Introduction:
On April 4th, 2016, the Geography 336: Field Methods class at UW-Eau Claire (UWEC) conducted a field survey on lower campus using a Dual Frequency GPS unit. The purpose of this survey was to map various point features on campus using high precision GPS technology. Then by mapping these features, different maps were created to visually display the locations of these unique features on campus.
Study Area and Methods:
The Area of Interest (AOI) consisted of UWEC's lower campus, with specific emphasis on the walkways around the parking lot located behind Davies Center. Thus Figure 10.1 is a depiction the AOI with both lower campus and the specific study are shown.
To conduct this survey, pre-made features were downloaded into a Topcon TESLA Dual Frequency GPS unit (Figure 10.2). This GPS unit is used for for high accuracy data coordinate collection. The pre-made features that were created directly onto the unit and included features such as (but not limited to): lights (or lamp posts), trees, garbage cans, and signage. These features were then given codes for the GPS unit to use during the mapping process. For each point, only features were mapped with no emphasis on attributed data. This remains true for all features except of trees, in which the diameter for each tree was collected.
Once out on the field the class, which was dispersed into groups, each collected a few points based on the previously discussed coded features. To collect a feature point, the GPS unit was positioned near the feature in question.
To obtain an accurate point, the Topcon TESLA unit collects a series of points (either predetermined or default. NOTE: For this survey the default of 20 points was used) and then averages them to create one final coordinate.
Once all the groups had collected their points, the data was then exported as a text file, and opened up into ArcMap. To create points from this data, the coordinate information was imported using the XY tool. From this data one map containing all the features was created.
Results and Discussion:
From the data collected, Figure 10.3 was created. This map depicts all of the features collected behind the Davies Center on the UWEC campus.
During the class time frame, 32 points were collected. These points or features included:
***Note: The number included after the feature is the total count of feature points
Conclusion:
In conclusion, using dual frequency GPS units is beneficial when creating high accuracy topology maps. Due to lack of time the topology map of lower campus is remains more of a sample over a true topology of the area. In future surveys, the AOI should increase and the feature points collected should be more complete.
On April 4th, 2016, the Geography 336: Field Methods class at UW-Eau Claire (UWEC) conducted a field survey on lower campus using a Dual Frequency GPS unit. The purpose of this survey was to map various point features on campus using high precision GPS technology. Then by mapping these features, different maps were created to visually display the locations of these unique features on campus.
Study Area and Methods:
The Area of Interest (AOI) consisted of UWEC's lower campus, with specific emphasis on the walkways around the parking lot located behind Davies Center. Thus Figure 10.1 is a depiction the AOI with both lower campus and the specific study are shown.
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| Figure 1.2: Survey Study Area and AOI |
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| Figure 10.2 http://www.topconsolutions.com/site/cartpics/large/6713/Tesla.jpg |
Once out on the field the class, which was dispersed into groups, each collected a few points based on the previously discussed coded features. To collect a feature point, the GPS unit was positioned near the feature in question.
To obtain an accurate point, the Topcon TESLA unit collects a series of points (either predetermined or default. NOTE: For this survey the default of 20 points was used) and then averages them to create one final coordinate.
Once all the groups had collected their points, the data was then exported as a text file, and opened up into ArcMap. To create points from this data, the coordinate information was imported using the XY tool. From this data one map containing all the features was created.
Results and Discussion:
From the data collected, Figure 10.3 was created. This map depicts all of the features collected behind the Davies Center on the UWEC campus.
 |
| Figure 10.3: Surveyed feature classes and their respective points. |
***Note: The number included after the feature is the total count of feature points
- Fire hydrants (2)
- Garbage cans (2)
- Light posts (11)
- Mailboxes (1)
- Signage (2)
- Emergency Telephones (1)
- Trees (13)
Conclusion:
In conclusion, using dual frequency GPS units is beneficial when creating high accuracy topology maps. Due to lack of time the topology map of lower campus is remains more of a sample over a true topology of the area. In future surveys, the AOI should increase and the feature points collected should be more complete.
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