For this lab activity, we were given a tutorial on how to utilize the ArcMap, ArcScene, and ArcCatalog programs to process our UAS data. These are all programs I have never utilized before. I got the chance to learn how to take UAS data and transform it into a final product. Below is a Q and A that highlights the most important skills I have learned about map making.
(No Hillshade Effect)
(Hillshade Effect)
Introduction
Why are proper cartographic skills essential in working with UAS data?
It's is essential to have proper cartographic skill because you want to portray the information you're presenting in an accurate way. With my past experience in UAS, data is key and needs to be processed accurately. Combining cartographic skills with UAS data gives visuals that allow for terrain to be assessed more in depth when it comes to factors such as scale and altitude.
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What are the fundamentals of turning either a drawing or an aerial image into a map?
A map represents something and has to show some sort of spatial relationship. The fundamentals of transforming a drawing/aerial image into a map would be including scale, coordinate system, and/or, a legend.
What can spatial patterns of data tell the reader about UAS data? Provide several examples.
Spatial patterns of data can tell you changes in terrain over a period of time, they can show ecological changes, they can show deterioration of certain terrain and many other processes.
What are the objectives of the lab? The objective of this lab was to be introduced to GIS software and to get to know how it works. This lab is highly useful for getting hands on experience with data and seeing what happens after it's collected.
Methods
What key characteristics should go into folder and file naming conventions? And
Why is file management so key in working with UAS data
The name of your files should always be specific and include the main project name or some type of identifier to keep the data cohesive. With how much data that needs to be processed, it is important to be specific to keep file management easier and to prevent the chance of misplacing data.
What key forms of metadata should be associated with every UAS mission?
The information that should be included is sensor, area of interest, altitude, date, GCPs, coordinate system of imagery, and coordinate system of ground control.
What basemap did you use? Why?
I chose to utilize the gray basemap that was zoomed onto the area of interested because it is simple, and I wanted to show what area the AOI was in.
What is the difference between a DSM and DEM?
A DSM is a digital surface model. This shows elevation and will include features that are natural and human made. A DEM is a digital elevation model and shows elevation with a "bare" earth. It ignores physical features such as trees and buildings.
What does hillshading do towards being able to visualize relief and topography.
Hillshading is an effect that takes the sun's position into account. It is not meant to show absolute height, but it does make some details of the map more distinctive (2nd picture posted above).
How does the orthomosaic relate to what you see in the shaded relief of the DSM?
The difference in shading highlights different features in both.
*Note: My orthomosaic is missing from the image because in the tutorial video it was not included.
What is the purpose of vertical exaggeration? What settings do you have for your data?
Vertical exaggeration can be useful in showing distinctions of elevation in a more dramatic way. Depending on the data needed, this could be useful to see. For my data, I believe I set the vertical exaggeration around .5.
What color ramp did you use? Why?
I used a red, yellow, and green color ramp because I felt that the difference in colors made a good distinction between higher and lower terrain.
What are the advantages of using ArcScene to view UAS DSM data vs. the overhead shaded relief in ArcMap. What are the disadvantages?
The 3d model in ArcScene is a great aid to the final product in ArcMap. From what I have used so far, I believe ArcMap is great for adding the actual cartographic information. With how far I got to use ArcScene, I do not believe that the 3d model would be very useful on its own. However, an advantage to ArcScene is that you get to see more vertical exaggeration.
Is this export a map? Why or why not?
No, because a map has a north arrow, water mark, scale bar, data sources, and meta data. There is no accurate scale here.
Conclusions
Summarize what makes UAS data useful as a tool to the cartographer and GIS user?
This UAS is advantageous for cartographers and GIS users because it is a much cheaper option than in comparison to manned aircraft. Also, this data is still accurate, and there is so sacrifice in quality.
What limitations does the data have? What should the user know about the data when working with it?
Data can be limited by whoever is collecting the data. If the pilot fails to collect good data than the data user can only expect a mediocre outcome at best. The user should know who the source of the data is and any information that could affect the quality.
Speculate what other forms of data this data could be combined with to make it even more useful?
There is an endless amount of ways that this data could be used. One example would be to monitor the homes of wildlife to see how they change over time. Also, to see if any man-made structures are possibly sinking.
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