Lab 8: 2009 Station Fire in LA County

     As a girl who was born and raised in a warm and humid city in Southern China with a lot of rivers and lakes, “fire” is not a familiar word to me, let alone the word “wildfire”. Therefore, when I knew the task for this lab and searched for the information of the 2009 station fire of Los Angeles, I was quite shocked by the power of the wildfire. The fire was originally started by arson, and it took 94 million dollars to fight with the fire by September 15th.

     Hazards of the forest wildfire can be really severe. In the station fire, 160,577 acres were burnt, 22 people were injured and two firefighters were killed (Inciweb)(Garrison, et al.). In fact, the station fire has been the largest fire in the history of LA County and the 10th largest wild land fire in California. The scar of the burnt area photographed by the satellite can clearly show the destruction by the fire. What’s more, since the forest itself is a very precious resource for us, the destruction is really a heavy loss, not to mention the great influence to the local ecosystem. The Carbon Dioxide polluted would be bad for the global climate and the ashes produced could decrease the quality of the air in significant measure.

  Photo via NASA.gov  

     What surprises me much is not only the intensity of the wildfire, but also the rapid spread of the fire. As we can see on the map, the fire’s extent was not really big from the beginning of August 29th. However, the extent increased more than five-fold, and by September 2nd, the fire had covered a really large area in the forest. When we look at the pattern of the spread of the wildfire, we can see that the fire mostly expand to the north east direction. This made me wonder if the spread of the fire has some relation with the feature of the terrain?

     In order to study this problem, I made a slope map of the station fire and I was expecting that the fire would spread faster on flat terrain. However, on the map, I find that the fire actually spread towards the region with high slope. In a series of simulation experiment, some simulations have shown that fires will be accelerated when they spread uphill (Linn, et al.). This phenomenon is actually caused by two facts. First, the the lower less dense air which is heated by the ground will shift to the upper side of the mountain which accelerate the fire. Second, flames on the up slope side are closer to the fuel, and they can receive more radiant heat. However, form the map we can see that the slope is not totally useless in slowing the fire. As we can see, the steep slope at the east side of the fire actually impeded the expansion of the fire.

     Another reason for the pattern of the spread of the fire is probably the land use. In the reference map, we can see that there are only few big blocks in the firing area while the blocks in the southern part are smaller and more concentrated. On the shaded model map, we can see that the fire range covered a   Since the flat terrain is more suitable for people to live and the natural vegetation was cut off in order to make more living room, the area has become a natural fire compartment which could slow and stop the expansion of the fire.  Since the spread of the fire is highly related to the vegetation, it is not hard to conjecture why the station fire would expand to the northern part.

     This lab is another chance for me to see how useful GIS could be . When facing a natural disaster like a wildfire, GIS may seem not to be able to do something directly to help control the situation. However, it can effectively evaluate the impact of the disaster and help us make strategies about how to deal with the situation. Moreover, after the disaster, we can use GIS to make a  good plan of post-disaster reconstruction. However, GIS itself can not do anything, and we need to well use our brains so we can use this effective tool in the best way. 

Works Cited

O’Connor, Anahad, “Los Angeles Fire Was Arson, Officials Say.”       The New York Times, 4 Sept. 2009. Web. 21 Mar. 2013

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/04/us/04fires.html?_r=0

Station Fire Update Sept. 27, 2009. InciWeb. Web. 21 Mar. 2013

http://inciweb.org/incident/article/9640/

Garrison,Jessica, Alexandra Zavis and Joe Mozingo. “Station fire claims 18 homes and two firefighters.” Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2009. Web. 21 Mar. 2013

http://articles.latimes.com/2009/aug/31/local/me-fire31

"20 Largest California Wildland Fires (By Acreage Burned)". California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. 3 Sept. 2009. Web. 21 Mar. 2013 

http://www.fire.ca.gov/communications/downloads/fact_sheets/20LACRES.pdf

Linn, Rodman R., Judith L. Winterkamp, David R. Weise and Carleton Edminster. “A numerical study of slope and fuel structure effects on coupled wildlife behavior.” International Journal of Wildlife Fire 19 (2010) : 179-201. Web. 21 Mar. 2013

http://www.rmrs.nau.edu/publications/Linn_et_al_2010/Linn_et_al_2010.pdf

“Topography’s Effect on Fire Behavior.” Auburn University

https://fp.auburn.edu/fire/topos_effect.htm

Lab 7: Working With US Census Data

This map shows the Black population percentage per county across the continental US. Through the spatial distribution, the highest percents are concentrated in the southeast of the United States and percents gradually decreases northwest. I think this distribution is mainly because of the history of slavery. At that time, there was a very large number of Black people in south America working for a very small percentage of White people. Although this history was over, many black people have already rooted in this area. Also, I think few people of other races will move to this area, so it's not hard to explain why black people are the majority of south America.

