Using Information Technology in the Field Peter Knoop University of Michigan Sakai Foundation /...
-
Upload
elinor-johnston -
Category
Documents
-
view
213 -
download
0
Transcript of Using Information Technology in the Field Peter Knoop University of Michigan Sakai Foundation /...
Using Information Technologyin the Field
Peter KnoopUniversity of Michigan
Sakai Foundation / School of Information / Department of Geological Sciences
Using Information Technologyin the Field
• Equipping Yourself• Examples – Field Mapping– Mobile Classroom
• Feedback
Equipment:Hardware, Software, and Logistics
• Geopad and GeoPocket – Not products, just short-hand– Tablet PC and Pocket PC
GeoPad is short-hand for a field-durable Tablet PC equipped with Geographic Information System (GIS) software, Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, wireless networking, electronic notebook and other pertinent hardware and software.
Durability:Ruggedized versus Consumer
• Water-proof!• Dust-proof !• Drop-proof! (resistant?)• Screen – weak-point
• “None of the above”• Overheats in cases• Not bright enough• Inexpensive!
GeoPad Tablet PCs
• Panasonic CF-19• Getac V100• Xplore iX104C4• Other options? (Non-ruggedized but outdoor
viewable)– Fujitsu (OtterBox for semi-ruggedizing)– HP 2710p (no ruggedizing option yet)
• (GeoPockets – Pocket PCs – HP iPAQs, etc.)
Ergonomics:Comfort, Convenience and Safety
• Slate versus Convertible Tablet PCs– Converting in field versus at camp
• Learn how to use the pen!• Use the rest of the year?
– External USB Keyboard• More flexibility for touch-typists
• Practical Experiences– Slates more durable– Convertibles easier to utilize year-round– Useful life-cycle of ruggedized much longer
Ergonomics:Comfort, Convenience and Safety
• Hands-free harness– Avoid opportunities to drop it– Out of the way when necessary– No easy one-size solution– Integrate with student’s backpack
Ergonomics:Comfort, Convenience and Safety
• Cables– Avoid entanglement
• Leverage operating system capabilities– left-hand vs. right-hand configuration– screen calibration– accessibility features
Daylight Viewable Displays
• Need to be able to see in direct sunlight– Not quite there yet? (Bright desert sun…)
• Things that can help– Position body to block or reflect– Adjust contrast or color scheme of aerial photos
Screen Size
• Tablet PC vs. Pocket PC screen• Screen real estate is key for those developing
spatial reasoning, not so important for those that already have such skills.
• What is the goal of your exercise and what skills are involved? – Spatial-reasoning? – Point-based data collection and simple trending?
Apr 21, 2023 geopad.org 11
Apr 21, 2023 geopad.org 12
Apr 21, 2023 geopad.org 13
Screen Orientation
• Landscape• Portrait• Easy to switch, really
just a personal preference
The Stylus
– Erasers are convenient and intuitive!
– Not necessarily ruggedized
– Tether?– Left-handed and Right-
handed– Dual-mode Screens: the
stylus and touch together
Memory
• 1GB RAM Minimum Recommended (2007)• Key to smooth application switching, and
uninterrupted thinking and learning experience
Disk
• Generally large amounts unnecessary• One project at a time• Not long-term repositories
Wireless: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Cellular
• Reduces battery life• What are your goals?– Data distribution and backup– Collaboration (Mobile classroom) using
networking in the field or between vehicles– Cable-less external GPS units– Internet access in field
Ports
• Minimize use for safety; consider wireless alternatives
• Protective covers can break-off• Ruggedized ports; peripherals with
proprietary connectors can be expensive
Cameras
• What are you using it for?– Documentation– Collaboration– Microscope
• External - more charging, wireless connectivity to avoid cable
• Integrated - no cabling, may be awkward to point where needed
GPS
• Internal versus External – very similar in precision and accuracy these days
• External needs charging• External needs cable (wireless preferred, but
drains batteries faster)• Internal more likely to be ruggedized
Data Backup (and Distribution)
• USB flash drives• Wireless network • Only need to focus on critical information
(student work)• NetSupport
Configuration Management
• Easily restore a computer to a known state – Set-up a unit with everything you want – Takes 15-20 minutes to restore image– Can do in the field (w/ cross-over cable)
• Symantec Ghost, Microsoft Sysprep– What’s already in use locally?– Rely on your tech staff’s preferences or existing
university licensing options
Batteries and Power
• Long-life batteries; fewer things to charge• Battery calibration, if only in-use occasionally• External battery chargers – Charge while in the field– Charge multiple batteries
• Generator (and gas can, extension cords, power strips) – Ultra-quiet – Electronic Equipment sensitive
Printer
• What are your goals?• Ruggedized printer?– Interpreted survey data for reference
• Large-format size• Water-proof paper
IT Security
• Will you be “on the net”?• Virus Scan software, firewalls, etc.• Use accounts and passwords• Don’t cut corners!
