Collecting & Mapping

Due: 2/5

What

Create a vector dataset of point locations through field work using the GPS receiver of a cell phone. The points should represent the locations of some thing (object, phenomena, landmark) that you encounter in the immediate surroundings of your everyday life. Design a map of the dataset you created.

How

Begin by reading through Tutorial 3. This tutorial will walk you through how to use Epicollect – a digital data collection tool that works on cell phones. You will create an account and set up a new ‘form’ or data collection tool. Unlike previous weeks there is not a separate deliverable for tutorial 3, instead you will need to use it as a resource for creating your own data gathering instrument.

After you have a grasp on the process of setting up a form to collect data then:

• Decide on what you would like to collect data about. (Choose a location you can easily travel to and where you will feel comfortable being in public space.)
• Write out what information you would like to collect about each point location (these will become the fields in the attribute table of the new dataset you are creating)
• Design a form to collect point locations and each of the attribute fields you are interested in using the Epicollect website and app described in Tutorial 3.
• Go out into the world and collect your data. (Please observe social distancing & wear a mask).
• Export it as a CSV file, and create a map of it in QGIS

Requirements

• Collect at least fifteen data points, or as many as is necessary to convey what you hope to in your map.
• Design a map that uses a graphic/visual approach which is related in some way to the data it is depicting OR some aspect of the experience of collecting that data (this is a chance to draw on precedent projects!)

Format

• Your final map must be a designed map composition on a single slide with a 16:9 aspect ratio (1920x1080 pixels). You are encouraged to select one of the map examples discussed thus far during class (either in lecture slides or during a group exercise) and imitate its graphic style.
• Your designed map composition must include:
  • title
  • legend
  • scale bar
  • north arrow (your map doesn’t need to have north pointing vertically…)
  • citations for all data sources
  • projection used
  • your name

Submission

• Upload your map:
  • as a pdf to Canvas
  • add it to the pin-up Google Slides presentation for 2/5 in the course Google Drive folder