2009 Station Fire

Just two years earlier, Southern California experienced a natural wildfire due to atmospheric conditions, involving Santa Ana winds and decreased amounts of rainfall, and the type of soil and vegetation, which might even require fire to continue to grow. The station fire of 2009, however, was under investigation as an act of arson. This fire, which is considered the largest recorded fire in Southern California, which began in the Angeles National Forest in August 26, 2009 and reached its largest perimeter on September 2, 2009. This fire was not 100% contained until October 16 of that same year. The fire began with a relatively small perimeter and quickly consumed an approximate 20,000 acres before spreading north. The fire not only spread north, but also spread in size until it burned an approximate 160,000 acres, putting the nearby cities of Pasadena, Glendale and Burbank in danger. 

This perimeter of Los Angeles county includes the beginning August 29 perimeter of the 2009 Station Fire,  perimeters from the end of August to the beginning of September and finally the largest perimeter that burned on September 2. The blue lines, referenced as "dlt_riv", represent the rivers and streams that flow through Los Angeles County.

Wildfires, as a result of natural causes or human, pose a threat to all surrounding areas. Populated cities near by are effected immediately by the offset of large amounts of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and H20 into the atmosphere, which will not only impair visibility but also respiration. However, over larger periods of time the effects will be felts as well. Wildfires damage the soil and increase erosion, which in turn will allow rainfall to cause flooding and debris flow and aid in the process of landslides. 

          Post-fire debris flow is most common in areas "underlain by sedimentary or metamorphic rocks that have more than about 65% of the area burned at moderate to high severities." (USGS) Although the data provided by 'Los Angeles County Enterprise GIS' shows that the area surrounded by the Angeles National Forest includes a potential debris flow rate of 0-19%, the immediate surrounding areas of the largest perimeter (of September 2, 2009) show a rate of 60-70% potentiality for debris flow. The Northeast side of the fire perimeter shows a 80%-100% potentiality for debris flow. These areas all are downslope from the fire perimeter and are immediately connected to the perimeter through rivers and streams, which will aid the accumulation of rainfall water, runoff and flooding if a heavy rainstorm were to occur after a fire. 


        Debris flow can happen even two years after a large fire storm in accordance to heavy rainfall. Areas that were once unburned in Southern California, now are easily triggered by rain to move downslope due to the thinning of the soil layer and the loosening of the rock. 


       The information on potential debris flow is of course constantly changing, with atmospheric conditions constantly in flux and the unpredictability of amount of precipitation, along with the unpredictability of a firestorm this size. These potential debris flow area maps do not ensure the exact percentage, however, they give an idea as to why certain areas are more likely to experience debris flow. These conditions are due to slope, rock type, soil type and the data also takes into account the probability of rain. These situations prove that all parts of nature are connected and that even a fire can cause a flood. 

References

NOAA National Climatic Data Center. "State of the Climate: Wildfires for Annual 2009." National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association.  Published online December 2009. Retrieved on June 15, 2012 from <http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/sotc/fire/2009/13.>

Cannon, Sue. "2007 Southern California Wildfires and Debris Flow Studies." U.S. Geological Survey. Margo L. Johnson. <http://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2005/3106/pdf/FS-3106.pdf>

"Incident Web Information: Station Fire." Incident Web Information. Updated November 10, 2009. <http://inciweb.org/incident/1856/>

"Fires, Floods, and Waterseds." The Santa Clara River Parkway. November 2007. <http://www.santaclarariverparkway.org/theriver/fireflood>




Chang, Alicia, and John Antczak. "Post-Wildfire Worries: Floods, Damaged Ecosystem." US News, Science. September 8, 2009. <http://www.usnews.com/science/articles/2009/09/08/post-wildfire-worries-floods-damaged-ecosystem>

Data Type:    Shapefile Feature Class
Shapefile:    G:\GIS\Week 7\Census2K\SHPFiles\LatLon83\Counties.shp
Geometry Type:    Polygon

Geographic Coordinate System:    GCS_North_American_1983
Datum:     D_North_American_1983
Prime Meridian:     Greenwich
Angular Unit:     Degree


Working with the shape files and Arc GIS showed me how intricate the making of maps is and how the information can be rearranged to appear a certain way. You can make the map appear as if a small percentage of each race of people is living in each county, or appear that there is a high percentage. The information is readily available to be manipulated while making a map. It gives you a lot of freedom with the aesthetic properties of the map. You can change the colors, the class intervals and so on.

