GIS 1: Lab 3 - Vector Analysis with ArcGis

Goal:  The goal of this lab was to use geoprocessing tools and vector analysis in ArcMap 10.1 to determine suitable bear habitats and DNR management areas for bears in Marquette County, Michigan.  We want to locate and put in place DNR management areas for bears that are in suitable bear habitats but are also not near urban areas.

Methods: To start this lab, we had to add data that was obtained from the Michigan DNR about known bear locations.  This data was in X,Y format, so we needed to learn how to add that type of data onto ArcMap.  After this, we had to export the data.  Once we got the known locations of bears, we were able to find the forest type that most bears were found.  From this information we found suitable bear habitats based on land type and if that land was found near streams.  After the suitable bear habitat was found, we intersected it with DNR management areas to locate bear management areas that could possibly be used.  From these locations, we had to remove ones near urban or built up land areas.

Here is a python code for part of the process listed above

Data flow model of the whole process

Results: Shown below is a map of the suitable bear habitats, bear locations, and bear management areas.  As you can see, most of the bear habitats and management areas are located near streams.

 Sources: All of the data were downloaded from the State of Michigan Open GIS Data. http://gis.michigan.opendata.arcgis.com/.
ArcMap 10.1 was used for making the map
PowerPoint was used for the data flow model