Arc Collector is a mobile app that allows for the gathering of data within the field so that it can later be synchronized with other GIS data. Arc Collector allows you to collect GIS information in the field, collect location coordinates, and upload this information directly into a GIS database from a mobile device. The app allows for fieldworkers to complete tasks more accurately and efficiently. The purpose of the app is to reduce error as well as decrease the amount of time necessary in the field. The app uses GPS in order to edit map data and also to create points, lines, area features, and other vector data.
In this lab activity Arc Collector is used to map out a park area. I chose to map out the area outside of a Purdue University residence hall. Within the parks map it is possible to log the locations of objects like benches, trees, trash cans, restrooms and more. It also allows for you to log paths by streaming your location while walking along the path.
The tutorials used for this lab activity can be found here:
Part 1: https://www.esri.com/arcgis-blog/products/collector/field-mobility/try-collector/
Part 2: https://www.esri.com/arcgis-blog/products/collector/field-mobility/make-your-first-collector-map/
Methods Part 1: Collection
The first object that I "collected" was the bench/ table that I was using as a work station. It can be seen in figure 1 below. This was done by recording a GPS coordinate while near the table and taking a photo. Figure 2 shows the data associated with the table.
(Figure 1: Photo of the table)
(Figure 2: Table Information and Path Shown in Green)
After this was done I collected the data to map a path within the area. A photo of the path is shown below in figure 3. Figure 2 shows how the path appeared within the app after streaming. Paths are created within the app by streaming GPS information at multiple points while walking down the path. I collected a few other objects which can be seen below in figures 3-6.
(Figure 3: V-Shaped Path)
(Figure 4: Tree)
(Figure 5: Other Table)
(Figure 6: Tree Information)
Methods Part 2: Creating a Map:
The first part of this process is to prepare a layer. The places layer is the first layer that needs to be configured. I decided to create a layer for paths as well. In the "My Content" the create button is selected, followed by selecting the feature layer tab in the drop down menu. From here the "build layer" button is selected. The default layers that are given include points lines and polygons. These default layers can be seen below in figure 7. I changed the point layer into a places layer, and I also changed the lines layer into a path layer. I decided to delete the polygon layer. I proceeded to set the extent for my layer to cover the Purdue Campus. I then selected a title for the map. The extent area for the map is shown below in figure 8.
(Figure 7: Default Feature Layers)
(Figure 8: Area for Map)
Once the layer is created it is necessary to make some adjustments within the data tab. Once navigating to the fields page within the data tab it is necessary to create two fields. The first field is "type of amenity" which is then categorized as an integer. An integer is defined as a number that can be written without a fraction or decimal. The second field that was created was called "notes" which was a string type of field. A string can be defined as a sequence of characters. These fields are shown below in figure 9 Within the "type of amenity field" a list is created. Numbers are assigned for a water fountain, a picnic table, and a restroom. Finally it is necessary to ensure that attachments are enabled on all of the layers. This is shown in figure 11.
(Figure 9: Fields and Field Types)
(Figure 11: Enabling Attachments)
(Figure 12: Objects and paths collected)
Discussion:
