Census 2000

Census data allows individuals to visualize the proportion of an ethnicity in various regions. In the maps above, we are able to tell the percent of various populations in different counties of the Continental United States. In the top map, we are able to visualize the distribution of other races in the counties. The most obvious pattern one can visualize through this map is that other races are concentrated mostly on the west coast. More specifically, states in the south west are more concentrated. States in the Midwest do not have a significant percent of these races. Lastly, states along the eastern coast have a mediocre percent of other races. Thus, the significant population of other races lies on the west coast.

The Asian population follows a similar pattern as other races but with a few differences. In California and other Pacific states, the Asian population makes a significant portion. One can clearly see a large percentage in the Los Angeles and San Francisco area. Additionally, New York City also has a significant percentage of Asian individuals. The Midwest does not have a significant percentage of Asian individuals. Overall, Asian individuals are concentrated in a few areas in the Continental United States.

As for African Americans, the population is significantly concentrated in the south. In comparison to the south, the rest of the Continental United States does not have a significant percentage of blacks. Additionally, in urban counties such as Los Angeles and New York, African Americans occupy a mediocre proportion of those counties. Lastly, the Midwest and northern United States have a small percentage of African Americans. Overall, African Americans make up a significant proportion of the population in the south.

In creating the census map series, many decisions were involved. Clearly, any choropleth map would involve decisions to make, such as colors and breaks of data. The most important decisions to make are regarding data. In choosing the data breaks, one wants to ensure that the results of breaks are meaningful. Without proper breaks, ones map may not present any relevant pattern. Additionally, choropleth maps beg the question why do these patterns happen? For example, why do African Americans make a significant proportion of the population in the South? Consequently, choropleth maps can present meaningful information that makes individuals ask "why."

Overall, GIS is a very important tool necessary for presenting spatial information. After presenting data spatially, further questions arise about the patterns, as seen with census data. In other scenarios, GIS can help explain "why" questions. Additionally, GIS can help predict consequences. In making a slope map of the Station Fire, individuals may predict the debris flow following heavy rain. Overall, GIS has many important applications in regards to spatial data and its presentation.

GIS and the Spread of the Station Fire

GIS and the Spread of the Station Fire

GIS is an important tool that allows individuals to pose and answer question. The presentation of information visually further allows individuals to analyze information. These important aspects of GIS can be applied to numerous possible questions regarding the Station Fire in Southern California. One such question is what factors enabled the fire to spread quickly without containment? As one may see, some basic aspects of GIS may enable amateur analysis of this question.

One aspect that may have lead to the rapid progression of the station fire was the lack of roads within the area. First, the major freeways of the region completely enclose the region (www.maps.google.com). Only a couple of highways, mainly State Highway 2, lead up to the affected area. Secondly, major roads of the region follow this pattern similarly. When comparing the density of roads of more urban areas to the affected areas, one can easily distinguish that the affected area has a lower density of roads. Lastly, as predicted, local streets snake into the burned areas minimally. In relation to the Station Fire, streets could easily be a contributing factor to the fires propagation. The lack of streets within the affected areas may have allowed the fire to proliferate. Had there been additional infrastructure, one can hypothesis that firefighters may have combated the fire more effectively. Thus, the lack of roads within the areas affected by the Station Fire may have contributed to the fire’s uncontrollable growth.

In our modern world, helicopters and planes are additional resources used to combat fires. The main method helicopters fight fires is by picking water up at local reservoir. The only immediate reservoir helicopters had access to in fighting the blaze was The Big Tujunga Reservoir (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5n1RZpXLBs, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Station_Fire_(2009)#Los_Angeles_County). Additional reservoirs are found within surrounding areas but are quite distant. Additionally, helicopters must constantly refuel at the nearest heliport or airport. These are quite distant as displayed. Consequently, one may expect longer times between water drops allowing for rapid propagation of the fire. Furthermore, air tankers also battled the fire (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0IK31DXnLc&feature=related). Unlike helicopters, they must land in order to refill the fire retardant. Similar to helicopters, these actions must take time allowing for the fire to propagate. Therefore, the distance of reservoirs and airports may have contributed to the spread of the Station Fire.

