5. Using Python to Retrieve and Visualize Data

  • Due Oct 21, 2014 by 1:30pm
  • Points 100
  • Submitting a file upload
  • Available after Oct 9, 2014 at 12am

Learning Objectives

  • Create reproducible data visualizations

  • Write and execute computer code to automate difficult and repetitive data related

    tasks

  • Manipulate data and transform it across file systems, flat files, databases,

    programming languages, etc.

Computer and Data Requirements

  • Data required for this assignment are the Little Bear River ODM database in MySQL (you may use either the ‘small’ or ‘large’ version of this database).

  • Enthought Canopy with Python 2.7.8 is recommended. You will need at least Python along with the PyMySQL and matplotlib packages. You may also use the Pandas package, but this is not a requirement. Instructions for installing Enthought Canopy are available Download here

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Task

Explore the data stored in the Little Bear River ODM and create a figure (it can have one or multiple plots) of your own design that provides insight into the hydrology of the Little Bear River. The figure must be created using a single Python script file that is well documented and structured following Python style guides (in general). The figure should be suitable for publication in a publication, meaning it is well-designed, clear, legible, and has appropriate axis labels.

Deliverable

1) A one-page write up that includes your figure with caption along with the following.

  1. a)  A statement of the motivation for creating this figure. What were you interested in answering/seeing/learning when you decided to make this figure?

  2. b)  A statement of your methodology for creating the figure.

  3. c)  A statement of what you found and why it is important from a hydrologic perspective.

2) Your Python code (.py file) as a separate upload to Canvas so that the instructors can run your code.

 

Note that you may need to use the text wrapping around figures functionality in Word to make everything fit onto on page.

 

Grading

Please see the Download grading rubric

for details on how the assignment will be graded.


A PDF of this assignment for printing purposes is Download here

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1413919800 10/21/2014 01:30pm