ArcPad Data Collection

Introduction
The goal of this project was to develop a deployable database to be used to collect data in the field.  The database consisted of pre-designated fields and domains.  Once the database was developed, it was deployed to a Trimble Juno GPS unit and data was collected at The Priory.

Methods
The first step in the project was to determine what data to collect.  Students chose from trails, benches, erosion points, notable viewpoints, large trees, notable trees, dead trees, human objects, bluebird houses and animal tracks.  Our group chose to collect data on notable trees; this included large trees, small trees, notable trees and dead trees.

In ArcCatalog, a new file geodatabase was created.  Domains for tree condition, tree type and notable features for trees.  Coded values were used within the domains for efficiency of data collection in the field.  The coordinate system for the geodatabase and feature class was set for WGS 1984.  This is the coordinate system used by the Trimble GPS unit.

Figure 1: Domain types in geodatabase developed for
field collection of trees at The Priory

After the geodatabase was collected and all attribute fields were added, the database was deployed to a Trimble Juno GPS data.  To ensure the geodatabase would not be corrupted, the entire folder holding the geodatabase ("CheckInOut_Hansonla") was copied.  The folders when then copied and pasted into the storage card on the GPS unit.

Figure 2: Folder hierarchy to be deployed
to Trimble Juno GPS unit

Once the geodatabase was deployed the the GPS unit, we went to The Priory to start collecting data.  Our group walked along the trails of the area and collected points of trees that had visibly notable features.

Results

During a two hour period of field collection, 14 data points were collected.  The following figure shows all of the data points collected.

Figure 1: Notable Trees, All data points collected
The Priory-Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Figure 2: Notable Tree Condition
The Priory-Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Figure 3: Notable Tree Size
The Priory-Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Figure 4: Trees with special conditions
The Priory-Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Figure 5: Tree Type
The Priory-Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Discussion

Although I have worked with deploying geodatabases to ArcPad in the past, I learned a lot of things through this exercise.  Unfortunately, two members of our groups geodatabases did not deploy to the ArcPad correctly.  One geodatabase did not deploy because the feature class and TIFF file were not projected to WGS 1984.  My geodatabase deployed to the GPS unit, but for an unknown reason it would not collect data.  It is my guess that the symbol I used for the feature class on the computer was not compatible with ArcPad.

Because two members could not collect data with their individual GPS unit, we used one GPS unit and took turns collecting data.  This was not the best way to go about such an exercise, but it worked.  It is obvious through the data collected that were did not collect things in the exact same way.  This can hamper the data collection.  This exercise was designed to introduce the students to geodatabase deployment and the Trimble Juno GPS units.  Even with the difficulties of our group, we were still able to learn the basics of both aspects of the exercise.