In the thematic 3-dimensional rendering map, one can see the terrain that increased the difficulty of containing the fire (http://www.inciweb.org/incident/1856/). First, one can easily see how the terrain may have affected the firefighter’s ability to strategically battle the fire. Additionally, the terrain definitely would have affected the helicopters and more so, the air tankers. In a mountainous terrain, aerial vehicles have difficulty making water drops closer to the surface. Thus, water drops must be done at higher altitudes reducing their effectiveness. Consequently, the 3-dimensional rendering clearly displays the difficulty of battling the fire in all aspects.

The progression of the Station Fire can be attributed to many factors pertaining to the region. By displaying the data using GIS, one can easily distinguish how factors may have possibly caused the fires progression. By incorporating the information into multiple maps, GIS presents the data in an organized manner. However, the 3-dimensional rendering displays some limits of GIS. The color overlay of the fire’s progression is irregular. Overall, GIS allows one to present the information visually in order to analyze what factors may have contributed to the spread of the Station Fire.

Works Cited
2009 California Wildfires. Web. 20 Nov. 2009. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Station_Fire_(2009)#Los_Angeles_County.

GoogleMaps. Web. 23 Nov. 2009. www.maps.google.com.

InciWeb Incident Information System. Web. 23 Nov. 2009. http://www.inciweb.org/incident/1856/.

Los Angeles County Enterprise GIS. Web. 20 Nov. 2009. http://gis.lacounty.gov/eGIS/?cat=11.

Mapshare. Web. 20 Nov. 2009. http://gis.ats.ucla.edu//Mapshare/Default.cfm.

The National Map Seamless Server. Web. 20 Nov. 2009. .

Digital Elevation Models

3D Elevation Map

Aspect Map

Slope Map

Shaded Relief Model

The area that I have selected is the western part of the Inland Empire in southern California. The region is blanketed my many mountain ranges. Hence, I felt it would be interesting to create the Digital Elevation model of this region. Furthermore, the extent date is as follows:

Left: -118.052

Right: -117.173

Top: 34.383

Bottom: 33.782

Lastly, the geographic coordinate system is North American 1983.

Map Projections

In today's world, it is common knowledge that the world is spherical. To represent the spherical world on a two dimensional surface takes some mathematical rendering. The process of rendering the three dimensional world on to a two dimensional surface is called a map projection. As one may expect, there are multiple ways to project the sphere. Each method has its own benefits and failures. In general, map projections will always introduce a distortion of either distance, shape, area, direction or any combination of these. Consequently, it is important to understand how map projections can benefit us and how they may fail to represent reality.

To begin with, there are many benefits in projecting a map on a two dimensional surface. For one, projecting a conformal map allows directional information to be preserved. This is highly beneficial for GPS and navigational purposes. As for equal area projections, these allow individuals to accurately analyze data that must take into account area. In these types of analysis, equal area projections can prevent errors. Continuously, equidistant map projections keep distant relationships ideal. Thus, these types of projections are ideal when distance relationships are taken into account. Overall, map projections allows individuals to present the three dimensional world in a two dimensional depiction; the type of projection chosen will preserve some aspect of reality that is necessitated by the analysis to be done.

On the contrary, there are pitfalls to map projections. For one, map projections will always distort some aspect of reality. Thereby, there is no perfect map projection that can be used in all spatial representations. In looking at the Mercator conformal map, one can easily identify the enormous distortion in area of Antarctica. As for the cylindrical equal area projection, areas further from the equator become elongated enormously. Another way one can see the distortion between maps is by comparing the distance between Kabul and Washington D.C. These measurements range from 8,100 miles to 13,400 miles. Comparing these values to the true value of approximately 6,900 miles, one can conclude that map projections are by no means perfect. Furthermore, in stating a map is equidistant, one must remember that all points on the map are equidistant from a certain focal point. Between locations in which one point is not the focal point, the distance measured is inaccurate. Similarly, conformal maps preserve direction and angles local to a certain point. As for equal area maps, the area of locations around the focal point are preserved, but away from the point one can see distortions of shape (i.e. Hammer Aitoff Equal Area). Overall, the multitude of distortions introduced in a map projection can cause maps to be useless if focal points are not wisely chosen.

Map projections are useful in the field of geography, but are not perfect. If wisely done, a map projection can be used accurately to display earth and data. At the same time, a map projection can introduce an enormous amount of distortion. Such distortion can be presented in a manner to dramatize depictions of sorts. Thus, it is useful to understand how a map projection can accurately show information or inaccurately distort presented information.