Raster Maps

      These maps are a part of the North American 1983 Datum. Each map represents the same location, which is a part of the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. These are raster maps with 2395 columns and 1276 rows.The extent information is as follows:
   Top: 36.8761111104
   Bottom: 36.5216666659
   Left: -118.39638889
   Right:  -117.731111112

Map Projections

        The measurements from Washington D.C. and Kabul are measured in geodesic miles.

        Using these map projections made it clear that every map is going to have its own personality. Each map will have its own purpose and creator, leading to a very individualized map. The projections show how even the slightest change can bring about a miscalculation of almost anything on the earth's surface. An approximate answer is the only guarantee when measuring large areas of the earth's surface.

        Working with the different projections was very fun and interesting and it shows how powerful a map can be if using it for educational purposes. Each projection, even if the same time of map projection, will show a different version of the earth. It can be conformed and molded to better show the ideas and theories at hand. Each map will help others visualize what is being said and the information will be complimented differently with every projection.

      Seeing how every type of measurement (planar, geodesic and so on) was different proved that almost all information must be taken with a grain of salt. Everything must be taken as an approximation. All maps will carry some kind of rounded number, some kind of statistic and it is important to teach people this fact while showing them maps. All of the data can not be taken as truth, but merely as a tool to help us connect ideas and to understand these truths.

      The distance from Washington D.C and Kabul seems only significant if we can compare it against something we already know, something concrete and in our memory. For instance, measuring the distance from a location someone recently visited and their home then comparing that to the distance from Washington D.C. and Kabul would suddenly gain more importance. For we would understand the relationship. Just having the number, be it in miles or decimal degrees, does nothing for the human psyche. That is exactly what map making seems to all be about....not relaying information that might or might not be true; but connecting ideas to help better understand the relationship between things that were once seen as separate. This assignment proves that it is not the exact information that is important, but the ability to understand concepts and think outside of the box.

NeoGeography

View Mediterranean Climates in a larger map

This map shows the parts of the world that are dominated by a Mediterranean climate. These areas are associated with subtropical high pressure systems. Seeing different locations with the same climate can show similarities in the agriculture. And when studying agriculture, the linkages between different parts of the world become clearer and more understandable. It is important to know that climate is one of the dominating factors effecting agriculture and Mediterranean climates have distinct natural vegetation. Because agriculture is an important part of culture, it is possible to find many similarities within these locations in regards to traditions, food, and many other aspects of culture. It is also interesting to see the fact that locations with the same climate could be completely different from one another, different traditions, different languages, different clothing, etc. Of course climate only effects humans to a certain point, and thereafter it is up to us to determine the aspects of our own cultures. 

Neogeography allows people in all walks of life to collaborate their ideas and create a visual projection of their theories. By allowing non-professionals to make their own maps with a system like Google Maps, the creators are allowing a rapid spread of ideas. Not every map needs to be for educational purposes, but merely to share information in an aesthetically pleasing way that allows people to better understand the subject at hand and understand connections that would otherwise be unthought of. 

Although the possibilities are endless and an application like Google Maps can allow users to experience cartography and master the art of geographic relationships and interconnectivity, it is very easy for some viewers to see the maps without understanding the possibility that they are in fact not scientifically correct, or even reality based. When maps are created by individuals uneducated about certain aspects that correlate to the map at hand, there will of course be missing facts and/or skewed information. However, some maps are not meant to be all knowing and all correct, but to relay an idea. So each viewer should understand that there will always be a bias and an intention with each map and it is important to know who created it and why. Maps that are not understood to be biased could cause serious problems if used to educate others that consider the factual and correct. It is important to teach the aspects of neogeography and biases when looking at any map, to show the ones who are being taught that maps are versatile and dynamic, always changing and always opinionated. 

