Lab 4

Alternative GISystems

Overview

In this lab you will learn about alternative GISsytems and gain experience using one.

Objectives

  • Utilize QGIS tools
  • Differentiate between the features of conventional (e.g., ArcGIS) and alternative GISystems.
  • Explain the features and potential use cases of alternative GISystems.

Part I: QGIS Tutorial

Complete the Interpolating Point Data QGIS tutorial and answer the questions below.

  1. How many observations are in the dataset Arlington2007_SS_Points_stpl83 (1 pt.)?

  2. What is the linear unit of the CRS (1 pt.)?

  3. Which tool in QGIS is analogous to the ArcGIS tool “project” (1 pt.)?

  4. What is the elevation value of the northern most point in the dataset Arlington2007_SS_Points_stpl83 (1 pt.)?

  5. Apply a 200 ft. buffer to the boundary layer, Boundary2004_550_stpl83.shp. What is the area of this new layer (1 pt.)?

  6. Export your final map as an image (not a screenshot) and include it here. (A simple export is fine; it is not necessary to create a formal map with standard map elements). Save all related files in your folder on the Q:\ drive (2 pts.).

  7. Compare QGIS and ArcGIS based on this exercise (~5 sentences; 2 pts.).

Part II: Alternative GISystems

In this part of the lab, you will do some research and record a short group presentation on a specified GISystem. You can use a PowerPoint presentation, images, demonstration video, a web page, or any combination of those. The presentation should last around 3-5 minutes, and each person in the group must speak.

A successful presentation could be organized in the following fashion:

  • One introductory presentation slide (~1 minute)
  • A quick overview of the website dedicated to the software or the organization which produces it (~1 minute)
  • A brief demonstration of the software (~1 minute)
  • One or two concluding slides (~1 minute)

You should consider addressing some of the questions below, but avoid having a substantial amount of text in your presentation. Use pictures, videos, and live demonstrations!

  • Is the system proprietary or open? What is the monetization structure (e.g., subscription based, etc.)?
  • What services does the software provide (e.g., database extension, desktop GIS, programming environment, basemap tiling service, etc.)?
  • Can you download and install it?
  • How would you rate the user interface?
  • Who uses it?
  • Who would want to use it and why?
  • How does it compare to ArcGIS?
  • How do you feel about the features? (ease of use, availability of tools, etc.)
  • Does it work in tandem with other systems?
  • What questions do you have about the system?

While it would be beneficial for your own personal and professional development to explore each of these questions, it is not practical to address them all in your presentation.

Name System
Megan Duchesneau AutoCAD
Makenzie Sedlacek AutoCAD
Jenny Bandkowski Blender GIS
Katrina Gosse Blender GIS
Daniel Raymond Blender GIS
Nate Huju GRASS
Kayden King GRASS
Rachel Jerzak Geomedia
Avery McKeown-Robbie Geomedia
Christopher LaVoi Mapbox
Kevin Olds Mapbox
Jordan Clay PostGIS
Natalie Engh PostGIS
Haakon Neske Trimble Business Center
Kalin Vogel Trimble Business Center
Dylan McMahon deck.gl
Hannah Renslow deck.gl

  1. Select two generative AI models (e.g., Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT) and ask them to summarize use cases of your assigned software. Briefly summarize their outputs in your own words, and state which one you prefer and why (1 pt.).

  2. Using the model you preferred in the previous question, describe how the following tasks would be accomplished with your assigned software (if at all; 1 pt.):

  • Creating a buffer around a set of points and then intersecting those buffers with another polygon dataset.
  • Editing and digitizing an areal water feature class.
  • Storing a raster dataset that is updated daily and serving it out on the web.

  1. Describe an ideal job position that you would like to have after graduation (one that has a geospatial component). Based on your assessment (not the AI’s), how relevant is your software for that type of work? How could it be used there? What would be the alternatives (1 pt)?

  2. Recorded presentation uploaded to the dropbox on Canvas (8 pts.)