AT 309 Lab 11: Arc Collector

 Introduction

Throughout the past few labs, GCPs and reference points have been introduced and their importance was discussed. They give certain data points a geolocation to further enhance the data set generated. One of the many ways to generate GCPs is through the use of Arc Collector. Arc Collector is a mobile platform that allows users to add data points onto a map that is then shared either through all the devices that have access to the map or other users within the organization. Lab 11 focused on the collection aspect of GCPs and how to use Arc Collector. 

Arc Collector can be a viable application for UAS because UAVs transmit GPS data that can be used for data collection and add onto maps that are created. The way the application is structured allows for some users to collect data and for crewmembers to see the GCPs being added in real time without being in the field. This would be especially useful in being able to data process in an established area, without trying to do so in the field where potential problems can arise.

Methods

For Lab 11, there were two tutorials and a GCP creation section. The first tutorial focused on creating focus points within a park map layer that is publicly added to on a regular basis. For the purpose of this lab, the Celery Bog Nature Area was used to for the duration of all three portions of the lab. Some of the points that were created was a trash can and a physical walking path. Figure 1 will show the data point for the trash can being created.

Figure 1: The data point displays an icon and the coordinates of that point in the real world.

It is a fairly simple process of adding data points. After initially tapping the add data button, it brings a screen for the types of data points that can be added, which trash bin was one of a handful. The next data point that was created was a paved trail. Using the same steps as stated above, paved path can be selected. Instead of adding points, there is an option to stream, where data points are automatically created as the user moves. Figure 2 shows the path being streamed.

Figure 2: The series of points are generated as the user moves and does so continually until the user indicates to stop streaming.

As we can see, the use of Arc Collector can be useful in updating maps and certain map layers. The use of making the data public allows for numerous users to collect and add onto the map to regularly without designating actual crews to do the data collecting. The second tutorial builds upon this tutorial in creating an actual map for different data points that are created. ArcGIS Online was used to configure the map and layers. Before making the actual map, layers are needed to assign the data to a certain value and label as specified by the user. Figure 3 shows the different values and labels created.

Figure 3: These are the labels created for the data set for the second tutorial.

With the layer configured, the map could be generated so that the Collector users could add the data onto the map itself. The map allows for multiple users to collaborate and simultaneously create points. After the data collection process, the map is actively updated to display all of the points, which Figure 4 will show.

Figure 4: These are the few points that were created while exploring around Celery Bog.

The data layer was configured to show the types of points with specific icons; the icons displayed show a drinking fountain, restroom, and bench. The main purpose of this tutorial was to become familiar with creating maps that can have multiple layers embedded within them and how to manage and add onto those layers.

For the last portion of lab, GCPs were created and the process was identical to like the tutorials above. The GCPs were needed to be added into areas that are identifiable from an aerial view. The Ground Control template was selected to make this possible, since ArcGIS Online provided a template for them. Figure 5 shows the GCPs on the map after the data collection process.

Figure 5: These are the GCPs created out in the field; the top left was on a statue, top right was on an amphitheater, bottom left was in the parking lot, and the bottom right was in playground.

This is especially useful in generating data of the operational area and geolocating the area that it takes up. ArcGIS Collector was especially useful in learning how to create GCPs and what the data collecting process looks like. 

Discussion

The data collected during Lab 11 were mainly different points of interests. The different control points were created to add onto a preexisting map layer. The use of the Parks map enabled for the data to be updated and used regularly to ensure accuracy. Along with that, an actual map was used to generate a personal parks map that showed different key features without editing the original map. The GCPs portion of the lab enabled us to better understand how to use ArcGIS Collector for creating those types of control points and how to create that type of data. 

As previously discussed, GCPs enhance UAS data collection and geolocating data. This would be especially useful within the geospatial data industry. It is another means of location data collection that UAS can utilize to become relevant within geospatial. UAS can be the means to collecting this data since majority are GPS enabled. Using their GPS capabilities to GIS applications create a solid platform where accuracy is increased through the certain types of grades that can be used and can be used for temporal applications, where older infrastructure (Satellites) are lacking.