ArcGIS Field Maps
ArcGIS Field Maps is map centric way of collecting data with your mobile device. This is the prefer method for GIS users and crews collecting data that ultimately needs to exist in a GIS environment
Pros:
- Can collect data offline
- Data securely stored in the cloud
- Can edit previous records collected
- Highly customizable
- Allows to collect more than one layer at a time
Cons:
- Not as user friendly. Preferable for GIS users
- Cannot be shared outside Clemson
- Does not collect automatically device input (speed, direction, etc)
In this section, we are working with event planners at Clemson to create the first Research Bazaar! We will be collecting the following information:
- Places
- Paths
- Sites
To collect this data, first we create the empty datasets in AGOL, then we symbolize them in a web map that we share with ArcGIS Field Apps.
1. Create A Dataset: Research Bazaar Places
In AGOL, go to Content - My Content. Click the New item button on the top left corner. The new item window appears. Select Feature Layer. Scroll down in the From Template tab until you find the Points, lines, and polygons template. Select it and click on the CREATE button. In the window that appears:
- Click on Point Layer and rename it to Amenities.
- Click on Line Layer and rename it to Path.
- Click on Polygon Layer and rename it to Sites.
Click Next.
Zoom and pan into the Clemson area to set the extent for the map. Click Next.
Title: Research Bazaar at CU by YourName
Tags: Clemson, bazaar
Click Done. The Research Bazaar layer is created and its item page opens.
1.1 Create fields and domains to be collected: Amenities
Click on the Data tab and select Fields instead of Table in the top right corner. Make sure Amenities is chosen in the list of layers on the top left corner of your screen.
Click the + Add button under Amenities.
Field Name: AssetType
Display Name: Type of amenity
Type: Integer (we will create a list of choices next)
Accept the other defaults and click Add New Field.
Click Type of amenity in the Display Name list and select Create List to create a list of choices fort he type of amenity.
Type a label of Water fountain with a code of 0
Add entries for Restroom (code 1), ice-cream truck (code 2), and trash bin (code 3).
Click Save.
Close the Type of Amenity pane (click on the X on the top right corner) and add another field named Notes that is a String.
We want to make sure our mobile workers can attach pictures showing what is available at Clemson. Go to the Overview tab of the item page, scroll to the layers list, click Places, and under Attachments, make sure the Enable Attachments toggle button is turned on.
1.2 Create fields and domains to be collected: Paths
Change the Layer type to Paths. Make sure the Fields view is enabled.
Click Add to add a new field to the Paths layer.
Field Name: PathType
Display Name: Type of path
Type: Integer (we will create a list of choices next)
Accept the other defaults and click Add New Field.
In the Display Name list, click on Type of path and click the Create List button on the top right corner. This will create a list of choices (domains) for the type of path.
Type a label of trail with a code of 0. Add entries for gravel (code 1) and paved (code 2).
Click Save.
Close the Type of path pane and add another field named Notes that is a String.
Go to the Overview tab of the item page, scroll to the layers list, click Paths, and under Attachments make sure the Enable Attachments toggle button is turned on.
1.3 On your own: create fields and domains to be collected: Sites
Following the steps that we just did for amenities and paths, configure the Sites layer. Add a field name called SiteType, with an alias of Type of site. Add the following values: main stage (0), research tents (1), food (2), parking (3).
2. Make a map: Research Bazaar Planning at Clemson
In the top menu, go to Overview, and select Open in Map Viewer Classic.
Zoom into the Clemson campus. Change the basemap to OpenStreetMap.
Save your map:
- Title: Research Bazaar Planning at CU by YourName
- Tags: Clemson, Research bazaar
Click SAVE MAP.
Rename the three layers to simply say: Amenities, Paths, and Sites (Hover over the layer, click on the three dots ... and select Rename for each layer).
2.1 Change symbology for Amenities
In the Contents pane, hover over the Amenities layer, click the Change Style button.
1. Choose an attribute to show: select Type of Amenity
2. Select a drawing style: Types (Unique Symbols). Click OPTIONS.
Click the symbol next to the Ice-cream truck, click Shape, choose the Outdoor recreation group, and select the caravan symbol. Set it to a size of 28 and click OK (alternatively, you can pick an icon online)
Configure the symbols for restroom, water fountain, and trash bin inside the Government category.
2.2 Change symbology for Paths and Sites
Repeat the steps in section 2.1 to change symbology for paths and sites. Save your map.
3. Collect Data in Field Maps
Install ArcGIS Field Maps app on your mobile device. Field Maps is available on Google Play for Android devices and the App Store for iPad and iPhone.
Open the app and sign in to your ArcGIS account.
Tap the Research Bazaar map in the Maps list to open it. The map opens and if you allow Field Maps access to your location the map centers on where you are.
Collect several assets on each category and tap Submit (iOS) or the checkmark (Android) to share each asset you collected with everyone who has access to the layer.
For paths, you want to capture the path as you walk along it, so you'll stream it by tapping Overflow ... and tapping Start Streaming. Walk along the path, and it is drawn as you go. Once you've finished walking along the path, tap Stop Streaming.
Data captured in Field Maps is available throughout ArcGIS and can be brought into other maps, ArcGIS Pro, story maps, etc.
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