Name: Flores, Rose Jen J Date: March 06, 2024

Course & Year: BSGE 2 Score:

Geographic Information System

Laboratory Exercise No. 2
Familiarization with Vector Data

OBJECTIVES:
1. Explore the capabilities of QGIS in displaying shapefiles and editing its properties
familiarize with the interface and tools in QGIS
2. Create a map layout in QGIS.

INTRODUCTION:
QGIS, or Quantum Geographic Information System, is like a digital map toolbox.
It helps you work with maps on a computer. You can put in different kinds of information like
where houses are, the names of cities, or where rivers flow. QGIS makes it easier to draw maps,
add details, and understand what’s happening in a specific place. It’s handy for people who want
to explore and analyze geographic information without needing to be experts in complex
mapping tools. In QGIS, we can work with different types of data, understanding these data
types allows us to create comprehensive and informative maps within the QGIS environment.
And in this lab, we had used the vector data.
Vector data serves as a means to represent tangible elements from the physical world
within the GIS environment. Consider standing atop a hill, observing houses, roads, trees, and
rivers below. In GIS, each of these observable entities is classified as a “feature.” Notably, these
features possess attributes, comprising textual or numerical information that provides descriptive
details about each element. Whether it's the type of house, the length of a road, or the width of a
river, these attributes enrich the representation of features in GIS applications.

METHODOLOGY:
1. Define Research Objectives
- Clearly outline the research goals, including the purpose of creating a GIS map and the
specific information to be conveyed.
2. GIS Application Familiarization
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of the GIS application’s functionalities and toolbars.
- Familiarize yourself with key tools for importing, processing, and visualizing vector data.
3. Data Integration
- Collect and process vector datasets relevant to the research objectives.
- Utilize the GIS application to combine processed vector datasets into a cohesive GIS project.
4. Map Production Planning
- Identify the key components needed in the map layout, such as title, legend, scale bar, north
arrow, annotations, and labels.
5. Spatial Considerations
- Pay attention to spatial relationships within the data, ensuring accurate representation and
alignment of features on the map.
6. Map Layout Design
- Begin the map production by creating a well-organized and visually pleasing layout.
 - Determine the appropriate size and orientation for the map, considering the target audience
and purpose.
7. Title and Legend
- Include a clear and concise title that reflects the map’s content.
- Develop a legend to explain symbols, colors, and any other representations used in the map.
8. Scale and North Arrow
- Add a scale bar to provide a reference for distances on the map.
- Include a north arrow to indicate the map’s orientation.
9. Annotations and Labels
- Place necessary annotations and labels strategically to enhance the map’s clarity.
- Ensure that labels do not overlap and are legible at the chosen map scale.
10. Review and Refinement
- Conduct a thorough review of the map layout, checking for accuracy, coherence, and overall
effectiveness.
- Make adjustments as needed to enhance the map’s visual appeal and communicative power.

Documentation:

Figure 1: Vector Layer: Barangays.shp Figure 2: Layer Properties window.

Figure 4: output of the Categorized

Figure 3: Layer Properties - Symbology.
layer in the map view.
 Figure 5: output of the Graduated layer.

Result and Discussion:

The outcomes of this laboratory exercise have yielded valuable insights into the creation
of a simple map using GIS applications with vector data. The results of the project are
anticipated to be highly satisfying, as all instructions provided by instructors were clear and easy
to follow. Despite encountering some challenges associated with a lack of familiarity with the
GIS application, particularly for beginners, it is expected that the final results will meet all
specified requirements. The successful execution of the project highlights the effectiveness of the
provided instructions and underscores the importance of gaining proficiency in GIS applications
for seamless map creation. This experience serves as a valuable learning opportunity,
acknowledging that initial difficulties are inherent in the learning process but are outweighed by
the satisfaction derived from meeting project objectives.