Leverage Local Expertise
• Will you have IT support or are you on your own?
• What is your support staff comfortable with?• What educational discounts do you already
have for hardware?• What software is already licensed to your
University?• GeoPad Community Email List
Course Focus and Pre-requisites
• Spectrum of approaches– Geology and already know GIS– Geology and teach GIS– Geology and GIS as black-box
• Key factors to consider– Educational Goals– Instructor Background and Skills– Student Background and Skills
GIS Software
• ESRI ArcGIS and ArcPad• Other GIS options? (MapIt!, microDEM)– Compelling reason not to give student experience
with industry “standard”?– What are your educational goals?
Learning GIS and Geology• Create an ArcMap project
– Gathering data– Generating data– Clipping data– Personal geodatabase
• Sub-Types• Feature Classes
– Symbology• Contact Mapping
– Snap-to-feature– building polygons from contacts
• Structural Data (e.g., strike-and-dip)• Fault• Observation Point
Black-box GIS and Learning Geology
• Instructor creates ArcMap (and ArcScene) project– Customize and simplify interface for students – Domains– Base Heights– Linking to notes and photos
• Outcrop mapping– Mapping with polygons– Final map
• Arcmap and ArcScene together• Survey Mapping (Magnetics, Gravity)• Sketch Mapping
06-Aug-2006 geopad.org 32
06-Aug-2006 geopad.org 33
Non-GIS Software Examples• OneNote – note taking• ArcScene/iView 3D/Pokescope – 3D visualization• ArcSketch• Stereonet• NetSupport - collaboration• Word – reports• Excel - modeling• General (email, web browsing, digital
photography, etc.) – gain familiarity with technology
Apr 21, 2023 geopad.org 35
Apr 21, 2023 geopad.org 39
Apr 21, 2023 geopad.org 40
Apr 21, 2023 geopad.org 41
Apr 21, 2023 geopad.org 42
Apr 21, 2023 geopad.org 43
06-Aug-2006 geopad.org 44
06-Aug-2006 geopad.org 45
06-Aug-2006 geopad.org 46
Apr 21, 2023 geopad.org 48
Stereo 3-D in the Field…
…with ArcScene and Pokescope.
Apr 21, 2023 geopad.org 49
Apr 21, 2023 geopad.org 50
Collaborative Activities
• Mobile Classroom• “Shared-pointer”• CB Audio• Students still need
down-time
Best Practices• Match your educational goals and technology– Have to make trade-offs– Do not just “add technology”!– Rethink your goals!
• Introduce Incrementally– Important regardless of your goals
• Think beyond just GPS and GIS!• Assessment– Measure not just the students, but yourselves, the
technology, and the curriculum
Apr 21, 2023 geopad.org 52
More Best Practices….
• GPS Debate: Give to students or not?• Enough for everyone! Problems switching
back to traditional methods• Instructors don’t know GIS? Make sure you
have GSI’s (TA’s) that do.
Apr 21, 2023 geopad.org 53
Assessment• 2003-2007 Student and Instructor evaluations and
interviews• Students and Instructors very positive in feedback• Overall satisfaction with GeoPad experience was
“excellent”; an average of 3.9 out of 4• Negative feedback dealt almost exclusively with
technical limitations:– screen brightness– battery life– hands-free carrying harness
Assessment
• School of Information grad student projects:– Spatial-Reasoning skills – screen size– Intuitiveness of interface – customizing Toolbars– Remote Collaboration – importance of shared
pointers and audio– Other aspects of experience…
Apr 21, 2023 geopad.org 55
Evaluation Outcomes
• “Student reactions are based more on utility considerations, rather than the novelty of the technology”
• “General capabilities of GeoPad enhanced their ability to see – to visualize – the different geologic structures”
• “Students are not reacting (positively or negatively) to the novelty aspect of GeoPad, but rather positively to the capabilities associated with it”
More Information
• SERC Website– http://serc.carleton.edu/research_education/geo
pad
• GeoPad Website– http://geopad.org
• GeoPad Email List ([email protected])
HP Video….