geotourismFinalReportJun112106

Final Report
June 17, 2016
Daryl W. Cowell & Associates

June 17, 2016
ProjectID: GISC-GM_Geotourism_Final_Report
Daryl Cowell, P. Geo
Daryl W. Cowell & Associates Inc.
27 Rita Cres., RR1
Tobermory, ON.
N0H 2R0
Dear Mr. Cowell,
RE: Geotourism Final Report
Please accept this as the Southern Ontario Geotourism Project’s Final Report.
This report is an all-inclusive summary of the work put forth to complete the project. It outlines the
project’s goals, deliverables, methodology, challenges, and finally future suggestions to continue working
on this project in the future. All data associated with the project (databases, map documents, web
application scripts) will be provided to you via USB.
Upon completion, the project’s value is approximately $44,000, and required 420 hours of work. It was
completed on time as requested, however roughly %15 over budget.
Overall, Paresh and I are confident you will be pleased with the web application and interpretive map, and
hope they will assist you in your goal of establishing a GeoPark in the Southern Georgian Bay area.
Regards,
Kyle Stief, BA
Project Manager
GIS-GM Candidate
KS/
Enclosures:
1. Geotourism Project Final Report
c.c. Paresh Parikh, BSc.
Dr. Xinxia (James) Jiang, PhD.
Earth Matters GIS
135 Taylor Road
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON., L0S 1J0
902-449-5039
Kylestief@gmail.com

EARTH MATTERS GIS FINAL REPORT June 17, 2016
Executive Summary
The Southern Ontario Geotourism Project has been underway since October 2015. Its involvement
includes the consulting team at Earth Matters GIS, and their client, Mr. Daryl Cowell of Daryl W. Cowell
& Associates Inc. The goal of the project is to assist Mr. Cowell in developing Ontario’s first nationally
recognized Geopark. This will be accomplished by providing an online map application which will satisfy
one of the criteria required for Geopark designation as specified by the Canadian GeoPark Network and
the UNESCO Global Geoparks committees (Canadian Geoparks Network, 2015) (U.N.E.S.C.O., 2015).
Accompanying the online map will be a physical interpretive map of the same region, to be used as an
educational tool in explaining the geological features found on the online map. This map will further
assist Mr. Cowell by fulfilling another criterion detailed by the aforementioned committees, which is
that a geological park must supply some form of geo-education (U.N.E.S.C.O., 2015).
Data for this project has been compiled into a geotourism database, organized in a manner to facilitate
future work on the project, or to query specific regional data. This database was created using Esri’s
ArcMap v.10.3 and has been made available as a geodatabase, shapefile, dBASE, and CAD to
accommodate access to Esri licenses.
The initial phase in completing this project involved the collection and manipulation of all necessary
geological and cultural data, as outlined by Mr. Cowell in the preliminary project meeting. The
consulting team utilized open source data supplied by organizations such as Geology Ontario, the
Niagara Escarpment Commission, Land Information Ontario, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration. All retrieved datasets were edited, some more than others, to form the shape of the
project’s area of interest (AOI).
The AOI for the project includes 4 counties: Bruce, Grey, Simcoe, and Dufferin of Southern Ontario.
However, the project will also include sectional bathymetry of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay as they
both exhibit geologically alluring beds.
The secondary phase focused on map application development. The application was created using
Google Fusion Tables, a tool designed for sharing large tabular datasets with the ability to map records,
and common web development scripting languages HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The application uses
Google Maps as a base map, and allows a user to toggle various geological or cultural layers on the map.
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Within the application are instructions on how it functions, but a physical copy of these instructions has
also been provided.
Finally, the interpretive map design commenced using ArcMap to create the numerous layouts. The map
is two-sided and was designed for a 34”x 24” presentation. The front side illustrates the AOI’s surficial
geology, depicts the path of the Niagara Escarpment, and shows the locations of geological themed
plaques one might see when hiking in the region. The reverse side acts as an info-graphic and contains
map layouts for bedrock geology, a digital elevation model, the Niagara Escarpment’s outcrops and
outliers, ANSI sites, locations of gravel and sand pits, locations of rock quarries, and locations of
museums and educational centers. Explanatory text has also been made available for each layer. Both
sides of the interpretive map have been provided in PDF and MXD (Esri’s map document file) formats.
The project was completed on time by June 17, 2016. It required 417 hours to be completed and holds a
monetary value of $44,220, including a 13% HST, approximately 4% over the originally estimated value
of the project.
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Table of Contents
Executive Summary............................................................................................................................ i
List of Tables......................................................................................................................................2
List of Figures.....................................................................................................................................2
List of Equations ................................................................................................................................2
1. Project Background ....................................................................................................................1
Project Goals.............................................................................................................................................1
Key Terms..................................................................................................................................................2
Project Deliverables..................................................................................................................................3
2. Area of Interest ..........................................................................................................................4
3. Literature Review .......................................................................................................................6
4. Methodology..............................................................................................................................8
Project Planning........................................................................................................................................8
Collect, Analyze and Edit Data ..................................................................................................................9
Design and Create the Database/Geodatabase......................................................................................14
Web Application Development...............................................................................................................17
Interpretive Map.....................................................................................................................................24
5. Challenges................................................................................................................................29
Data.........................................................................................................................................................29
Web Application Development...............................................................................................................31
Interpretive Map.....................................................................................................................................32
6. Budget and Scheduling .............................................................................................................34
Project Value...........................................................................................................................................36
Project Schedule .....................................................................................................................................37
Earned Value Management ....................................................................................................................38
7. Recommendations for Future Development..............................................................................39
Adding GPS Tracking ...............................................................................................................................39
Adding a Query Option ...........................................................................................................................39
Map Controls...........................................................................................................................................39
8. Conclusion................................................................................................................................39
9. Acknowledgements ..................................................................................................................40
10. Works Cited..........................................................................................................................41

Appendix A: Client RFP........................................................................................................................
Appendix B: Project Overview Statement ............................................................................................
Appendix C: Work Breakdown Structure..............................................................................................
Appendix D: Gantt Chart .....................................................................................................................
Appendix E: Cirriculum Vitae...............................................................................................................
Appendix F: Database Contents’ Map Layouts .....................................................................................
Appendix G: Web Application User’s Manual.......................................................................................
List of Tables
Table 1: Data used in project......................................................................................................................10
Table 2: Museum feature class properties. ................................................................................................14
Table 3: Plaque series feature class properties. .........................................................................................15
Table 4: Project cost and hour estimations versus actual. .........................................................................34
Table 5: Project schedule............................................................................................................................37
List of Figures
Figure 1: Southern Ontario Geotourism Project Area of Interest. ...............................................................5
Figure 2: Database configuration................................................................................................................16
Figure 3: Surficial geology fusion table.......................................................................................................18
Figure 4: Surficial geology label categories used to discern different polygons in GFT. ............................19
Figure 5: Applying colours to polygons in GFT editor.................................................................................20
Figure 6: Google applications......................................................................................................................22
Figure 7: JavaScript generated by GFT........................................................................................................23
Figure 8: Front side of interpretive map.....................................................................................................26
Figure 9: Reverse side of interpretive map.................................................................................................28
Figure 10: Bruce county editing issues. ......................................................................................................30
Figure 11: GFT colour issue.........................................................................................................................31
Figure 12: A section of the surficial geology demonstrating its complexity...............................................33
Figure 13: Bar chart illustrating estimated vs actual project costs.............................................................35
Figure 14: Bar chart illustrating estimated vs actual project working hours..............................................36
Figure 15: The project's earned value management chart.........................................................................38
List of Equations
Equation 1: Determining the project's value..............................................................................................36

