Course Project - Info & Rubrics

The primary deliverable for this course will be a course project.

You have a choice of three options for your course project: A Story Map, an AGOL (or GEE) Web App, or a web-based geospatial analysis presented as a Jupyter Notebook. (This option can use the ArcGIS Python API, Google Earth Engine (via the geemap Python library), or some other geospatial API.)

The subject matter for these projects is up to you. If you are having difficulty thinking of a topic, I am happy to discuss possible ideas with you.

These can be individual or group projects.

You will offer a short presentation of your project the last week of class, after which I (and other students) will offer feedback.

A final submission will be due on May 1st. The last few weeks of class will be dedicated to working on this project.

Below I offer rubrics for the three options to guide your efforts.

Option 1: Story Map

Criterion 1: Content and Storytelling (30 points)

The story map has a clear and compelling narrative (10 points)
The story map includes relevant and interesting information (10 points)
The story map incorporates effective use of multimedia (5 points)
The story map includes a clear and concise introduction and conclusion (5 points)

Criterion 2: Cartographic Design (30 points)

The map is visually appealing and easy to read (10 points)
The map effectively conveys the story being told (10 points)
The map includes appropriate and accurate symbology and labeling (5 points)
The map includes a clear and accurate legend and scale bar (5 points)

Criterion 3: User Experience (20 points)

The story map is easy to navigate (5 points)
The story map includes clear instructions on how to use it (5 points)
The story map includes interactive elements that enhance the user experience (5 points)
The story map is optimized for different devices and screen sizes (5 points)

Criterion 4: Originality and Creativity (10 points)

The story map demonstrates originality and creativity in the storytelling approach (5 points)
The story map demonstrates originality and creativity in the cartographic design (5 points)

Criterion 5: Citation and Attribution (10 points)

The story map includes proper citation and attribution of data sources and content (5 points)
The story map includes proper citation and attribution of any external sources used (5 points)

Overall Score:

90-100 points: Excellent Story Map, demonstrating a mastery of ArcGIS Online and excellent storytelling and cartographic design skills.
80-89 points: Very Good Story Map, demonstrating a good understanding of ArcGIS Online and good storytelling and cartographic design skills.
70-79 points: Satisfactory Story Map, demonstrating a basic understanding of ArcGIS Online and satisfactory storytelling and cartographic design skills.
Below 70 points: Needs Improvement, demonstrating a limited understanding of ArcGIS Online and poor storytelling and cartographic design skills.

Option 2: AGOL/GEE Web App

Criterion 1: Functionality and User Experience (30 points)

App is functional and easy to use (10 points)
Map is clear and easy to read (10 points)
Layers are well-organized and can be toggled on/off (5 points)
App includes legend and scale bar (5 points)

Criterion 2: Data Quality and Analysis (30 points)

Data is accurate and up-to-date (10 points)
Analysis tools are used to generate meaningful insights (10 points)
Data is presented in a visually compelling way (5 points)
Data sources are cited appropriately (5 points)

Criterion 3: Customization and Interactivity (20 points)

App includes custom branding (5 points)
Custom widgets and tools are integrated (5 points)
User can interact with data and generate their own insights (5 points)
User can filter and query data (5 points)

Criterion 4: Communication and Accessibility (20 points)

App includes a clear and concise title and description (5 points)
App includes appropriate citations and acknowledgments (5 points)
App can be accessed by a wide range of users (5 points)
App includes help and support documentation (5 points)

Overall Score:

90-100 points: Excellent App, demonstrates a mastery of ArcGIS Online and excellent use of data and analysis.
80-89 points: Very Good App, demonstrates a good understanding of ArcGIS Online and good use of data and analysis.
70-79 points: Satisfactory App, demonstrates a basic understanding of ArcGIS Online and satisfactory use of data and analysis.
Below 70 points: Needs Improvement, demonstrates a limited understanding of ArcGIS Online and poor use of data and analysis.

Option 3: Analysis Using a Geospatial API

This will be presented in the form of a Jupyter Notebook, run either in AGOL, Google COLAB, or on a Windows PC with ArcGIS Pro installed. The Geospatial API can be the ArcGIS API for Python, Google Earth Engine (via its native JavaScript coding interface), or other geospatial APIs.

Criterion 1: Understanding of the API’s Basic Implementation (30 points)

Demonstrates understanding of the API’s installation and setup (10 points)
Demonstrates understanding of basic API commands (10 points)
Demonstrates understanding of basic geospatial data analysis concepts (10 points)

Criterion 2: Data Acquisition and Preparation (30 points)

Demonstrates ability to acquire and prepare geospatial data for analysis (10 points)
Demonstrates ability to tidy and transform geospatial data (10 points)
Demonstrates ability to integrate data from different sources (10 points)

Criterion 3: Geospatial Analysis (25 points)

Demonstrates ability to conduct spatial analysis using the API (10 points)
Demonstrates ability to use the API to create custom geospatial visualizations (10 points)
Demonstrates ability to perform advanced geospatial analysis (5 points)

Criterion 4: Documentation and Communication (15 points)

Provides clear documentation of the APIs commands and analysis procedures (10 points)
Communicates geospatial analysis results effectively (5 points)

Overall Score:

90-100 points: Excellent understanding of the API and demonstrated ability to use it for geospatial analysis.
80-89 points: Good understanding of the API and demonstrated ability to use it for geospatial analysis.
70-79 points: Adequate understanding of the API, but needs improvement in using it for geospatial analysis.
Below 70 points: Limited understanding of the API and inability to use it for geospatial analysis.