Building Maps with UAS Data

 Introduction

Data collection with UAS is one skill to have, but the ability to take that data, process it within GIS software, and create maps and layouts from it are another valuable skill to own. It is important to present the information processed and displayed in a manner that is easy for others to understand and comprehend, rather than showing screenshots without much context to them. This lab went through a demo that covered layouts and the process of creating maps within ArcGIS Pro. The demo covered the Wolf Paving pile areas.

Methods

During this lab demo, there were multiple types of maps were generated, which will be discussed later in this post. The basic components of all maps are the compass arrow, scale bar, locator map, metadata, legend, and a watermark. 

When adding the data within ArcGIS Pro, it is important to build pyramids and calculate statistics. The purpose of building pyramids is to scale the resolution of the raster in relation to the viewing distance. It is recommended to build pyramids to increase the drawing speeds when loading the raster. Calculating statistics is used to perform certain tasks and functions relating to the tools that are available within ArcGIS Pro and help to classify the data.

After performing these crucial tasks, a hillshade was generated using the Digital Surface Model (DSM) that was provided for the lab. A hillshade is a calculated raster that displays the elevation on a symbolized scale to better visualize the different levels of elevation within the original raster and the DSM. To better display this data, the hillshade was symbolized with transparency to display the DSM below it. Using both of these data layers together allows for the viewer to be able to view the data from the DSM and see the different features from the hillshade. Figure 1 displays the first map created.

Figure 1 displays the map showing the DSM along with the hillshade; the values referenced on the legend are in feet.

After generating this map, the aspect slope analysis tool was used to create another raster. The purpose of aspect slope is to show the direction of the slope face in relation to the direction it is facing on a compass in degrees. Figure 2 shows the aspect slop map that was created. The hillshade was used in conjunction with this raster to help see the features better.

Figure 2 displays the aspect slope of the area.

The next map that was made was to display the slope of the hills of the area. The data displayed is simply to show the angle of the slope and its gradient. Figure 3 shows the map generated for this raster, which is also paired with the hillshade.

Figure 3 shows the slopes of the Wolf Paving Pile area.

The last map that was created was using the orthomosaic that was provided for this lab. The main purpose of this map was to display the area and reference what it originally looks like. Data insets were also used to show the GCPs placed throughout the area and have a close-up of each one. Figure 4 shows the orthomosaic map that was created.

Figure 4 shows the orthomosaic map made and the different GCP points that were placed.

After this flight, the metadata was collected, which is displayed in Figure 5 for reference.

Figure 5 displays the metadata from the flight that the data originated.

Discussion

The lab demo proved to be extremely useful and helped to give the data processing we perform a means to actually be presented in various settings. This is important in setting ourselves differently from other candidates for jobs or even just setting ourselves apart from UAS and GIS specialists within the industry. During the demo, it was discussed the differences between a DSM and a Digital Elevation Model (DEM). A DEM displays information relating to the elevation of the natural surface, while the DSM also takes into account artificial objects on the ground. The difference between knowing aerial images and cartography fundamentals is important and helps to conceptually further our data.