7 replies to this topic

[Jared]

Hello!

I'm looking for some feedback on these maps. They're wind maps I put together with data available online. The idea is that they'd be to help determine where a wind farm could go. I'm not a professional in the field though, and because of that these are not for a real job, more an exercise, so look at them from a design perspective. Thanks for your comments!

Attached Files

•  GIS_Example_Tompkins_NoName.JPG   103.8K   157 downloads
•  GIS_Example_Vermont2_NoName.jpg   115.95K   91 downloads
•  GIS_Example_Vermont3_NoName.jpg   109.24K   60 downloads
•  GIS_Example_Vermont_NoName.JPG   125.63K   95 downloads

[Aris]

Hello!

I'm looking for some feedback on these maps. They're wind maps I put together with data available online. The idea is that they'd be to help determine where a wind farm could go. I'm not a professional in the field though, and because of that these are not for a real job, more an exercise, so look at them from a design perspective. Thanks for your comments!

Hello
I have to say that your maps look great. It would be really better though if the maps could have the contour lines as well. The problem i usually face in this kind of maps is that when you are really in need of finding a windy area you spend same hours trying to find out exactly which ridge is the one with the stronger wind. So usually you have the topo map next to the wind map. If you could have both at the same time it would help a lot.
Also i think the maps with the slope restriction are a bit confusing. If i understand correct the red areas are the ones with the wind higher than 7 and at the same time slopes less than 25deg, but the legend indicates only the wind criteria.
By the way if you are working in the renewable field we share the same field and you are the only one i came across the forum.

Aris

[MapMedia]

I agree with Aris. Great maps - good project idea.

1st question: What is the purpose of these maps? Are they decision support, and for whom?

Yes, show relief. Also, have a consistent 'basemap': relief, urban areas, key towns/cities, highways. Be judicial with labels - keep focus on the wind data.
Is prevailing wind direction data available (arrows)? Not sure that is relevant to your msg - As it is, the data are useful to identify wind resource areas - but for whom?
To answer that, maybe define public vs private lands (show whichever has least coverage to keep the map clean).

-Chris

[BioGeoMan]

On the fourth map I think you could make the forest area outlined instead of a solid transparency since it interferes with the wind speed symbology. Also, I agree that hillshade or contour data would be beneficial to the reader to understand patterns of wind speed/direction a bit better. Are there any other protected areas besides the National Forest?

Thanks,
M.

[Jared]

Thanks for all the comments. I'll play around with them and see what I get.

By the way, Aris, I'm not in renewable energy right now. I'm finishing up my Masters in GIS. renewable is one of the fields I'm going to be aiming for in the Spring.

Chris, prevailing wind isn't available. At least I didn't see it. I'll double check.

M... I'm not sure if there are other protected areas. I'm sure there are, on a more local level. I'll have to see what's available for the boundaries. Also, the maps don't have much purpose now. They're just for the portfolio as I apply for jobs. What I had in mind was that I was trying to mimic a map that could be used when taking a real initial look at where possible wind farms could be placed... with data freely available online.

Anyways, thanks again for help. I'll post the updated maps once I make some changes tomorrow or this weekend.

[Jared]

Alright, this is what I've been able to put together. I haven't changed them all, but how are these looking?

I strayed away from making the GMNF an outline just because in a lot of areas, the boundary is so close to itself, it's tough to tell what side you're looking at.

Thanks!

Attached Files

•  Vermont_Wind_Map_NN.JPG   158.54K   63 downloads
•  Vermont_Wind_LowSlope_GMNF_NN.JPG   117.76K   34 downloads

[BioGeoMan]

Nice. I like the hillshade.

Concerning the forest boundary; what is the intended primary message of your map? You could represent the forest area in different ways that would not interfere with the average wind speed symbology (e.g. low density cross hatching, stipples).

Also, I think that the difference in value on your wind speed symbology is not broad enough (the colors look too much alike). Maybe you should consider using green, yellow, orange and red instead of 4 shades of pink/red; or some other colors. If I was interested in this map, I would want to easily pick out the highest wind speed average areas, the lower wind speed average areas are basically filler.

Thanks,
M.

[MapMedia]

Excellent - nice improvement!! Great maps.
I would go ahead and use the outline for the NF, even use a slight inner buffer - and put it in the legend. Also minimize the town/city boundaries - not sure this is too useful.
I couldn't get too much use out of the avg speed legend - on the map it was hard to read - you could just add a label in the center of each grid unit?

You should share these with local media and NGOs!