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.