Progress

Inputting Data




Since downloading the full ArcGIS I feel I have been able to make far more complex maps. the ability to add 'Map Note' features means that I can do more than import preloaded layers.






Co-operative Study

As a part of my EPQ I am researching the private sector uses of GIS. After researching companies such as TSCG who aid in retail real estate using GIS I have decided to create my own GIS showing why my local Co-operative local has decided to locate itself where it is.




I first layered the radius of the catchment area around the Co-op with 1m, 0.5m and 0.25m. This allows us to see the houses that will be using the store regularly. To do this I used a measure tool to locate a point at 1m, 0.5m and 0.25m. I then dragged a radius tool to create a catchment area around the centre point.






On top of this I layered the competition. This includes local supermarket, corner shops and food retailers. I represented this with a Stickpin tool to show the spatial relationship between the competition and the Co-op.

This layering of information enabled me to analyse the location as a "location analytics" company would.

Finished product

Cartographica vs ArcGIS

ArcGIS vs Cartographica

After working with the free internet version of ArcGIS for over a week I have realised that I am not using GIS to its fullest potential. Despite this, when I tried to download the free trail I found that ArcGIS does not offer free Mac/OS application. After some research I have found that Cartographica is the most commonly used Mac version of GIS.
Despite its popularity and positive reviews online, Cartographica required masses of extra software to produce additional vectors and rasters. Base maps had to be downloaded from other sources and imported and there was very few options for measuring tools.

As a result of this, reluctantly, I have decided to download the full version of ArcGIS.