Module 3: Data Collection with ArcGIS Collector & Introduction to Projections

     This map depicts the counties of Florida and four selected counties projected using three different coordinate systems. The map also contains a table comparing the areas of the selected counties calculated by each projection.
     This weeks lab introduced the class to various projections and how to change or establish them for a data set. We were asked to create a map comparing three projections and the areas calculated by them. The concepts of distortion caused by a projection and projection transformation were explored at some length. The lab also explored data collection utilizing the ArcGIS collector app and the use of ArcGIS Online and Google Earth for map sharing. We were required to export a map created from data we had collected on public safety features (not depicted) as a .kml file.
     Despite the various complications and technical issues this week, this was my favorite lab so far. There were certainly times I wanted to put my laptop through the wall because I could not figure out what I was doing wrong, but the data collection with the app was a fascinating look into possible real world applications of GIS and a fun getaway from the computer. The projections portion of the lab was just as challenging, if not more so, and equally fascinating in its own way.