Lab #9: Using ESRI Arc Collector

Introduction

This lab consisted of two tutorials Try collector and Make your First Collector Map. These tutorials walked us through how to create a map using ArcGIS Online and how to collect the data with the Arc Collector application. The Arc Collector app is a mobile data collection app that allows people to easily collect field data before a mission. This app is extremely useful for pre-mission planning and scoping out your next flight area. It also allows you to get very accurate GPS locations for your points since you are actually there.

Methods

I started with the (Make your First Collector Map) tutorial. This tutorial helped me learn the basics of how to create a layered template that I could then connect and use with the Arc Collector app. I started by creating a Feature Layer, found in the Content tab, in My Content.

Figure 1: Adding a Feature Layer

Next, I selected Build a Layer and chose Points, Lines, and Polygons option.

Figure 2: Points, Lines, and Polygons

I renamed the premade layers to Places, the Line layer to Paths, and the Polygon Layer to Areas. I then renamed the map to Parks. After, I started to create Fields. These Fields can be added by going to the Data tab, clicking on the Fields button, and clicking Add.

After I clicked the Add button an Add Field page show up, this is where you put a field name, display name, type, and default value. For the field name was AssetType, the display name was Type of amenity, and the type as Integer.

Figure 3: Adding a Field

After this was added, it was time to add a list of amenities in the park. I clicked on the Display Name list and clicked the Create List button. I could then add Labels of points I wanted to add in the park. I made a list of Picnic Tables, Restrooms, Benches, Water Fountains, Baseball Fields, Basketball Courts, and Playgrounds. The code is 0-3 respectively and so on.

Figure 4: List of Values

I then saved the list and moved on. Attachments had to be enabled so that I could attach photos to the amenities I record at the park. 

Figure 5: Enabling Attachments

I could then create the map by selecting Add to New Map in the Open in Map Viewer button. When I got into the map I needed to create specific symbols for each amenity. I did this by changing the style, going to options, picking a unique symbol, and setting each symbol to a size of 25. 

Figure 6: Making Symbols 

My unique symbols I created for my types of amenities.

Figure 7: My Symbols

After all that was created, it was time to use the Arc Collector app and gain some data. I chose Armstrong park because it was very scenic and had lots to do. 

Figure 8: Map of Amrstrong Park

Figure 9: Armstrong Park Plaque

First I used the app to draw an Area Polygon around the pond and attached a photo of it. I then tracked the walking trail that goes around the pond and attached a photo. Finally, I added the amenities around the park as I saw them while attaching photos to them.

Figure 10: Making Paths with Arc Collector

Figure 11: Making Areas with Arc Collector

Figure 12: Making Place Points with Arc Collector

I've added some of the photos I attached to my points below.

 Discussion

This lab taught me the fundamentals of the Arc Collector app. This app is a very useful tool in the UAS industry because it is free and very user friendly. I learned to use it through the tutorials and some trial and error. I definitely think I will be using this app on future surveying/photography, map making, and environmental projects I may work on. I have included the final map both on Arc Collector and ArcGIS Online.

Figure 13: Final Arc Collector Maps

Link to Live Map