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.