Field Data Collection using Mobile Devices
Accessing your ArcGIS Online account in your device
On your mobile device, open the Collector for ArcGIS application and log in to www.arcgis.com, click Continue.
Sign in with the username and password that was provided to you at the beginning of this session.
Go to the Play Store and search for collector for arcgis. Download the application to your Android device.
Android Devices:
App Requirements - Free trial or organizational account of ArcGIS Online
- Free download from App store (iOS) or Play Store (Androids): Collector for ArcGIS.
How to Install app
iOS Devices:
Go to the App Store and search for collector for arcgis. Download the application to your iphone or iOS tablet.
- Records editors and timestamps
- User roles: update only, create, delete, and sync.
- Geospatial design: domains, types, and subtypes
- Participatory mapping with just a browser.
- Collection of points, lines, and polygons. Tracking mode.
In this activity you will be going out in the field to collect geographic data using Collector for ArcGIS application. You will be using LabQuest device to read Light intensity value for specific location and then recording the value in the Collector app. LabQuest is the most powerful, connected, and versatile data-collection device available for STEM education. It is standalone interface used to collect sensor data.
Collector is a free app that allows you to collect or update your geospatial data with any iOS or Android device directly into your ArcGIS Online account. It allows you to log your current location, and put the data you capture to work so you can make more informed and timely decisions. It allows you to use maps anywhere to ground-truth your data, make observations, and respond to events. You'll be able to improve the efficiency of your field workforce and the accuracy of your GIS.
Advantages
- Option for offline data collection
- Multiple editors
You will be assigned a group number and a counselor to do data collection. Refer the printed map that has been provided to you and check it with your group number.
2. Reading Light Intensity Data using LabQuest
- Plug the light sensor into the LabQuest on the left side
- Make sure the switch on the light sensor is down for the range 0-150,000.
Follow the following steps to read light intensity data using LabQuest and then enter the recorded value to Collector app:
1. Choose your location
- Go outside to your specific location
- Point the light sensor towards the sun (cord on the other end)
- Record the illumination value displayed on the LabQuest
Once, you have got the light intensity value, follow step next steps to record the value on the collector application.
- Turn on the LabQuest (power button is in the top left corner)
3. Recording data on your collector app
You will see a map that has been shared with you. Tap once the Data Collection Exercise to open it. Do not click Download. This web map contains a dataset named as Light Data.
Light Intensity Data
The Light Data dataset has been designed in a way that all collaborators can create, update, and delete new features. To add your first point, zoom into the area .
- Click the + sign in the middle top section of your screen.
- Choose Light Data as this will allow you to create a new feature. If you are indoors, a new screen warning you of Poor Location Accuracy appears. Click Settings and move the required accuracy to 20 m and Click OK.
- For What is the light absorption in units of lux?, Enter a value (the value should be in between 0 and 25000). Click Done or press Enter
.
A new window appears asking you to validate the location. Click Go to map. The program will take you back to the map where you can drag the location of the point to the exact place you want it.
When you are done, click Done on your tablets. This will send updates and post the attachments to the collective map.
Updates can take a little bit of time to post, depending on your wireless connection. Make sure your edits are saved after each data point collected. To ensure that your latest update gets posted, close Collector and open it again. Navigate to your map and look for your edit.