1. Project Background
As of June 2016, Canada is home to only two official Geoparks: Stonehammer in New Brunswick, and
Tumble Ridge in British Columbia (Canadian Geoparks Network, 2015). Yet with the Niagara Escarpment
creating fascinating and picturesque landscapes throughout Southern Ontario, the absence of an official
Geopark in the area is alarming.
The official criteria for being recognized as a Geopark, developed by the UNESCO’s Global Geopark
Network (affiliated with the Canadian Geopark Network) contribute to this conundrum, and for good
reason. These multi-faceted criteria ensures every Geopark provides a unique experience to its visitors
by not only allowing everybody to experience and explore the awe of its geological features, but also by
informing each visitor how these features came about, and helped shape the cultural history of the
region’s landscape and its people.
Two of the official criteria for Geopark designation state that each park must have a map of its
boundaries, and have the infrastructure to provide geo-education to the public (U.N.E.S.C.O., 2015). The
Southern Ontario Geotourism Project will provide a map of an area where a Geopark could be
established, and create an online map application, used in tandem with an interpretive map, to educate
people on the area’s geological features. This will be accomplished by creating a geotourism database
containing geological and cultural information for Bruce, Grey, Simcoe, and Dufferin counties in
Southern Ontario for which the map and web application draw their data.
The project team at Earth Matters GIS hopes that the client for this project, Daryl Cowell, a geologist
from the Tobermory, Ontario region, will be able to use these products to eventually obtain official
Geopark designation.
Project Goals
1. Create a geotourism database consisting of the following geology datasets:
a. Surficial geology
b. Bedrock geology
c. Escarpment brow
d. Escarpment outliers
e. Locations of sand and gravel pits
f. Locations of quarries
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g. Contour lines
h. Bathymetry
i. Locations of outcrops
j. Karst
And the following cultural datasets:
a. County boundaries
b. Locations of museums and educational centers
c. Locations of geological plaques
d. Locations of ANSI sites (Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest)
This database will be constructed to ensure access to the datasets used in this project are easily
accessible.
2. Create a visually appealing physical two sided interpretive map. This map can be used to garnish
attention to the development of the Geopark while providing additional information on
geological formations within the area of interest.
3. Create an interactive online map application using every dataset in the database. This
application will appeal to a user’s curiosity by allowing them to select various polygons, points,
or lines with a mouse on a desktop computer, or finger on a mobile device, and view what each
feature represents.
Key Terms
Geotourism: “tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place—its environment,
culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents.” (National Geographic, 2010).
Geodatabase: A collection of physical geological features organized in a logical collection of tables with
natural behaviours and relationships assigned to them. (Zeiler, 1999).
ArcGIS: A geographical information system software. Will be used for the majority of spatial analysis,
data manipulation, and map creation in this project.
Clipping: Or clip/filter, a process undertaken using a tool in the ArcGIS environment which eliminates
unwanted data, specified by a GIS analyst.
Project Team: Earth Matters GIS consulting company comprised of Kyle Stief and Paresh Parikh.
Thesis Advisor: Dr. Xinxia (James) Jiang.
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Client: Daryl Cowell, P. Geo., of Daryl W. Cowell & Associates Inc.
Project Proposal: The Southern Ontario Geotourism Project Proposal, submitted to the client 20-Jan-
2016.
Project Deliverables
There are three major deliverables that the client will receive at the completion of this project.
1. Geotourism Database
This database will act as the foundation of the entire project and ensure that work may continue on
this project into the future. The database will be constructed in ArcMap v.10.3 and provided in
geodatabase, dBASE and CAD formats. Shapefiles of all layers will also be provided.
2. Interpretive Map
The front side of this map will portray the area of interest’s surficial geology, path of the
escarpment, and locations of geologically themed plaques one might see when traveling or hiking
through the area. Other data layers will be added to enhance the appearance of the map, but not
take away the purpose of this front side. The back of the map will be an info-graphic. It will display
multiple geological and cultural datasets clipped to the area of interest, and charts explaining the
time period when specific rock formations began forging. Text will be provided (supplied by Mr.
Cowell) explaining the significance of these layers to the area of interest.
3. Interactive web map application
This online application will provide an interactive visualization of each layer from the geotourism
database. It will allow a user to toggle which layer they wish to see, while allowing them to
investigate the layer further by providing an interactive experience. The application will be designed
for a desktop computer and tablet, but a mobile version will also be made available.
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2. Area of Interest
The area of interest (AOI) for this project includes Bruce, Grey, Simcoe and Dufferin counties of Southern
Ontario. Regions of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay have been included in this AOI to display their
bathymetry only. This area is located centrally at UTM 522918.7, 4914688.7, with the following extents:
North: 5019537, 4422073
South: 560313, 4845664
West: 382809, 5005155
East: 652420, 4931204
The AOI is displayed in Error! Reference source not found..
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Figure 1: Southern Ontario Geotourism Project Area of Interest.
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3. Literature Review
The purpose of this review is to evaluate some of the available literature related to this project. Three
topics were searched for this review: geodatabase design, webGIS applications, and geopark
successfulness. While the review focused mainly on the first two topics, all three provided insight that
will be utilized in the completion of the project.
The main component of this project, and consequently the literature review, is geodatabase design. The
importance of this preliminary phase cannot be overlooked, and was evident throughout the literature
as ‘design’ was often found in part of the titles. However, it was the elements and structure of the
design stage that seemed to vary throughout the reviewed literature.
A common principle amongst the works was the adoption or creation of standards in regards to data.
Masetti and Calder (2013) ensured that in the creation of their geodatabase, data format was based on
a standard developed by an international organization, in this case, the International Hydrographic
Organization. The primary reason for using this standard was to give their database “potential to adopt
some of the geographic features already present in the existing S-100 Feature Concept Dictionaries” - a
listing of how the organization classifies certain features (Masetti & Calder, 2013). This concept was
echoed by Svob, Arroyo-Mora, and Kalacska (2014), especially when using complex data from a wide
collection of sources. However, in this instance, the designers decided to create their own standard,
rather than adopting one.
This concept of standardizing data was also apparent in articles relating to web applications. The
seemingly constant publication of online maps makes the standardization of data essential to ensure the
author’s data can be recognized by others. This is critical, especially if the data was created with the
intention of sharing. According to Meng, Xie, & Bian (2010), the Open GIS Consortium (OGC) developed
a Web Processing Service (WPS) as a means to ensure data from different sources will be interoperable
when coded with the Geographic Markup Language (GML).
A second concept highlighted in the literature was to plan for the future. A geodatabase must have the
capacity to be altered without limiting its functionality and efficacy. Barnolas & Llasat (2007) ensured
the creation of their flood geodatabase took into consideration the possibility of new research, or
discoveries, becoming relevant to the study of flood occurrences, giving their database the ability to be
“updated”. Although they did not provide specifics on how they expected to achieve this, Tennant
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(2007) did in his article about creating an archaeology geodatabase. Planning for future modifications
was accomplished by ensuring feature classes had the capacity to contain ample amounts of
information.
The second component of this literature review was to investigate the common themes in the creation
of online web applications. It was discovered by the team that the software they will be using to create
the interpretive map, ArcMap v.10.3, has the ability to create web applications (Law & Collins, 2015).
However there still remains aspects of online map creation that must be taken into consideration. Kraak
(2004) emphasises the issues many online maps have surrounds data effieciency and internet
connection speeds. Data effieciency concerns the project team, however, connection speeds may have
been an issue when the article was written in 2004, but there have since been many advances in this
field so they pose less of a concern.
Of importance to note, was Kraak’s insistence on the presence of contrast (2004). This contrast he
writes of is in regards to text, or buttons, that change the view of the map, or lead the user elsewhere.
This contrast is necessary, explains Kraak, as it “invites the user to click on [symbols or objects] to
activate a hyperlink or mouse-over effects” (2004).
Finally, this review investigated what specific elements in a map can assist in rendering a geopark
successful. The overarching theme in the articles was education. Vujičić , et al., (2011), looked into
whether or not a geopark had the capacity to provide education, and interpretation, to those “non-
specialists”, mainly tourists. The geological site studied in the article was critiqued on whether there
were resources available to the public that could provide information on the location. It was clear that
in order for a site to become a geopark, there must be scientific documentation, in esteemed academic
journals, about the site’s geological significance (Vujičić , et al., 2011).
UNESCO’s application form reiterates that notion of providing education. The current criteria developed
by UNESCO requires there to be a system in place that can educate visitors on the geological features of
the park (U.N.E.S.C.O., 2015). Others found that the educational systems in place benefitted local
residents. Fanwei (2014) studied the effects of establishing Mount Huaying Grand Canyon Geological
Park in China, on the local population. Results showed that the number of people with “a relatively high
level” of knowledge increased following the creation, and geo-heritage marketing of the geopark
(Fanwei, 2014).
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This review delved into some of the literature available on geodatabases, web applications and
geoparks, uncovering valuable information that the project team will consider when completing the
project. The success of this project will rely on building upon previous attempts at educational map
design, and adopting strategies that have proved successful to others, while simultaneously creating a
unique end product.
4. Methodology
The original plan for completing the project outlined in the project proposal changed throughout its
duration. Outlined below was the final processes required to successfully finalizing the project and
meeting the client’s goals.
Project Planning
The planning process is extensive, and commenced with the initial client and advisory meetings. The
client meeting provided a much more comprehensive understanding than was provided on the request
for proposal (RFP). The purpose of the preliminary advisory meeting was to obtain advice on the work
associated with our project, and how the project team should begin. Following the initial meetings was
the creation of the Project Overview Statement (P.O.S.), a document outlining the Project Team’s
understanding of the project and its requirements. The P.O.S. can be viewed in Appendix B.
Extensive research into the project’s components followed and a literature review was initiated
investigating 3 topics:
1. Geoparks: What makes them successful? How are they marketed? Are there any existing web
applications based on a Geopark?
2. Geodatabase design: How can they be created efficiently and effectively?
3. Web application construction: How to create a web application? Benefits and advantages of
various software.
As the project progressed it was evident that the initial literature review was not sufficient, especially in
regards to web application development. After much discourse with the client, a decision was made to
ensure the web application was created using Google Maps rather than Esri’s products as they require a
license. In addition, Google Maps is cost effective, and provides a base map with external links built into
it, and can be edited anywhere with internet connection. Research then focused on exploring the
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functional relationship between conversions of Esri feature classes to KML and KMZ formats, Google’s
preferred format for displaying geographical data.
The project’s budget and schedule was developed simultaneously using Microsoft Project 2013 based on
the project team’s level of experience and what they thought was required to complete the project. The
software allowed the team to assign hours to each task, by team member, and see where over
allocation may occur. Budget and schedule planning were carried out by the GIS analyst, Mr. Parikh.
Collect, Analyze and Edit Data
Extensive data collection and analysis occurred throughout the duration of the project; each datum
required editing. All data were available through open sources. The first process undertaken was to
create a shapefile (named aoi_complete.shp) representing the geographical boundaries of the project
that included both land and water regions. From this shapefile, every dataset used in the project was
clipped, allowing for the editing process to begin. A python script was created to expedite this process.
For this script to operate, it required 3 input variables:
1. An input folder location where the script could locate all shapefiles requiring a clipping process.
2. An output folder location where the resulting shapefiles would be placed.
3. The location of the file (shapefile or layer) that provided the boundaries to which all shapefiles
were clipped to.
All data were edited, although some datasets only required the clipping process. Table 1 displays the
data used for the project, what is was used for, what organization supplied it, any editing performed on
it (all geological editing and attribute reclassification performed by the project team in the ArcGIS
environment under direction of client), and what attribute is being displayed in the web application and
interpretive map, only if multiple options were available. The ‘Editing’ and ‘Displaying’ fields in Table 1
pertain to column names from a datum’s attribute table.
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Table 1: Data used in project.
Purpose: Area of Interest; county boundaries
Dataset: Ontario Base Map Data Delivery Website
Filename: MUNICIPAL_BOUNDARY_UPPER_TIER_AND_DISTRICT.shp
Scale:
Date: February 2014
Source: Ontario Basic Mapping; Government of Ontario; Esri Canada; Geography Network Canada.
Editing: Removed all polygons except AOI (FID #25, 47, 48, 54, 68, 69). Edited FID #55, 68, 89, 90 for
clipping of bathymetry.
Purpose: Surficial Geology
Dataset: MRD128-REV, Township and Unorganized Area Fabric for Ontario (Quarternary)
File: sgu_Polybedrock polygon.lyr, geology_II.shp
Scale: 1:50,000
Date: April 2010
Source: MRD128-123: Ontario Geological Survey 2010. Surficial geology of Southern Ontario; Ontario
Geological Survey, Miscellaneous Release--Data 128-REV ISBN 978-1-4435-2483-4 [DVD] ISBN 978-1-
4435-2482-7 [zip file]; Ontario Ministry of Northern Development and Mines 2004. Quarternary:
Township and Unorganized Area Fabric for Ontario. Data Set 12.
Editing: Clipped to AOI file; Dissolve polygons < 10ha (exceptions: SINGLE_NEW_ID: 7, 7b, 7a, 19, 18,
12); Dissolve ‘SINGLE_NEW_ID: 21’ into surrounding polygon; Merge and rename by SINGLE_NEW_ID:
