GIS Lab 2

Introduction:


The overall goal of this lab was to learn how to download data from the U.S. Census Bureau and then map it. For this lab, data is actually taken from online and one has to navigate through the U.S. Census Bureau to find the right data which is the 2010 SF1 100% data. One is to follow the instructions to download the specific Wisconsin population data and make sure it can be opened in ArcMap. Then, pick a variable of their choice to map. Ultimately, this lab tests one's ability to join data and calculate fields to compare two different maps of information of Wisconsin counties.

Objectives: The list of objectives in this lab include:


1. Download 2010 census population data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
2. Download the census data for the Wisconsin counties shapefile.
3. Add the shapefile and the population table to ArcMap and join the data together.
4. Map the joined data.
5. Return to the census website and choose a variable of one's choice to download and map.
6. Build a layout for both maps that is cartographically pleasing with correct labels and elements.
7. Create and submit a web map that can be shared.
8. Complete a report of the lab and post it to one's blog.


Methods:


The instructions for downloading data from the U.S. Census Bureau were very thorough but it was still difficult to navigate through the website and find the correct 2010 SF1 data. This process required paying attention to small details and a lot of organization to insure that all of that data was saved in the correct location. This lab reinforces the importance of knowing how to join data and calculate fields to achieve the results needed. Skills were also required to create an aesthetically pleasing map that included all of the map elements.


Results:


Each map contains information retrieved from the U.S. Census Bureau. The focus these maps is based on counties in Wisconsin. One map shows information on the total population of the counties while the other maps shows which counties have the highest population of people that are 65 years and older. From looking at the map, it appears that most of the elderly population tends to live in the less populated counties in Wisconsin; with a large percent living in the northern counties.

Source:

U.S. Census Bureau 2010.