Q & A From Class...

Take Note...

The GPS and GIS portions are only part of your project. Schedule your time for each task carefully and accordingly. If you waste too much time on one part, you won't have much time to complete other tasks.
GPS data collection is just that - DATA COLLECTION. Do it right and get it all the first time, BUT don't get more than you need (see next point).
Reduce the amount of time you spend collecting GPS data by first digitizing the visual stand boundaries and property features (on the computer BEFORE you head out to the field.
Plan your GPS data collection before you get to the field. Know what features you must capture, how you need to collect them, and in what order you'll do it.
ArcGIS is not the only mapping software available for your use. GoogleEarth, for example, is an excellent way to present your data. But if you decide to use it, make sure you have everything staged and ready to show.
Taylor your GPS data collection and GIS analysis in such a way that will best help your group address the questions that need to be addressed. Don't go out an GPS your property because you MAY need it later on. GPS the features on your property because 1) you NEED that information, and 2) there is no other easier way to get that data.

Create a new ArcMap project of your area that includes
- NAIP aerial photos (2007-2005, 1998, 1993 for Georgia available in GIFF)
- DRG (georeferenced USGS 7.5 minute topographic map)
- DEM (digital elevation model)
- DOT road map
Clip the NAIP imagery to your study area, load the clipped image and remove the full image
Delineate your property boundary
Delineate any current land cover features that are visible (forested stands, fields, ponds, rivers, utility/gas/transportation ROYs, etc)
Create a folder on your network or USB drive in which you'll save your project, shapefiles, imagery, etc.

Print several copies of the map you just made and
- mark the features that you know you will have to capture using the GPS
- these could include
  - areas that changed after the time the photo was taken (clearcuts, thins, etc)
  - areas that are not clearly seen on the photos (hidden boundaries such as the transition from upland to bottomland hardwoods)
  - possibly the locations of features that you propose to add (ponds, dams, roads, trails)
  - other areas of interest (cultural land marks)
Before you head out to the field, decide which features you will collect, who will collect them, and in what order you'll do so.
Also, before you head out to the field, make sure you know how to use the GPS unit and make sure its batteries are charged. Further GPS information can be found at ( http://warnellgis.com/node/54 )

In-class demonstrations:

Show up on time for your presentation - this means being ready to start your presentation when you're called on. In this case, it's better to wait on your audience than your audience having to wait on you.
In a setting such as your Senior Project presentation, when the experts in the audience are talking, debating, or even arguing amongst themselves, don't interrupt. Listen carefully and try to take note of what they say to each other, act interested in what they're saying, and patiently let them hash things out. DO NOT INTERRUPT THEM. Once they've finished talking, be ready to address any questions that may be asked of your group that arise from their discussion.
Questions from the audience should be addressed with simple, concise answers (DON'T CONFUSE A SIMPLE ANSWER WITH A SIMPLETON'S ANSWER).
NEVER answer a question "... because that is what my committee told me to do."
Avoid using scientific terms unless you are ABSOLUTELY sure you can fully explain its concepts, use, and other in's-and-out's. You'll score big if you're called on it and explain it well, but you'll loose if you can't.
Dress professionally (ask your momma for help if you need assistance with this one).

How to change the collars of the NAIP imagery from black to clear?

How to clip an image using a boundary polygon?

Open ArcToolbox
The EXTRACT BY MASK tool is under: Spatial Analyst Tools > Extraction > Extract by Mask

How to combine features stored in many themes into one?

Open ArcToolbox
The MERGE tool is under: Data management Tools > General > Merge
You can only merge like-type shapefile (you can not merge a polygon and a line shapefile)

How to save the symbology (color, shading, sizing, etc) of a shapefile?

Symbolize the shapefile how you want it
Right-click on the layer's name > Save As Layer File... (name it, specify your project folder, hit OK)
This creates a file (with a .lyr extension) that you can load just like a shapefile. When you do, ArcMap will symbolize it accordingly.
If you want to copy it to another computer, you must copy the layer file AND the shapefile
THE LAYER FILE DOES NOT STORE THE SHAPEFILE INFORMATION. IT IS ONLY A FILE THAT CONTAINS A LINK THAT ArcMap CAN USE (BUT NO SHAPEFILE)

How to get the GPS data from the unit to ArcMap?

This link ( www.warnellgis.com/node/54 ) will point you to instructions on how to use the GeoXM and ArcPad, Pathfinder Office, the GeoExplorer 3 units, and other useful GPS links.