This weeks topic started our coverage of natural hazards, specifically lahars. The term lahar describes a hot or cold mixture of water and rock fragments flowing down the slopes of a volcano and/or river valleys. Our main focus throughout this assignment was Mt. Hood, which is a massive volcano located in Oregon. We were given the ability to learn how to use new, and different tools within ArcMap. Such as the Fill Tool, the Flow Direction Tool, and the Flow Accumulation Tool. All of which are used for Spatial Analyst Hydrology.
In the map shown below, I created a 0.5 mile buffer of the stream feature. I then used skills I've learned in the past to show affected schools and block groups within that buffer. I also listed all of the schools that would be affected in alphabetical order.
During this week's exercise, I learned how to use variables, strings, lists, functions, and methods all within Python. For this assignment, I was asked to create a string variable of my full name. Using everything I've learned in the exercise, I was able to print my last name, assign a variable containing the letters that form my last name, and assigned another variable that allowed me to multiply the letters in my last name by three. The flowchart shown below shows the steps I took to get my result. In the image beneath that, it shows my results of my script.
This week we were asked to provide a screenshot showing all 12 Module folders, as seen below. The folders were created using a script named CreateModuleFolders.py, which you'll find at the bottom of the list. In order for the folders to be created, I had to run the script. To do this, I right clicked on the python file and chose to edit with PythonWin. Now, the only thing left to do is run the script. This was accomplished by clicking on the "run" icon in the toolbar. As a result, 12 new folders were created, all of which contain three subfolders. Those subfolders are named Data, Results and Scripts. They can be seen underneath the Module 1 folder on the left side of the screenshot shown below.
Running scripts using PythonWin was not confusing, nor did it present a challenge for me. It was actually a lot easier than I expected. Even though this is only the first assignment, I was expecting it to be challenging right off the bat. The only real challenge thus far is being able to understand, and retain the vocabulary. I have always wanted to learn how to use Python and understand the coding language. However, it's somewhat intimidating in a sense that it's a lot to learn and remember in such a short period of time. I know the assignments will get more difficult and more challenging as they go on. I'm looking forward to the challenge.
