Work Flow for Non-Profit Environmental education institution.

[BarryKogan]

I am trying to figure out the best work flow to have students collect ecological and tree and plant data. This would be a two step process:

1. Collecting the initial data to create a "base map"  of the large tress and study sites on our grounds. We would add features as needed. (I would do this with staff)
2. Updating and expanding on the data for the original features. For example documenting when trees loose their leaves each fall or any change in soil attributes. (this would be done by students.)

The data would then be used in a GIS class and also be kept for our records. It would need to be ready to work with in Arc Map.

I have a GeoExplorer XH 3000 as well as four older Juno's

I also have Arcmap 10 on my computer, and Arc Pad 10 on all the Juno's.

I just received 2 licenses each of  GPS analyst, GPS Correct, Terra Synch, and Pathfinder as part of a special package for educators. (I know more software than I prob need)

I am trying to figure out the most effective way to use all this software. I have done a little bit of research and here is what I am thinking so far-

1. I will use Pathfinder to create a dictionary for my base features and export it into Terra Synch. This just seems simpler than going through arc catalog and then arc pad.

2. I will create the initial feature and collect the initial data in Terra Synch. This also seems simpler than using arc pad.

3. I will then post process in pathfinder to ensure accuracy

4. I will then convert the data into shape files so I can use all of arc maps analytical capacity

I would follow this process anytime I would collect new features

5.  When we would wane to update features I would use the check out tool in arc map to transfer the software into the arcpad on the Juno's. I figure that the reduced accuracy would no longer matter as we would just be able to click directly on features when we are in there vicinity.


How does this sound as a work flow? I know I am failing to take advantage of GPS Correct and Analyst, but using them seems a little complicated. Am I missing some advantages of the other software, or skipping any key steps?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

[TimHopper]

You could use several different workflows for the type of work you're attempting.  It's really up to you to decide which path to take.  I'll offer my 2-cents from an ArcPad / GPS Analyst user's perspective.

The main thing that you're missing out on by using shapefiles and TerraSync is the ability to check out and check in your data from ArcMap.  Additionally, creating data dictionaries seems like added work, especially if you're planning on teaching students the in's and out's of ArcGIS Desktop.

1. Storing all of your geographic data in a geodatabase (a personal GDB if you're planning on using GPS Analyst) is definitely the best approach.  With feature classes you can take advantage of (among many other things):

(A) Attribute Domains.  There is no need for data dictionaries if you set up coded value domains within the geodatabase.  Coded value domains automatically get transferred to ArcPad so pick lists appear when creating new features.  Personally, I feel that this is an incredibly important aspect of ArcGIS Desktop that all GIS students should learn.  Plus, you can take advantage of these domains in ArcGIS Desktop as well.

(B) Check out / check in.  With shapefiles, you can take them into ArcPad and edit them, but then there is no check in process available.  You're left with an updated version of the shapefile on your mobile device and an outdated copy on your desktop.  It's a constant copy / paste / overwrite method this way.  With feature classes, you can check out to axf file (for disconnected editing) and then the edits you make to the files are checked right back into the geodatabase.  New features are added, modified features are changed accordingly, and deleted features are removed.

(C) Relationship classes.  If you have a relationship class setup in ArcCatalog these tables will go over to ArcPad.  You can add new related records or modify existing records.  Again, these modifications are automatically made within the geodatabase upon check in.

2. GPS Analyst / GPScorrect are pretty comparable to TerraSync and Pathfinder as far as the workflow for post-processing goes.

Really, once you have the GPScorrect settings all set up on the mobile device, it's just a few clicks within ArcGIS Desktop to post-process your data.  Once you've checked the data back in (and waited for the day's base station data to be uploaded) it's one wizard that takes you through the post-processing.  After that, all of your data is corrected and stored within the geodatabase.

- - - - -

If you create your geodatabase and feature classes before you start your project initially, and only use one software suite to create and edit your data, it's going to make everything much easier down the road.  I've seen issues from time to time with shapefiles created in TerraSync causing issues in ArcMap.  Projections, field schema, etc., created or modified in TerraSync all tend to be slightly different than what ArcGIS Desktop creates.  From my experience, it's best to create and modify data in only one software suite.

Hope this helps.

[MicheleMattix2]

I completely agree with Tim's suggestions.  I will add that as someone who has worked extensively with both of these product workflows (TerraSync/PFO and ArcPad/GPSCorrect/GPSAnalyst), it is much easier to manage your GIS with the ArcPad option.  TerraSync is a great mobile application - quick to learn and easy to use -- but as Tim pointed out, if you are maintaining a GIS (which it sounds like you will be doing), then you have to do a lot of converting formats and editing with TerraSync/PFO.  It is much easier to set up a geodatabase with field data collection in mind and let ArcPad do all of the converting for you.  That way, if you want to change the schema of your database -- add a new feature class, or add new attribute fields to an existing feature class, for example -- the changes are made at the geodatabase level and will automatically filter down to your ArcPad map when you check the data out.  If you try to do this with TerraSync/PFO, you will have to make those changes at least twice -- once to the data in your GIS and another time in your data dictionary in PFO. 

Another thing to consider is that Esri will support you (provided you're up to date on your maintenance agreement) with the ArcPad workflow.  We have an outstanding support group that is a phone call away if you encounter problems or need help.  Not only that, but forums, like this one, are available for Esri products, such as ArcPad.  TerraSync and PFO are not Esri products and you might be hard pressed to find the same level of support for them.

[BarryKogan]

Thanks for the great advice!

A few followup questions:

1. Why do you recommend using a personal Geo-database- aren't there significant limiations?
2. I have read that the Trimble Software tens to be more accurate and better structured to collect data- is there any reason to be concerned with Arc Pad's accuracy?
3. Is there a good online guide or tutorial for using Arc Pad, GPS Correct, and Analyst as well as setting up the personal Geo-database in a way that will allow for all the convenience of the Trimble dictionary (Drop Drowns, Attribute limits, defaults, ect...)

Thanks Again!