Field Activity #9: ArcCollector Part 1- Microclimate

Introduction

The overall purpose of the lab was to gain experience using ArcCollector by ESRI. ArcCollector is a mobile app that is available for download through any app store (iPhone and Android). Collector allows you to update, observe, and create maps and features on the map. ArcCollector can be used both online or offline and allows for efficient data collection in the field. ArcCollector has many of the same main features as ArcGIS for the desktop such as the ability to create features in any type (point, line, polygon,) and add in several predefined attributes.

For this lab, the class was broken down into 9 groups of two.The campus was divided into 5 large zones (Figure 1). The main zone worked in by group 9 (Jackie Seamans and Amanda Senger), was group 5 which covered most of upper campus. The goal was to collect various points throughout both upper and lower campus.

Figure 1: Map of the UW- Eau Claire campus outlining the various zones for data collection

Methods

The points being collected throughout the lab were micro-climate data points. There were several attributes collected along with the location. These attributes included...

• Group Number
• Temperature (F)
• Dew Point
• Wind Speed
• Wind Direction
• Notes

Figure 2: Jackie holding the Kestrel device in the
air to get a weather reading 

The notes section allowed for any additional information about the point to be recorded such as proximity to water or vents which could alter the rest of the attributes.

Prior to data collection, downloading the app and setting up the online GIS account was necessary. By signing in through the ENTERPRISE (important that it be enterprise) and specifying "uwec" you are then able to sign in with your school account. As professor Hupy had already created the online map, downloading and saving the map to our own account was fairly simple. After being granted access to the geospatial field methods group on arcGIS online, making a copy of the map and saving it was done. From here, the next step was to download the app, again sign in through the ENTERPRISE access and open the map that was saved. From here, data could then be collected by the class at the same time. The 9 groups then separated to collect the data.

The device used to collect the temperature, dew point, and wind speed was a kestrel weather detector (Figure 2). To collect, you simply hold the detector up in the air, making sure not to breathe on it as that will affect the dew point reading, and find the measurement wanted by pressing the right and left arrows.(Hint: It is important to understand the symbols on the device as they are all very similar and can cause hella confusion)

Figure 3: Data point collected almost in the river.

As the professor stated, it was important to collect data points in a largely diverse area. This means that one should collect data from areas near water and then completely dry, some points should be collected in the sun while others in the shade, also low elevation and high elevation. As seen in Figure 3, the data was collected along the river which one would expect to result in a higher dew point.

Figure 4: Jackie using the compass while facing true north
to determine the azimuth angel of wind direction

In order to determine the wind direction, the estimated wind direction was decided by the users. Next, using a compass and facing North, the azimuth was determined based on where the wind was COMING from (it is important to note that wind direction is classified on which direction the wind is coming from not the direction it is going) (Figure 4). This measurement was expressed in degrees in a clockwise motion from true north.

Results

The results of the micro-climate data shows a few interesting patterns to be acknowledged. Once all of the data was submitted, it was then exported into a separate geodatabase where various attributes were mapped. These variables will be discussed further in the discussion portion of the lab report. 

Temperature Data:

Figure 5 shows the results of the temperature data within the different microclimate zones

Figure 5: Temperture data within the various zones throughout UW-Eau Claire

Dew Point: 

Figure 6 shows the results of the various dew point variability throughout the micro climate zones. 

Figure 6: the resulting map showing the different dew point readings throughout UW- Eau Claire 

Wind Speed:
Figure 7 shows the changes in wind speed throughout the campus.

Figure 7: Wind speed variability mapped throughout UW- Eau Claire

Discussion/ Conclusion

Temperature

The various changes in the temperature is most likely due to the location and elevation. Many of the cooler temperatures can be find near the river and creek that run throughout the campus. However, when looking at the notes within the data, warmer temperatures can be found in areas in the direct sun such as parking lots. Interestingly, not a single point was taken in zone 4.This is probably due to hearing issues while in class. 

Dew Point

Dew point (the temperature at which dew is formed) at first is confusing to look at. The areas by the water should have lower dew points because there is more moisture in the air, however, the symbols are larger indicating a higher dew point. 

Wind Speed

The areas with high wind speed appeared to be on the foot bridge, along the point bar of the river, and at higher elevations on upper campus. This is understandable due to the lack of any large buildings or hills blocking the wind.

Overall, the lab did a good job at introducing the class to ArcCollector which will ultimately benefit the class for the next lab.