Progress
So far, we’ve created a draft version of the map in ArcGIS and selected the images we want to include for the street view. Additionally, we finalized the overall design and layout of our project.
Problems (and Proposed Solutions)
What challenges have you encountered?
The first major challenge we faced was 3D modeling. We wanted to embed a 3D map of the campus into the storymap, but accurately modeling each building proved to be difficult due to our limited experience with 3D modeling tools. Fortunately, after consulting with Austin, we discovered a campus layer in ArcGIS, which allowed us to apply 3D extrusion to generate building models efficiently. This significantly simplified the process and provided a more accurate representation of the campus.
The second challenge was constructing the storymap itself. Since none of us had prior experience with storymap development, getting started was somewhat challenging. Initially, we struggled with understanding the platform’s features and how to integrate various elements effectively. However, by reading documentation and watching tutorials, we gradually learned how to create a structured storymap, incorporating images, text, and interactive components.
Have these challenges required changes to your initial plan?
Since these two issues were central to our project, we remained committed to overcoming them rather than changing our approach.
Proposed Solutions
For the first problem, the online resources provided an effective solution. For the second issue, we need to spend more time fine-tuning our model to better align with the images, particularly in terms of architectural height and perspective.
Tools and Techniques
We are using ArcGIS, Story Map, and 3D extrusion to build our interactive map. To present our project, we will develop a website using WordPress, refining its appearance with HTML and CSS.
Deliverables & Timeline
Is the project still on track?
Yes, we are progressing according to our timeline.
- Week 8: Completed data collection (archival images, location data) and developed a prototype of the map. ✅
- Week 9: Plan to finalize the map, write descriptions for the selected buildings, and connect them with the chosen images. We will also begin constructing the website to showcase the project.
- Week 10: Complete website design, finalize testing of the map, and prepare for the final presentation.
We will continue refining our model and ensuring the images align correctly while keeping everything on schedule.
Personal Messages
Chloe Xufeng: I engaged in writing the blog report for the team. Also, I started to construct the website page by WordPress.
Hongmiao Jiang: I participated in map and storymap construction and helped with building slides in the map.
Harry Xun: I am in charge of story map making and map modeling, typically the structure of story map and slides.
Peter Qian: I am in charge of data collection and writing the description of each building, and I am confident of accomplishing it nicely, because so far it seems like we are equipped with all the resources we need.
Citations
Current citations of images we have are included in this google docs.
9 thoughts on “Final Project Update”
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A 3D model of the entire Carleton campus seems really ambitious, especially when dealing with photos that you didn’t take yourselves! I’m glad to hear it’s going well so far. It seems like you guys are on track to make a really immersive map, and I’m super excited to check it out once you’re done! Hopefully the difficulties at the beginning of this process will mean that the end will seem easy in comparison. 🙂
Hello Chloe, Hongmiao, Harry, and Peter! It’s great to hear that you all have made significant progress on your final project and have overcome different obstacles you all have encountered. I did not know there was a 3D extrusion feature in ArcGIS, and that seems so perfect for your project. Our team also had issues with creating a storymap, but it makes me feel better to hear that you all were able to overcome these challenges by reading the documentation and watching video tutorials. I’m excited to see the end product!
You’ve made great progress on your project so far! It’s really interesting to create an interactive map, something like this could even help admitted students decide whether they would like to go to Carleton! Arcgis can definitely be a bit difficult to work with, so I am excited to see where this will go!
Hi all, this seems like an really interesting project-I look forward to seeing the final result! All of the technologies you guys are working with can be really confusing/ complex especially if you’re working with them for the first time. Glad you guys figured things out by watching tutorials and getting help from Austin.
Hi! Your project sounds very interesting and I’m especially interested in seeing what your 3D map of campus looks like! It sounds like you all are making great progress with your project as well. My group is also making a StoryMap and find that it isn’t too difficult to use. There’s many different ways to present your project with StoryMap so I’m excited to see what your final project ends up looking like!
I really like how your project is shaping out to be! The mapping software is so cool and I love how you guys were able to use cool features within it like the extrusion feature. I think this would be a really cool way for prospective students to have a virtual tour of the school, which is something a lot of different schools do as well.
Hi Chloe, Hongmiao, Harry Xun, Peter, I like how your team went to ask advice from Austin when facing the 3D modeling challenges and embraced the campus layer solution. Your willingness to learn through documentation and tutorials rather than abandoning your vision demonstrates real openness to new ideas. I like how you guys were committed to your original plan even though there are obstacles!
Hey all, I think your group has made some great progress and I’m glad that even though you have faced some challenges you are still sticking with your plan and finding solutions to make this work. I can’t wait to see your final project and I think it will be amazing.
That sounds like such a rewarding project. Creating a 3D interactive campus map is not easy, and I appreciate that you are challenging yourselves. Your progress is great so far. I’m sure all the time spent will pay off. I look forward to seeing the finished product and exploring the interactive model.