GIS I Lab 3: Introduction to GPS

Goals and Objectives
The goal of this lab was to create a geodatabase, as well as prepare the geodatabase for the data we would go out and gather using Trimble Juno GPS units for the data collecting. We will also become more familiar with the Trimble Juno GPS units as well as the ArcPad app in the units. We will collect points, lines, and polygons using ArcPad on the Trimble GPS units and import this collected data into ArcGIS to create an image of grass areas, light poles, trees, footbridge, and campus buildings.

Methods
In order to gather our data we first had to upload an image that contained the University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire campus as well as all the campus buildings already digitized. Next we had to create three different feature classes to be added to the image, these feature classes were, points for light poles and trees, polygons for grass areas, and lastly polylines for the footbridge. The next step after adding the three feature classes to the map was to upload the map to the Trimble Juno GPS unit and save the map and features under a specific name. In order to complete this next step we will need a USB cable that can connect the GPS unit to the computer. Once connected find the folder with the unique name and copy it into the storage space of the Trimble Juno GPS unit. After uploading the map open up ArcPad and choose your already uploaded map and wait for the GPS to get a fix on your location. Once the GPS has your location fixed you may begin obtaining your data in the campus mall. There are two different ways to obtain the data, one is through point averaging where you have to tap the add a GPS vertex button every time you want to add a point. Once all data points are added press the proceed to attribute button and enter the name of the feature created. Repeat this process for the next features. For our lab we needed to use the point averaging technique for three grassy areas, three light poles, and three trees in the campus mall. The other way to obtain data is using point steaming, point streaming is a continuous data collecting technique. Once you have finished collecting the data for the feature you again press the proceed to attribute button and again title you feature. Using this technique we will map three grass areas and the walking bridge. Once all the data is collected you may deactivate the Satellite tracking and proceed to a computer with your Trimble Juno GPS unit. Reconnect the unit to the computer and open the uniquely named folder in the storage cell. On the computer open up the ArcPad data manager toolbar and press the green plus to navigate to your folder containing your obtained data. Select the features you wish to add and select OK. The data should appear in the map and then we use our previously learned cartography skills to create a presentable image to save as a PDF.

Results
The results from this lab compared to the image used  will appear to not match, but this is only because the image is from before construction of the new Davies Student Building was beginning construction. The only patterns shown on the map were the cluster of grass areas in the campus mall as well as the footbridge matching up to the base layer map.

Sources
GPS data collected by Drake Bortolameolli
GPS unit used; Trimble Juno 3B GPS number 13
Aerial photo provided by: National Air Photography Program