M2 Python Environments & Flowcharts

 This week’s lab is the beginning of learning to find errors, run simple scripts, and put some longer scripts together. As a first step, we needed to simply use a script to print our name. Print in Python means just showing results. The second step was to figure out errors that were intentionally entered into a script. We needed to find the errors and correctly run the script. In step 3 for this assignment we had to create random numbers using a while loop and in step 4 use an if-else script to remove a chosen random number.

Writing a script is straightforward in that you type and hit run. However, the caveat to it all is “Does it work?”. It is quite frustrating at times when you look at so many characters on a screen and cannot errors. That said I look forward to the next week’s module. It sounds cliched but it is the only way to learn sometimes, jump in, and you will sink or swim. The first of two screenshots shows the results of scripts we had to fix random errors built into the script. This was a challenge and fun, it helped to enlarge the screen and font to better see any errors. included in this are also the random numbers that were generated and the removal of a chosen integer. Below this is the flowchart I created to help break down the steps. Doing this is helpful in visualizing what needs to be done with writing the script. It also is an asset in the creative thinking process.

M1 Python Environments & Flowcharts

 

This lab is about Python programming and is my first venture into the world of programming. The readings for this week tout how easy Python is as a programming language. Any endeavor into programming, writing script, or using syntax, in general, can seem daunting. Fortunately, Mr. Zandbergen’s words in Python Scripting for ArcGIS Pro are true so far. Putting the script together is deciding what to answer and ensuring the correct formula contains the correct words. There is a sequential order to things in IDLE with the programming language. This order is structured with pseudocode, flowcharts, and Python code. Creating a flowchart and using Python in IDLE is our first task with an input of print (‘Hello String”) and (“Hello World”). Very simple I know but it felt good. Implementing the code correctly can be confusing as well as interpreting the formula to enter it into flowchart format. Another thing to remember is how the shapes correspond to what task/step in the script is taking on. We created flowcharts as well in a program called Drawio, remember to save them as a png file. As I said it is easy enough but just make sure things are organized and placed correctly. I am on my way with programming. The first flowchart was saved with a transparent background.

M7 Google Earth

 

This week’s lab assignment was to create a tour of South Florida and its major cities on Google Earth (GE). First, we had to add a surface water layer into ArcGIS, symbolize the layer, choose the appropriate color, and then convert it to a KMZ file. For this action, we used the Layer to KML tool in the analysis toolbox kit. Afterward, we added the file as New Image Overlay into Google Earth. In doing this I learned that the sizing of the legend should be finished and correct up front because there is no going back when you begin to add new folders, create the tour, and save the map or at least that is my experience. I was unable to figure out how to change the size of the legend which seems too large for the map extent. Also, the colors were different in ArcGIS but were not differentiated in the same way for GE, although they are different in the legend. When setting up the tour I needed to play around with a proper location for a downtown area, not plopped on a corner staring directly at a traffic sign. Details!

Recording a tour in GE was really interesting. Putting everything together for this assignment was fun since I have never done anything like it. There are so many wonderful places in South Florida that could have been added to this tour but this is a good start. Google Earth is free and includes many layers that could be added to a map or tour. The great thing is files from ArcGIS can easily be added once in the correct format. Google Earth also has the ability to display buildings in 3D which creates a fascinating entry for a tour into a downtown area. This aspect makes it that much better and gives a great aerial perspective.