Final Progress Report

The poster above shows the finished product of my semester long project for the Pittstown Historical Society.  This society requested that I take a number of their historic Farmsteads and digitalize them into professional maps.  The poster illustrates the time and effort put into making this vision a reality.  It includes an introduction to the Pittstown Historical Society, an objective, methodology, the digitalization process, data sources, and results for creating the digitalized maps, as well as two finished products (Howard and Auclair).  I have gained much knowledge and experience doing this project and working for a real client.  Doing this project allowed me to apply my GIS knowledge in a real world situation, and witness what hard work and commitment can create.  This project was definitely an assignment that I enjoyed.

Progress Report

Unfortunately, my last post failed to show the finished map of the Howard Farmstead.  This is probably for the better, as my client requested a few changes that needed to be made before it could be stamped as officially done and ready for professional use.  This week and next week will be dedicated to making the necessary changes that my client has requested to both the Howard and Auclair Farmstead maps.  In fact, I have made an appointment with Dr. Meierdiercks to make sure the changes I make are done correctly and the maps are looking professional. I also hope to complete the Gifford map before the semester comes to a close, but this will depend on time.  Once I finish the Howard and Auclair maps, I hope to figure out why I was not able to post them in my last entry and put them on up this blog for others to view.

Progress Report - Map of Howard

Above is the completed map of the Howard Farmstead.  The Auclair Farmstead map will be posted within the next week as the 1.3 acre subdivision is still being digitalized.  These two completed maps have allowed me to begin work on a third map, the Gifford Farmstead.  Progress on that map has only begun today, so a timetable to complete that map is still in progress.

Progress Report

Within the past two weeks, a lot of hard work and diligence went into finishing up the maps that were currently being worked on.  As of today, the Howard Farmstead map has received the final touches and is a fully completed, digitalized map.  In addition, the Auclair was being worked on simultaneously and is also nearing full completion.  The final piece that needs to be added to that map is to create digitalize an acre into a parcel.  Once this item has been digitalized into a parcel, the Auclair map will also be fully digitalized.  Both maps include all the components that a professional map should have, such as a title, address, north arrow, and scale bar.  Pictures of both maps will be posted on this blog shortly so that viewers map be able to observe the maps.  The next map will be started this week, and completion of this third map is still unknown.

Progress Report

The Howard Farmstead map has nearly been completed.  There has been tremendous progress within the past week to complete this map.  All of the buildings, pathways, and objects detailed on the hand drawn map and list of items to be included have been fully digitalized.  All that is left is to complete the labeling process and to add additional information to make the map look more professional.  Completion of this map should be within the next week or two.

Progress Report

There has been steady progress on the first map for the Pittstown Historical Society.  This first map will be off the Howard (Sherman) Farmstead.  Ortho-images have been uploaded to ArcMap, as well as other relevant data to help design the map.  GoogleMaps was used to locate the Howard Farmstead and AcrMap is being used to digitalize the area.  Digitalization and construction of the map is currently underway, and a completion date will be issued relatively soon.

Project Proposal II

Introduction

Pittstown, NY is located in northern Rensselaer County in upstate New York.  Located in this town is the Pittstown Historical Society, which was founded in 1975 to promote a better appreciation for American heritage, and in particular, the town of Pittstown.  In addition to a bi-annual newsletter, the Pittstown Historical Society offers fall and spring lecture series that are open to the public.  The topics of some lectures include the history of the Colony of New Netherlands, a demonstration of a historic threshing machine, and the history of villages and hamlets of Rensselaer County.  A brief meeting of the Pittstown Historical Society precedes all lectures; they are free, open to the public, and carry refreshments.

Objectives

• Digitizing structures and sites of historic sites using ortho-imageries, or satellite photographs, to create two professionally looking maps for the Pittstown Historical Society.

Methodology

This GIS project will use a number of different techniques to accomplish the end result. Digitalizing the original map will require using GIS software, such as ArcMap.  The digitalized image created on ArcMap will be based off of a hand drawn map of the site and structures, as well as aerial images.

Data Sources

The Pittstown Historical Society possesses all the data needed to complete this project.

• Farmsteads in and around Pittstown, NY
• Aerial photos
• Satellite Images

Work Plan

10/13/2010  First Draft Due

10/20/2010  Meeting With Client

10/27/2010  Second Draft Due

11/10/2010    First Map draft

12/08/2010  Final Project Completed