ArcPad Data Collecting

Introduction
This week we will be going out to the Priory again to collect data using ArcPad. The purpose of this exercise was to introduce us to the use and functions of ArcPad. We had to create a geodatabase from scratch. This database needed to contain features that could be found at the Priory. These features in turn needed to have attributes and have domains.

Methods
The first thing that we did was decided on what we wanted to collect out in the field. My group decided we would map out fallen and dead trees. Both features would be point features. The fallen trees had the attributes of diameter, length, state of decomp, fungal presence,and azimuth. We would use the azimuth and length to generate a line feature showing which way the tree was actually laying. The dead trees had the attributes of diameter, presences of woodpecker, woodpecker use, fungal presence, height and vertical state(leaning or standing). We collected some trees from all over the Priory. Figure 1 shows the final map of our data collection.

Figure 1: Final map of our data collection.

Discussion
The trickiest part of this data collection was getting an accurate measurement of the length of fallen trees and the height of the dead standing trees. This was difficult because we were using a laser range finder to gather the length/height of the trees. This ranger finder works by sending out a laser out at an object and calculating the distance/azimuth of that object. Actually shooting the beam was not difficult. What made it difficult was that there were often branches or bushes in the way of the beam. It would hit these closer objects and not the real target father away, giving us a false reading. Also with the distance we needed to add about 1.7meters to the height attribute of the dead standing trees. This is because when I was shooting the height I was getting a false reading just by standing. I am 5'11" or 1.7m. We needed to add this to the height field because I was shooting the height 1.7m off the ground.

 Below are two maps showing the different attributes on dead standing trees. Figure 2 shows trees grouped by diameter. Figure 3 shows trees grouped by height.

Figure 2: This map shows dead standing trees sorted by diameter

Figure 3: This map shows dead standing trees grouped by height

Below is a map showing the fallen trees and a line feature showing in which direction these trees have actually fallen.

Figure 4: This map shows the fallen trees and the direction they lie

Results
This exercises taught us the importance of thinking and planning ahead about just what you want to collect out in the field. You need to decide what it is you want to collect, what type of feature it is and what types of attributes each of these features need.