ArcGIS Field Maps Workflow

ArcGIS Field Maps is an application that allows you or mutiple people to collect data while in the field, even without WiFi/cell service.

This guide will go over the workflow established by LACMIP for field collection using ArcGIS Field Maps. LACMIP started using this workflow for field collection on June 7th, 2022 for a field trip at the Jack & Laura Dangermond Preserve.

Preparation

It is best to prepare as much as possible before a field outing. While Field Maps is meant to be used without an internet connection, there are a few steps that need to be completed before going out in the field.

1. Download the ArcGIS Field Maps on your device(s)

   The ArcGIS Field Maps application is available on iOS, iPadOS and Android. Ensure that your device supports the current version of ArcGIS Field Maps.

2. Open the app and sign into ArcGIS Online

   If you do not have an ArcGIS Online account, use the GIS Request Form (opens in a new tab) to request one. It is suggested that anyone who will be using the application have their own ArcGIS Online account so that their username is recorded with each observance.

3. Open the IP Field Map

   The IP Field Map is currently owned by the GIS Administrator and shared to the IP Sharing Group on ArcGIS Online. If you do not see the IP Field Map listed under "My Maps", use the search bar to search for it.

   If the IP Field Map is not accessible, please request for access via the the GIS Request Form (opens in a new tab)

4. Download the field area

   As of the time of this writing, an offline map such as the IP Field Map requires the area you'll be working in to be downloaded in advance. The advantage of this is that your map will be useable without an internet connection.

   To download your field area:

   1. Select the IP Field Map from "My Maps"

   2. Tap the "..." in the top right corner

   3. Select "Add Offline Area" in the drop down menu

   4. Pan to the area you'd like to download and select which level of detail you'd like by tapping Room.

      The larger the area you select to download the longer it will take to download. Large areas can take hours to download.

   5. Test the map

   It is always a good idea to test the application and the field map before going out in the field. If you've never used ArcGIS Field Maps, please refer to the guide below.

Using ArcGIS Field Maps

This section is a brief introduction in how to use ArcGIS Field Maps. For a more detailed explanation, please refer to Esri's ArcGIS Field Maps Reference (opens in a new tab). The following steps assume you are able to log into the application and have access to the IP Field Map (see the above section).

Connecting a GPS/GNSS receiver

For a detailed set of instructions on how to connect a GPS to Field Maps, please refer to Esri's Prepare for high-accuracy data collection (opens in a new tab).

While Field Maps doesn't actually require a dedicated GPS/GNSS receiver, you might want one for more accurate locations.

Field Maps can use your devices internal reciever (your mobile devices internal GPS), even without internet connection .

In general you should consider a GPS/GNSS receiver if you need the following:

• 10 meters or less of horizontal accuracy with 95% confidence
• Will be working in areas of high tree coverage or in confined canyons/valleys

Once your receiver is connected to your device either via Bluetooth or cable, you'll set your receiver as the location provider:

1. While viewing the Maps list, tap Profile

2. In the Location section of the profile, tap Provider.

3. If your receiver isn't listed, add it by completing the following steps:

   1. Tap Add to display a list of paired receivers.

   2. Select your receiver.

   3. If you are mounting the receiver to a pole or vehicle, enter the antenna height.

      This is important if you use the altitude of your positions.

   4. Tap Done

   5. Tap your receiver in the Location providers list.

Collecting points

For a detailed explanation of all of ArcGIS Field Maps ways to capture points, please refer to Esri's Capture Field Maps (opens in a new tab) documentation. Below is a brief overview on capturing points at your location. This guide while use the term "point" to refer to any collection event or observation.

1. Open the IP Field Maps or whichever map you intend to capture points with.

2. Tap Add

   The target point should apear on the map, centered on your location.

3. Fill out the form and add any attachments

   A description of each field is described in the selection below.

4. Tap Add Point

   This will add the point to the map, but will not save the point!

5. Tap Submit (top right) once your point is ready

   If you are working online, others using the app or viewing the map on ArcGIS Online will immediately have access to the point and can perform edits. Otherwise, the point will be uploaded when internet connection is restablished.

Editing points

If you wish to change the location or the info submitted about a point, you can easily edit a point on the app. Alternatively, the data can always be changed later on ArcGIS Online.

1. Tap on a point displayed on the map
2. To change its location:
   1. Pan to a new position on the map
   2. Tap Update Point
3. To edit the form:
   1. Scroll to the field you wish to change
   2. Edit the information in the field
4. Tap Submit

Copying points

If you are recording points that are very similar (perhaps only a few fields are changing with each recording), it might make more sense to copy a previous point and edit the appropriate fields. To do so:

1. Select the point you wish to copy

2. Tap the copy button at the bottom of the screen

   This will take you to a form to edit your new copied point's attributes

3. Tap Submit when you are finished editing the new point's attributes

Exporting features

To ingest these points onto EMu, it is easiest to export the IP Field Collection (opens in a new tab) feature layer as a CSV. To download these points as a csv:

1. Open the IP Field Collection (opens in a new tab) layer in ArcGIS Online

   If you do not have access to the feature layer, request access to the feature layer by using the GIS Request Form.

2. Click Export Data

3. Choose Export to CSV file from dropdown

4. Choose where you'd like to save the CSV file on your ArcGIS Online account

   Exports of feature layer will first save the CSV on ArcGIS Online. You can always delete the CSV on ArcGIS Online after you've downloaded it to your local machine. It is suggested that you save the file with a date so it is easier to version the files.

5. On the new screen click the Download button

IP Field Map Fields

A field in ArcGIS Field Maps/ArcGIS Online refer to any of the attributes of a point (i.e. the columns of the .csv that is exported from the feature layer). Below is an explanation of each field, its possible values (if they are controlled), its default value and what they are mapped to in IP's EMu.