Exercise 3: Navigation Maps

Introduction

 

In the third exercise for class, we were to create navigation maps that will be used in a later activity in the semester. The area to be mapped, the Priory in Eau Claire, WI, will be the location of several navigation course points that must be manually mapped and navigated using compasses and pace counts. The data for the exercise was provided to us by Dr. Joe Hupy and located in the Priory geodatabase on the Geography Department Q:\\ Drive.

 

Methods

 

 

To complete this exercise, majority of the data was provided, but we were required to use both cartography and GIS skills learned and used in previous coursework. To start, the data provided in the geodatabase was reviewed and explored to look at the provided data and to start thinking about what data needed to be used.

 

It was totally up to each individual person to construct his or her map and which data to include. Something to always keep in mind is the use of the map and to not over do the map with including too much data that the map is not easily readable. Some options provided were 2ft contour lines, 5m contour lines, no shooting zones, navigation boundaries, point boundaries. and areal photography of the area. This data was provided to save time on our part, and to also focus our efforts onto the map making process. The data was obtained from the USGS and previous UW-Eau Claire studies of the area.

 

 

Some requirements were provided to us in the mapping process. We were to include a north arrow, scale bar, reference scale, information on the coordinate system and projection, a properly labeled grid, list of data sources, and our name. We were to also choose a suitable background of our choice from either the Priory geodatabase or the base map options on ArcMap.

 

 

The first step in the cartography process was to establish the area to be mapped. To begin, the navigation boundary was loaded into ArcMap. To make the area transparent, a hollow fill and black border were selected for the rectangle. Next, the suitable background was chosen. After exploring several options including aerial imagery from online and the aerial photos from the geodatabase, the aerial photos from the geodatabase seemed to work the best. We were also to select a given coordinate system and UTM was chosen. This was to help reduce distortion in the given area and also provided easily measurable units that could be used in navigation. All of the features were projected into the NAD 1983 UTM Zone 15 coordinate system with a Transverse Mercator projection.

 

 

Now that the area of study had been established, it was time to begin adding data that would be suitable for navigating the area. For my maps, I chose the 5m contour lines over the 2ft contour lines because the  5m lines were much clearer and easier to read, but also worked well with the scale of the map, which was set in meters. The point boundaries were also placed onto the map to help contain the selected area of the points during navigation.

 

The last steps were to create two cartographic pleasing maps in ArcMap. One map was to include a UTM grid at 50 meter spacing (Fig 1), while a second map was to include a grid in decimal degrees(Fig 2). The grids were placed onto the map by using the grid options under the layer properties. The grid options allows you to select the type of grid (gratitude or measured grid) and also provides the labeling and font options. Within the layout view on ArcMap, you can easily format, add, and position objects onto your map. This is where the scales, legend, titles, and text can be added along with adjusting the size and view of your dataset.   

 

The map can then be exported into the selected format of your choice, in this case, PDF.

 

 

Figure 1. Map of Priory with UTM grid set at 50 meter spacing.  

 

Figure 2. Map of Priory with Decimal Degree Grid set at a 5 degree spacing.

Discussion

In the navigation of the selected course points in the upcoming exercise, these maps should be very useful. The contour lines provide information on the sloping on the terrain, and having the boundaries of the Priory will provide information if you are off track. Lastly, the aerial imagery will be useful in the identification of terrain areas (grass, forest, etc.) and landmarks.

As with all maps, some problems and implications could arise. Much of this data was taken some time ago, so certain terrain types or landmarks may have changed. Also, the contour lines do not include values as to if the terrain is sloping upward or downward.

Conclusion

This exercise was a great way to review previously learned cartographic techniques and also the thought processes behind data selection. Every map has a purpose, and a lot of thought should go into the data needed so that the map is not overly done, but also includes enough data for the job. These maps should be useful in the upcoming exercise to successfully navigate and measure.