Introduction to GIS

ArcGIS: Benefits and Drawbacks

GIS is an important tool that allows individuals to pose, answer and articulate questions regarding a variety of topics. This unique tool presents data information in a geographical model. Consequently, it allows one to preview the past, visualize the present, or predict the future. Despite such benefits, the program itself has pitfalls. Overall, GIS is a program with many benefits and difficulties.

To begin with, the program’s ability to present and integrate information is very beneficial. In the exercise, I was able to present noise information alongside school information. Such integration can help make information on how to develop the area. More generally, by allowing individuals to incorporate different information, the program can help make informed decisions. Furthermore, the program’s use of different layers allows individuals to have complete control on what types of information to portray. This control is necessary on any project one may undertake. Additionally, controlling the coloring scheme is another valuable tool. In presenting the population density, one can clearly, quickly and efficiently understand the figure. Lastly, the program can analyze data that is input. One example is the graph created using the program. In general, the program is very successful in allowing the user to control all aspects of his or her presentation.

On the contrary, the program is very difficult to use and master. One must remember that for all its controllability, the program must embed options for them. Consequently, one can easily become frustrated and lost while using the program. Despite my computing skills being above average, I did run into a couple small problems. One problem was managing all the layers. Many times I found myself working on the wrong layer and adjusting changes. Thus, the benefit of having layers can also lead to some difficulties in managing them. For a technologically inept individual, it is very easy to see how such a program may cause confusion. In comparison to programs used for neogeography, ArcGIS is not as user-friendly. GIS is a tool to be used by trained experts rather than ordinary users. Thus, the drawback of such a useful tool is the interface that new-users may find confusing.

As one can see, GIS is a high technical visualization tool that can be used for numerous purposes. Its biggest benefit is its flexibility in types of tools and analysis. The amount of information that can be efficiently stored, controlled and presented makes it very helpful. However, its flexibility is also a draw back as users can quickly get lost in a multitude of buttons. Thus, GIS is a tool that takes time and practice to master.

UCLA Campus Landmarks and Walking Tour

View UCLA Visual Map in a larger map


Neogeography is people using or making their very own maps to display geographic information. One such example is My Maps as seen above. Through My Maps, an individual is able to create his or her own map and plot media and other data. Typically, neogeography can be characterized as amateur, user-friendly, open source, and unrestricted. Based on the map provided, one may feel that neogeography is a harmless. However, there are quite a few possible pitfalls and consequences of neogeography.


There are both positive and negative consequences of neogeography. Positive consequences include the ability to access information quickly and effectively. For example, on the map presented, one may find images of historic and salient buildings of the UCLA campus. Additionally, one may take a quick tour following the path. However, the ability to access information quickly and effectively can also be a negative consequence. In this map, the images show individuals without their consent, which brings up the issue of privacy. Furthermore, pitfalls of neogeography include the creator's bias. Clearly, all the buildings of UCLA are not included and the path does not wander to south campus. This bias does exist in the most innocent of maps. On other maps however, biases may not be quite innocent. Thus, the information given to users can be manipulated at the will of the creator.

Beverly Hills Topographic Map

Questions for Lab 2

1. What is the name of the quadrangle?

The name of the quadrangle is "Beverly Hills Quadrangle"

2. What are the names of the adjacent quadrangles?

The names of adjacent quadrangles are Canoga Park, Van Nuys, Burbank, Topanga, Hollywood, Venice, and Inglewood.

3. When was the quadrangle first created?

The map quadrangle was first created in 1966.

4. What datum was used to create your map?

Datum used to create this map are the North American Datum of 1927 and the North American Datum of 1983.

5. What is the scale of the map?

The scale of the map is 1:24,000.

6. At the above scale, answer the following: a) 5 centimeters on the map is equivalent to how many meters on the ground?

5 centimeters on the map is equivalent to 1200 meters on the ground.

b) 5 inches on the map is equivalent to how many miles on the ground?

5 inches on the map is equivalent to 1.89 miles on the ground.

c) one mile on the ground is equivalent to how many inches on the map?

One mile on the ground is equivalent to 2.64 inches on the map.

d) three kilometers on the ground is equivalent to how many centimeters on the map?

3 kilometers on the ground is equivalent to 12.5 centimeters on the map.

