In this exercise, we used Survey 123 for ArcGIS, a convenient tool
for gathering field data by creating, sharing, and analyzing surveys by using
our ArcGIS Online Organizational Account. As a class, we gathered the data for
a survey the professor had supplied for us on “Trees on Campus” with the
objective of answering the survey questions for 10 trees in our given area, and
then plotting data from the survey. Questions that were asked of us include
location, type of tree, structure quality of the tree, among 5 other questions.
Although our professor provided us with the data from this tree data on UWEC’s
Campus, I created my own project using ArcGIS Online Survey 123 Project. I chose
to survey plant life along Little Niagara Creek on UW-Eau Claire’s lower campus,
from Phillips Science Hall to the Nursing Building, as pictured below in the
reference map.
The area I surveyed at was on UW-Eau Claire's lower campus along Little Niagara Creek. These points were taken using a survey I created with Survey 123 from ArcGIS Esri on my phone.
Methods
Our first step in conducting an experiment on campus, was to
create a survey in ArcGIS Survey123. This was a little difficult for me to
narrow down a topic, because I could have conducted any experiment I wanted. In
the end, I picked this theme for my survey because I was able to recreate what
I did for my internship with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation this
past summer. Also, I have extensive knowledge on facultative wet and up plants
and am interested in the plant life that runs through campus near the Little
Niagara Creek.
After creating my survey, I added questions such as “what is the
plant type” or “what is the type of foliage the plant has,” among other questions.
The next step was then to test out my survey in the field and collect data
outside of class.
This photo provides an example of the first few questions I asked in my survey to collect my data.
When collecting points, I mostly walked along one side of the river,
as most of the plant life resembled the plant life on the opposite side. Unfortunately,
I was unable to connect to the UWEC internet or cellular data, therefore, I
took photos of 20 plants along the creek, and filled out the survey forms in
the computer lab afterwards. Although this is not the most productive way to
complete data in the field, it was necessary considering the equipment I was
using, wasn’t reliable.
After completing my survey, I exported the data as a file
geodatabase to create a map of my survey area using ArcMap. Below are maps that
represent my plant life data.
Results
Plant type was predominately up and wet facultative plants. This shows the kind of plant life UWEC has on it's campus and perhaps the kind of landscaping required along Little Niagara creek.
The abundance of plants in the area spread out about half of the area they resided in, displaying how abundant the plant type is in that area, and where they like to spread out or grow.
The structure of the plant life was predominately good-fair, however, there was a good portion of plants that had poor structure. This can be interpreted as how plant life along the creek changes with the changing of seasons, specifically from fall to winter.
The foliage of the plant was mostly natural looking and fall colored. This can be interpreted as what percentage of plants are already changing colors along the creek, specifically with the changing of seasons from fall - winter.
Discussion
Although using Survey123 was our main tool for data collection, Other
data or methods that could be used for collecting the same type of data would
be a Trimble GPS unit or a data collector that takes points. The merits when using Survey 123 in my
project is that this method provides structure to my survey and keeps this
experiment controlled within the confines of the question, and my own
subjective observations. However, the demerits of this method could also not
provide as much flexibility for this project and the data collected. Overall,
this experiment provided me with information and tools to conduct another experiment
for personal curiosities within the community. I think this is really helpful
as well for someone within the community who doesn’t get the chance to do research
but can through creating surveys.
It was unfortunate however, that my device was not cooperating
with me during the experiment, and I was lucky to have been prepared to write
down the answers to the survey by hand. Overall, I really enjoyed surveying for a
topic that pertained to what I enjoy and the work I do during my internship. The
collection of data on our own using Survey123 can be done anywhere, not just on
campus. This project felt very freeing for me, because I was able to complete
my own project and go through the motions of how easy it is to be a community
scientist, or anyone for that matter!
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