Data Collection Mission Workflow

For this post, we will review of the process needed for a successful data collection mission. We are going to going to write up the workflow of what needs to be done for a successful data collection mission using a mock set of instructions. We will be using the ESRI Field Map app to go and gather some points and will be creating a map of those points. We will also be drawing a mission on our mobile device and demonstrating that. Finally, we will be filling out a mock metadata form related to the mission. The overall point of this post is to show our ability to understand the data collection process, along with correctly submitting GCP points on the ESRI Field Map app.

To start off, I was assigned to crew #6 which consist of myself and Connor Klinkhamer. We were provided the operation area along with the GCP locations; then we, along with all the other crews had to go out and mark the GCP locations ourselves. First, it's important to understand the steps that need to completed for a successful mission at Purdue Wildlife Area, considering this is where most of our data collection will take place.

• Dispatch checkout form before operation
• Forestry form before operation
• Set flight parameter (Pix4D, Measure, or other flight software) 4) Once at PWA, place GCP (If needed)
• Fly mission
• Write down metadata and field notes
• Check data before you leave the field
• Come back and process data

Now that we understand the process, we can now begin practicing collecting our GCP points. Once I have downloaded and signed in to the ESRI field maps app, I can see the map with the GCP points that my professor has shared with me. Once on the map, all you have to do is stand over each point and click the plus then "Add Point"

Figure 132: Add GCP Point

Once you add the point, it's important to fill out the rest of the data at the bottom of the page. This includes: the control point number, the notes, and the operatorID. You also want to take a picture of the GCP and surrounding area. This is a good idea incase you need to go back and reference the location later on. Once every crew had recorded their points, this is what the map looked like:

Figure 133: Every Crews GCP Points Marked

Once they were all in the map, I was able to go into ArcGIS Pro and quarry out all the points except mine. I performed a select by attribute quarry using the operatorID and was able to extract only the points that I had created. I then used those points to create a map of the mock operation area.

Figure 134: GCP Locations For Mock Operation

After that, I used Pix4D capture to draw out a mission plan for the area where the GCPs were collected. We were provided with the following parameters:

• The mission should extend 20% beyond the GCP area 
• Altitude should be 122meters
• Overlap 80% lateral and frontal

Below is the mission plan that I drew out demonstrating my abilities to create a mission in Pix4D:

Figure 135: Mock Mission Area

Our final task was to submit a metadata sheet that corresponded to the collection of the GCP points to show that we know how to properly collect and report metadata. The metadata for my collection can be found below:

Figure 136: Mock Operation Metadata