{1; 2} as ‘Canadian Shield bedrock’, {5a; 5b; 5c} as ‘Sandy Glacial Till’, {5d} as ‘Clay-rich Glacial Till’, {6}
as ‘Coarse glacier edge deposits, {7; 7a; 7b} as ‘Glacial Riverbed’, {8a} as ‘Offshore Glacial Lakebed’, {9;
9a; 9b; 9c} as ‘Nearshore Glacial Lakebed’, {18; 12; 19} as ‘Post-glacial River Floodplains’, {13; 14b; 14c}
as Modern Lake (Beach), {17} as ‘Sand dunes and plains’, {20} as ‘Wetlands’; SINGLE_NEW_ID: {3; 4}
merged and displayed ‘PRIMARY_LITHO’ from MRD219; ‘Cape Croker’ region (OBJECTID 151); Added
attribute for Goolge Fusion Tables symbology. All PRIM_MAT: {Palezoic Bedrock}, replaced with
MRD219: PRIMARY_LI: {Dolostone, shale, evaporates} as ‘Dolostone, shale’; {Limestone; Limestone,
dolostone; limestone, shale} as ‘Dominantly limestone’; {Shale; shale, dolostone, sandstone; shale,
limestone; shale, sandstone} as ‘Dominantly shale’; {Crystalline basement} as ‘Canadian Shield
bedrock’.
Displaying: interpretive_display
Purpose: Bedrock Geology; Paleozoic bedrock classification
Dataset: MRD219
File: paleo_poly polygon.lyr
Scale: 1:50,000
Date: June 2007
Source: Armstrong, D.K. and Dodge, J.E.P. 2007. Paleozoic geology of southern Ontario; Ontario
Geological Survey
Editing: Clipped to AOI file; Added attribute for Goolge Fusion Tables symbology; Renamed
FORMATION{Amabel} to ‘Amabel(Lockport Group)’
Displaying: FORMATION
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Purpose: Bathymetry
Dataset: Lake_Huron_Contours
File: Lake_Huron_Contours.shp
Scale:
Date: 1999
Source: National Geophysical Data Center, 1999. Bathymetry of Lake Huron. National Geophysical Data
Center, NOAA. doi:10.7289/V5G15XS5.
Editing: Clipped to AOI (see editing of MUNICIPAL_BOUNDARY_UPPER_TIER_AND_DISTRICT.shp)
Displaying: DEPTH
Purpose: Niagara Escarpment Brow
Dataset:
File: mndm_brow.shp
Scale: 1:50,000
Date: 2016
Source: Niagara Escarpment Commission
Editing: Clipped to AOI file; removed brow from: Bears Rump Island, Flowerpot Island, Cove Island,
North Otter Island, South Otter Island, Echo Island; Altered path of brow as per D. Cowell 2016;
Merged FID {0-9}; Separated polyline into OBJECTID: 1 (Land), 2 (Water); Added attribute for Google
Fusion Tables symbology: {Id}.
Displaying: Id
Purpose: Niagara escarpment outliers
Dataset:
File: outliers.shp
Scale: 1:50,000
Date: 2013
Source: Niagara Escarpment Commission
Editing: Clipped to AOI file; Removed FID 16 (The Forty Hills); Appended ‘Bears Rump’ as OBJECTID 20.
Displaying: Name
Purpose: Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest
Dataset: North American Profile of ISO 19115 Geographic Information Metadata
Filename: ANSI.shp
Scale: 1:10,000 to 1:250,000
Date: March 2012
Source: Land Information Ontario
Editing: Clipped to AOI file; Removed: SUBTYPE, OGF_ID, STYPE_NUM, SITE_IDENT, PLN_CONSID,
MGMT_PLAN, LO_CONTACT, ACT_RESTR, NHIC_AR_ID, IUCN_CAT, ACCURACY, SENS_CLASS,
SENS_RAT, SENS_DESCR, USER_CALC, GNL_CMT, GEO_UPD_DT, EFF_DATE; Merged all duplicate values
within ‘ANSI_NAME’.
Displaying: ANSI_NAME
Purpose: Outcrop location
Dataset: MRD207
Filename: datapoints.lyr
Scale:
Date: December 2006
Source: Gao, C., Shirota, J., Kelly, R. I., Brunton, F.R., van Haaften, S. 2006. Bedrock topography and
overburden thickness mapping, southern Ontario; Ontario Geological Survey, Miscellaneous Release--
Data 207. ISBN 1-4249-2550-9.
Editing: Clipped to AOI file;
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Purpose: Contour lines creation
Dataset: MRD207
Filename: dem
Scale:
Date: December 2006
Data 207. ISBN 1-4249-2550-9
Editing: Clipped to AOI file; converted to 10m contour lines with Spatial Analyst tool.
Purpose: Pits and quarries locations
Dataset: MRD128-REV
Filename: ogs.pits.point.lyr
Scale: 1:50,000
Date: April 2010
Source: Ontario Geological Survey 2010. Surficial geology of Southern Ontario; Ontario Geological
Survey, Miscellaneous Release--Data 128-REV ISBN 978-1-4435-2483-4 [DVD] ISBN 978-1-4435-2482-7
[zip file].
Editing: Clipped to AOI file.
Purpose: Karst
Dataset: GRS005
Filename: karst_poly polygon.lyr
Scale:
Date: December 2008
Source: Brunton, F.R. and Dodge, J.E.P. 2008. Karst of southern Ontario and Manitoulin Island; Ontario
Geological Survey, Groundwater Resources Study 5. ISBN 978-1-4249-8376-6 (ZIP FILE); ISBN 978-1-
4249-8375-9 (DVD)
Editing: Clipped to AOI file; Changed symbology: ‘All other values’ to ‘Unknown’ as per D. Cowell.
Displaying: KARST
Purpose: Museum locations
Dataset:
Filename: museum.shp
Scale:
Date: March 2016
Source: Google 2016; Created by Earth Matters GIS, 2016.
Displaying: Name
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Purpose: Plaque locations
Dataset:
Filename: plaques.shp
Scale:
Date: May 2016
Source: D. Cowell
Displaying: Name
Purpose: Hillshade for interpretive map
Dataset: MRD207
Filename: demshade
Scale:
Date: May 2016
Data 207. ISBN 1-4249-2550-9.
Editing: Clipped to AOI file
Displaying: N/A
Purpose: Digitial Elevation Model for interpretive map
Dataset: huron_lld; MRD207
Filename: huron_lld.asc; dem
Scale:
Date: 2016; December 2006.
Data 207. ISBN 1-4249-2550-9; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 2016.
Editing: Clipped to AOI file
Displaying: N/A
All edits to attribute data were determined by the project team. All original geological attributes were
maintained in the event they are required for visualization in the future and kept as shapefiles. All
edited shapefiles were stored together prior to be exported into the geodatabase.
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Design and Create the Database/Geodatabase
Initially perceived to be a time consuming stage, geodatabase design and development was expedited
due to the format of the datasets used for the project. All subtypes, domains, field types, etc. were
previously established thus only requiring a brief inspection to ensure all properties would facilitate the
project’s geodatabase. Two feature classes were required to be created; their properties are displayed
in Table 2 and Table 3.
Table 2: Museum feature class properties.
Feature class: Museum
Geometry Type: Point
Field Name Alias Data Type Null Values Length
OBJECTID OBJECTID Object ID No
Shape Shape Geometry Yes
Museums Name Text Yes 254
Address Address Text Yes 254
PostalCode PostalCode Text Yes 254
Easting Easting Double Yes
Northing Northing Double Yes
Website Website Text Yes 100
Phone Phone Number Text Yes 50
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Table 3: Plaque series feature class properties.
Feature class: Plaque
Geometry type: Point
Field Name Alias Data Type Null Values Length
OBJECTID OBJECTID Object ID No
Shape Shape Geometry Yes
Plaque_Nam Plaque Name Text Yes 254
Easting Easting Long Integer Yes
Northing Northing Long Integer Yes
Lat Latitude Double Yes
Long Longitude Double Yes
Plaque_Info Plaque Info Text Yes 1000
PlaqueID PlaqueID Short Integer
A total of 6 geodatabases were created, all serving a single purpose:
1. Geotourism.gdb: contains all edited layers and associated attributes for project, clipped to
AOI. Acts as the source for all maps (appendix, interpretive map).
2. webApp.gdb: contains all edited layers for project required to be displayed in web
application via information boxes. All attributes not being displayed in application were
removed to increase speed.
3. County_bruce.gdb: contains all edited data for project, clipped to Bruce County.
4. County_simcoe.gdb: contains all edited data for project, clipped to Simcoe County.
5. County_grey.gdb: contains all edited data for project, clipped to Grey County.
6. County_dufferin.gdb: contains all edited data for project, clipped to Dufferin County.
Creating a geodatabase for each county allows future development to focus on any number of counties
without the need to clip a county’s data from the total AOI.
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Each geodatabase contains two feature datasets of similar feature classes that organizes the layers:
1. Geology feature dataset: containing points, lines, and polygon feature classes containing
geological information.
2. Areas feature dataset: containing polygon and point feature classes containing any type of
locational information
The naming convention attempted to group similar feature classes with a prefix, and separate them with
a suffix. Organizing data in this manner increased efficiency when searching for a specific feature class.
This can be seen in Figure 2.
Figure 2: Database configuration.
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Each feature dataset was assigned the projected coordinate system: NAD 1983 UTM Zone 17N. Each
edited shapefile was imported to a feature dataset accordingly.
If a feature class was required to display variation within itself (ie. Surficial geology), a ‘label category’
was added with a ‘Short Integer’ data type. This category is necessary for Google Fusion Tables to
correctly display the layer variance and will be discussed later.
Because geodatabases are proprietary, each was exported to dBASE and CAD format (only available
options) to allow future work without the use of Esri products.
Web Application Development
Application development employed a combination of Google Fusion Tables (GFT) and JavaScript (JS).
GFT was chosen due to:
a) Its ability to handle immense tabular datasets.
b) Its ability to display geographic data using Google Maps API
c) It is open source
d) Each map can show 350,000 features, but limited to 1M characters per record, and 10M
vertices per map (Google, 2016).
Each layer required for the web application was uploaded to GFT individually to account for the size
restrictions. The following steps were taken to upload to GFT:
1. In the symbology tab of a feature class’s options, under unique values within ‘Categories’,
choose which ‘Value Field’ needs to be displayed (see ‘Displaying’ in Table 1) and apply.
2. Convert feature class to a layer file.
3. Enable the Data Interoperability extension, export layer file to Google KML format with the
‘Quick Export’ tool.
4. Apply appropriate name to newly created KML file and store in folder.
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In KML format, each feature class was now able to be visualized within the GFT editor. The editor allows
the user to manipulate how the data is visualized and add or remove any fields. GFT requires a single
KML geometry field to display a layer, every other layer could be removed. Besides this field, every other
field was removed unless it defined differences between polygons using the aforementioned ‘label
category’, or displayed specific information for the info boxes. This was done to reduce the size of the
table, and increase efficiency. Figure 3 shows the columns from the Surficial Geology fusion table; all
other were deemed unnecessary.
Figure 3: Surficial geology fusion table.
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It is the GFT editor where basic symbology was applied, information box layouts were determined, and
where a functional JS was created. If a layer needed to display various colours within it, GFT requires the
colours to be determined based on a numerical category. This category was created by applying a single
number to each group of elements to be displayed. Layers requiring this category include:
• Surficial geology
• Lithology
• Escarpment brow
• Karst
The grouped elements and designated category number for the surficial geology layer can be seen in
Figure 4.
Figure 4: Surficial geology label categories used to discern different polygons in GFT.
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Within the GFT editor, symbology can be customized by manually applying colours based on the range
determined from the label category, as shown in Figure 5.
Figure 5: Applying colours to polygons in GFT editor.
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Finally, a custom interactive information window was developed for each layer that was thought would
be enhanced with its addition. GFT requires the information tables to be scripted within the editor,
combining HTML and inline styling, and a hybrid form of JS. Criteria for deciding if a layer would receive
this enhancement included:
• Type of feature: polygon, point, line.
• Ease of selecting each feature with a mouse or fingertip.
• Could relevant information be displayed?
• Could an external link be applied to allow for further exploration?
Every layer received an information box except for ‘Sand and Gravel Pits’, and ‘Quarries’. This was due
to both layers being point feature classes, having many features, and not having data to differentiate
between them.
Data for each layer, or fusion table, used in the map application are stored within Google’s server, and
accessed through a Google account. An account was created containing all the fusion tables and it is
here where all future edits to the tables will occur. Account information is as follows:
Username: gbgeotourism@gmail.com
Password: G3070ur15m
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To access the tables, one must first log into the provided account at www.google.com, then access
Google Drive. Figure 6 displays where to find this access.
The recovery email address associated with this account is dcowell@amtelecom.net.
Figure 6: Google applications. The red boxes indicate where to locate the application window, and where
Google Drive is located.
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When each layer is completed, GFT generates a script which can be embedded in a website as is, or can
be taken and customized. This JS embodies all the properties, symbology, and importantly, a unique
identifier used in calling the location of the table from cyberspace. This script is displayed in Figure 7.
Each layer, or fusion table, provided a JS similar to this, which were taken and further edited by the
project team to create a script which eventually became the web application.
Figure 7: JavaScript generated by GFT.
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Interpretive Map
The interpretive map, titled GeoLandscapes of the Southern Georgian Bay Region, was created using
ArcMap v.10.3 with data from the geotourism geodatabase, and has content on both the front and back.
Content was based on the client’s request and the project team’s understanding of cartographic design.
The front of the map contains 5 layers:
1. Surficial Geology
2. Plaque Locations
3. Escarpment brow
4. Hillshade
5. Water
The primary purpose of the front of this map was to highlight the complex surficial geology throughout
the AOI. To accomplish this, the project team applied a colour scheme that would illustrate the various
features by ensuring an appropriate amount of contrast exists between the colours. In addition, some
features were assigned colours based on what someone would traditionally associate that feature with.
For example, ‘Glacial Riverbed’ was assigned a blue colour, and ‘Sand Dunes and Plains’ was assigned a
tan like colour. The display of this layer was set to a transparency value of 35%, to be discussed.
The escarpment brow and plaque series layers were added to supplement the surficial geology layer
without drawing the reader’s attention. The brow was assigned two colours: black, representing on-
land; and blue, representing under-water. The thickness of the brow was set at 3.5pts, large enough to
distinguish its path, but not too large that it becomes a distraction.
To refrain from cluttering the map with text, each plaque series point was assigned a number
corresponding to the name of that plaque in the map’s legend. A white star with a black border was
chosen as the symbol to represent these plaques as the colour and shape cannot be seen anywhere else
on the map. The size of the symbol was set to 35pts, seemingly large, yet small when on a map of this
size.
Two sets of the same hillshade raster were applied to the map to indicate the region outside of the AOI,
and to add texture to the AOI. The raster used for texture was clipped to the AOI and was placed
immediately under the semi-transparent surficial geology layer. The second raster was not clipped, but
had its brightness increased by 15%. By using two rasters in this manner the Project Team was able to
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highlight the AOI with the brightness and colour of the second raster, without affecting the texture
effect provided by the first.
The layout of the map was constructed to create empty ‘white space’ in the vicinity of Lake Huron as to
have a location for the map’s interpretive text. The text, provided by the client, contains detailed
information about each layer and a brief summary of the updated legend (for details please refer to
Table 1, ‘Edits’ for surficial geology).
An 8” by 11” view of this side of the map is displayed in Figure 8.
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Figure 8: Front side of interpretive map.
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The reverse side of the map was to act as an info-graphic and contains smaller images of the following
layers:
• Digital elevation model
• County boundaries
