GIS4102 Module 1: Introduction to Python

Not nearly as intimidating as initially expected, this module provided a history of Python and walk-through examples of using Python in different editors. For the remainder of the class, PythonWin will be the editor for coursework. Working in the interactive window will enable beginning programmers like me to see immediate results of scripting until becoming skilled enough to write more complex code as a script that will be saved. The syntax highlighting will also be beneficial in staying organized and consistent with the scripting.

Course Folder and Subfolders Created by the Script

The provided script in the assignment portion of this module was developed to create a course folder with module subfolders. The script ran in the blink of an eye, easily demonstrating the value of such a script when compared to creating each folder manually. There are so many valuable applications of such automation in GIS work! Shown at the right is a screenshot of the folder structure established by the script.

For someone whose last programming experience was Fortran, this was a great start to great programming opportunities.

Map Critique

Two maps which I have used in the past for non-class purposes were selected for critique.

(Map source:  http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/recreation/maps/greenswamp-east_tract.pdf)

The above map was selected as a well-designed map for several reasons.  Following Edward Tufte’s Map Design Principles, the map is a “well-designed presentation of interesting data” whose ideas are “communicated with clarity, precision, and efficiency” giving “the viewer the greatest number of ideas in the shortest time with the least ink in the smallest space”.  This particular map includes quite a bit of information of value to hikers, hunters, bicyclists, and fishermen.  The use of different colors and line styles for trails, boundaries, and roads make the map easy to read.  Points of interest are clearly designated with distinct symbols.  The locator map puts the smaller map in perspective.  The north arrow and scale bar do not dominate the map but are easy to find and use.  The title of the map clearly identifies the map’s coverage.  This map meets Tufte’s Principles 1, 2, and 3 as well as Principle 7 (“clear, detailed, and thorough labeling”).  As a recreational user of the Green Swamp East tract, I personally found this map very useful because of the incorporation of these principles.

(Map source: http://web2.geo.msu.edu/geogmich/eskers.html)

This map of esker locations in Michigan has been included as an example of a poorly-designed map.  Its strong point is that it is very simple to read (the eskers clearly stand out), but this poorly-designed map neither has enough information nor communicates with clarity or precision.  There is no north arrow, no scale bar to reference distances, nor any county names to help the user determine specific locations of the eskers without referring to another source.  The addition of these items along with major highways and interstates would help the user determine the location of an esker more easily.  The map is entitled “Eskers in Michigan” and there is only one symbol used (denoting the eskers), but a legend still should have been included.  Edward Tufte’s Commandment 1 (Map Substantial Information ~ Principles 1, 2 and 3 specifically) and Commandment 3 (Effectively Label Maps ~ Principle 7 and 8) were not met.