EEES - 6800/8800 DIGITAL FIELD MAPPING [3 hours] Technology and techniques for determining locations and elevations during field surveys; transferring field measurements to a digital database; total station, GPS and other tools used in ecological and geological research. [Spring, every year; Stierman] Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

Dr. Don Stierman, Instructor
Page updated 04/14/2005

1 hour lecture, 4 hours lab.  Thursdays, 9 AM to 2 PM.

Project 2005: Mapping the King Road Landfill

Objectives:

    1. Students develop competence in using GPS hardware and software
            Datum issues
            Accuracy and precision of GPS readings
            Data dictionary
            Plotting GPS results using ArcView

    2. Students develop competence in using electronic total station
            Leveling (elevation only)
            XYZ survey (elevation as a function of location)
            Correcting for errors in setting North (rotation matrix)
                Summary, Matrix operations
                GPR elevations problem
            Plotting results in Surfer
            Plotting results in ArcView

Poster 4/14/2005

    Link to Instructions for Today

Posted 4/7/2005

    Link to Instructions for the Day

Posted 4/4/2005
Data files for you to download are:
    GPS for Total Station
    GPS for laser level
    Total Station readings
    Laser level readings

Total Station GPS were taken in this order: GPS Points are taken from TBM (X on asphalt), ETS original, Backshot, and ETS moved, respectively.

Laser level GPS points are in the order collected.  If there are more GPS points than laser level readings, ignore the final point in a file.  Sometimes I started to collect a GPS point before we got signal from the laser level.

Note that laser level readings should be reduced like a traditional leveling survey.  Add the first shot - backsight on the TBM - to get the H.I. (height of instrument - height of laser level).  Then subtract each reading from the H.I. to get ground elevations.

Please process these data and add the (X,Y,Z) values to your previously collect elevation data, and then contour using Surfer.

This week's (4/7/2005) problem involves adding an image to an view.  The image is a scanned topographic map of (drum roll for suspense - ) the King Road Landfill, a map made as part of the remedial investigation.  I will write up how I solve this problem by Thursday (no field work this week).

Posted 3/17/2005
    My records indicate that the elevation of the "X" on the asphalt is 213.16 m (LiDAR elevation is 213.88 m at the point nearest the "X").  Download the surveying data and set it up to plot (NAD83) the points as before.  If you have any questions or problems, see me.  If your elevation for "X" differs from mine, check with another student and come to see me if you agree that my information is incorrect.  If your points appear consistent with reality, merge today's processed (rotated as needed, converted to UTM NAD83) elevation data (X,Y,Z, comments) with those collected previously.  Do not include the 'top of wellhead' (this is not topography, not to be contoured) as part of your X,Y,Z file - save this as a separate note under a file titled 'site elevation reference points.'

Posted 2/28/2005
    I ran across a script that is supposed to add 2 columns specifying X and Y coordinates for all points in a shapefile, units and projection same as those for the active theme.  I do not know how to run a script in ArcView but Phil and I are working on it.  If we get this to run, we will be able to export data from shapefiles and plot maps based on these data in Surfer.
    We will also search the Web for map and aerial images that we can download and use in ArcView.  I've posted some links I have used and will assign each student a short list of states so that, by our next meeting on March 17, my on-line table will include many more states.

Posted 2/3/2005:

Field data from 2-3-2005
Summary, field data processing

Posted 2/24/2005: LiDAR

    3. Students download GIS raster data from Web to open as ArcView themes
            Software useful in datum transformations

Image files (image and info) of King Road area.

    4. Flatbed digitizer – turning old-fashioned maps into electronic maps

Evaluation:

Students will demonstrate competence in using GPS receivers and software. Students will demonstrate competence in setting up total station and using total station to map topography. Students will submit products of field surveys and data processing software to the instructor in a timely manner. Each student will integrate new skills (as appropriate) into his or her thesis project.

Hit Counter

Return to Courses Taught