• Museum locations
• ANSI locations
• Outcrops
• Outliers
• Bedrock
• Pits and Quarry locations
Each layer was given a colour scheme used to highlight its various features. The digital elevation model
was given a standard colour scheme: blue representing low elevation, red representing high elevation.
Each map contains all cartographic elements in the same position for consistency, while data sources for
each map are located in the text column along the right side of the info-graphic.
Two charts provided by the client are also present on the reverse depicting the creation of various
formations by time period. Red boxes were added to ‘Graphic A’ indicating the project’s AOI. In addition
to each map’s, or graph’s title, a reference letter was applied in the top right corner. This reference can
be matched to the text column and will provide the image’s source, and any supplemental information.
The vision for the info-graphic was to create two separate areas, one for all the text (excluding legends),
and the other for all the images. It was designed in this manner to facilitate readability and give
structure to the document. To appear consistent, calculated margins and spacing was given to all layout
borders and map elements.
An 8” by 11” view of this side of the map is displayed in Figure 9.
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Figure 9: Reverse side of interpretive map.
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5. Challenges
Data
Issues with open source data hindered the project through its entire duration. This was compounded
when attempting to merge datasets of similar regions, as the results often resulted in gaps. For example,
when creating the Bruce County polygon, not a single dataset contained everything the project team
desired. Data retrieved from Land Information Ontario portrayed a complete county, yet the coasts
were overly simplified. Data from Ontario Basic Mapping included a very detailed coastline, but did not
contain the First Nations lands of Cape Croker or Saugeen. This meant the project team was required to
perform an extensive editing and digitizing session for each county with a coastline, detailed in
Methodology. Figure 10 shows some of the raw data used to create the final Bruce County polygon.
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Figure 10: Bruce county editing issues.
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Every layer required some sort of editing by the project team, requiring many working hours to
complete. All edits required for the project are displayed in Table 1.
Web Application Development
Neither team member had previous experience with application development and was required to learn
techniques on the fly. The main challenges with development occurred when dealing with Google Fusion
Tables and JavaScript.
Although GFT is considered to be in development by Google (Google, 2016), ample discussion boards are
available online offering solutions to common issues. If a solution was not available or working from
these forums, the project team could make contact with the GFT development team whom proved to be
both helpful and quick to respond. One issue in particular requiring contact with the GFT team is
visualized in Figure 11, a portion of the Bruce County polygon’s most northern tip.
As one can see, there are two shades of red. However, there was no indication within the GFT editor
that there should be a variance in symbology. The GFT development team indicated that the darker
shade was due to the presence of duplicate identical polygons; nothing to do with the fusion table, but
Figure 11: GFT colour issue.
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something with the tabular dataset that was imported. Upon examination of the layers attribute table in
the GIS environment it was clear that an editing process had created 2 overlapping polygons and had
gone unnoticed by the project team. Without the help of the GFT development team, this issue would
have stolen many more working hours before being resolved.
JavaScript is used in the application to dictate how it displays the data. A functioning version of the
application required many hours and countless visits to online forums such as ‘Stack Exchange’. One
issue in particular was ensuring that the application functioned exactly the same when using Google
Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Internet Explorer. Some elements of the application did not require explicit
commands in order for them to function in some web browsers, but without these commands in other
browsers, the element would not function the same. The solution was seemingly elementary, but
without prior experience with these types of issues, it was difficult to discover the solution.
Interpretive Map
Designing an appealing and informative map/info-graphic is an arduous task. This is compounded when
there are 15+ images and several pages of text. It was the responsibility of the project team to organize
all the desired elements onto both sides of the interpretive map without overwhelming or confusing the
reader. Multiple editions were made of the map as various elements were resized, removed, or altered
to meet the needs of the client.
Choosing the appropriate symbology for the surficial geology proved to be difficult due to the
complexity, number, and seemingly random locations of the polygons making up the layer. If multiple
features appearing next to each other were indiscernible by colour, one of the features needed to be
changed. However this often resulted in a domino effect as attempting to contrast two or more features
in one region of the map would increase the colour similarities between features in another region of
the map. Figure 12 shows the intricate nature of the surficial geology layer and the project team’s
attempt at highlighting the various features.
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The back side of the interpretive map was equally difficult to design. Although it was understood that
the graphics could be smaller and there would be more text present, each element had to be large
enough to differentiate its constituents. To ensure one could read all the elements, sections of the map
were printed on paper at a scale mimicking the final size. This allowed the project team to visualize what
the final product would look like, and make changes to font or image sizes accordingly.
Figure 12: A section of the surficial geology demonstrating its complexity.
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6. Budget and Scheduling
(Please note: the proposed budget and schedule are used for educational purposes, and as such, were
estimated without prior knowledge of how long each process should take given the scope of the project.
The calculation of the project’s new final value is also used for educational purposes. The client is in no
way responsible for payment as the value of the project is being donated by the GIS Geospatial Advisory
Staff, Niagara College, and the students working on the project.)
Table 4 is a comparison of the budgeted hours and cost each project task as stated in the Project
Proposal with the actual hours and cost at the end of the project.
Table 4: Project cost and hour estimations versus actual.
Task Name Total Budgeted
Cost
Budgeted Hours Actual Cost Actual Hours +/- Cost
(over/under)
+/- Hours
(over/under)
Meetings $6,130.00 67 $3,257.50 33.15 $2,872.50 33.85
Project
Planning
$6,610.00 82.25 $7,687.25 55 $1,077.25 27.25
Data Collection $4,000.00 50 $7,240.00 90.5 $3,240.00 40.5
Progress
Report
$840.00 10.5 $680.00 8.5 $160.00 2
Geodatabase
Design
$6080.00 76 $450.00 6 $5,630.00 70
Map Design $4,480.00 56 $3,675.00 49 $805.00 7
Web
Application
Development
$4,150.00 52 $10,455.00 91 $6305.00 39
Final Report $1,850.00 23 $5688.50 84.5 $3,838.50 61.5
Project Totals $34,140.00 416.75 $39,133.25 417.65 $4,993.25
(%14.6)
0.9 (0.01%)
This table indicates that the project was over budget by approximately 15%, while requiring almost
exactly the amount of hours originally estimated. The largest difference between estimated and actual
work was attributed to the data collection, web application and final report sections of the project.
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These variances can largely be attributed to the project team’s lack of experience when planning a
project of this size and complexity. They were unaware of the amount of editing required in the data
collection phase, and had assumed web application development would be able to take place using
Esri’s ArcOnline, a heavily automated process. The final report required more hours to complete than
originally expected due to a failure to account for final presentation preparation, and from needing to
account for all the steps not originally foreseen in the project’s methodology. Figure 13 is a visual
representation of the variance between estimated and actual cost of each project task.
Figure 13: Bar chart illustrating estimated vs actual project costs.
0
2000
4000
6000
8000
10000
12000
Meetings Project
Planning
Data
Collection
Progress
Report
Geodatabase
Design
Map Design Web
Application
Development
Final Report
Dollars($)
Task Name
Estimated Cost vs Actual Cost
Estimated Actual
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Figure 14 is a visual representation of the variance between estimated and actual hours required to
complete each project task.
Project Value
The estimated value of the project upon submission of the project proposal was $42,436.02. Using
Error! Reference source not found., the project team was able to determine the actual value of the
project:
Equation 1: Determining the project's value.
𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉 = 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑒𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 + 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡
= $39,133.25 + 13% 𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻
= $44,220.57
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
HoursWorked
Task Name
Estimated Hours vs Actual Hours
Estimated Actual
Figure 14: Bar chart illustrating estimated vs actual project working hours.
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This calculation indicates that the project value has increased by $1,784.55, or 4%, from original
estimations, but has completely exhausted the 10% contingency.
Project Schedule
Table 5 displays the start and finish date of each project task.
Table 5: Project schedule.
Task Name Start Date Finish Date
Meetings 20-Oct-2015 7-Jun-2016
Project Planning 13-Oct-2015 7-Dec-2015
Data Collection & Analysis 19-Oct-2015 8-Apr-2016
Progress Report 14-Mar-2016 21-Mar-2016
Geodatabase Model Building 11-Apr-2016 23-Apr-2016
Map Creation 24-Apr-2016 17-May-2016
Web Application 18-May-2016 31-May-2016
Final Report 4-Jun-2016 17-Jun-2016
It was important for the project team to remain on schedule throughout the project. Slight alterations
were made to the original schedule as the Data Collection & Analysis phase required more time than
originally estimated. The same is true for the Web Application phase, yet the project was finished on
time by June 17, 2016.
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Earned Value Management
Figure 15 is the project’s earned value management chart, an overall depiction of how the project
progressed over time.
The red line indicates that the project was over budget, while the green line indicates that project
finished on time.
Figure 15: The project's earned value management chart.
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7. Recommendations for Future Development
As technology advances further each day, the limit to how an application interacts with its users is
endless. There are several recommendations Earth Matters GIS have devised to increase the user’s
experience when operating the web application.
Adding GPS Tracking
As it has become more common for everyone to own a smartphone, enabling a user to track their
movements, or obtain directions to certain features from their location, will increase the incentive to
use this application when visiting the AOI. Adding this function will require a firm understanding of
JavaScript, JQuery Mobile, and knowledge of how the current application operates using GFT.
Adding a Query Option
Allowing a user to query the application’s database can greatly improve the user’s experience, especially
if they have knowledge of the features within the AOI. Because the data for each layer is being stored as
separate tables within Google’s server, creating this type of query will require an understanding of the
GFT structure in addition to JavaScript.
Map Controls
Providing a user with multiple controls to customize the way the map operates or display will elevate
the user’s experience. Such options could allow a user to adjust the transparency of any layer, or order
at which they are displayed.
8. Conclusion
The Southern Ontario Geotourism Project was started in September 2015 by Kyle Stief and Paresh
Parikh of Earth Matters GIS. The project’s main goal was to create a geotourism database which
contained geological and cultural information from 4 counties: Bruce, Grey, Dufferin, and Simcoe. From
this database, the project team created an interpretive physical map, and an online interactive map
application to be used in tandem for educating the public on the various cultural and geological
significance of the features within these boundaries as a secondary goal.
3 deliverables were created from this project:
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• A geotourism database consisting of 6 sub-databases organized in a manner to facilitate
future work on this project.
• A two-sided 26” by 34” map/info-graphic displaying multiple layers from the database and
accompanying interpreted text.
• An online map application created with Google Fusion Tables.
The project was estimated to cost $42,436.02, and ended up costing $44,220.57 a difference of
$1,784.55, or 4%. The project was completed on schedule by June 17, 2016.
Earth Matters GIS is confident the products they created will meet the needs of the client to further his
goal of establishing a GeoPark, and would be happy to work with Mr. Cowell on future endeavors.
9. Acknowledgements
The consultants at Earth Matters GIS would like to thank the following:
• Daryl Cowell for providing the opportunity to work on an exciting and meaningful project.
• Project advisor Dr. James Jiang for his guidance throughout the duration of the project.
• GIS - Geospatial Management faculty for providing support in all aspects of the project from
beginning to end.
• Niagara College for providing access to the computers and software necessary for the project’s
completion.
• All organizations which provided the data used in this project: Geology Ontario, Land
Information Ontario, Niagara Escarpment Commission, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration.
• Frank Brunton for providing the bedrock formational sequence displayed on the info-graphic.
• Daniel Ventresca for providing shapefile information the Niagara Escarpment brow and outliers.
• Kei Yeung for providing directions on how to obtain data for this project.
• The Google Fusion Table development team for answering all questions in a fast and effective
manner.
• Fellow classmates and colleagues in the apart of the 2016 GIS – Geospatial Management
graduating class for their support and encouragement.
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10. Works Cited
Canadian Geoparks Network. (2015). How to Become a Geopark. Retrieved from Canadian Geoparks
Network: http://www.canadiangeoparks.org/how-to-become-a-geopark.html
Esri Inc. (2014). ArcGIS 10.3 for Desktop.
Fanwei, Z. (2014). An evaluation of residents’ perceptions of the creation of a geopark: a case study of
the geopark in Mt. Huaying Grand Canyon, Sichuan Province, China. Environmental Earth
Sciences, 1453–1463.
Google. (2016). New features. Retrieved from About Fusion Tables:
https://support.google.com/fusiontables/answer/2571232
Law, M., & Collins, A. (2015). Getting to Know ArcGIS Fourth Ed. Redlands: Esri Press.
Masetti, G., & Calder, B. (2013). Design of a standardized geo-database for risk monitoring. Environment
Systems and Decisions, 138-149.
National Geographic. (2010). About Geotourism. Retrieved from Center for Sustainable Destinations:
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/sustainable/about_geotourism.html
U.N.E.S.C.O. (2015). Application Form for UNESCO Global Geoparks. United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization.
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). (2016). Earth Sciences -
UNESCO Global Geoparks. Retrieved from UNESCO: http://www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-
sciences/environment/earth-sciences/global-geoparks/
Zeiler, M. (1999). Modeling Our World. The ESRI Guide to Geodatabase Design. Redlands: Environmental
Systems Research Institute, Inc.
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Appendix A:
Client RFP

