Lab 3: Development of a Field Navigation Map

Development of a Field Navigation Map

Introduction

            This lab consists of the creation of maps to use in the future for field navigation. The maps created needed to have appropriate contours, coordinate systems, and labels in order for the student to be successful in the field with the use of this map. The first map was created with a UTM grid with 50 meter spacing as the coordinate system. The second map was created using decimal degrees with two degree spacing. The data to complete this lab was provided by Professor Hupy.

            When using data from multiple sources one needs to make sure that the projections of those datasets are the same. A project is simply transferring spatial data from one coordinate system to another. The use of the project tool can be used to switch to the desired projection system. For example, if the current projection was latitude and longitude, but NAD 83 UTM Zone 15N was desired, the project tool could switch the projection of that shapefile. Another tool that can be used to transform projections is project raster. This tool transforms the raster file into a new raster file with the desired projection system. Contours are another important part of a navigation map. Contours are simply lines that connect points of the same elevation on a map. Contours are necessary on a field navigation map as they show the topography and therefore are very helpful in pinpointing location.

Study Area

The field navigation maps were to be made of an area called the Priory. This area is owned by the University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire and is a forested area used for educational purposes (Figure 1).

Figure 1. This is a map of the appropriate location of the study area, the priory.
The University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire campus is marked in the northern
portion of the map. Source: Google Maps.

Methodology

            The first step of this lab was to make a new file geodatabase and copy in the priory data to this new geodatabase. The next step was to make sure the projection systems of the given data were the same and the desired projections. It was found that some but not all of the data files were in the desired projection of NAD83_Wiconsin_Transverse_Mercator. The project define tool was then used to transfer all of the datasets to NAD83_Wisconsin_Transverse_Mercator.

            Next, the raster elevation data was added to ArcMap and the contour tool was used to create 5 foot contours. This was then found to be too busy so 10 foot contours were made instead. The aerial imagery was then located in the geodatabase and added to the map. It was decided by the mapmaker that the aerial imagery would be most helpful when navigating in the field so the raster elevation data was taken out and just the aerial imagery was used. This map then needed a coordinate system to be useful. This was done by going into the properties of ArcMap layers. Within properties a new grid is able to be created. The first grid system was UTM. A spacing of 100 meters was originally selected but thought to be too coarse so 50 meters spacing was used. The second coordinate grid created was latitude and longitude in decimal degrees. After experimenting with spacing of degrees, two degrees was decided to be appropriate.

            Once a coordinate system was in place the rest of the development of the navigation map was basic map cartography. A title, north arrow, legend, scale bar, and references were added. The aerial imagery was a little too overwhelming on the map so a transparency of 40% were used to dull the colors.

Results

            The goal of this lab was to create a field navigation map that would allow a student to be successful in the field. This means that appropriate contours needed to be chosen in order to accurately read the topography of the study area. Appropriate background imagery also needed to be chosen; the amount of background imagery used is mostly dependent on the preferences of the map reader. One of the most important aspects of this field map was the spacing of the coordinate system. Finally, appropriate labels and scales are needed in order for one to read the map accurately in the field.

            The first map created used 10 foot contour interval to accurately display the topography without too much distraction. Aerial imagery was used but at 40% transparency in order to not further crowd the map.  This map used a coordinate system of UTM with 50 meter spacing. A UTM system with 100 meter spacing was analyzed but deemed too coarse for the mapping exercise (Figure 2).

Figure 2. Map using UTM coordinate system with spacing of 50 meters.
Contours intervals of 10 feet present. 

            The second map also used 10 foot contour intervals and the same aerial imagery. This map used latitude and longitude for the coordinate system. Decimal degrees were chosen as the display method. After deciding that 1 degree spacing was too fine and crowded, a 2 degree spacing was chosen for this navigation map (Figure 3).

Figure 3. Map using decimal degree coordinate system with two degree spacing.
Contour intervals of 10 feet present. 

Conclusion

            The initial task of projection and reprojection of projection systems is key in the creation of any field navigation map. One needs to always remember to make sure the various data sets are within the same projection, especially when data from multiple sources is used. The use of a coordinate system was also a key player in the creation of these maps. After the creation of the desired grids an appropriate spacing was necessary to make a successful map. The final step in creating these maps was to make it cartographically pleasing and to add all of the necessary components of a map so that it is navigable by others.

References

ArcGIS Pro. Retrieved February 19, 2018, from http://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/tool-reference/data-management/project-raster.htm

ArcGIS Projections: Define Projection and Project. (2018, February 15). Retrieved February 19, 2018, from http://gisgeography.com/arcgis-projections-define-project/

Priory Data Geodatabase. Retrieved February 13, 2018, from Professor Joseph P. Hupy.