Friday, September 28, 2007

September 28, 2007

This class was a good reminder of creating geodatabases and new feature classes. I didn't have trouble with the georeferencing function, and I even did this a second time to refresh my memory from class. Digitizing is causing some problems for me. While I was able to create the trails and add their attributes, I was not able to "snap" to the roadway lines. And you think I could get this to work considering all the time I've spent using this tool at work. Oh well.

The maps I'm creating for work are slowly coming along. I think a little more slowly than the Town would like, but they will just need to wait a few more weeks. I'm finally happy with the boundaries I've been working on, and I've been able to clip the parcel layer as well. Next I'll be attempting to change the visual appearance of the roadways and with some attractive labels.

In other news, my favorite season has arrived. It's time to sit under the heater (one of the best purchases ever) outside with some hot cider. I miss Philly, but I will say the change is seasons happens much slower in Asheville.

Friday, September 21, 2007

September 21, 2007

I've been using the software a lot at work to edit the Town's boundary. It's been very tedious, but it's nearly finished. I'm sure I have too many vertices inserted, but at least the curves look smooth. I feel much more comfortable using ArcMap and I'm able to use the help function and GTKArcGIS book to do most of what I need. Next I'll be trying to create a land use and zoning map. Hopefully the county hasn't updated their parcel layer since I was in the field gathering data. It would also be nice if the database I developed can be used to create the maps I need.

In kitten news, we have found a home for him. Today is the last day he'll be around. I'll miss him, but it will be extremely nice to go back to the peace of just the bird. Speaking of peace, no visitors this weekend!

September 21, 2007

Monday, September 17, 2007

September 14, 2007

The exam was not nearly as difficult as I anticipated, which either means I studied enough or I didn't have a clue. Let's hope it is the former. Pete, the study guide, learning objectives, terms to know, etc. were very useful and much appreciated. The exercises were also a good review of the skills we should be learning with the software, although it made for a long class. But I'm much more familiar with the techniques and translating what I'm learning to what I need at my job. I've even talked the IT department into upgrading into version 9.2, which I believe allows me to use excel files rather than database files.

In other news, the kitten has not yet eaten my bird but he is trying to destroy my furniture, carpet, and plants. Only one week to go before he's sent to the shelter. I also purchased my second large pumpkin to go along with the hay bales, much to my husband's dismay. I love the fall season and would cover the porch in pumpkins if he'd let me. The neighborhood kids get a kick out of them, so he can't complain.

Friday, September 14, 2007

Friday, September 7, 2007

September 7, 2007

September 7, 2007

I can't decide if things are making more or less sense. I'm definitely becoming more familiar with the software, but understanding the concepts behind GIS are getting difficult. I suppose we'll see how much I've learned after the exam next class.

I did get some additional GIS training through Jon Beck at Land of Sky Regional Council. A quick and dirty rundown of different functions in ArcMap as well as a review of creating a geodatabase. In theory I've learned enough now to start creating some maps for my work with the Town of Fletcher...so long as my database matches the County's.