GIS Postgraduate Student/Consultant Project for
2015-16
Project ID: 201516-12 (for our office use only)
Contact Person & Organization Details
Contact Person Name: Daryl Cowell
Title:
Telephone: 519.596.8187
Fax:
Email: dcowell@amtelecom.net
Organization Name: Great Arc Geopark Initiative
Address: c/o 27 Rita Crescent RR1 Tobermory ON, Canada N0H 2R0
Website: In process
Date: August 16, 2015
Geotourism Data Base and Map of the Southern Georgian Bay Region
Project Details
Project Background
Project Problem/Opportunity: Geotourism is a new and rapidly expanding area related to education and
sustainable tourism. The problem is a lack of information readily available in simple but elegant form to engage
the “layperson”.
Business Goal: To provide a geotourism experience to a broad audience as the first step in developing
geoscience education and sustainable tourism business opportunities in the southern Georgian Bay Region.
Primary Project Objectives [Provide a list of the project objectives.]
• Create a geoscience data base with interactive layers;
• Create an interpreted map with text to enhance County-level tourism initiatives;
• Provide an interactive web-based data base for planners, educators, professionals, and the public.
Primary Project Deliverables [Provide a list of the project objectives.]
• A GIS database consisting of geoscience layers for the region (at least 6 layers);
• A high quality map of geological features, areas and points suitable for publication;
• An interactive web-based database.
Requirements
Number of students required to
complete the project:
3
Equipment required (if any): Not Required
Data required (if any):
All data should be available through the public domain including the Ontario
Geological Survey.
Software required (if any): Arc Info (?)
Confidentiality No restrictions
Please fill-in all the yellow shaded boxes. For more information, please contact Janet Finlay (jfinlay@niagaracollege.ca). Page 1 of 2
For the Attention of the Students: This project will be used as part of the GIS postgraduate course GISC9302, GISC9309, and GISC9310. Forward
letter of interest (including GIS project posting Number) and resume to Janet Finlay (jfinlay@niagaracollege.ca) via WORD attachment by
5 pm, September 25, 2015.

