The goal of this lab was to learn how to use a GPS unit (Trimble Juno), how to create and upload a geodatabase onto a GPS unit and learn to collect data in the field using the Trimble Juno GPS unit. The aim of the lab was to create a map based on the data collected in the field (UWEC campus), as well as creating a cartographically pleasing map using digitising if necessary.
Methods
For this lab I had to create a geodatabase to collect the necessary data in the field as well as a map representing this data.
I created my geodatabase in ArcCatolog 10.2 with point, line and polygon feature classes (one practice and one real feature class for each type). Each feature class used the coordinate system NAD 1983 HARN Wisconsin TM (Meters). I also imported a shapefile of the buildings on campus and a raster image of UWEC campus to the geodatabase. Once I had created the geodatabase I opened ArcMap 10.2. In ArcMap 10.2 I imported the geodatabase created in ArcCatalog 10.2. To identify the different feature classes, different colours were assigned to each symbol.
To be able to use this geodatabase in the field, I used ArcPad Data Manager (Get Data for ArcPad button) in ArcMap to transfer ('check out') the geodatabase onto the Trimble Juno GPS unit. Once the data had been transferred onto the Trimble Juno GPS unit, I was able to go outside and collect the data. To make sure I was collecting the data correctly, I did a practice run, once satisfied, I collected the data as instructed by the professor. I collected 4 polygons, 1 line and 6 points whilst out in the field and entered attribute information for every feature I collected e.g. P1 for Polygon 1 and T1 for Tree 1.
After finishing collecting data in the field, the collected data was transferred back to ArcMap 10.2 using ArcPad Data Manager. This 'checked in' data was used to create my final map. Each feature was assigned a different symbol and colour for example a tree and the colour green for the tree feature class (3 of the points). To improve the quality on the polygons, I digitised them. I decided to change the basemap, to a more updated version of UWEC lower campus. I found this updated basemap using Add Data from ArcGIS Online, typing in the keyword Eau Claire. Once satisfied with the map, I placed the map on a single layout using layout view. To this map I added a title, scale, north arrow, legend, date, source and my name.
Results
Figure 3 shows the map I made for this lab. Figure 3 shows the problem with GPS, as data collected is not always that accurate. This is especially true for the polygons I recorded, as they were all slightly off the basemap below. To reduce this level of error I digitised some of the polygons to make them more precise, however they still are not perfect (as shown in Figure 3).
Figure 3
Sources
GPS Data Collected by Amelia Fitzpatrick 14/4/2014
Basemap: UWEC Campus
