Location Tracking analysis

[AlessandraBracci]

Hi, 

Im new to ArcGIS and Esri in general, but was suggested this as part of my project. Im trying to do a real-world path integration task, where i'm not able to see the exact route on an open field but then need to guide participants along the same route and then ask them to return back to the start (or where they believe the start location was). There would be multiple routes on the same field. So I want to be able to:

1. Make sure each participant walks the same route (+/- gps accuracy)  without putting any markers down in real life. I thought I could go out on the field, map the routes on individual layers, or create geofences for each route, then when I go with the participants I will be alerted of when im on that route? If thats even possible, from seeing a few videos it seems like it could be..
2. Be able to track trajectories for each participant and then have them all layered on top of each other and on the "actual" route, to see track differences, hesitations, angular differences, velocity etc. 

So, im wondering if this is possible, but also how I would be able to analyse it. I've gone out and created a track myself after finally gaining access to the location sharing aspect, and I can see velocity, direction, gps accuracy on it. But I dont know how I would export this to then carry out more in depth analysis? 

And, ideally, I would be able to gather all these tracks on my own phone without having to have participants create their own account or download the app? Sorry for the long post, but really hoping someone will be able to provide some guidance at least. So much of the content online is outdated and using the wrong apps, so im going around in circles a lot. 

Thank you! 

[JavierML]

Hello @AlessandraBracci , 

I'm no expert in this topic, so maybe you should wait until someone more experienced helps you.

Anyway, how did you track your path and related data? Tracking apps normally allow you to export the recorded path as .gpx file. This can easily downloaded in ArcGIS Pro and similar programms with the Conversion Tool GPX to Features. The reverse process is also possible with Features in GPX, for which the tracking app should allow you to import these .gpx-File (here I can't confirm which apps allow you to do that without any account or with the free version. I know that it's possible apps like OpenStreetMap or Maps.me, but idk if they are good enough for your purpose).

Another small tutorial about .gpx in ArcGISPro

Did I understand your idea well? Did it help you?

[AlessandraBracci]

Hi @JavierML, 

Thank you for your reply! At the moment i've just tested out a few paths by simply turning on the "My Tracks" toggle which just turns on location sharing. Then I can see these routes through my organisation's general location sharing map.

Are you saying I can just download each path as a GPX file into ArcGIS to do further analysis on there? All im interested in is comparing two groups in how accurate they return to the start location of each route, gathering information about speed, distance etc.  I guess for that I could just export the relevant information as a table and analyse as normal. But I was hoping to do some visualisation and mapping as well, and thats where i'm not so confident!

My main problem is im following old videos and the systems have all changed or require different steps, so im getting myself quite confused as the "tracker" apps have been replaced with field maps now. 

[RPGIS]

Aside from simply enabling tracking, you can also use a simple hosted layer and ask for participants to collect by using the stream capability in field maps. This will create a route based on the paths that are collected along a stream so that it can be seen as they finish editing. It is a bit more simplified than using tracking but, if are looking to collect data along a route, then that could also help.

The only limiatation with the above scenario is that it doens't allow for other features to be collected simultaneously.

Depending on the use case, if it is simply getting tracking location then a simply streamed editing feature will work. Otherwise, if there is a need for additional information to be collected while walking a route then the location tracking would be needed.

[AlessandraBracci]

Hi, thank you for your response! I think in general im just uncertain on how to collect data on the field maps app. Ive created a map following a tutorial, where you can add a point and path, and then from there you can also "start streaming" which was fine except I then kept getting notifications that streaming had been stopped or paused due to poor gps accuracy, which stressed me out because I wouldn't want to be doing the study with interrupted readings. The only data I would need to collect on the app is their route, with bonus information being speed, heading direction, gps accuracy at time of reading, and any other data related to them walking the route. I dont need them to input or do anything on the app - they won't even be looking at the screen. 

[MervynLotter]

Because someone's location can be private information, Esri is careful who has access to it. I have used Location Tracking but I am not expert on it. I will share some of what I know and how it could work in your case.

When you enable Location Tracking in Field Maps, the location track is shown on your device and then periodically backed up to a hosted feature layer. By default, only the organization's Administrator can see all tracks. Anyone else, who would like to see all tracks (other staff), would need to have privileges assigned to them. Do see Configure organization extensions—ArcGIS Online Help | Documentation

With these privileges enabled, you can add the hosted feature layer (called Location Tracking) to a webmap, and then view this web map in Field Maps. That is how you can have access to the location data of other users in your organization in the field.  I do anticipate there being a delay and dependent on data connectivity, as you are pulling down this data onto your device.