GIS Postgraduate Student/Consultant Project for 2015-16
Page 2 of 2

Appendix B:
Project Overview Statement

135 Taylor Rd
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
L0S 1J0
Kylestief@gmail.com
902-449-5039
Project Overview Statement (POS)
Executive Summary
Project Name: Southern Ontario Geotourism Database
Last Updated Date: 11-09-2015
Authour(s): Kyle Stief & Paresh Parikh
Project Manager(s): Kyle Stief
Project Members: Paresh Parikh
Client Name: Daryl Cowell, dcowell@amtelecom.net, 519-596-8187
Client Organization: Great Arc Geopark Initiative
Project Business Case
Business Problem/Issue/Opportunity
Geotourism is a new and rapidly expanding area related to education and sustainable tourism. The problem is
a lack of information readily available in simple, but elegant form, to engage the layperson. Creating a
geotourism database is a stepping stone in establishing an internationally recognized geo-park in the Southern
Ontario region.
Project Business Goal
To provide an online interactive map used to assist in educating the public on the geology of Bruce, Simcoe
and Grey Counties.
Primary Project Objectives
Primary Project Objectives
• Create a geo-database of Bruce, Grey and Simcoe Counties by April 2016 consisting of the following layers:
1. A geology layer to include surficial geology, bedrock geology, gravel and quarry pit locations,
physiographic regions, ANSI (Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest) boundaries and names, locations
of escarpment brow and outliers, and location of Geological Plaque Series.
2. A cultural layer to include county boundaries, provincial and county roads, and locations of towns and
hamlets.
3. A topographic layer to include 5 meter contour lines.
4. A water layer to include the major bodies of water and their bathymetry, and major rivers.
• Create an online interactive map based on the geo-database that allows users to choose which layers they
want to see to be completed by June 2016 (scale range to be determined).
Confidential Page 1 of 4 November 10, 2015

Project Overview Statement—Executive Summary
• Create and print a map of the 3 counties consisting of several layers (to be determined) with
accompanying educational information about the map’s content on the reverse to be completed by June
2016 (scale to be determined).
Project Benefits
Project Benefits
• Provides an interactive educational tool to be used and understood by the general public.
• A stepping stone in the creation of a UNESCO Geopark.
• Promotes a sense of sustainability within the residents of the counties by illustrating the ecological
benefits of the region.
Primary Project Deliverables
Milestone 1: Present Project Proposal
• Deliverable 1.1: Hardcopy of proposal report which will include time estimations, cost estimations, project
understanding, a breakdown of all associated tasks and available resources.
• Deliverable 1.2: Verbal presentation of project proposal.
Milestone 2: Complete data collection
• Deliverable 2.1: List of attained data with dates, sources and potential issues with it.
• Deliverable 2.2: List of unattainable data and potential solutions.
Milestone 3: Progress Report
• Deliverable 3.1: Hardcopy of progress report which will include all completed tasks to date, all tasks which
still need to be completed, the project schedule, the plan for moving ahead, the project
budget and any difficulties that the team has come across.
• Deliverable 3.2: Verbal presentation of progress report.
Milestone 4: Database Design Completion
• Deliverable 4.1: Description of how database will operate and how it’s operation will be presented on a
map.
• Deliverable 4.2: Provide options on how final map will be presented.
Milestone 5: Map Completion
• Deliverable 5.1: Final map viewable in ArcGIS software including all layers
• Deliverable 5.2: Strategies on which online application software is most suitable for the client’s needs.
Milestone 6: Web Application Complete
• Deliverable 6.1: Interactive map with interchangeable layers.
• Deliverable 6.2: Instruction manual for web application.
Milestone 7: Final Presentation

• Deliverable 7.1: Hardcopy of final project report containing project conclusions, total costs, encountered
problems, recommendations on moving forward, web application instructions.
• Deliverable 7.2: Hardcopy of educational map with desired layers (to be determined).
• Deliverable 7.3: Verbal presentation of final report.
• Deliverable 7.4: USB device containing a digital copy of final report.
Project Conditions
Project Assumptions and Risks
The following is a list of assumptions that will either assist the team, or be severely detrimental to the project’s
completion:
• It is assumed that all required data is open source, accurate and accessible for all three counties, and any
extra information pertaining to geology is available from client if necessary.
• It is assumed that the client, his associates, and the team’s academic advisor’s input is readily available,
and that they will continue to work with the team until the project’s completion.
• It is assumed there is a budget available for the publication of final map(s).
• It is assumed that the majority of the data can be filtered for desired results.
• It is assumed that there will be computers available with the necessary software installed.
• It is assumed that the team members contain the necessary skills between them to complete the project
and that they can work well together.
• It is assumed that this project, or something closely similar, is not being undertaken by another
consultancy group.
• It is assumed that both team members will continue to work on the project until completion.
Project Issues and Constraints
Issues:
• Hardware or software issues.
• Datasets cannot be filtered for desired results.
• A similar project is completed and rendering this project useless.
Constraints:
• The project starts to become too large.
Project Critical Success Factors (Key Performance Indicators)
Project Critical Success Factors
The following is a list of factors that will guarantee a successful project:
• Each team member has an appropriate understanding of geodatabase design and function.
• The data collected is appropriate for the project and is current.
• The goal of the clients have been clearly understood by all project members.
• The project advisor’s recommendations are implemented.
• The team adheres to the planned schedule.
Project Duration Estimates