GIS Introduction

The ArcMap Tutorial was an interesting experience as each step is plotted out for you. It was very tedious but it helped me to gain an understanding of the program. It is very interesting to see how maps are made in that most of it is based off of information and data that has been gathered and as a map maker, the duty is to present the information in an aesthetically pleasing way that also helps to lay down the ideas better by showing the visual connections of said data. 

I found it very interesting to see the different layers involved in making a map. To be able to turn certain layers on and off proves the dynamic nature of map making and proves that each map can be changed to reveal a different concept. Each layer gives the map a new meaning and a new focus.

The potential of this program is extensive as it can create in-depth and versatile maps for any kind of data set. The maps can be changed and modified, aesthetically and fundamentally in the event that the data sets or points have changed. It gives users the ability to make many different kinds of maps for the same data, in that each map can be changed to relay a certain type of information or even just to present a different look.

The pitfalls however, are just like any map making program or map in general. Maps are biased and relay information in the hopes of conveying a very certain message. All maps are created by an individuals with opinions and stand points, there for maps, just like a work of art, will carry with them aspects of the creator. Since all individuals are different, most maps will be different, even if the data is the same. 

Many, Many Questions

1.        What is the name of the quadrangle?

Beverly Hills Quadrangle, California- Los Angeles

7.5 minute series

2.        What are the names of the adjacent quadrangles?

1.        Conoga Park

2.        Van Nuys

3.        Burbank

4.        Topanga

5.        Hollywood

6.        Venice

7.        Inglewood

3.        When was the quadrangle first created?

1995

4.        What datum was used to create your map?

National Geographic Vertical Datum of 1929

5.        What is the scale of the map?

1:24,000

6.        At the above scale, answer the following

a.        5 centimeters on the map is equivalent to how many meters on the ground?

1,200 meters

b.       5 inches on the map is equivalent to how many miles on the ground?

0.189 miles

c.        1 mile on the ground is equivalent to how many inches on the map?

2.64 inches

d.       3 km on the ground is equivalent to how many inches on the map?

300,000 centimeters

7.        What is the contour interval on your map?

20 feet

8.        What are the approximate geographic coordinates in both degrees/minutes/seconds and decimal degrees?

a.        Public Affairs Building

34°, 4’, 4” latitude (34.067)

118°, 41’, 55” longitude (118.699)

b.       The tip of the Santa Monica pier

34°, 1’, 2” latitude (34.017)

11°8, 30’,15” longitude (118.504)

c.        Upper Franklin Canyon Resevoir

34°, 24’, 15” latitude (34.404)

118°, 48’, 30” longitude (118.808)

9.        What is the approximate elevation in both feet and meters of

a.        Greystone Mansion

480 feet, 146.304 meters

b.       Woodlawn Cemetary

110 feet, 33.538 meters

c.        Crestwood Hills Park

580 feet, 176.784 meters

10.     What is the UTM zone of the map?

0°, 48’

11.     What are the coordinates for the lower left corner of your map?

³⁷63⁰⁰⁰

12.     How many square meters are contained within each cell of the UTM gridlines?

1000 meters squared

        13.

14.     What is the magnetic declination of the map?

14°

15.     In which direction does water flow in the intermittent stream between the 405 freeway and Stone Canyon Resevoir?

South

         16.

   

Interesting? I think yes.

From

http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/sharks/statistics/GAttack/World.htm

        "1580-2011 Map of World's Confirmed Unprovoked Shark Attacks (N=2,463)"

     This map shows the documented "unprovoked" shark attacks around the world for the past 431 years. Interestingly enough there were documented shark attacks in the 1500s. North America, (excluding Hawaii) surpasses the other countries by far, totaling 980 shark attacks and has almost twice that of Australia. The map itself does not show further information, which is provided by the website, about how many of the total attacks were fatal. Only 36 of the 980 in the U.S. were fatal, whereas 144 of the 488 in Australia were fatal. Africa coming up third, has documented 314 shark attacks, 85 which were fatal. Surprisingly there are only 3 in Bermuda, 0 of which were fatal, and 67 in the Bahamas.

