Field Activity #1: Collecting Data

Elevation Surface Model Creation

For this experiment, a topographic model was constructed from sand in courtyard garden planter boxes to create an elevation surface of terrain in order to practice collecting, analyze, and interpret geographical information. This simulation explores situations in the field where there are multiple ways to approach conducting a terrain analysis and challenges our critical thinking skills. Using grid lines created by string and pins, measurements were taken using a meter stick and a clipboard for recorded measurements. Through the data collected, a map will later be developed showing the topography of the surface created using a selected coordinate system in later exercises.

Methods:

September 18^th, 2019

Sunny, about 21 degrees Celsius.

Firstly, the class was divided into two groups and discussed ideas of how to create a possible terrain. Afterwards, we headed out to the courtyard garden planter boxes filled with sand to build our terrain. Using spoons and our hands, we created a variety of terrain including a ridge, hill, depression, valley, and plain.

After our terrain was complete, we constructed a coordinate system using string and thumb tacks. The thumb tacks were displaced every 6cm around the rim of the box. We then stretched the yarn around the pins to successfully create our coordinate system.

Next, one group member collected samples in centimeters using a meter stick within each 6cm x 6cm box, producing a grand total of 200 samples. Lastly, after cleaning up from our experiment, the member who recorded the measurements recited them aloud while another typed the data into an excel document, which was later saved as a .csv for later experiments.

Discussion:

The simulation created during this exercise was very insightful, because it showed that there were many different ways to conduct this experiment. It helped develop critical thinking and teamwork skills, something that is parallel to full scale field experiments. We also faced some challenges, such as multiple people recording measurements. Consistency is important in professional experiments and is something to take note of in our error analysis. To decrease the risk of error in our experiment and in future experiments, we found that one member of the group should be taking the measurements the whole time.

Conclusion:

This exercise explores situations in the field where there are multiple ways to approach conducting a terrain analysis. This experiment overall challenges our critical thinking and teamwork skills. Personally, I found that when conducting an experiment in the field, it is important to plan out the methodology of the experiment before heading into the field.