Q: Consider some of the reflection questions embedded in the training. For example, what do you notice about the data and how it could be mapped? What do you notice about your visualization as you change its drawing style and customize its appearance?
A: When working with ArcGIS, one of the first things I noticed was how much the way data is mapped changes depending on what visualization style is used. A dataset that looks overwhelming in spreadsheet or table form becomes much clearer when plotted on a map. However, I think the effectiveness of what you are trying to represent depends on what you choose to use, whether it be a heat map, symbols, or even color-coding. For example, heat maps would be useful to show numerical data over time, such as household size, because the distribution is immediately visible. On the other hand, qualitative data, such as countries of origin, would be more effectively represented with a distinct color code or symbols. Something else I realized was that while popups are not always necessary, they can be helpful for accessibility, or when something on your map needs additional context.
Q: How would you feel about helping someone else learn how to use ArcGIS Online? What did you find most interesting? What did you find most frustrating? What questions do you still have, and what parts of the tool do you want to explore more deeply?
A: As of writing this, I think I would be reasonably comfortable helping someone else learn the basics of ArcGIS Online, especially in terms of uploading data, applying different styles, and experimenting with map design. The thing I found most interesting was how customizable the visualizations are, as small changes in style can completely change how a dataset is interpreted. One thing I did find frustrating was when I was trying to layer different data points on the same geographic location. It also was not always obvious how to achieve the layout I had in mind. Moving forward, I would like to explore more of ArcGIS’s advanced features, like mapping borders/boundaries or highlighting entire areas instead of just individual points.