The goal of this lab was to become familiar with using a GPS unit in the field. The objectives were to create a geodatabase prior to going to the field. The geodatabase that was created was deployed to the GPS unit being used, a Trimble Juno in order to collect the necessary information from around campus. Once the data was collected, it was necessary to export the data back onto the computer in order to make a map that would make sense to the viewer.
Methods:
The first step in completing this assignment was to make a
folder for all of the information to be stored. Once the folder was, a new
geodatabase was created in order to keep all the data in one place. After the
geodatabase was created, new feature classes had to be created for the
different features that were going to be mapped around campus. The first
feature was simply, point. The coordinate system was set to NAD 1983 HARN
Wisconsin TM meters and the tolerance and database configuration were left to
the default settings. We added a field to this feature named “type” and set it
to text, but left all the default field properties. Once those steps were
completed, the first point feature class was created. It was then necessary to
do the same steps to make a polygon and line feature class. These feature
classes would be used in the field as the final product. The assignment then
called for three more feature classes to be created. These were the practice
points, lines and polygons. These feature classes were used while experimenting
with the GPS unit to see how it worked. Once navigating through the different
features of the GPS became easier, those practice points were no longer used in
data collection.
In order to see what we were mapping and where we were on
campus from an aerial photo, I was necessary to get that information onto the
GPS unit. The first step was to import the shapefile of the campus buildings
into the geodatabase. Once that was completed, we needed an aerial photo of
campus. That image was imported into the geodatabase that we were going to use
for mapping the different features around campus.
After all the features were created and images imported, the
next step was to put them all into ArcMap. The only thing that showed up on the
map was the aerial photo of campus and the different digitized buildings. Since
some features were created for practice and others for actual use, it was
necessary to symbolize them accordingly. They were symbolized based upon color
so they would not get mixed up while in the field collecting data.
After all the features were symbolized and everything was
put into ArcMap, it was then necessary to open up ArcPad Data Manager. Once
ArcPad was opened, we had to get our data ready for ArcPad. Within the action
menu, the background layer format had to be changed to an AXF layer and the
background layer editing had to be changed to editing allowed. Without making
sure the layers were checked out they could not ever be set to copyout. Once
the data was ready to be deployed, it was necessary to save an .apm file to a
desired location otherwise it would not allow for the map to be shown in
ArcPad.
After all the data has been deployed, the next step is to
transfer the data onto the Juno GPS. Once the GPS was connected to the
computer, the folder that was created at the very beginning needed to be transferred
to the GPS memory card. After all the data was transferred, the GPS was set to
go start mapping the desired features of campus.
Following the collection of the campus features data, the
data then needed to be transferred back onto the computer to be mapped in
ArcMap. Once the GPS was connected to
the computer, ArcPad Data Manager needed to be accessed once again. Navigating to the folder with the .axf file,
it showed all the features that were collected. In this table, point, line and
polygon were checked to be checked into the map. The reason only these features
were included in the map is because they were the final product while mapping
on campus. Once all the features were in ArcMap the next step was to build a
map that made sense to the viewer and was easy to read.
Results:
 |
| Figure 3.1 shows the results from taking the GPS around different parts of campus. Different areas that were included in the mapping were light poles, trees, the walking bridge and some grassy areas in the campus mall. |
Sources:
GPS data collected by: Matt Brueske
W:\geog\CHupy\geog335_s14\lab\lab3
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