7. What is the contour interval on your map?

The contour interval on the map is 20 feet.

8. What are the approximate geographic coordinates in both degrees/minutes/seconds and decimal degrees of:
a) the Public Affairs Building;

Lat: 34 Degrees 4' 22" ; Long: -118 Degrees 26' 24"
Lat: 34.073 Degrees ; Long: -118.440 Degrees

b) the tip of Santa Monica pier;

Lat: 34 Degrees 0' 25" ; Long: -118 Degrees 29' 56"
Lat: 34.007 Degrees ; Long: -118.499 Degrees

c) the Upper Franklin Canyon Reservoir;

Lat: 34 Degrees 7'10'' ; Long: -118 Degrees 24' 37"
Lat: 34.119 Degrees ; Long: -118.410 Degrees

9. What is the approximate elevation in both feet and meters of:
a) Greystone Mansion (in Greystone Park);

The elevation of Greystone Mansion is approximately 560 Feet or 170.6 Meters.

b) Woodlawn Cemetery;

The elevation of Woodlawn Cemetery is 140 Feet or 42.6 Meters.

c) Crestwood Hills Park;

The elevation of Crestwood Hills Park is 620 Feet or 188.9 Meters

10. What is the UTM zone of the map?

The UTM zone of the map is zone 11.

11. What are the UTM coordinates for the lower left corner of your map?

The approximate UTM coordinates for the lower left corner of the map is 3763000 and 0361500.

12. How many square meters are contained within each cell (square) of the UTM gridlines?

1000000 square meters are contained within each cell of the UTM grid lines.

13. Obtain elevation measurements, from west to east along the UTM northing 3771000, where the eastings of the UTM grid intersect the northing. Create an elevation profile using these measurements in Excel (hint: create a line chart). Figure out how to label the elevation values to the two measurements on campus. Insert your elevation profile as a graphic in your blog.

14. What is the magnetic declination of the map?

The magnetic declination of the map is 14 Degrees East.

15. In which direction does water flow in the intermittent stream between the 405 freeway and Stone Canyon Reservoir?

The direction of water flow of the intermittent stream between the 405 freeway and the Stone Canyon Reservoir is south.

16. Crop out (i.e., cut and paste) UCLA from the map and include it as a graphic on your blog.

Physical Map of the United States

In this map taken from mapsoftheunitedstates.org, one can see a physical map of the United States of America. This map is intended to show the terrain of America by shading elevated areas as orange or purple while flatter areas are green. However, the map does not indicate the coloring in a legend. The only way to be certain of this is by looking at the Rocky Mountains or other known mountains and viewing the color scheme. The map does show a few major highways in red. Clearly, the map is only intended to show the terrain of only the United States as other countries are shaded plain gray. Also, the map names the states in a lighter shade than geographic names, such as the Appalachian Mountains. Furthermore, an interesting aspect of this map is that it shows the relative depths of the oceans by different shades as well.

Map of our Solar System

In this map obtained from davidrowan.co.uk, one can clearly see a map of our solar system. We see the sun located in the center of the planetary orbits. The orbits of the planets are not delineated. The relative sizes of each planet to each other can possibly be taken as accurate. However, this is no way of being 100% sure without notification. Additionally, the moons of the various planets are shown. It is interesting to see how the cartographer oriented the map relative to the sun as it is in the center of the solar system. The map seems to show a cross section of the planets aligned in orbit. However, the planets are almost never aligned perfectly. This hints that the author wanted to only show the relative sizes and positions of the planets to one another and not their actual location. Lastly, there is no kind of direction or orientation given (i.e. north, south). This bolsters the idea that the author was not trying to show the actual location in space of each planet.

Map of Corona

In this map taken from Google Maps, my hometown of Corona, California is shown. In this map, one may clearly see two major arteries that run through, the 91 and 15 freeways. The major streets are highlighted in a light yellow. Additionally, parks, forests, or golf courses are seen in a shade of green. The large green area in the southwest corner of the map is the Cleveland National Forest. The shading of this map is quite interesting. The colors for busy streets, side streets, parks, airports are consistent. The cartographer clearly has an understanding of the busier streets in Corona based on the shading of streets. Lastly, an interesting thing to note is the circular street in the center of the map. The street's name is Grand Boulevard. The reason to note this is that in Spanish Corona means crown. Thus, this street was very important in naming the town.