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My Message for Middle School Delegates at the Model UN in Boston
Post Category → Data
Preparing Excel Tables for ArcGIS Pro
Best Practices to Import Data for GIS
Working with GIS often starts with good data—and for many of us, that means working with Excel tables. Before importing your spreadsheets into ArcGIS Pro, it’s important to clean and format them properly. A little preparation upfront can save you a lot of time (and errors) later on.
To make this easier, I’ve created a series of short tutorial videos that walk you through some of the most useful tips and tricks for cleaning Excel files before bringing them into ArcGIS Pro. But first, let me walk you through a couple of points on why it is important.
Continue readingIntroduction to GIS Data: Choosing, Understanding, and Using It Responsibly
Choosing the Right Layers in GIS
When you’re first exploring a data portal, it can be tempting to download and add every layer you see. After all, more data feels like more power, right? But in GIS, adding too much information can quickly lead to cluttered maps, longer processing times, and even misleading results.
Continue readingCartographic Principles, Classification and Symbology
Cartography is the art and science of making maps, and in the context of geographic information systems (GIS) it is a critical step in turning data into information people can actually use. Maps are not just pictures of geography—they are carefully designed tools that help us navigate, see patterns, understand relationships, and share knowledge about the world around us.
A map’s effectiveness comes not only from the data behind it, but also from how its elements are designed and organized. Titles, legends, scale bars, symbols, and the map body all play a role in communication—but whether they succeed depends on applying solid cartographic principles.
In this post, we’ll first walk through six of the most important cartographic principles that every mapmaker (and GIS user) should consider when designing a map. We’ll then move into classification methods and symbology, which are essential for turning data into clear and meaningful visual stories.
Continue readingMost Requested Geospatial Data
This site provides links to the most commonly requested geospatial datasets from some of the classes I teach. I also use some of this data myself, so in certain cases, I’ve included short videos to help guide you through data management or integrating the data into GIS.
Continue readingWhat are interpolations, and what do we use them for in GIS?
Interpolation is a method used to estimate values at locations where data hasn’t been directly measured. It works by using known values from surrounding points to predict the unknown ones, creating a continuous surface. This surface helps in mapping and analysis, making sense of scattered data.
Continue readingData Cleaning and Exploratory Process
Tableau is a powerful data visualization and business intelligence software that helps individuals and organizations transform raw data into insights. Known for its intuitive drag-and-drop interface, Tableau enables users to create dynamic dashboards, interactive visualizations, and detailed reports without requiring extensive technical expertise. Tableau supports data integration from multiple sources, including spreadsheets, databases, and cloud services, making it versatile for various industries and use cases.
Continue readingSpatial Octopus
Dive into the fascinating world of geospatial technology with Spatial Octopus—your go-to hub for tutorials, news, blog posts, and contributions from a global community of enthusiasts and experts. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just beginning your geospatial journey, we’re here to inspire, inform, and connect you with like-minded individuals.
Our mission is to make geospatial knowledge accessible and engaging while fostering a vibrant network for collaboration and innovation. With topics ranging from cutting-edge technology to practical applications, we aim to highlight how geospatial insights can transform our understanding of the world and drive meaningful change.
About Me
Spatial Octopus was founded by Marcia Moreno-Baez, a dedicated expert in geospatial technology with over 25 years of experience spanning academia, government, NGOs, and the private sector.
Her work focuses on bridging social, economic, and environmental goals through applied geospatial research, fostering equity and justice by uniting diverse sectors and stakeholders. Passionate about empowering others, Marcia teaches classes that explore the transformative potential of geospatial methods in areas such as climate change, humanitarian assistance, and natural resource management across the globe.
Join the Adventure
Spatial Octopus is more than just a resource—it’s a community. Engage with insightful tutorials, stay informed with the latest geospatial news, contribute your own expertise, and enjoy the fun side of geospatial exploration. Together, we can chart new territories and create a more connected, sustainable future.
Welcome aboard the Spatial Octopus adventure!