Big Waves, Create Big Problems- The Tsunami Fallout

Wow!  Now we are able to actually apply our skill learning to real scenario's.  The Tsunami of March, 2011 had many aspects.  One not expected was the vast expanse of radiation upon the people and landscape.  We analyzed the radiation zones and population affected.   This is only a small segment of a much broader analysis.


Had a connection glitch with the computer, so I'm posting the Process Summary part here to insure it gets included. (Gave it a numbered list to put the body of my text on the page). erg. Creating these blogs is not always smooth.  

1. Part I: Building a File Geodatabase
2. 1)  Reviewed data files in Arcatalog, see files will fall in natural groups. Following steps of Ex1.2, created (on file folder (tsunamiGdb)>new> new geodatabase Tsunami.gdb.  .
3.  2) created new feature dataset inside of Tsunami.gdb – transportation.  Followed steps, added both shapefiles Rails to gdb without difficulty.  Followed steps, was successful adding roads in same manner. 
4. 3) Added airfields.shp to Transportation as single feature class. Ok.
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6. 4) In new map. Saved in S:\GISAPPS\Tsunami\TsunamiGdb\kfm_Tsunami.mxd.  Before did anything else, set environments for map.  Used tsunamiGdb as base workspace file and base scratch space file.  Set projected coordinate system as WGs_1984_Utm 54N.prj
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8.  Converted Fusushima.xls to shapefile by  File>add Data>Add xY data>chose fusuchima file> fields for xy populated>set coordinating system >projected coordinating system>Utm>WGS 1984>northern hemisphere>WGS_1984_Utm54N.prj  ok  little green diamonds on map.  Will add other parts to map later.
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10. 5)      Created new raster dataset following steps outlined. While in arcatalog>opened arctoolbox>
11. Data management tools>raster>raster properties>build raster attribute table.  Input a raster file ex: ASTGTM2_N37E140_dem.tif. accepted defaults for now.  Same for each raster file in each set ie N37 the N38 (SendDem)
12. Created new dataset for raster in list. In arcatalog>new>Raster dataset> typed label FukuDEM> here we used Pixtel type 16_Bit_unsigned for each>set same projected coordinate system>
13. Did this for each raster file. 
14. On listing for each raster dataset in catalog, used Load>load data>input two raster files into each listing. (How many depends on ability of server. Here two is safe number). Did same again for SendDEM.  Lastly, clicked on raster dataset in listing>calculate statistics, don’t rush computer, opened file wow. A pic. Whew.
15. 6)      Set up rest of catalog list for remaining database files.  Geography-rivers, lakes.  Added JapanAreas to Damage assessment.
16. Screenshot for deliverable.
17. Part II: Fukushima Radiation Exposure Zones
18. 1)      Opened Map, saw need for data repair.  Located all shapefiles to be originated out of new Tsunami.gdb.  Set environments with arctoolbox, set workspace as folder Tsunamigdb and scratchspace as same.  Set output coordinate system as Wgs 1984 UTM 54N.prj
19. 2)      Set processing extent as JpnBndOutline_UTM
20. 3)      Renamed map kfm_Tsunami.mxd to preserve original map integrity. Added layers:
21. JpnBndOutline, NuclearPwrPlnt, NEJapanPrefectures (JapanCities already on map).
22. 4)      Reviewed Attribute tables of layers, changed appearance of Japan Boundary to null with 1.0 outline.   Changed labels on NEJpnPrefectures to Name_1 category.
23. 5)      Created separate layer for Fukushima PPt as only attribute.
24. 6)      Created multi-ring buffer. Using arctool>analysis tools>proximity>multiple ring buffer (script)>
25. Had major display issues for Evac Zone multi-ring buffer.  Could not see it on map, even though it is showing up on the TOC. Viewing map at 1;750,000 I should be able to see the buffer zone. At 1:100,000 no Evac Zone rings on map. 
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27.  Viewed discussion issues.  Started over with new map- before doing anything – set environments with arctools-   workspace S:\...Tsunami.gdb (geodatabase)  scratch space same. Set output coordinates as specified below as : our projected WGS 1984 UTM 54N; set processing extent as JpnbndOutline_utm.       Added data a) fukushima_ppt; fuku evac zone (multiring buffer) then zoomed to buffer- scale 1:475  The ring was front & center on page1  Now can not see anything else in background.  Using fixed zoom out gently out to 100,000. Ring still there.  Ok  Added new data back in: 
28. 7)      Alright  had to get my airport layer fixed.  It was in a little pile on the far south end of my map at full extent. Went to far to set symbol at 50 to find in on my map. Reading discussions tried Andrea Hinz suggestion.  In original shapefile in basedata file, cleared all coordinate information. Reset it with geographic coordinate system WGS 1984. Next reimported into Tsunami.gdb/transportation as Airfields3. Worked like charm.
29. 8)      After airfield fun, I’ve realized I entered the fields wrong on the Evac-Zones.  Back to drawingboard on it.  Now basefile named Fukshima_ppt_MB2. (clip. 
30. 9)      So Frustrated.  Stopped.
31. 10)  .  It was too late in the night for me to join back in on discussion board after 11pm 6/12. Before I joined back Discussion board reflects another student having same select by location issues with his screen shot dated 6/12 jpeg3 showing exactly my issues.  . Instructor has graciously stepped out to “update base files” from R: drive since many students were having a variety of data issues.  Taking these issues into account, I’ve chosen just to start the whole exercise again from scratch.  
32. a)      Downloaded revised data from R: to S:- name new workspace file : Tsunami_redo, geodatabase workspace file REDO_Tsunami.gdb, following steps creating database files again. Will not bother to describe same steps as above unless any issues to report.
33. b)      Created second data frame at suggestion by fellow student to work with selection by location. Three base feature classes are 1)FusushimaNUK 2) CityPopData (from .xls) & Fuku_Evac_ZoneBuff.   Could not see city dots, did full extent found them in a pile off  the map. Definitely a coordinate system issue.  Back into Arcatalog for a fix. Deleted citypopdata out of REDO_Tsunami.gdb.  Back in citypopdata.shp in Tsunamigdb. Cleared coordinate system out of file, reentered as geographic Coordinate system, GCS wgs 1984,  Now exported file into REDO_Tsunami.gdb as feature class file with the present coordinate system WGS 1984 UTM 54N.  Preview map, there they are the dots are just fine.
34. 11)   Looks like I’m back on track.  With just 3 layers, in 10-b above Select by location, whew only cities inside evac_zones are blue.  Alright!! High 5 to me. & classmates figuring it out.
35. 12)  Pressing through balance of Map design. Worked on adjusting visual effects of DEM on to map in relation to evacuation zones a little challenging with the additional layers. Otherwise, map eventually produced. 
36. 13)  Was pleasantly surprised how efficiently last map came together, actually redid entire lab both parts with fewer issues ( had coordinate issue, quickly resolved) within 5 hours). Reflects improved confidence in ability & increase comprehension of tasks.