Lab #3: Building Maps With UAS Data

Part 1 (Introduction):

During this week’s lab, we were able to develop upon the skills that we’ve learned last week and were able to produce our own maps using UAS data. Using UAS taken data from an area in Wisconsin, we were able to create a slope map and an aspect map which are tools located in the raster function. Also included in one of my maps was an orthomosaic of the terrain to show the action features that were being presented in the slope map. As we moved through this lab in sections our assignment was to answer a series of questions dealing with the concepts that we studied in on. 

(Figure 1) ArcGIS Wolfpaving Slope

(Figure 2) ArcGIS Pro Wolfpaving Aspect View

Figure 8 (Wolfpaving DSM Hillshade)

· Why are proper cartographic skills essential in working with UAS data?

Cartographic skills are essential when working with UAS data because it deals with how we are able to present our work. Being capable of communicating with someone using words is not always easy. You need to figure out your audience and make it possible to present your findings visually. Many people in this industry are visual learners and seeing the different color schemes makes it easier for people to understand what you are showing them. As seen on my map above, having the different colors represent different terrains helps my audience realize the different types of slopes in this area. 

· What are the fundamentals of turning either a drawing or an aerial image into a map?

The reason for turning drawings or an aerial image into a map is to further give it context. A picture may just be a picture but, adding data sources into a picture can give it so much more. The picture may show erosion, it may show the various inclines and declines, other important elements that may be an issue. It gives us data that we as people may not be able to see from the naked eye. 

· What can spatial patterns of data tell the reader about UAS data? Provide several examples.

Spatial patterns can tell someone a lot of information. UAS data is not always just taking a drone up in the sky and taking a video of something cool. For example, if we wanted to do a study on air traffic in the state of Indiana, we can depict a map to show areas of high traffic flow using colored patterns on a map. Whereas, red can indicate high areas of traffic and white or no color can depict areas of light to no traffic at all. This can help aviators see where there is the most traffic and maybe avoid these areas when practicing to fly. 

· What are the objectives of the lab?

The objective of this lab was to show that a map can tell the viewer so much about one area of interest. In the lab, we were able to depict different aspects of this terrain to show, slope, ortho imagery, and 3D-terrain. This gave us and the audience altered perceptions on what may be some issues dealing with this area and help aid a solution on how to deal with the problem. Another objective of this lab was how to create a detailed map and what should be included. During this lab, we’ve learned that presenting a well complete map, you must include a North Arrow, Scale Bar, Locator Map, Watermark and metadata. Metadata includes the pilot, altitude, UAS platform and sensors that were being used in the time of operation.

PART 2 (Methods):

During the start of this lab, we copied over the data and moved it into a temp folder for when we were working on the project in ArcGIS Pro. Putting the data in the temp folder allowed us to work on our projects without it running sluggish. The temp followed has more space and the process runs faster. So while we worked throughout the week we left all data in the temp folder and had our backup copy in our own personal (AT 319 folder). Once we’ve completed the map and the lab we then were able to move everything into our personal class folder where it can be saved and viewed at any time. For organization, the project folder should include three sub-folders to depict data, ArcGIS work, and our finished product. These folders can be broken down into three categories; data collection, processed work, and final examination to make it easier to find and go through project material.   

Example of File Collection

o What key characteristics should go into folder and file naming conventions

When it comes to what should be included in all these folders is how we work through a project. In the beginning, we compile a large amount of data. Data that may be photos, videos, and other basic first-hand data. All this data should be placed in one folder to make it easy to move it around into applications such as ArcGIS Pro. The processed work folder will be designated for, (work in progress) as we compile and manipulate the data in certain applications. The third and final folder will be present to depict finished work and used for examination and evaluation. In this lab’s case, I would put my slope map and orthomosaic map in this folder for viewers to see. We would also want a separate section in here to show the metadata either as another folder or separate document in the third folder. This shows the basics of how we got this data and how we achieved to get this data.  

Why is file management so key in working with UAS data? How does this relate to the metadata?

When dealing with a lot of data, file management is crucial when working through an assignment. There is so much data when working with UAS data and not knowing where certain things are, can slow down the process and make it complicated to finish an assignment on time. Having separate sections can help distinguish where the raw data, work processing and where your final product is for accessible viewing. Keeping all neat and complied can help view the metadata and understand the background behind the data you are working on.

o What key forms of metadata should be associated with every UAS mission

Key forms of metadata should include the date, time, location, altitude, UAS platform, coordinate systems, and the pilots involved.  

