Engaging applied GIS project combining field data collection with high precision GPS and web app creation

Keywords: high precision GPS, field data collection, web app, geography education
Session Type: Virtual Poster Abstract
Day: Friday
Session Start / End Time: 2/25/2022 08:00 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/25/2022 09:20 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 38

Abstract

Applied projects partnered with on-campus “clients” offer valuable hands-on experiences for GIS students while meeting internal needs such as physical asset inventory, mapping, and information sharing in a convenient, efficient, and cost-effective way. The author will share her first-hand experience incorporating and supervising such an engaging and mutually beneficial applied project in her GIS class. The students learned about and practiced configuring wireless pairing of a Trimble R1 GPS receiver and an iPad, designed a smart-form based field data collection survey using the ESRI Survey123 app based on client’s input, went out and collected field data of precise GPS locations and attributes of campus water valves and hydrants with Maintenance Dept. crew, then created a web app running in browsers on office computers and mobile devices to share information on physical asset inventory for management and maintenance uses. Students gained technical skills working with high precision GPS, field data collection, cartography, and web app creation, as well as cultivated critical “soft skills” of communicating with non-GIS professionals, working in a collaborative group environment, giving oral presentation and composing written report. All of these skills are highly sought-after when students are competing for internships, jobs, and graduate schools. A tangible and otherwise expensive need is met internally for the college and a long-term partnership is formed for yet more project opportunities for future students. It’s win-win for all!