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GEG2320 Fall 2015 Group Project

In groups of 2 or 3, you will solve a problem or answer a question using geomatics. To do


this, you are expected to take a spatial problem from conception through the stages of data
collection, data management, analysis, representation and presentation. The study area can
be anywhere in the Ottawa region. If you have data for an area outside of Ottawa and you
would like to use it, please discuss with me before submitting your proposal.
Step 1: Choosing the spatial problem
Each group should get together and discuss spatial problems that interest them. This
problem should be more than a simple "mapping" question - meaning, it should be more
than "where are the schools in Ottawa" but be a question that can be solved or problem
that can be addressed using geomatics techniques and technologies. For example, you
could ask "how does the density of schools in Ottawa relate to family income? ". For further
examples, please see the attached list.
Step 2: Collect the necessary data
You can use various methods for collecting data: GPS, downloading data from the internet,
obtaining data from the GSG library, or creating your own data through digitizing from
imagery. You should make sure that you know the source of your data and report it in your
final product. You should not use ArcGIS online or similar websites to create maps or use
as a back-drop on map products. If you are unsure, please ask.
Step 3: Manage and store your data
You should store your data in an ESRI file geodatabase (.gdb) and use feature datasets
accordingly. Your data will be handed in with your final project (see marking scheme). All
metadata should be completed and up to date. You do not need to hand in your MXD's.
Step 4: Project Proposal
Each group will submit a project proposal that clearly explains and introduces their spatial
problem, what data they will use, the methods they will use to analyze the data to solve the
problem, and what role each group member will play in the project. This document should
be no more than 3 pages single sided, double spaced (font size 12). The project proposal
is due Oct 16, 2015. Each proposal will be returned to the groups on October 23rd as
either "approved" or "changes requested". Any changes should be made before the groups
proceed with undertaking their analysis.
Step 5: Perform analysis
This is the most important part of this project. You need to be able to answer a spatial
question using GIS analysis techniques, not just by simply producing a map/maps. Using
the example above, if you want to determine the relationship between the family income
and the density of schools, you will need to use census data and school location data; You
could produce a raster dataset representing the density of schools and extract the zonal
statistics of school density for each census division area. Finally, you could determine if
there is a correlation between family income per census division area and school density
and make a graph to represent this correlation.

Step 6: Create a poster with maps (cartographic products) that explain or answer
your spatial question
All groups should produce a poster (max size 100 cm x 70 cm) that explains and introduces
their spatial problem, the methods used the solve the problem, the results of the analysis
and a discussion of any conclusions or interesting things learned. This poster should have
maps that show the results of their spatial analysis and be "cartographically correct" (as
discussed in class).
Step 7: Present at GIS Day
Each group will present the results of their work through a poster presentation. A student
from each group should be at "GIS day" (last class) to display their poster and answer
questions. Not all group members have to present but every group will present their work
to the class and answer questions about their methods, results and conclusions. All group
members should be present in class to attend the "GIS-Day" conference and view other
students posters. The students will vote on their favourite poster in the class. The TA's will
also vote and prizes will be given for each.
Marking Scheme:
Group Project Proposal: 5% of your final mark
Introduction of spatial problem: 1 points

List of and justification of specific datasets necessary, including a description of the


required attributes found in the datasets and data types necessary: 0.5 points

Description of proposed methods including SPECIFIC information about definitions


(e.g. what does "high unemployment" actually mean), exact name of tools you will
use to perform each analysis step, the sequence of analysis, the SPECIFIC datasets
will use in this analysis: 3 points

Description of roles of each group member and table of dates each person will
complete each portion of the work: 0.5 points*

*note: this should simply be a list/table of what each group member will accomplish - if you
are planning on "splitting" all of the work evenly - you still need to tell me who will do
which specific analysis function. If you are unclear on what this means, please ask.
Group Project Final Poster and Presentation: 15% of your final mark
Description of spatial problem (updated from proposal): 2 point

Description of data and methods used to perform analysis: 3 points

Graphical presentation of analysis findings and conclusion: 4 points

Quality of maps/visual aids on poster: 3 points

Oral Poster Presentation: 2 points


Data handed in stored in geodatabase with metadata: 1 point

List of example topics:


Population change and immigration in Ottawa
- use statistics Canada data (census data and enumeration area polygons) to asses these
two variables and determine any spatial trends. e.g. How has immigration changed over
time in Ottawa? Where are there ethnic neighbourhoods or hotspots?
Walking versus driving versus biking in Ottawa
- use Network Analyst to assess popular routes and determine which method is faster or
shorter
Community Centre Proximity to bike paths versus roads
- use proximity tools to determine which community centers are accessible by roads or by
bike; are there any community centers that do not have access by bike?
Snow depth variability or vegetation height
- Use GPS to record locations of snow depth/grass height measurements
- Compare differences in depth of snow/grass height spatially or collect samples over time
and determine spatial and temporal differences
- Does snow depth/grass height differ based on proximity to trees?
- Does snow fall/grass grow at uniform depths/heights over a small area, or are there
spatial differences? What might cause these differences?
Validate Landuse Dataset
- pick an subset of the Ottawa area and validate the landuse dataset
- collect random samples throughout the area and record current landuse
- compare to older dataset and determine accuracy. Explain reasons for change with
imagery
Best location for a new business
- use Statistics Canada data to choose the location of a new business based on proximity to
other businesses and income or ethnicity data.
Classification of canoe routes or hiking trails around Ottawa
- use land use and terrain data to classify waterways/trails (e.g. you could use some of
these types of variables to create a GIS model: type of environment (forest, agriculture,
urban); level of difficulty (slope/steepness); age of forest (old growth, recent cut),
proximity to viewing spots, proximity to public transport, etc).
Best locations to spot a specific species around Ottawa
- use land use and terrain data to determine the locations that are preferred by a specific
species. For example, the American Eel requires unrestricted upstream access; Flying
squirrels prefer old growth forest near rivers, etc.

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