Lab #2:

Written by Julia Cardwell, V0

June 2025

Specifications

Due: 10/15 (MWF), 10/9 (TTh)

Overview

In this assignment, you will complete Doing Spatial Analysis in QGIS chapter in the text. You will then make three map layouts, including symbology selection and map design. Finally, you will critically consider the data sources and analysis for each research question.

The new skills you should be able to execute after this assignment are:

• Select by attribute
• Reproject
• Buffer
• Intersect
• Clip
• Spatial join
• Reclassify raster
• Zonal statistics
• Design a print layout (map) using cartographic design principles

Instructions

Use the QGIS training manual to create a print layout for each of the research questions in the QGIS Crash Course. Your maps should follow cartographic design principles as covered in Making Effective Maps. You should use the Cartographic Design Guide to help guide the development of your maps.

Your map should include (at minimum):

• An effective basemap
• Your symbolized output (including transparency if necessary to see the basemap below)
• A legend (including renamed legend entries)
• A title
• Map metadata (a text box including author name, data source, basemap name)
• Potentially a scale or north arrow (not always necessary depending on map purpose)

Here is an example map

The written component of this lab (2-3 paragraphs for each research question) should:

• Restate the methods

• In your own words, explain the GIS tools and methods you applied. What problem did each step help solve?

• Interpret your results

• What did the analysis reveal?

• Reflect on at least critical question

• Choose one of the “Critical Questions to Ask” and briefly evaluate it in the context of your analysis.
• What assumptions, limitations, or concerns does it raise about your data or methods?

Submit your three maps and written component to Canvas.