Problem encounters:

Throughout the process of crafting a basic map in the GIS application, I faced a couple of
challenges. Initially, there were difficulties running the necessary files for map data as a result of
mistakenly inputting incorrect files into the GIS. This led to a bit of confusion and extra effort to
rectify the mistake. Additionally, finding specific tools within the application proved challenging
at times, causing a slight delay in the workflow. Another hurdle was the tendency to forget to
save files regularly, resulting in the need to repeat certain steps due to unexpected computer
malfunctions. These issues highlighted the importance of careful file input, tool familiarity, and
consistent saving practices to streamline the map-making process.

Conclusion:

To sum it up, this hands-on experience with GIS and vector data has been really helpful
for understanding the software better and keeping up with the latest tech trends. Using new
technology makes it easier to create different and user-friendly maps. By following the steps we
talked about, GIS practitioners can use vector data to make maps that are accurate, look good,
and give useful information. Being careful with picking, cleaning, and styling the data helps to
explain complicated geographic info in a way that’s easy to understand. Making a basic GIS map
is more than just putting lines and points on a screen; it's about telling a story with space that
helps with decision-making. When we make the most of vector data, it lets us do a great job of
showing geographic information in a useful way.

. Recommendation:

To optimize your experience with QGIS, consider engaging with beginner guides or
tutorials to grasp the basics and navigate the software confidently. Joining online QGIS
communities provides a platform for seeking insights and solutions from fellow users. Regular
practice is key to building proficiency, so make an effort to use QGIS consistently. Explore
available plugins to enhance functionality and tailor the software to your specific needs. A
fundamental understanding of coordinate systems is crucial for accurate mapping. Customize
toolbars and menus to streamline your workflow by having frequently used tools readily
accessible. Document your work thoroughly, including data sources, methods, and any custom
processes employed. Stay updated with the latest QGIS version to benefit from bug fixes, new
features, and improvements. These recommendations collectively contribute to a more effective
and efficient use of QGIS for your mapping and analysis needs.

Answers:

Question 1: What are the different Zoom tools?

Question 2: What is the coordinate reference system of the shapefile?

 Commonly used CRS codes for shapefiles include EPSG (European Petroleum Survey
Group) codes. For example, a common CRS for global maps is WGS 84, which has the
EPSG code 4326. It’s essential to know the CRS to ensure accurate spatial representation
and proper alignment when working with shapefiles in GIS software.

Question 3: What is/are the difference/s in the three (3) layer styles?

 In QGIS, when you’re working with different types of maps, there are three ways to show
the information. The first one is called Single Symbol, where everything on the map
looks the same. Then, there’s Categorized, where things are grouped based on a
characteristic, and each group gets its own look. Lastly, there’s Graduated, where things
are shown differently based on a number, like using colors that change gradually or
making symbols bigger or smaller. These styles help make maps look the way you want
and highlight specific details depending on what you’re looking for.

Question 4: What are the barangays surrounding Brgy. Rabor?

 Agutayan, Pasig, Melville, Indalawan, Malaking ilog, Poblacion I (BC), Poblacion II

(BC), Poblacion III, Catagupan Poblacion V (BC), Poblacion VI (BC), Salang, Ramos

Question 5: How many fields are tre and what are their names and data type (type name)?

NAME TYPE NAME

MUNICIPALITY String
BARANGAYS String
DATE Date
NSO_ID String
CBMS_NAME String
NSO_NAME String
AREA__SQKM Real
AREA__HAS_ Real
NSO_CODE String
ABBREV String
AREA__SQ_1 Real
AREA__HAS1 Real
REFERENCE:

Graduated symbols. Graduated symbols-ArcGIS Pro | Documentation. (n.d.).

https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/3.1/help/mapping/layer-properties/graduated-
symbols.htm

Introduction to vector data. Introduction to Geospatial Concepts: Introduction to Vector Data.

(2023, August 15). https://datacarpentry.org/organization-geospatial/02-intro-vector-data.html

Single symbol. Single symbol-ArcGIS Pro | Documentation. (n.d.). https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-

app/3.1/help/mapping/layer-properties/single-symbol.htm