Blog Post 4

Above is a map of the regions of Colombia that are used by the United Nations to calculate the amount of hectares devoted to coca cultivation on an annual basis.  The next step is to insert bar graphs representing, numerically, coca cultivation by region from 2001-2009.

Above is a map of Colombia with clearly defined parliamentary boundaries.  These boundaries will next be used to make up the seven regions that Colombia is divided into to determine, on a regional level, the amount of coca cultivation throughout the country.

Blog Post #2

This is just an update on my progress to date.  I have met with client and finalized the proposal which is the current one posted. In addition, i plan to meet again with me client in the next two weeks to firm up exact specifications for the mapping project and hopefully present some preliminary designs.

Project Proposal

Introduction:

 Over the past decade, through ‘plan Colombia’, the United States has poured up to $5 billion dollars of tax money into coca eradication efforts in Colombia.  The success of these efforts is debatable and many contend that despite the high costs, these initiatives have failed to effectively accomplish their goals.   The question that will be addressed therefore, is has Plan Colombia contributed to the reduction of coca cultivation in Colombia since 2001?

Objectives:  

·         Create a comprehensive map that shows the increase or decrease of coca production by region in Colombia that can be displayed in a presentation to students and effectively comment on the success of “Plan Colombia.” 

·         Create and imbed graphs or charts wherever possible to more easily convey quantitative data within the map

·         Create a blog documenting progress of project and displaying any useful information acquired during the completion of this project.

Methodology: 

The following is a list of major steps that are to be taken in order to effectively address the question.  The steps are listed in order of how they will be completed.

·         Create base map of Colombia overlaid with certain characteristics that may be useful.  Ex:  Elevation, streams and rivers, major cities/town, counties, etc

• Begin with base map and add data from Arc GIS data bank

·         Overlay a map of coca plantations in Colombia as of 2001

•   Define the boundaries within the country and give them a specific color of representation, clearly defining them from the rest of the map.

•   Add that layer to the map to show the extent of cultivation throughout the country

·         Overlay a map of coca plantations in Colombia as of 2010

•   Define the boundaries within the country and give them a specific color of representation showing the difference between 2001 and 2010 data

•   Add that layer to the map to show the extent of cultivation throughout the country

·         Create and imbed graphs and charts showing pertinent quantitative information within the map.  Ex:  Square acreage of plantation, crop yield in area, Percent of coca produced by area, etc.

·         Create a blog that effectively documents the progress of the project and provides a professional analysis of the progression of the project as well as how well it is meeting its objectives.

·         Also will use data from the Arc GIS Software as well as data from the reports located at the following web addresses:  http://www.unodc.org/pdf/andean/Part1_excutive_summary.pdf and

http://www.unodc.org/documents/wdr/WDR_2010/World_Drug_Report_2010_lo-res.pdf  (see pg 266)

Data Sources: 

The following is a list of data sources to be used.

·         Base map of Colombia with streams, elevation, cities and towns, county boundaries:  GIS data bank

·         Coca Production in Colombia from 2001-2010.  Data will come from the following:   http://www.unodc.org/pdf/andean/Part1_excutive_summary.pdf

http://www.unodc.org/documents/wdr/WDR_2010/World_Drug_Report_2010_lo-res.pdf

Work Plan:

The following is a list of major tasks and estimated completion dates.

·         Meet with client and finalize project proposal by March 1^st. 

·         Create base map with first blog post by February 22^nd

·         3/8- finalize base map and complete second blog post for project

·         3/22- begin to incorporate data from reports, submit blog post 3 updating progress.

·         3/29-  continue formatting data in map and update blog post 4

·         4/5- begin incorporating graphs and charts in map, submit blog post 5

·         4/12- refine graphs and charts, post blog 6

·         4/19- finalize all aspects of map and submit blog post 7

·         4/26- submit final project to blog and review with client