Navigation Maps

Introduction
     For this lab we were asked to create two naviagtion maps for a future lab using different coordinate systems and map projections. The coordinate systems used were the WGS_1984_UTM_Zone_15N and NAD_1983_HARN_WISCRS_EauClaire_County_Feet were used for the two maps. This lab was done to show how different coordinate systems and projections can be used to make navigation maps. Proper coordinate system and map projection choice is important for creating navigation maps, because if an improper would create a distorted map and therefore hard to navigate. Geographic coordinate systems create a three-dimensional model and map projections create a two-dimensional model to portray the Earth's Surface.

Methods
     We were given a mosaiced raster image that displayed the study area. Before the images could be brought into ArcMap, the map documents were projected into the Mercator projection. The images were then reprojected into their different coordinate systems,  UTM (fig. 1) and HARN. To create elevation contour lines for the two images, the Contour Tool was then used to create a contour intervals for the different maps, 10 feet and 3 meters respectively.

Figure 1. UTM Zones for the United States

     Once the contour lines were created for each of the images, grid systems were then created for each of the two maps. For the UTM map a measured grid was created. This was done under the Layer Data Frame Property Tab. The interval spacing was set at 100 meters. The HARN map used a grapicule grid as it was in decimal degrees, with spacing every 5 degrees.


Results
     The two maps below show the study area contained within the red-outlined box. The contours (maroon) allow for viariabilities in the elevation within the priory to be examined. The different grid systems allow for the locations of places within the priory to be accurately plotted. When looking at the maps, areas in the southwest corner are at a higher elevation than areas in the northeast. Also areas in the western and southeastern corners are at a lower elevation than areas in the southwest.

Figure 2.  The map created in the UTM coordinate system using a measured grid.

Figure 3. Map created using the HARN coordinate system in decimal degrees

Conclusion
     The maps above are displaying the same area but they are doing so in two different ways. Each way provides method for navigating the study area. When creating navigation maps it is important to consider the effects that using different projected and geographic coordinate systems can have on the map as it will effect the ability to navigation accurately.

Sources
http://www.xmswiki.com/wiki/File:Usutm.png