This map shows the Asian population percentage per county across the continental US. Through the spatial distribution, the highest percents mostly occur at the west coast which is quite different from the first map. Unlike the forced immigration of Black people, Asian people immigrated to America for more opportunities and a better environment. So living in cities in the west coast such as Los Angeles or San Francisco seems to be a beneficial option. In fact, consider that Asian people started to move to live in America only several decades ago, the high percentages in areas such as California are surprisingly high.

This map shows the population percentage of other races per county across the continental US. Through the spatial distribution, the highest percents are mainly in west and southwest of US. From my perspective, since "other races" refer to races which have small percentages in the total American population, these people might be Hispanics. This is reasonable because these states border Mexico or near the border of Mexico.


First of all, I have to admit that it's not so easy for me to analyze the distribution of population of different races since I am a foreigner who almost knows nothing about American geography and history. However, I find GIS can really help me to analyze the distributions because it gives me directly perceived feeling. When setting darker color to describe higher population density and setting lighter colors for lower density, the overall density is clearly showed on the map which is a totally different representative of the original data. Of course we can get the information from the original data, but I think it's easier for us to perceive and make comparisons of the data when it is showed on the map. Nevertheless, GIS also has its own limitations. In the original data in the charts, we can get precise records of the percentages, but we can only see ranges of the percentages on the map. What's more, one map cannot show multiple aspects in the chart such as the name of the county or the population of the county, which can be inconvenient sometimes. All in all, GIS can help us better analyze the statistics, but when we use it, it will be better to combine it with original data which covers more aspects and is more accurate.

Through this class, I learned what GIS is and how to use it for the first time in my life. I have to say that my overall impression of GIS is quite good. Although it is not always easy to make beautiful maps with no mistakes, and some times I need to spend a lot of extra time in the lab, but I will always feel happy when my maps are finished. It is also quite interesting to represent things in multiple ways: the world map can have different shapes using different map projections; the population density can be shown on the map by different colors, and I have to say that the 3-D image of a location is super cool! I believe that GIS will have a really bright future, and I'm really happy with my experience of being a map maker. 

Lab 6: DEMs in ArcGIS

3D Image:

In this lab exercise, I choose a regional area of the west Grand Canyon where I just visited in the winter break. I choose this area because I think the dramatic elevation change of the canyon is really suitable to build a beautiful 3D model. What's more, the color ramp I choose is perfect for the shaded relief model and the 3D image: white for the snow cover, brown fro the bare stones and green for the vegetation, which make the images look quite real. The original DEM was retrieved from the USGS Seamless Data server using the 1983 North American GCS datum.


Extent:  
Top: 36.301 
Bottom: 35.994
Left: -114.15
Right: -113.561

Lab 5: Projections in ArcGIS

Map projections:

Conformal:

Equidistant:

Equal Area:

As we know, our earth is a slightly irregular ellipsoid. Since it is not convenient to map in a three-dimensional space, it is important to put the surface of the earth onto a two-dimensional plane. Also, because the earth surface is a curved surface that cannot be flattened, we introduce many different map projections to preserve some of the features of the earth surface for diverse uses. In ArcMap, there are a lot of map projections for us to choose. By making these map projections, I had a further understanding about conformal, equal-distant and equal-area map projections, and I also perceived the strengths and pitfalls of different map projections.

First of all, it is quite interesting to see the same map in different map projections. Although I cannot imagine what the Bonne map projection with a shape of heart can be used for (but I believe it is useful for some purposes), it's just quite fun to look at it. However, in spite of the beautiful shapes, the distortions of the maps are also easy to be observed. In Mercator map projection, the area of Antarctica is much bigger than its actual size. Also, in Lambert Conformal Conic map projection, Australia is almost as large as Eurasia which is impossible, and I could not even see where Antarctica is in that map. 

In this lab assignment, we also compared the distance from Washington D.C. to Kabul. We could see that the distortions in different map projections do influences the accuracy of the maps. On the internet, I found the actual distance between Washington D.C. and Kabul is about 7000 miles, which has a very big deviation to the data I measured on some of the map projections. I think the distortions may be neglected in a small area, but it should be definitely taken into consideration when we are making measurements or projections in a large area of the earth.

It is true that each kind of map projections has its strengths and pitfalls, and it seems that there is no "perfect" map projection. However, when we are making a map, we can simply choose the most suitable map projection to use. For example, when we are making maps reflecting features like population density or administrative division which requires the accuracy of areas, Equal Area map projections should be the most suitable. Also, if we want to have a direct perception of the world, a conformal map projection which shows the longitudes and latitudes intersect at right tangle should be a good choice. 

