This weekend I participated in my first triathlon (see the obligatory finish line photo below)! In celebration of that accomplishment, I'm going to briefly highlight a map-related training app called Strava. Strava is available through a mobile app and a desktop platform. It creates essentially a training log of all the activities you've done and… Continue reading Strava
What is a Shapefile?
Shapefiles are one of the main types of data you work with in a GIS. I have a description of GIS here, and an intro to the other basic data type (rasters) here. Shapefiles are vector data, and vector data comes in three basic forms: polygons, lines, or points. Polygons are shapes that take up… Continue reading What is a Shapefile?
Free Digital Data Collection Tools
Earlier this month I shared some Esri tools (Survey123 and Collector) that work well for field data collection. Today I'm sharing some free alternatives to Esri products. Google Forms is an easy alternative to Survey123. If you go to Google Drive and click the "New" button, you'll have the option to build a new Form,… Continue reading Free Digital Data Collection Tools
Non-digital Data Collection Tools
Back to data collection tools! In general I prefer paperless methods because I don't have to worry about entering the data to a spreadsheet later, fighting all the poor handwriting. It also gives me a little more control over data format and makes tracking locations much easier. That being said, sometimes the old fashioned way… Continue reading Non-digital Data Collection Tools
Bike Routes!
I'm taking a quick break for data collection tools to share a feature of Google Maps I use all the time-- bike routes! I love my bikes almost as much as I love my dogs.... I bike for transportation more days than not and am pretty familiar with the trails and bike-friendly roads in my… Continue reading Bike Routes!
Collector for ArcGIS
Last week I shared some information about Survey123 and how we use it for data collection. Today I'm going to give you a quick overview of Collector, which is another Esri product. Just like Survey123, the app is free but you'll need to log in with your Esri account credentials. I do not use Collector… Continue reading Collector for ArcGIS
Survey123
Last week I mentioned that we're getting into harvest here in Ohio. In the field, easy-to-use mobile apps are a great replacement for more traditional data sheets because they organize the data and don't require manual data entry after a long day outside. Survey123, produced by Esri, is a personal favorite because it's easy to… Continue reading Survey123
Uploading Coordinates into a Map
Fall semester is here, which means we're juggling classes and planning for harvest. Over the next week or two I'll highlight some tools we use for fall data collection, including Survey 123, Collector for ArcGIS, and Google Forms. My first related post won't introduce any of these apps, but instead will use Google Maps to… Continue reading Uploading Coordinates into a Map
Google Timeline
True fact about me: I am terrible about keeping track of work or otherwise reimbursable mileage I drive in my personal vehicle. I am honestly better about keeping track of mileage on my bike. As the end of summer comes and we all have to catch up on paperwork before fall semester... I basically never… Continue reading Google Timeline
Color Palettes for Maps
A clear color palette makes your graphics both visually appealing and easy to read. Usually data type plays the strongest role in my color selection method, but I also consider what type of document it will be included in and who is likely to read it. There are two main types of data I present:… Continue reading Color Palettes for Maps
Spatially Challenged 