Lab 3

Model Builder

Objectives

  • Effectively sketch models by hand
  • Learn terminology associated with ArcGIS’s Model Builder Tool
  • Execute a model in a site suitability context
  • Use a model created with one dataset on another dataset
  • Enhance a model by adding new criteria

Part 1: Model Builder in practice

In this section you will create a model which accomplishes the task of the previous lab. Specifically, you will find areas within Rusk County which fulfill the following criteria:

  1. Below 1200 ft.
  2. On a slope of less than 3 degrees
  3. Facing north, northeast, or southeast (angle between 22.5 and 157.5 degrees)

Due to the size of the DEM for the entire state of Wisconsin, you will simply start with the clipped DEM of Rusk County. That is, the Rusk County DEM will be the input dataset for each of the three tools, and there will be no prior steps.

  1. Instead of simply weighting every criteria the same, you will weight criteria based on importance. State your criteria weighting and justification (1 pt.).

  2. Visualize all of the steps that it will take to complete the site suitability model. Sketch them out by hand and include a picture of your sketch here (2 pts).

Next, create the model in ArcGIS Pro. Run the model for each of the three tasks independently before putting all tasks together to be sure each is working properly. Once this is verified, put all steps together in a fully working model and run it.

  1. Include a screenshot of your fully connected, working model (2 pts).

Then, copy the model and paste it into a new model builder window. Simply change the input datasets to this DEM of Taylor County and run it. Note that leaving intermediate file names unchanged will result in them being overwritten (which is acceptable at this point). Also, the resolution is much lower than that of the original DEM in order to make computation times faster.

  1. Create a map of the output dataset (not a screenshot) with all aggregated criteria (2 pts).

Part 2: Criteria enhancements

For Rusk County, obtain one new dataset for analysis (e.g., one you suggested in the previous lab) and include its criteria in your model. Note: avoid using something from ArcGIS online. Many of these data sources are viewable but not usable for analysis.

  1. Provide a justification for how this enhances your current model (1 pt.).

  2. Take a screenshot of the new dataset in your map document with appropriate criteria applied (e.g., a buffer; 1 pt).

  3. Weight the new criteria appropriately, and take a screenshot of the model that includes this new criteria (1 pt.).

  4. Create a map (not a screenshot) with all aggregated criteria (2 pts.).