Experimenting with Arc Collector

Introduction

    ArcCollector is a useful tool for quickly collecting metadata, field notes, and (quick and easy) GCPs while in the field. Personalized layers can be constructed for unique jobs and the possibilities are endless. While I would take this data’s accuracy with a grain of salt as it is only as accurate as your phone's GPS, it can be a very useful tool when working with and understanding the more precise data collected on the job. The interface makes it quick and very easy to use. In certain situations, this allows the user to significantly enhance their GIS experience.

Methodology

    Today, I worked through 2 tutorials illustrating how Arc Collector can be used to collect real life data and then I went on to make my own custom layer.

Tutorial: Try Collector

    For this tutorial, I went to a local nature area to tag some notable landmarks. My first stop I found a family bathroom. I logged this with a photo (shown below).

Figure 9.1: Logging the bathroom in Arc Collector

    Next, I rode my bike along the nature path as it streamed my location (shown below). This feature is particularly helpful if the path is not otherwise marked on the map.

Figure 9.2: Streaming location on the path

Tutorial: Make your first Collector map

    In this tutorial I walked through recreating the form that enabled me to collect data at the park near my house in the last tutorial. The first step was to prepare a layer. ArcGIS Online provides templates that let you define all aspects of the layer which I used to recreate the Parks map. I did most of this step within ArcGIS Online in a browser on my laptop. I started with the "points, lines, and polygons" template. I then defined a list of attributes which I want to be able to add to the map in the field (Figure 9.3).

Figure 9.3: Defining attributes for my layer

Once the layer was saved, I went ahead and created an actual map containing this layer. I set the appropriate symbols to match the attribute names so that when I view the map later I can quickly tell what everything is (symbols shown below).

Figure 9.4: Assigning the attribute symbols
to be easily recognizable

Lastly, I deployed this map in Arc Collector and hit the road. I took a bike ride over to the nature area in question and actually tested the layer. I found, logged and photographed a water fountain, restroom and a picnic table (shown below). The final map (linked here) contained one of each asset type I defined. I would have attempted to log more but this nature area was rather small.

Figure 9.5: Final map with fountain, bathroom
and picnic bench logged

Conclusion

    An app such as Arc Collector is very useful for quickly and easily logging the locations of specific objects, trails and even more. This app provides and easy and customization way to do this. Particularly, if there is a team working in a certain area for a job this provides an easily shareable way to keep everyone informed.