EXERCISE 10 – MODEL BUILDER
& PLOTTING

Model Builder

The Model Builder tool allows us to create a diagram representing the various steps of a particular analysis, like a flowchart. But what Model Builder produces is not just a "dumb" diagram. The parts of the diagram are linked to real data layers and tools that the analysis uses. This means that we can build a model and then run it to produce the results of the analysis it represents. We can save the model so that we have a record of our analysis, and so that we can exchange it with another analyst or rerun it later, perhaps with different data or with varying parameters. Model Builder is also very useful for repetitive tasks where you perform similar analysis on many files or different variants of an analysis on one file.

Instead of writing down detailed instructions about Model Builder, I'll direct your attention to a power point presentation that describes the basics of Model Builder:
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Assignment

Use Model Builder to construct and run an analytical model that contains at least three analysis steps. You can follow the suggestion in the PowerPoint presentation for a suitability analysis or do something completely on your own. Make a map with the results of your analysis and print out your model.

The assignment is due Monday, April 20th.

Plotting

If you are printing a poster for your final project, you'll need to the use the plotter. You can print to the plotter by selecting it in the Printer box in the Print Dialogue window. It's called "hp5000", and you may have to search for it (Find Now) if you don't see it in the list of printers.

Below are the rules regarding plotting. Please be careful and play by the rules because plotter paper and ink are not cheap.

1. Do not use the large-scale plotter for anything other than materials that you need for the project.

2. Do not use the plotter until you have test printed the materials on a laser printer.

3. Do not send more than one file to the plotter at a time.

4. Immediately throw away any trash paper and cuttings that you are not keeping.

5. Yield the right-of-way to the folks who use the plotter as part of their job. They help make our use possible.

6. Be sparing in your plotting. Don't make extra copies without asking. Don't send maps to the plotter without proofing them first.

Suggestions

Page Size:  You need to choose an appropriate layout size for you poster. You can change the layout size under File | Page and Printer Setup. The best thing to do is choose a pre-existing page size. The width of the paper roll on the plotter is 36", so that will be the limiting factor for your page size.

Layout: Look at other posters for ideas on good layouts and composition. For example, check out previous winners of the NJ DEP map contest: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/gis/mapcon2009.htm

Test Print: Test print on the color laser printer. Yes, it will be small, but you'll still see things you won't see on the screen. Design the layout at the size you want your poster to be. Save your mxd file. Then use File | Print to print to the color laser printer, and select the option at scales the map to fit the printer.

Review: Go over your poster with a fine-tooth comb before you print. Make other team members review it, too. Typos are far more annoying on posters than small maps. See Rule #6 above.