Using Arc Collector 

Field Activity #6

Introduction

The collection of data in the field can be tedious work depending on the device you use to collect your points of interest. ArcCollector is a very simple way to go about collecting data that is both efficient and easy to use for all alike. ArcCollector doesn't take a lot of know how if one is knew to this method of collection. In this lab I used ArcCollector on my iPhone 5 to allow me to collect the points I wanted. This is compared to using a GPS unit which isn't always at hand or is overboard for the data points you are collecting. One problem with ArcCollector is that it isn't all that accurate on a phone. When I was connected to the campus WiFi, I was able to be within a couple of  meters of the points I actually collected. When not connected to the WiFi, but using LTE network coverage, my points were sometimes 20 meters off when I was walking. The LTE coverage did seem to hone in on my location when I was at a stand still and brought it back to within a couple of meters. It is important when collecting points to use the appropriate method of collection. Without the appropriate method your data can be drastically off and you may not be able to use it for the job you are doing. 

Study Area

The study area I was looking at was the lower campus area along the Chippewa river. I was able to collect 20 points in a small area up and down the banks of the river. While I was collecting these points, other members from my class were also collecting points all across the lower campus. By combining our points in a temp file at the end of the collection, we all were able to use each others data allowing for more accurate methods when plotting the information. 

Methods

With the data that was collected, I created one map of just the data I collected. I choose to create a unique values map based off of the temperature along the banks of the river. I choose to use a color ramp that had my cooler temperatures as a blue color while the warmer temperatures were a red color. The day we collected this data was March 8th, which is typically cool out, however it was unseasonably warm as temperatures were in the low 70's. While plotting the temperatures, I also changed the sizes of the points collected. I wanted to show where the warmest and coolest temperatures were so I made these symbols slightly bigger then the rest. 

Figure 1 is the first map I created with only using the data I collected in ArcCollector

With knowing that there was lots of data that I could tap into to create maps from ArcCollector, I decided I wanted to make a form of a wind map. I decided on a wind speed and wind direction map. With uploading the rest of the data from my classmates into ArcMap, I started with a graduated symbols map with wind speed being the value the map would be based on. After selecting the value I changed the symbol from just a dot to an arrow to allow me to show the wind direction. In an advanced setting in the symbology tab, I was able to integrate the wind direction allowing my arrows to "rotate" or change the direction they are pointing. This is the first map I created like this so it was by a means of trial and error, but after looking at the map it is easy to see that the highest winds tend to be closest to the river banks. 

Figure 2 is my wind speed and wind direction map

Discussion

Comparing ArcCollector to a form of a GPS to collect points, hands down ArcCollector is much easier when trying to collect points. The only downfall comparing the two is that ArcCollector is less accurate compared to a GPS unit device. 

Conclusion

This field activity was used to teach us the process of using ArcCollector to capture points and to create maps out of the data we collected. One thing for certain is that ArcCollector is much easier to use to collect data, but when it comes down to the job you are on it can have less accurate positioning. It would be important to understand an appropriate time to use Collector instead of a GPS unit. 

Geodatabases, Attributes, and Domains

Field Activity #5

Introduction

    The objective of this lab was to introduce us to collecting field data based off of a database we created. Databases are a collection of different datasets that allow us to set variables for the data that we are collecting. We wanted to collect different points across the UWEC campus with handheld GPS units. When collecting these points we wanted to use the databases we established in lab to give us detailed information about the points. When collecting the points we wanted to collect temperature, wind speed, wind direction, relative humidity, and dew point for the points we were collecting. By collecting this attribute data for our points, we can paint a better picture of the surrounding area that we are collecting these points from. 

Study Area

    The study area that we looked at in this lab was the UWEC Campus. This lab was taken place in February, meaning that it is cold and winter time on campus. The conditions of this time of year are typically dry with wind whipping throughout the campus. In the next portion of this lab we will have designated areas for us to collect our points and attribute data from which we will then be put into a large database system for everyone in the class. 

Methods

    When creating our geodatabase domains for this lab it is important to have the right range values for the data that we are collecting. Knowing that it is winter time on campus a safe range for the temperature range would be from -10 to 40 degrees this time of year. When collecting data in the field it is easy to hit the wrong button or put the wrong number in a spot. With having this range on the temperature set, if I said the temperature outside was -100 degrees instead of -10 degrees, I would know instantly in the field as this value wouldn't be excepted. This would allow me to correct this problem in the field instantly. A correct domain is essential for the collection of these points in the field. The domain insures that the data is accurate and consistent while having data integrity. 

    Although only a few points were collected in this lab to just get us started, the data information along with the domains and rules established allowed me to have accurate data. The easiest way to gain more data would be to collect more points with the GPS units. At first this may seem like the easiest way to go about obtaining more data, but dividing and conquering would be even easier. With having a domain established for the whole class, we could then go in different directions to collect these points while keeping data integrity. We could then upload this data into a class geodatabase allowing us to plot these points in Arcmap to show the different data we all collected. There would be many maps that we could make just from the small amount of data and attribute data we collected from our points. 

Conclusion

    Anyone who owns a GPS unit can go out in the field and collect data points of their choice, but it is the setup before collection that allows people to be able to understand and collect more accurate data. Geodatabase domains are essential to properly allow you collect data in the field, while being able to look back at your data and make maps that make sense of what you are trying to map. With using domains, one can put ranges on the data they collect along with establishing if it's numeric value, text, or integer data that they are looking for for a specific data type. The more in depth one is at the stage of setting up their domains and attributes before collecting their points, the more accurate the data points are.