pro feature classes to KML files, creating Google Earth maps, and recording Google Earth tours. 

To complete the tasks we utilized ArcGIS Pro and Google Earth Pro. We first converted some ArcGIS feature classes using the Layer to KML geoprocessing tool in ArcGIS Pro. This results in a KMZ file we could open in Google Earth Pro. For our map of South Florida, we now had data for population density and surface water features. Next, we added a legend image overlay. The following is my finished product.

In the second portion of the lab, we recorded a Google Earth Tour of South Florida. This involved creating some placemarks for the Miami metropolitan area and the major cities of South Florida. These placemarks served as the stops on the recorded fly-through video tour. One of the more interesting aspects of the tour is that the downtowns, especially of Miami and Tampa feature 3D renderings of many of the buildings which is really neat. I could definitely use some fine-tuning of my video recording controls, but with practice, I'm sure I can improve significantly.