To sum up, when we are making maps, we just need to make best use of the advantages of different map projections for different purposes. Since we have so many different map projections to choose from, we will always be able to find a most suitable projection to use. What's more, since maps are playing a more and more important part in our daily life, and we need different maps for different purposes, I think there will be other map projections invented to adapt to the demand. 

Lab 4: Introducing ArcMap

Using the ArcMap to make maps was overall an interesting experience to me. Although it was the first time that I used a GIS software, the detailed tutorial was quite helpful to me. Although I had to spend many extra hours in the lab to do my work since I was not skillful in using the ArcMap, it was all worth it when I finally accomplished my maps. I almost followed every step in the tutorial this time, but I think the next time when I have the chance to make a map using ArcMap, I will probably add more personal characteristics in it, like the color of the background or the shape. 

As a modern tool of mapping, GIS has many advantages. The map can show architectures, roads, regions and other features on different layers, making it easier to see and analyze the information on the map (we can choose not to show certain layers when they are disturbing). We can put the data directly in the digital maps and the powerful function of making charts enables us to export the data to have a more intuitive grasp. Unlike traditional maps that cannot be updated after they are printed, digital maps can be easily updated. The change of roads, the newly built architectures can be showed on the digital map, and can even be showed to more people through the Internet. The timeliness of GIS makes it more useful in modern society since the change of geography is exceedingly frequent because of human activities. 

It is true that GIS has many benefits that traditional mapping tools do not have. However, GIS still has some pitfalls that can be improved. I'm not going to complain about the complexity of the software because I think people can get used to the software through practicing.In addition, one thing I noticed is the problem of format conversion. Since different GIS softwares were developed in independent and restricted platforms, they use different spacial data models and different organizations of geological data, which make it difficult to exchange data between different softwares. For example, the ArcGIS we use have the format of mxd that various other softwares may not be able to open and edit. What's more, since I found the ArcGIS quite interesting, I checked its price online to see if I could download one so I could make maps on my own computer. Although there is a 60-day free trial for users to use, it costs at least 1500 dollars to buy the software which is definitely too expensive for amateurs who have interests in GIS.

As a significant part of the geographic study, GIS can help us to analyze geographical information more effectively as well as show the out put in a more precise way. It is true that using GIS needs a lot of geography knowledge, but I found that using GIS can also help us review and consolidate our geographic knowledge. In contemporary society, GIS is playing a more and more important part in our life. GIS, as well as the techniques of remote sensing and GPS, is forming a more and more complete technology system of geography that can be used for us to better understand our environment and better construct our earth. The improvement of the intelligence of GIS will also make it more easy to manage and more accessible to the public. GIS is becoming more and more associated with us.

Lab 3: My map & Neogragrap

View Interesting Places I Visited in 2012 in a larger map

2012, the last year, was quite unique to me. First I finally had a lot of time to travel to different places that I had been dreaming about for a long time like Taiwan and Thailand. Also, in the autumn I came to LA alone to attend my university.  I used Google map to record some impressive places I visited last year. I put some pictures I took in the map to show these places better. I also found some interesting videos on Youtube and inserted them in the map. Don't forget to click the URL in Taipei 101 mall, this website will bring you a lot of fun. What's more, I used polygons to mark my neighborhood and my high school - both mean a lot to me. I used the lines to tell the sequence of my travel as well.

About Neogeography:

Unlike traditional GIS, neogeography enables amateur computer users to take part in the map making. It lets professional software go into every one's computer, and lets people who were previously blocked by technical barriers better understand what GIS is. Take Google maps as an example, even an amateur like I who knows only a little about GIS can still create my own map without difficulty. However, there are also problems of neogeography. The biggest issue is the reliability of the maps. Sometimes people may hold different opinions about one place and provide different information about the same place which can lead to confusion. What's more, as unprofessional map makers, ordinary computer users may make some mistakes in map making, and then cause additional problems to those use these maps. When maps made through neogeography cause problems, who should take the responsibilities can also be a big trouble.

Although neogeography is not as accurate as traditional GIS, we should admit that it is quite useful in the contemporary society. Making maps are like writing blogs which can show our experience and personality, which is really cool and attractive to many people. Neogeography makes it mach easier for ordinary people to get, to share and to process geography information, enabling more and more people to learn how to use geographic and spacial thinking to help them live better. It also makes GIS more popular among the people, encouraging people to discover ways of using geography information, and create more opportunities for the development of GIS. However, the wide spread of the concept "neogeography" may cause the misreading of GIS, because the highly visible content of neogeography may make people ignore some essential features of GIS like geographic modeling and spacial analysis.