Project Phases Date Estimate
Project Start Date 2015-09-29
Milestone 1: Present Project Proposal 2015-11-10 – 2015-12-18
Milestone 2: Complete Data Collection 2015-10-29 – 2016-02-01
Milestone 3: Database Design Completion 2016-02-01 – 2016-02-29
Milestone 4: Map Completion 2016-03-01 – 2016-04-04
Milestone 5: Progress Report 2016-04-05 – 2016-04-15
Milestone 6: Web Application Completion 2016-04-18 – 2016-05-23
Milestone 7: Final Report Completion 2016-05-23 – 2016-06-14
Project End Date 2016-06-15
APPROVALS (sign on the dotted lines)
PREPARED BY DATE
(PROJECT MANAGER)
APPROVED BY DATE
(PROJECT / EXECUTIVE / CLIENT SPONSOR)
By signing this document, the above objectives, statements and dates have been agreed upon. However, due dates are only an estimate and are
qualified to change based on certain situations and issues.

Appendix C:
Work Breakdown Structure

Appendix D:
Gantt Chart

ID ID WBS Task Name Start Finish Work Cost % Complete
1 1 1 Southern Ontario Geotourism Project Tue 10/13/15 Fri 6/17/16 417.65 hrs $39,133.25 100%
2 2 1.1 Meetings Tue 10/20/15 Tue 6/7/16 33.15 hrs $3,257.50 100%
3 3 1.1.1 Client Meeting Tue 10/20/15 Tue 6/7/16 27.65 hrs $2,178.07 100%
21 21 1.1.2 Advisor Meeting Mon 1/11/16 Mon 6/6/16 5.5 hrs $1,079.43 100%
33 33 1.2 Project Planning Tue 10/13/15 Mon 12/7/15 55 hrs $7,687.25 100%
34 34 1.2.1 Initial Client Meeting Tue 10/20/15 Wed 10/21/15 2.5 hrs $320.00 100%
35 35 1.2.2 Initial Advisor Meeting Fri 10/23/15 Fri 10/23/15 2.5 hrs $320.00 100%
36 36 1.2.3 Project Management Tue 10/13/15 Mon 12/7/15 50 hrs $7,047.25 100%
37 37 1.2.3.1 Create P.O.S Tue 10/13/15 Tue 11/10/15 3 hrs $453.00 100%
41 41 1.2.3.2 Create Proposal report Sun 11/1/15 Mon 12/7/15 47 hrs $6,594.25 100%
49 49 1.3 Data Collection Mon 10/19/15 Fri 4/8/16 90.5 hrs $7,240.00 100%
50 50 1.3.1 Search necessary data Mon 10/19/15 Sun 10/25/15 50 hrs $4,000.00 100%
51 51 1.3.2 Analysing data Fri 1/29/16 Fri 4/8/16 40.5 hrs $3,240.00 100%
54 54 1.4 Progress Report Mon 3/14/16 Mon 3/21/16 8.5 hrs $680.00 100%
55 55 1.4.1 Write Progress report Sat 3/5/16 Thu 3/17/16 8 hrs $640.00 100%
56 56 1.4.2 Write progress PPT presentation Sat 3/5/16 Sat 3/5/16 0.5 hrs $40.00 100%
57 57 1.5 Geodatabase Model Building Mon 4/11/16 Sat 4/23/16 6 hrs $450.00 100%
58 58 1.5.1 Design Geodatabase Mon 4/11/16 Sat 4/23/16 6 hrs $450.00 100%
63 63 1.6 Map Creation Sun 4/24/16 Tue 5/17/16 49 hrs $3,675.00 100%
64 64 1.6.1 Map Design Sun 4/24/16 Tue 5/10/16 33 hrs $2,450.00 100%
65 65 1.6.2 Data integration Sun 4/24/16 Sat 4/30/16 10 hrs $775.00 100%
66 66 1.6.3 Choose and apply spatial reference Sun 4/24/16 Mon 4/25/16 4 hrs $325.00 100%
67 67 1.6.4 Check for errors/troubleshoot Tue 5/10/16 Tue 5/17/16 2 hrs $125.00 100%
68 68 1.7 Web Application Development Wed 5/18/16 Tue 5/31/16 91 hrs $10,455.00 100%
69 69 1.7.1 Design application Wed 5/18/16 Wed 5/18/16 1 hr $200.00 100%
70 70 1.7.2 Convert desktop map to online applicThu 5/19/16 Tue 5/24/16 50 hrs $5,700.00 100%
71 71 1.7.3 Troubleshoot online map Wed 5/25/16 Tue 5/31/16 40 hrs $4,555.00 100%
72 72 1.8 Final Report Sat 6/4/16 Fri 6/17/16 84.5 hrs $5,688.50 100%
73 73 1.8.1 map publication Sat 6/4/16 Sat 6/4/16 30 hrs $2,088.00 100%
74 74 1.8.2 Write final PPT presentation Mon 6/6/16 Fri 6/10/16 2.5 hrs $200.50 100%
75 75 1.8.3 Write final report Mon 6/6/16 Tue 6/21/16 52 hrs $3,400.00 100%
GIS Analyst,Project Mgr
GIS Analyst
Project Mgr
GIS Analyst,Project Mg
GIS Analyst,Project M
Septem October NovembDecemb January Februar March April May June July August Septem
Task
Split
Milestone
Summary
Project Summary
Inactive Task
Inactive Milestone
Inactive Summary
Manual Task
Duration-only
Manual Summary Rollup
Manual Summary
Start-only
Finish-only
External Tasks
External Milestone
Deadline
Progress
Manual Progress
Page 1
Project: Geotourism2015_16new
Date: Sat 6/11/16

Appendix E:
Curriculum Vitae

Paresh Parikh
21, First Street Louth, St. Catharines, ON., L2W 1C7
Paresharchna@gmail.com – 905-688-2151
OBJECTIVE
Seeking a GIS Specialist position in your organisation which will provide me an opportunity for career
growth, learning and advancement and where my education and acquired skills will help achieve your
organisation’s desired goals.
EDUCATION
Niagara College 2015-2016
Geographical Information System-Geospatial Graduate Management Certification
Learning and Skill Acquisition
Cartographic production  Data creation  Geodatabase design and creation  Data editing  Topology
Projections  GIS spatial analysis statistics  Geoprocessing  GPS data capture  Georeferencing
Remote Sensing  Digital Image Processing  Data conversion  Metadata implementation  DBMS
(SQL, MS Access)  Programming/scripting with Python  Model builder  AutoCAD & integration of
GIS and CAD  Web-application development (HTML, Python, JavaScript)  Project management
Geospatial visualisation  ArcGIS Server/SDE  3D visualization  3D Analyst
GIS thesis Project – GIS Consultant/GIS Analyst 2015-2016
Geotourism in Southern Ontario
 Deliverable: Develop a custom interactive web map application and Design an interpretive map to
promote geotourism, educate public and initiate for a Geo-Park in the Southern Georgian Bay region.
 Search required data and then extract, analyse, manipulate and query required information.
 Web Application: Convert data to KML/KMZ format and use Google Fusion Table and Google Maps
Java Script API for final appearance and performance.
 Interpretive Map Design: Construct attractive geological map in ArcMap 10.3 for publication and
provide info-graphic based on the all geological and cultural layers.
South Gujarat University 1989-1991
BSc Physics
SOFT SKILLS
 Ability to learn new technologies, skills and software platforms/extensions quickly with minimal
oversight.
 Good at problem solving and troubleshooting.
 Self-motivated, pro-active and reliable.
 Strong verbal and written communication skills.
 Ability to work independently and function well in a team environment.
 Show attention to detail and process.
Page 1 of 3

Paresh Parikh
WORK HISTORY
Hasty Market, St. Catharines, ON. 2005-2014
Owner/Manager
 Accountable for all the functions pertaining to operations including sales, inventory and stocks,
customer service, recruiting and training of new staff, scheduling and store management.
 Responsible for achieving sales targets every year and increase profitability.
FutureShop, Brampton, ON. Feb.-July 2005
Department Sales Manager (Home theatre)
 Administer staff’s daily goals and analyse monthly sales targets to achieve quarterly goals.
 Responsible for resolving customers’ needs, complaints and issues in a proactive manner to
established strong team culture within the department.
 Responsible for recruiting and training of new staff.
FutureShop, Brampton, ON. 2001-2005
Product Expert/Sales Associate/Store Management Trainee
 Demonstrates high level of performance by ranking in top 10% in the Ontario region for all sales
category and awarded for circle of excellence.
 Supervise and perform day-to-day operations of the store as a store management trainee (SMT
Program – three months).
Vintage Marketing, Surat, INDIA. 1997-2001
Marketing Executive
 Responsible for marketing, advertising, and managing sales team and services.
 Responsible for the development and execution of marketing strategies to establish new
business opportunities for further growth.
Nature Graphics and Designing, Surat, INDIA. 1994-1997
Owner/Operator
 Accountable for all the functions pertaining to operations including Design, marketing,
troubleshooting computer hardware and software, customer service, scheduling and
management.
 Built and managed key account relationships with major retailers, small enterprises, and
speciality stores.
SPHEREHOT, Surat, INDIA. 1992-1994
Laboratory Assistant/Quality Control Department
 Responsible for standard technical testing procedure to ensure quality.
 Demonstrate high quality standard and Monitor technical quality control procedure for
company’s export division.
Page 2 of 3

