Why are proper cartographic skills essential in working with UAS data?
Cartographic skills are essential because when trying to convey information to clients, they should be able to read your data easily.
What are the fundamentals of turning either a drawing or an aerial image into a map?
To be able to turn an aerial image into a map, you need to add a scale. Typically other elements such as a legend or locator map are also vital to making a map.
What can spatial patterns of data tell the reader about UAS data? Provide several examples.
It can show the reader details about the map that a picture cannot show. An example of this would be: hillshading, slope, aspect, population density.
What are the objectives of the lab?
The objectives of this lab are to simulate turning UAS data into deliverable maps that show different analysis functions in ArcPro.
Assignment Methods:
What key characteristics should go into folder and file naming conventions?
Important information, such as the location and what the file is, should be located in file naming conventions, the folder naming convention should be similar but should contain all the required items inside one folder so you can easily copy and paste the whole project with one click.
Why is file management so key in working with UAS data? How does this relate to the metadata?
File management is so important because typically in UAS you are dealing with a large amount of files. When you have a proper file management system, this can help eliminate confusion when dealing with certain files. Metadata helps because it contains basic information that can help you identify which files you are working with.
What key forms of metadata should be associated with every UAS mission?
UAS metadata should include basic information about the flight, such as: sensors, location, date flown, UAS platform. Figure 1 shows an example of UAS metadata.
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| Figure 1. UAS metadata |
What basemap did you use? Why?
I used the default topographic map because it shows high contrast to when the DSM was added. It clearly shows where the subject area is. Figure 2 shows the Wolf Creek DSM being added onto the topographic map. Note how you can clearly see where the subject area is.
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| Figure 2. DSM of Wolf Creek |
What is the purpose of the "pyramid" and "calculate statistics" commands?
The pyramid command will essentially group pixels together as you zoom out and vice versa as you zoom in. This allows raster data to be easily zoomed in and out. The calculate statistics command will analyze your raster data to find elevation extremes and cell size
Why might knowing Cell Size, Units, Projection, Highest Elevation, Lowest Elevation be important?
If you know the elevation extremes and cell size, this allows you to accurately know the size of the subject area that you're using. The elevation extremes allow you to create a slope analysis of areas which are useful in industry for multiple reasons. Figure 3 shows a slope analysis of Wolf Creek.
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| Figure 3. Slope Analysis of Wolf Creek |
What is the difference between a DSM and DEM?
A DSM contains elevation values of everything on the surface, trees, buildings, while a DEM exclusively shows the terrain elevation with the trees and buildings removed. Figure 4 shows a DEM while Figure 5 shows a DSM. Note how the DSM has trees.
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| Figure 5. DSM |
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| Figure 4. DEM |
What does hillshading do towards being able to visualize relief and topography?
Hillshading adds shading to the DSM with respect to an angle of light. It can be combined with a regular DSM to create an appealing map that shows elevation with shading. Figure 6 shows a hillshaded DSM.
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| Figure 6. Hillshaded DSM of Wolf Creek |
How does the orthomosaic relate to what you see in the shaded relief of the DSM?
The shaded relief really helps you visualize the orthomosaic. The orthomosaic only shows the ground but cant really help show the elevation of the terrain. Figure 7 shows the orthomosaic of Wolf Creek, note how Figure 6 and Figure 7 combined really allow you to visualize the space.
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| Figure 7. Orthomosaic of Wolf Creek |
What benefits does hillshade and 3D view provide? How might this relate to presenting this information to a client/customer?
A 3D view was also generated, this could help the customer see an object in the subject area from different angle. The blue color ramp shows the features very well while still contrasting the high and low elevations. Final map layouts can be viewed in the Maps, Tables, and Figures section of this blog under Lab 3.
Assignment Conclusion:
Summarize what makes UAS data useful as a tool to the cartographer and GIS user?
UAS data is useful to cartographers and GIS users because it allows them to do many different things with the subject area. without the extra work of having to walk across the whole area collecting data.
What limitations does the data have? What should the user know about the data when working with it?
The limitations with UAS data is that it can not gather data from under canopies very accurately. The user should know whether or not they are dealing with a DSM or DEM.
Speculate what other forms of data this data could be combined with to make it even more useful?
The data in this lab could be combined with regular pictures on the ground of the specific slopes for better visualization of the DSM.