Exercise 2 - Advanced Model Builder

Goals: Exercise 2 was intended to expand our knowledge of Model Builder and really highlight some of the features we may have not known before. The main focus of this exercise was using model iterator along with inline variable substitution. Again, we dealt with Ski Resorts and the varying levels of difficulty each run had. There were a number of variables and using our newly learned skills we were to process each tool on the various datasets a number of times.


Methods: Using data provided by Professor Hupy we were to process it using simply Model Builder (Figure 1). The dataset included ski run data from three different resorts. The first item added was the iterate feature class tool and from there connecting the workspace was required. Once inputted, a 10m buffer was added, giving each run a buffer. From there the Zonal Statistics Tool was added, this was used to extract data from the rasters of each run. After, the join field tool was used to join the output tables which allowed us to evaluate the data of each run. Lastly, the select tool was used with an SQL Wildcard Sequence which sorted each run into Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced and Expert.

Figure 1 - Model Created

Results: The map below (Figure 2) shows the various runs and their corresponding level of difficulty. This exercise took review skills from Exercise 1 and added analytical thinking skills along with some more advanced techniques in order to process numerous data sets in an efficient manner using one model. It is especially important to make sure when naming outputs, consistency and diligence is used in order to avoid errors.

Figure 2 - Map Created from Processed Data










Hupy, C. (2016, July). Module 1 - Exercise 2. Retrieved July, 2016, from http://www.uwec.edu/Staff/hupycm/