Final post

My final step was to edit each map in order to describe and explain the contents of the three maps. After this I will add the maps to a poster and add an introduction and conclusion.

Update #6

Next step I wanted to add a basemap to the AQI data map because it looked too plain. Also it put the state of New York in perspective. The map that I used was the World Oceans Base.

Update #5

Next I compared the AQI to the population per square mile by normalizing the AQI data by the population per square mile.

Update #4

The next step was for me to map out where the regions in New York were and what counties were included in those regions. I used the select features and created a layer from those features.

Update #3

My next step was to start finding population information in certain counties in order to be able to compare those to the AQI of area. This information I got from ArcGIS through the usadata feature. I used a graduated color scheme to show the populations.

Update #1

The next step that I took was researching the topic in detail. In doing so I was able to find information from the EPA through airnow.com and found out the AQI for multiple regions throughout the state of New York. This helped start of my data analysis.

Research Proposal

Introduction

Air quality is topic of utmost importance throughout the state of New York. Air Pollution has large effects on human health as well as being detrimental to the earth ecosystems. It has been seen through state and government agencies for decades that the topic of air quality is one that is necessary to examine and regulate. It is important to understand what air quality is throughout New York so that people are able to see what their actions are doing to their own health as well as the health of the environment. The amount of Fine Particle Materials or PM in the are as well as gaseous chemicals that are emitted are important for the public to know.

Objective

-Map the different air quality levels throughout New York.

-Be able to identify what areas have poor air quality and compare that to those with good air quality.

-See if there is any correlation to human activity and if there are strict regulations in that area. 

Methodology

I will use downloadable GIS data from the Department of Environmental Conservation as well as any other data sources that i find through my course of research.

Deliverables

Maps will be created that display the different levels of air pollution and air quality throughout the state of New York based on counties. This will make it visible to the public what kind of air quality they have where they live and hopefully better inform them how much their actions really effect the world around them whether it be other people, themselves or the environment.

Work Plan

Week 1: Finish downloading GIS data and continue research.

Week 2: Finish research of all available data and write Blog 2.

Week 3: Start to put data into maps and map layers.

Week 4: Continue to work on maps and write Blog 3. 

Week 5: Edit maps in a away to make maps comprehensible to public and write Blog 4.

Week 6: Continue to edit and Start to analyze data.

Week 7: Start to work on poster that represents data accurately.

Week 8: Finish working on poster and write Blog 5.

Week 9: Final edits on poster and write Blog 6.

Week 10: Due Date of Final Poster. 

Data Sources

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.