GPS Data Collection

Introduction: This weeks activity was to go back to the Priory and collect data of the various features of the Priory. We first decided on the data we wanted to collect, then created the necessary data within ArcMap. We then used a Trimble Juno to collect the data.



Trimble Juno 3D.

Methodology: The first thing our group needed to do was to decide on the data that we wanted to collect. The Priory is a very wooded area with some dramatic topological changes. Some of initial idea was erosion points, significant trees, bench locations, trail locations, etc. We decided on trail locations. We were a little unsure what to expect, because when we were at the Priory in the winter, there was no real obvious trails. The snow was about 2 feet deep, so the trails blended in well with the surrounding landscape. The different Attributes we decided to record were Trail Use, Condition and Surface.

 

After deciding on our purpose we needed to create a geodatabase to store our GPS data. We were required to create a folder titled ‘CheckInOut_Username’, and then within that folder we needed to create a geodatabase named ‘Priory_username’. My username is petersct, so in place of username was petersct. We then had to create a feature class within the geodatabase based on the type of data we were collecting. We were collecting data on trails so we created a line feature class, in contrast to point or polygon. We were also required to set the projection to NAD_1983_HARN_Wisconsin_TM meters.

Now that we had the feature class created we needed to set the domains. The domains is the area where you set your data categories within the feature class. For example, I collected the data for Surface type. By different surface types were Pavement, Dirt and Gravel. By setting up your domains you are not required to type in the whole word while you are out in the field eliminating a lot of errors. We also created another domain for ‘Other’, which gave us an option if we ran into some unforeseen type of surface like Yellow Bricked.

Here is my collection of trail data.

All of the Trails put together from the group.

Conclusion: It was nice to go out to the Priory with no snow. It was also nice to actually be able to get out there and see everything that it has to offer. There were plenty of trails for us to find. I'm quite certain we were not able to get to all of the trails. I think our group got a good start on the trails for future reference. I thought this was a good exercise and gave me some experience with the Trimble unit.