Field Activity #5: Collecting Data Using ArcCollector

Introduction

In this assignment, our group collected microclimate data throughout the Lower Campus of UW-Eau Claire, using the Collector for ArcGIS application through ArcGIS online. Through this application, we collected data with a mobile device, a cellphone or tablet used by a student in our group, and created a database, domains, and feature classes from the surveying data collected. After collecting the microclimate data in groups, we merged all of our data into one dataset to use and create multiple maps depicting the data collected from our survey.

Methods

For these methods we used a Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter. This meter is an environmental tool for monitoring field conditions measuring dew point, wind speed, humidity, and temperature. Our microclimate data collection, included taking readings on this device for humidity, average wind speed, dew point, and temperature at 5cm and 2 meters above the surface.

For our group, we surveyed zone 2, located from Phillips Hall to Davies center and Campus Mall on Lower UWEC Campus. We began at the Parking lot in Davies Center, circling the building and through the Campus Mall, and ending at Phillips Science Hall. Armed with a Kestrel Weather Meter for each person, we compared data taken with each monitor. By doing this, we noticed that the weather meters would stop recording, and stopped at a certain number. From this point on, we noticed what monitors would take the correct measurements and reported the devices that were malfunctioning. 

This image depicts the different zones delegated to each group. The points illustrate each point taken collectively as a class, spanning the entire campus. The points covered a large portion of UW-Eau Claire campus, allowing variability in our data.

This image shows temperature (Degrees F) readings from 5cm across UWEC campus.

This image depicts temperature (Degrees F) readings from 200cm across UWEC campus.

This image displays wind speed (mph) readings across UWEC campus.

This image shows dew point readings (Degrees F) across UWEC campus.

This image depicts humidity (%) readings across UWEC campus.

Discussion

When analyzing the data collected in the field, there were multiple errors in the data. For example, a gust of wind occurs at the exact moment of recording data. Additionally, temperature variations for the few seconds holding and recording the data - which we had to calculate the average temperature as the device switched readings every second. This caused unwanted variation in our data, however, it does prove that the conditions were changing throughout our data collection process. The weather conditions however, were cloudy and slightly breezy at first, but towards the end of our collection, the wind had picked up, and the temperature seemed to be colder.

Conclusion

Overall, this exercise was a good introduction to using Collector through ArcGIS, and collecting data using your personal mobile device. For our group, it was important to be able to have the same goal when collecting data, and to do so in a timely manner. This exercise also introduced myself to assessing and surveying for climate data, and how to manage the data, and present it, by creating a geodatabase with domains, subtypes, feature classes, and fields in order to collect and analyze the data. After this field activity, I feel it is useful to those who want to conduct public science projects, and how to formulate a project and display data of a neighborhood or public area.