Arc Gis Pro
Introduction
Getting to Know ArcGIS Pro, I followed a tutorial on how to develop a map and use features to tie various locations together. Then after learning the basics of ARC Pro, we proceeded to learn how to apply it to UAS data, with DSMs, shaded surface models, and more.
Singapore Tutorial
This is how I went about going through the tutorial.
Figure 1. The project ‘Singapore Tourism’ map has been created. (Note, the data is already imported due to starting the lab with the last sheet)
Figure 2. Using the Locate feature in ARC Pro, the map adjusts to Singapore.
Figure 3. The data is imported from the datasets downloaded from the Arcgis website.
Figure 4. The map's appearance is changed to a gray canvas base map. The icons have been changed to teardrops for the attractions. The train stations were changed to black and gray coloration, and the rail lines were changed to arctic white.
Figure 5. A geoprocessing tool called spatial join is used to link each tourist attraction with the closest rail station.
Figure 6. Each of the Tourist attractions teardrops is given a number that links to the ID of the attraction. This was done through the Label tool, and labeling the attractions with their object ID.
Figure 7. A layout of the final map is created, it includes a title, Downtown Singapore, a key and a scale.
Figure 8. The final layout of the train system and tourist attractions in Downtown Singapore.
What makes data geospatial and why is that important?
Data becomes geospatial when it is information about an object that is tied to a geographic coordinate system. The data worked within this lab is all about the train system and how it can be used to get to the tourist attractions in downtown Singapore, to identify which train stations are the closest to the attractions, geospatial information is used. What makes GIS different than a digital map, for one thing, the data in GIS is tied to a specific coordinate system, whereas in a digital map the data is not as geospatially accurate. Having an understanding of geospatial concepts and data is important when working with uas, as that data can be tied into a geographic system and the accuracy in what is collected can be assured. If there is a lack of understanding of the geospatial concepts an improper coordinate system can be used and the data could be off by a large number and could become worthless information. This lab addresses a few key geospatial concepts, one being the base map, the base map is important for both stylistic and informational reasons within a map. The base map provides a background to the information being presented.
Using UAS Data in ARC Pro
Proper Cartographic skills are essential in working with UAS data as they help for showing off and analyzing the data. If improper cartographic skills are used the data can be presented in a confusing way and not be useful to the client. There are requirements for turning the drawing or aerial image into a map. The following must be included: North Arrow, Scale Bar, Locator Map, Legend, Data sources, and metadata.
Spatial patterns in the data show the viewer important information about the area surveyed. For example, the Shaded slope tool can be used to identify areas that could be too steep or unsafe due to the grade of the slope. The shaded aspect tool can be used to identify which direction the sun would hit the terrain, this could be used for identifying south-facing locations to place solar panels so they can get the most sunlight possible during the winter months. This lab can help with showing proper maps to clients and allows for an easy way to present complex UAS data. The maps produced will allow me to sell new clients the ability to analyze certain areas of a map in more in-depth ways than they can imagine.
In UAS working with data is a must, and keeping it organized is a challenge. A few key components help out a lot. The key characteristics that go into the file naming conventions are job and or date then the selection of what the data is. For example for this project it was Wolfpaving_Metadata. Another example would be Wolfpaving_06132017_Metadata, this convention would be better if there were multiple days that were flown at wolfpaving. File management is important when working with UAS data because of the ability to standardize how data is collected, stored, and processed. If all of those are standardized the results of the data should be consistent across jobs. Also making sure that all the files are named and stored properly can help ensure that no data is lost and that the flight will not have to be re-flown, due to data being misplaced and lost. Metadata is important for each flight, as the various factors that can be collected can describe how or why there might be discrepancies in the data, but it also can be used as a tool for recreating the same mission if the data works out well and the company re-hires you to fly the same area down the line.
Metadata is another important aspect of UAS data collection because knowing the operational conditions can lead to a better understanding of the quality of data. The bare minimum metadata should include the date and time of the flight, the platform flew, the sensor for that platform, the altitude, the Ground control GPS and coordinate system, and the UAS coordinate system. As well as the pilot's name. Those are the minimum, but I personally like to include a metar, overlap, sidelap, what application was used, flight time, #of images captured, and notes on other information from the flight.
For my maps I used the topographic basemap because it had contours of the general area, and we were focusing on the slopes of the mine. The topographic basemap also did not distract too much from the map of the mining area.
Building pyramids and calculating statistics are important steps as the commands are for working with sections of the map to show a model that has been processed. Building pyramids improve the display performance of the raster datasets. Calculating statistics allows ArcGIS to stretch and symbolize the data for display. Knowing the cell size is important because it tells you the accuracy of the estimation. Units are important because mixing imperial and metric can create issues with utilizing the map. Projection is important because it describes how the imagery is interpreted on the map. The highest and lowest elevation is important because the range of the heights of the map is between those two points, this can be used to the height of structures and other objects with the imagery.
DSM VS DEM
A DSM stands for digital surface model, which is different from a DEM, digital elevation model because the DSM includes everything on the surface. This could be vehicles, structures, trees, etc. A DEM only has the terrain elevation, nothing above the surface is included in that model.
Hillshading is a tool in which the direction of the lighting is coming from in a map can be changed. This can be used to tease out certain aspects of the map and make them more visual to the viewer. This is done by changing the angle of the light and thus changing the shadows projected on the elevation changes of the map.
An orthomosics relates to the shaded relief area, as it can be used to see the area in more detail, but it does not provide as good of accuracy in that area.
o Shaded DSM
Figure 9. Shaded Digital Surface Model Map, it shows us the various elevations of the mapped area
o Shaded Slope
Figure 12. An orthomosic map with the GCP locations annotated with the boxes.
Conclusion
Ensuring the ability to make and produce quality maps with the proper information can allow for them to be used in proper datacollection. They also add value to you as a drone pilot, as the skill of processing the data in an easily digestible graphic allows for a larger audience to understand and be able to hire you as an operator and data processor.
Comments
Post a Comment