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Field Mapping Essentials:
Getting started with Esri and Free Tools for efficient field work

Next In-Person Day: Winter 2025

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Efficiently collecting data in the field using mobile devices can improve your results while also saving you time and money. Getting started with a tool is the hardest part. This course provides an introduction to data collection, focusing on essential concepts, tools, and techniques used in practical fieldwork. The course has video content that complements a scheduled 7-hour in-person field day at Ken Reid Conservation Area in Lindsay, Ontario saving you time in "figuring it all out" and being efficient, accurate and better at doing your field work.

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The course gives you the knowledge to get started with open source (free) or Esri (licensed) mobile field tools through a basic overview, then hands-on experience in the field with an expert. Then after the field day, the instructor schedules a 1-hour live time for you and the instructor to go through your questions and specific use cases to apply the course materials. 

​​​​​​​​Course Objectives

​By the end of this course, participants will:

  • Be efficient at working in-field using the most cost-effective mobile tools for their use case 

  • Become familiar with popular mobile software tools (ESRI and open source), allowing you to decide if a "license" makes sense, or if using freely available software is better. .

  • Know how how to use mobile devices and navigation tools for data collection and mapping on a multiple platforms

  • Gain insights into advanced collection technologies like drones, device sensors, and spatial/GIS concepts, and when they are most useful.

  • Have meaningful professional and personal advice on your next steps for applying the knowledge of this course.​

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Course Structure
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Unit 1: Guided Remote Study on Data Collection and Tools (Video lectures)

  • Introduction to Data Collection​

  • Data Collection Methods and tools (including technical support for install/configuration)

  • Technology in Data Collection​

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Unit 2: Guided Remote Study on Advanced Technologies and Applications (Video lectures)

  • Software Tools for Data Collection​

  • Using Mobile Devices for Navigation​​

  • Advanced Technologies for Data Collection​

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Unit 3: In-Person Practical Field Work (7 hours live/in-person)

  • Preparation for Field Work​

  • Exploring multiple platforms, including the most popular:​

    • Esri ArcGIS​

    • Google Maps

    • qField open-source

    • EXIF photos with geolocation

    • and more...

  • Best practices to gain the most accurate location information from mobile devices

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Unit 4: 1-on-1 time (scheduled remote, 1 hour)

  • Provide a needs-assessment and technical recommendations

  • Discuss any follow-up questions at a time that is convenient to you after the practical field work session

  • Give expert guidance on your next steps for your specific use cases, industry or based on your needs

  • Provide technical advice on your tools, technology and ideas

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Target Audience

This course is designed for natural resource management, environmental sciences, consulting, and land-management professionals or anyone working "in the field" seeking to enhance their skills in data collection. No prior GIS or data experience is required.

 

Course Materials Provided:

  • Comprehensive Video Lectures

  • Pre-configured demos and examples​ provided to use as templates

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Participants will need access to:

  • Computer to watch videos and participate in scheduled live remote sessions (MacOS or Windows)

  • A Mobile device, either an iPhone or Android--newer is better. 

  • Installation of various apps (detailed in Unit 1), with live support provided as part of the course.  

  • Optional license for ArcGIS Online to demo and use Survey 123, Field Maps, and use of their web solution. An existing, free trial account, or a new paid commercial license meets this requirement. (a mobile device will be available to "try" these if you do not have an Esri license)
    **An option to pre-configure new ArcGIS environments is available as an add-on for individual students or organizations.

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