Paresh Parikh
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Nature Club, Surat, INDIA. 1988-2001
Camp Councillor/Volunteer/Editor
 Coordinate environmental awareness and educational programs in Himalayan region, Dang
Forest, Ranthambhore (Tiger reserve), Ratan Mahal (Sloth Bear Century) and Gir Forest (Lions
Reserve).
 Organise Medical camps in the Dang Forest to educate and treat the locals living in the forest
 Systematize and Design different camp program brochures, pamphlets and monthly newsletter.
BC Naturalist, Vancouver, CANADA. Two months (2000)
Volunteer
 Responsible for designing and publishing monthly brochure and newsletter.
Surat Society for Prevention to Cruelty to Animal (SSPCA), Surat, India 1988-2001
Volunteer
 Responsible for organizing educational camps in Schools and National parks.
INTERESTS AND HOBBIES
 Mountaineering, hiking, rock climbing, cycling and astronomy
 Reading, listening to music, cooking and drawing
REFERENCE
 Available upon request
Page 3 of 3

Kyle Stief
902-449-5039
14 Milliner Place.
Fonthill, ON.,
L0S 1E4
Kylestief@gmaill.com
ePortfolio: kylestief.wix.com/kylestief
Objective Committed and hardworking graduate student looking apply my GIS skills within
an organization for mutual growth and benefit.
Education GIS – Geospatial Management Certificate
Niagara College
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON.
June 2016 (In progress)
Bachelor of Arts – Double Major: Environmental Sustainability and Society &
International Development Studies
Dalhousie University
Halifax, N.S.
2013
One Semester of Bilateral Exchange
Umeå University
Umeå, Sweden
2012
Telecommunications Engineering – Completed 1st
year
Conestoga College
Kitchener, ON.
2005
Work History 2015 – 2016
GIS Consultant/Project Manager, Niagara College Geospatial Management
Program Thesis, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON.
• Assemble a custom geological online interactive web map application
designed to educate the public, promote geological tourism, and attract
UNESCO designation.
• Application development: geographical data conversion to KML format;
utilize Google Fusion Tables and JavaScript for appearance and
functionality.
• Provide recommendations on map design by predicting user trends and
software abilities.
• Locate necessary data within large databases, then analyze, manipulate,
and query required information using Esri’s ArcGIS suite.
• Manage and organize immense datasets to increase efficiency.
Page 1 of 2

• Construct attractive interpretive geological map and info-graphic based
on web application using PowerPoint.
• Demonstrate GIS principles through oral and visual communication.
2012 - 2013
Environmental Consultant, College of Sustainability Capstone Class, Halifax, N.S.
 Problem definition and on-site client consultation as a team leader.
 Observe schools’ environmental program structure and general
operations then formulate specific strategies to help each school achieve
the client’s desired goal.
 Present in-depth analysis of key findings and recommendations for Board
of Directors and staff.
 Generate solutions based on current environmental standards and
research based on similar projects throughout Canada, and globally.
 Prepare a detailed report and reference guide within the requested time
period of client to be used for future reference.
 Responsible for research accuracy.
2013 - 2015
Bartender, Niche Lounge, Halifax, N.S.
 Accountable for an accurate and up to date inventory of all alcohol used
in restaurant on a daily basis.
 Accountable for restaurant cashier functions and balancing of daily cash
registers.
 Interact with patrons of lounge as a responsible and professional
representative of affiliate Four Points Sheraton Hotel, adhering to the
high standard of the hotel.
 Responsible for training of new staff.
2006 - 2007
Assistant Receiver, Juno Lighting Group, Kitchener, ON.
 Responsible for issuing claims for inaccurate or damaged shipments, and
product inventory maintenance.
 Responsible for arranging and supervising temporary employees when
needed.
Achievements,
Recognition &
Skills
 Demonstrates an understanding in ESRI ArcGIS products, Manifold,
MapInfo, AutoCAD Map 3D, MySQL, Python, ERDAS Imagine, Microsoft
Access, JavaScript and Google Fusion Tables, Google SketchUp.
 Co-authour of “Increasing Youth Participation with Green Schools Nova
Scotia”.
 Organized and participated in local Halifax squash league.
 Music: Travelled throughout Canada as a bass guitar player. 2007
Toronto Indie Music Award winner.
References References available upon request
Page 2 of 2

XINXIA JIANG (JAMES, 姜新霞) Page 1 of 1
School of Environment and Horticulture Studies, Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus, Niagara College
135 Taylor Road, SS4, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada L0S 1J0
t: 1.905.641.2252x4462 email: jjiang@niagaracollege.ca
Profile: BSc (1985) and MSc (1988) degrees in Guilin University of Technology and Central South
University, China, respectively; PhD degree (1998) in Southampton University, UK. Assistant
Professor in Windsor, Mount Allison, Brock universities between 1999 and 2004, specializing in data
collection, geodatabase design, GIS application development and customization, environmental
management arena. Currently work as a Professor in GIS-GM graduate program in Niagara College.
Last updated on 2015-10-19; picture taken in 2003.
HIGHLIGHTS
 Over a dozen years of GIS and environment related courses teaching experience in Canadian universities
and college; and 4-year natural resources related courses teaching experience in China.
 Proven capability and initiatives in planning, designing, developing and implementing new GIS curriculum
and in offering the most leading-edge GIS related courses.
 Expertise in planning, designing, developing, implementing, and managing geodatabase and GIS
applications in the areas of environmental management and precision farming.
 In-depth knowledge and accumulated abundant practical experience in GIS and GIS application
development and customization; ability to conduct large-scale GIS projects.
 A motivated professional with global academic connection, management, organizational and
interpersonal skills.
 Fluent in English and Chinese.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
 PhD 1998 Fractal analysis, topography, remote sensing, GIS Southampton University, UK.
 MSc 1988 Granite study, expert system Central South University, China.
 BSc 1985 Field survey, granite exploration Guilin University of Technology, China.
WORKING HISTORY
 2004-Present Niagara College, Ontario, Canada Professor (GIS graduate program).
 2001-2004 Brock University, Ontario, Canada Assistant Professor (GIS).
 2000-2001 Mount Allison University, New Brunswick, Canada Assistant Professor (GIS).
 1999-2000 Windsor University, Ontario, Canada Assistant Professor (GIS).
 1992-1999 Southampton University, Southampton, UK Research Associate & PhD Candidate.
 1988-1992 Guilin University of Technology, Guilin, China Lecturer (Geostatistics & Natural Resource Appraisal).

Appendix F:
Database Contents’ Map Layouts

Appendix G:
Web Application User’s Manual

June, 2016
User Manual for Online Map Application
By default, and when the map
resets/reloads, no layers will be viewable, as
displayed in Figure 1. The scale will be 1:20km
To turn on/off a layer, click the check box, as
highlighted in Figure 2. The following image
shows the Surficial Geology layer being
turned on by clicking its checkbox.
To center the map on the screen without removing any displayed layers, click:
This will return the map to its original scale, 1:20km.
Figure 1: Defaut application loading screen.
Figure 2: Surficial Geology checkbox is clicked, the layer is displayed.
Page | 1

June, 2016
To Reset Map:
By clicking the ‘Reset Map’ button, all active layers will be turned off and the
map will return to its original scale.
Figure 3 shows a map with multiple layers
active.
After clicking the ‘Reset Map’ button, all
layers will be removed, as seen in Figure 4.
Only 5 layers may be active at one time.
Figure 3: Map with multiple layers active
Figure 4: View after recently resetting the map. Reset button highlighted in
red.
Page | 2

June, 2016
To display info-windows:
Almost every layer can be clicked to show additional content. This can be done by clicking the
polygon/point within the layer.
To access an information box, move the cursor over a feature until the cursor changes from:
to:
Figure 5 shows the
information box when a
user clicks on a feature
with the Surficial
Geology layer activated.
Figure 5: Information windown for Surficial Geology.
Page | 3

June, 2016
Some of the info-windows
contain links to external
websites, as shown in Figure
6.
Note: If the user is experiencing difficulty accessing the info-window, zoom in closer until the
cursor changes. There may be too much information displayed at the current scale.
Full Screen:
Clicking the full screen button will remove the toggle menu and allow the user to experience
the map using their entire display.
Map Help:
By clicking link at the bottom left of the screen the user will directed to a page
explaining all the necessary information outlined in this manual.
Map information:
By clicking link at the bottom left of the screen the user will directed to the page
explaining the purpose of the application, data sources, and external links pertaining to geology
knowledge and geo-park initiatives.
Created By:
By clicking this link , the user will be directed to the e-portfolio of the
application developers.
Figure 6: Grey county layer showing external link to the county’s website.
Page | 4

geotourismFinalReportJun112106

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