Map Projections, Transformations, and Spatial Interpolation

This module covers the basic types of map projections and transformation as well as different types of map distortion associated with changing projection and/or datum.  The module also covers different interpolation mechanisms that could be used in GIS.

Period:

• Two weeks (condensed module)
• Four weeks (full module)

Contents:

• Coordinate Systems

o   Geographic

o   Cartesian

o   Polar

• Datum
• Basic types of map projections

o   Conformal

o   Equivalent

o   Equidistant

o   Azimuthal

• Types of azimuthal projections:

o   Planer Projections

o   Secant Projections

o   Simple Conic Projection

o   Cylindrical Projection

• Map Distortion
• Classifications of interpolations

o   Global & Local interpolation

o   Exact & Inexact interpolation

o   Deterministic and Stochastic interpolation

• First-order trend surface
• Higher-order trend surface
• Theissen Polygons
• Density Estimation
• Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) Interpolation
• Radial Basis Functions (RBF) Splines
• Kriging

o   Semivariance & Semivariogram

o   Ordinary Kriging

o   Simple Kriging

o   Indicator Kriging

o   Universal Kriging

o   Probability Kriging

Participants will develop software-oriented skills on how to:

• Explore differences between different map projections.
• Use ArcGIS to project raster (geologic map, geophysical maps and sections, etc.) and vector (wells, faults, etc.) data.
• Select the appropriate interpolation technique and assess the interpolation accuracy.