     What could the low rate of fatalities in America mean, I wonder? Is America so populated and surrounded by hospitals that in the case of a shark attack, there is a way to get help? Are the sharks more aggressive around Australia? It would be interesting to find out what each person was doing during the attack. Certainly surfing is an important culture trait of Australia, the U.S., and South America, but why is the number so incredibly high in America? And in which parts of the world are the highest concentrations of dangerous sharks? Another interesting aspect of these facts and this map, is that Hawaii is an extremely small chain of Islands, whereas South America is a large continent, but they both have the same amount of attacks. 

    

From

http://fullygeek.com/2007/11/ufo-sightings-hotspots-map-of-the-usa/

      "UFO sightings hotspots maps of the USA"

     This choropleth map, which was created in Chicago by the "J. Allen Hynek Center for UFO studies", shows the amount of sightings of UFOs per 100,000 people in counties all around the country. The lighter shades of yellow represent the lowest number of sightings and the darker shades of orange and the darkest, red, represent the highest numbers. Unsurprisingly, a large concentration of sightings occurred in New Mexico and other counties scattered in the middle of the country. The east coast has little to no sightings and the SouthEast portion of the country is the lightest part of the entire map, with little areas of darker yellow, or the interval that represents 15-29 people. The west coast has a higher concentration of sightings from the borders of Texas to California. Not only is the entire west portion of the United States darker than the rest, but it has large areas many sightings, represented by the red shading. Randomly in Wisconsin is a large county with a high concentration of UFO sightings.

     Locations of major cities, such as Los Angeles, San Fransisco, New York, Huston all seem to steer clear from sighting many UFOs. Could this be because the city lights are just too bright to allow us to see beyond our own street lights? Are we too busy to look up at the sky for long periods of time? Is this a reliable source of information? Probably not. Surprisingly enough, California is void of the interval 0-4 sightings, which means that at least 5 people throughout each county have seen a UFO; the sae goes for Arizona, New Mexico. Every other state does have counties shaded the brightest yellow, which is the lowest interval. It would seem important to create another map noting the mental state of each viewer of these UFOs, and possibly their job description- perhaps they work outside all the time, or maybe they have top secret equipment.

From
http://chartsbin.com/view/1017     
      "Most Consumed Alcoholic Beverage by Country"


      This map shows what most consumed alcoholic beverage is throughout the entire world, given the potion of beer, wine, spirits, and other alcohol. Other alcohol is a questionable option, what is "other" if not in the category of spirits? The majority of the United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia, and the northern parts of South America consume beer the most out of all these beverages. Russia and other Asian countries seem to favor spirits. Of course, Italy and neighbroing countries favor wine, as well as the southern most parts of South America. These questionable "other" alcoholic drinks are consumed mostly in Africa, but not in other places around the world.
       I do not find it surprising that the beverage of choice for America is Beer, however I would think that Canada favored Whiskey and Mexico tequila, I guess facts overshadow stereotypes. Southern Europe, in places such as Italy, France, and Greece, are of course very classy and have cultural foundations of drinking wine as well as South American countries that are important makers of wine such as Chile and Argentina. It would be interesting to know more facts such as the religious preoccupations in each country and the agriculture supplying each type of beverage and the importation and exportation of certain kinds, especially because countries such as Afghanistan and Pakistan have less than 0.1 liters consumed. It would also be useful to know some background information on each country such as migration histories which will influence the cultural traditions and agriculture migration. This map is of course generalized, and if seen on a larger scale, each state or province would prove different from the surrounding areas. We might see places such as Texas favoring spirits, California favoring wine (what with the famous Napa Valley) and New York favoring only beer.