Arc Collector

 Introduction:

ArcGIS Collector is a data collection app that can be used on a mobile device in order to plot and capture accurate data. This information can be relayed to an office or home device where it can be viewed and used for analysis. For this lab, we were tasked with creating our own map in ArcGIS Collector by following an online tutorial and then going out to plot our own data points. This application can be very useful for for ground control points in UAS operations because it gives an exact location as well as a symbol or image that makes it easily distinguishable. While we did not create and GCPs for UAS operations in this lab, the skills we learned can be easily applied to said operations.

Objectives:

#1: To download and install Arc Collector on your phone or other mobile device.

#2: To learn the abilities of Arc Collector through online tutorials

#3: To gather data with Arc Collector using your phone or other mobile device.

Methods/Assignment:

Tutorial: https://www.esri.com/arcgis-blog/products/collector/field-mobility/make-your-first-collector-map/

We navigated to ArcGIS Online in order to begin creating our map. To start, we created various points that we would be able to plot on the map when we went out to set real points. ArcGIS Online makes it easy to add a huge variety of points that can be used in the Arc Collector mobile app. By creating a feature layer, I was able to add points for picnic tables, manholes, public restrooms, and grills. These points can be given a name, type, and value depending on the type of point you chose to create. In this case, we made all of the points integers and gave them names for the specific point that it would cover. (Figure.1)

(Figure.1 Adding a Field)

After adding all of the points, we then created a map that would allow us to access all of our data in Arc Collector. By clicking "Add to a new map" an online map viewer opened where we could view the contents our map, which included our points. From here, we can go in an add icons or images to our points so they can be easily distinguishable from one another. In this case, I added a picnic table icon for the picnic tables, a grill icon for grills, and so on for each point. (Figure.2)

(Figure.2 Adding Icons)

Once all of the points have been given their respective icons, I set out on Purdue University's Campus to gather data. I went to a park near the sports fields on campus because I knew of some distinct features there that would be a good example of ground control points. Using Arc Collector, I walked to each of the locations and set the point with as much GPS accuracy as I could. The application also allows you to enter notes for each point as well as an image to make it identifiable. Below is an example of one of the points that I set on my map. (Figure.3) (Figure.4)

(Figure.3 Setting a point)

(Figure.4 Image taken inside Arc Collector for point)

Below is an embedded map that shows the location of my GCPs 

Discussion:

How might this type of application prove useful to UAS field operations?

Arc Collector gives the user the ability to set quality ground control points on a map for a variety of different operations. Ground control points allow the team to greatly increase the accuracy of their drone map. With applications like Arc Collector, this can be done seamlessly and efficiently. I was able to set up a map and set points within an hour. These points can be viewed from another computer easily. Overall, it will increase the accuracy and efficiency of UAS operations.

What features could diminish the quality of the GPS signal you are getting?

Areas that are very dense could reduce the quality of the GPS signal. For instance, when I was collecting, I entered an area with a large amount of trees which reduced the accuracy of my GPS signal in comparison to when I was standing in the open by the road. Being in a very densely populated area like large cities can also reduce the quality of GPS signal because of large amounts of interference.

Can you use your phone and collector to gather GCP data? Why or why not?

Yes, you can. With Arc Collector, I was able to easily and efficiently go out on to Purdue's campus and set GCP points in various locations.

What type(s) of technology could you use in conjunction with this application to gather survey quality GPS point data?

Applications such as AirMap and ArcGIS in conjunction with Collector could immensely help with the collection of quality GPS point data.