Lab 2: Map Exercise

1. What is the name of the quadrangle?
Beverly Hills Quadrangle

2. What are the names of the adjacent quadrangles?
Canoga Park, Van Nuys, Burbank, Topanga, Hollywood, Venice, Inglewood

3. When was the quadrangle first created?
1966

4. What datum was used to create your map?
North American Datum of 1927 (NAD 27)
North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83)

5. What is the scale of the map?
1:24,000

6. At the above scale, answer the following:
a) 5 centimeters on the map is equivalent to how many meters on the ground?
(5 cm*24000)/(100 cm/1 m)=1200 meters


b) 5 inches on the map is equivalent to how many miles on the ground?
(5 inch*24000)/(63360 inch/1 mile)=1.89 miles


c) one mile on the ground is equivalent to how many inches on the map?
1 mile*(63360 inch/1 mile)/24000=2.64 inches


d) three kilometers on the ground is equivalent to how many centimeters on the map?
3km*(1000000 cm/1 km)/24000=12.5 cm

7. What is the contour interval on your map?
20 feet

8. What are the approximate geographic coordinates in both degrees/minutes/seconds and decimal degrees of:
a) the Public Affairs Building;
34° 04' 30" N, 118° 26' 30" W
34.0750° N, 118.4417° W

b) the tip of Santa Monica pier;
34°00' 30" N, 118° 30' 00" W
34.0083° N, 118.5000° W

c) the Upper Franklin Canyon Reservoir;
34° 07' 00" N, 118° 24' 30" W
34.1167° N, 118.4083° W

9. What is the approximate elevation in both feet and meters of:
a) Greystone Mansion (in Greystone Park);
560 feet 170.7 m


b) Woodlawn Cemetery;
140 feet 42.7 m


c) Crestwood Hills Park;
680 feet 207.3 m

10. What is the UTM zone of the map?
UTM zone 11

11. What are the UTM coordinates for the lower left corner of your map?
3763000 N, 361500 E

12. How many square meters are contained within each cell (square) of the UTM gridlines?
1,000,000 m^2

13. Obtain elevation measurements, from west to east along the UTM northing 3771000, where the eastings of the UTM grid intersect the northing. Create an elevation profile using these measurements in Excel (hint: create a line chart). Figure out how to label the elevation values to the two measurements on campus. Insert your elevation profile as a graphic in your blog.


UCLA is between UTM easting 366000 - 367000

14. What is the magnetic declination of the map?
14°  East

15. In which direction does water flow in the intermittent stream between the 405 freeway and Stone Canyon Reservoir?
From North to South

16. Crop out (i.e., cut and paste) UCLA from the map and include it as a graphic on your blog.

Lab 1: Maps are beautiful!!!

Map 1(http://www.chinahighlights.com/ningbo/map.htm)

I got this map from Chinahighlights.com which is a very famous website providing China travel guides to foreigners. This map shows clusters of famous sightseeing spots in my hometown, in Xikou area. Xikou has very beautiful natural views as well as elegant southern-China style architectures. One thing really good about this map is that it portrays the outlooks of every spot in a succinct way. It simply but precisely draws the main characters of the attractions, including the outlook of the architectures and the main shape of the pool, the waterfall and the cliff. So you can easily recognize where you are when you get to every attraction.I think this map was quite useful for foreigners because they can just recognize the tourist spots by their outlook instead of the confusing Chinese names.





Map 2 (http://www.denverpost.com/food/ci_10096804)

This map is from an article introducing Chinese cuisines on Denverpost.com. China, as we know, has a wide area and different kinds of cultures. For example, cuisines in China vary from geographic positions. From the map, we can see that the dishes in the north, south, west and eastern China are quite different. Take the east part where I come from as an example. Dishes with bamboo shoots are quite common in east China. However, you will not see them in the restaurants in north or west China because these areas are not even suitable for bamboos to grow. When we cook, we use soy sauce a lot, which is also a special tradition. This map is actually quite brief, the real diversity of Chinese cuisines is much more complex. However, we can still learn something from the map and the drawing style of this map is quite cute and interesting.





Map 3 (http://www.waterencyclopedia.com/Mi-Oc/Mid-Ocean-Ridges.html#b)

I got this map of ocean floor topography from waterencyclopedia.com. As we can see, ocean ridges are in dark blue and deep trenches are in the lightest blue. From the perspective of earth science, the map shows that lithospheric plates move apart and form oceanic ridges. At the same time, upwelling of asthenosphere injects magma forming oceanic ridges and new oceanic crust. This ocean floor topography map clearly exhibits that mid ocean ridges are parallel to coastlines, which serves as a major convincing evidence to plate tectonic theory. This map attracts me so much because of its beautiful outlook as well as its significant scientific meanings. I actually used this picture as my lock screen wallpaper for a long time.