Throughout the lab, we were able to add a DSM and an orthomosaic on top of our base map to create contrasts. We were given this data to work from the WolfCreek mining location and it was in forms of raster/vector data that we could form an add-in to the application. The digital surface model was stored straight into ArcGIS Pro so we would be able to develop a 3D model, show variations of the slope, and aspect to show movement/control. 

o What basemap did you use? Why?

A global street map was used as the base layer. This was because a street map shows major roads in the area and other features such as bodies of water, (lakes, ponds, rivers, etc.)

o What is the purpose of these commands: (Pyramids and Calculate Statistic)

Using the pyramids command helps with making Digital Surface Models more accessible to view and manage in ArcGIS Pro. The calculate statistic command helped using find the calculations and variations of the slope. We see the variations in color but actually have numbers associated with the colors that can help show how much of a difference the terrain varies in slope. 

o Why might knowing Cell Size, Units, Projection, Highest Elevation, Lowest Elevation be important?

When it comes to knowing cell size, units, and other important values, we won’t be able to know the full extent of what is being present. Looking at the map with slope variations is helpful but how large is slope difference? This can lead to data being distorted. 

o What is the difference between a DSM and DEM?

DSM (digital surface model) shows the natural elevations of territory covered over a specific area of interest including buildings, trees, plants, and other vegetation. While a DEM (digital elevation model) is a DSM excluding the features I’ve previously said. DEM’s appear to be smoother but miss vital information for helping with landscape modeling/ city modeling. 

o What does hillshading do towards being able to visualize relief and topography?

Hillshading helps view differences in levels of terrain. When hillshading is applied, it shows areas of high angles off of the level slope region. When there is a high difference we can see that the color over the terrain is darker. Vice versa for areas of gradual change being area of light coloring. When the map is a finished product and has a legend we can see what the variations are in comparison to a numeric height. 

o How does the orthomosaic relate to what you see in the shaded relief of the DSM

Having an orthomosaic model located on another map for comparison, helps the viewers understand where the area is in perceptive to seeing it in the real world. So when viewing the different slope depths on the hillshading map, we can point out where the high levels of the slope are changing dramatically and move back towards the orthomosaic to locate where we can see this happening in person. 

(Figure 3) ArcGIS Pro Ortho View

o What benefits do hillshade and 3D view provide? How might this relate to presenting this information to a client/customer?

Presenting to a client/ customer from a piece of paper that only includes words will make it very hard to convey the significance behind what you are trying to characterize. Having a hillshade and 3d view of a model showing the fluctuations of depth and can help the customer/client conceive the problem and come up with a solution. 

o What color ramp did you use? Why?

The color ramp that I used for this lab was a bronze-yellow and moved up to a color called crimson red. We used this color ramp for this lab because it had good contrast in showing the differences in elevation while not getting confused with other types of imagery using a similar scale. 

o How might generated slope and aspect configurations of combined data analysis prove useful to various applied situations?

One of the biggest things that slope and aspect configurations are useful for is viewing areas of erosion. Knowing where areas of erosion are can help with figuring out a solution to stop terrain movement. 

Part 3 (Conclusion):

·Summarize what makes UAS data useful as a tool to the cartographer and GIS user

UAS data is useful to a cartographer and a GIS user because of what you are able to do with the data. Depending on the data that is obtained we can view an array of data spanning from, thermal imagery, slope analysis, aspect analysis, ortho imagery, and much more. This data is such a useful tool for GIS users so that they can manipulate the data and create a map or depiction showing what they were able to discover. Like in this lab, we were able to discover the variations in slope at a mining facility and point out areas of high elevation where erosion may occur/ is happening. This can help clients visualize how bad a problem may be and force a plan of action to fix it. 

· What limitations does the data have? What should the user know about the data when working with it.

One of the biggest limitations with data that we have is the equipment that was used. Depending on what equipment we used such as the type of drone, type of sensors, scope range of the drone we need to make sure we know what the client wants. It is always important to know what the customer/client wants so that we can know what equipment is necessary for the job and be able to collect the right data. Another limitation is the user himself/herself. You need to make sure that the person working on the data is knowledgeable in using the application to manipulate the data. Otherwise, problems may arise when applying different layers of interpretation. 

· Speculate what other forms of data this data could be combined with to make it even more useful.

Other data that could have been combined with this data could be erosion patterns. Knowing where the erosion is occurring can set in a plan of action to correct it from getting worse. Also, viewing from above can help with depicting areas of high risk for terrain movement and let workers know where not to stand for long periods of time.