The document provides an overview of how the Southern Illinois Invasive Species Strike Team (ISST) uses ESRI's Collector app to map ecological restoration efforts in the Shawnee National Forest. It describes how the ISST previously used a mapping system called WIMS and has since transitioned to using Collector in 2015. It outlines the features and functionality of Collector for collecting field data offline and syncing it to web maps. Key aspects covered include the geodatabase and attributes designed for the ISST's needs, preparing and publishing maps for use in Collector, and workflows for collecting, syncing, and exporting data and attachments.

1. Mapping Ecological Restoration Efforts In The
Shawnee National Forest Using ESRI's Collector App
December 9, 2015
Southern Illinois Invasive Species Strike Team (ISST)
Nick Seaton & Caleb Grantham

2. Acknowledgements

3. 1. Background of ISST
2. Background of ISST mapping system
3. Collector app features
4. Data and device requirements
5. Review of GIS terms that will be used
6. ISST mapping with the Collector app
7. Database attributes
8. Preparing and publishing data/maps
9. Synchronization workflows
10. Virtual Tour
11. Collecting data offline
12. Syncing data
13. Exporting attachments
14. Example of a treatment map
15. Additional training modules
16. Answer any questions
Objectives

4. Quick Background of the ISST
• A grant funded program that was started in 2008 to work primarily in
natural areas that have been threatened by invasive species.
• Based off of the National Park Service’s successful strike team model.
• We work in the southernmost 11 counties of Illinois treating invasive
species via chemical, mechanical, and prescribe burning techniques.
• Through work agreements and working with partners we are able to work
on state, federal, and adjacent private properties during the field season.
• Throughout the 2014 field season, we treated 20 different exotic invasive
species totaling 2,691.53 acres.

6. Background of ISST Mapping System
Began with a TNC based
program called the “Weed
Information Management
Systems” (WIMS)
Since January 2015 the ISST has
been using the ESRI Collector App

7. Esri Collector App Features
• Create and configure maps to fit your organizations
workflows.
• Improve your data quality with easy-to-use map-
driven forms.
• Find places, plan routes, and get directions
• Take your maps and data offline and sync your
collected information once reconnected
• Capture and share photos and videos
• Track and report your areas you visited
• Display your data in Operations Dashboard for ArcGIS

8. Data Requirements
• To use your maps in Collector,
you must have an ArcGIS
organizational account.
• Your maps can include data
from:
– ArcGIS Online
– Portal for ArcGIS
– ArcGIS for Server.
• You can create an account by
going to: maps.arcgis.com

9. Device Requirements
• Download Collector from either:
– Google Play
– Itunes App Store
• App is free download

10. 5 Common GIS Terms when using Collector
• Geodatabase: A collection of geographic datasets of various
types.
• Domain: Rules that describe the legal values of a field.
• Feature Class: A collection of geographic features that share
that same geometry type (such as point, line, or polygon) and
the same attribute fields for a common area.
• Field: A column in a table; each field contains the values for a
single attribute.
• Subtypes: Provides a method of dividing your feature classes or
tables into logical groupings based on an attribute value.

11. Mapping with the Collector App
(how we have been using it in the field)
• We created a geodatabase
in arc-catalog with all of the
features and attributes we
wanted to gather
throughout the year
while in the field.
• This database shares many
of the same qualities as the
old WIMS database that we
thought would be practical
to carry over

12. Database Attributes
– Area
– Chemical
used
– Date
– Gallons used
– Ownership
– Rate %
– Spp
– Time spent
– Treatment
type
– Notes on the
population
– Phenology
– Bags filled
Prior to creating our database, we
met with FS, FWS, and IDNR
representatives to determine what
attributes should be collected.
Domains included in the current
running database are:

13. Database Attributes – Pull Down Menus
• Using coded values in our database
ensures data conformity
• Refine the form experience in
Collector for ArcGIS
• Less mistakes than a hand written
form
• Facilitates in field data collection

14. Database Attributes – Subtypes
The treatment type field was turned into 5 subtypes

15. Preparing and Publishing Your Data
• Collector edits feature services
– Supported Types:
• ArcGIS for server (on-premise)
• ArcGIS Online (hosted)
– Supported Operations:
• Editing operations
• Sync by enabling the check box

16. Synchronization Workflow: On-premise

17. Synchronization Workflow: Hosted

18. Current & future workflows
Field managers can improve field workflows by preparing maps for collectors. You
are able to choose your work area prior to creating a basemap to take offline.
• Allows for increased detail
• Download time ranges so be smart about your zoom/detail

19. This is the map that was
published on the web at
tnc.maps.arcgis.com

20. http://arcg.is/1HaV
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http://tnc.maps.ar
cgis.com/apps/pre
sentation/index.ht
ml?webmap=2d8c
d2c14b4940c79ae3
683ee742bd79
Mapping with the Program Virtual Tour

21. Collecting Offline
• Once you have published
your database online and
created a map you can
now download the map
to your GPS
• No data-plan required!
• Our map uses 350 MB

22. Collecting Offline
– Offers directions to and
from locations much like a
Garmin or other GPS
navigation device
– Enables user to change
basemaps at any time
– Allows for different tools to
be used such as measuring,
clipping, streaming, etc.
• Collector works with your GPS device on your tablet or
phone, eliminating the need for a data plan

23. Collecting Offline
• IPHONE, IPAD, and Android
devices can all work offline
• If using an ITOUCH or
something with no internal
GPS unit, you could purchase
an external GPS receiver
– Can be more accurate than
internal GPS chips on phones or
tablets
– Also extends battery life
• Externals have their own battery
source so you wouldn’t be burning
up lifespan by tracking location and
running programs on your actual
handheld devise or tablet

24. Syncing Collected Data From Device
• This part of the process does require an
internet connection
• You can draw in your features or stream
your data with the built in GPS
• The updated database can be viewed in
ArcMap
• Collector keeps edits local and saves
data to be synced later, so you don’t lose
any data if sync is unsuccessful
Streaming-interval and required
accuracy can be changed in the
settings tab

25. Exporting Attachments (Pictures & Videos)
• Attachments are
stored inside a table
within your
geodatabase
• Attachment data type
is supported through:
– desktop application
– ArcGIS online
– web application
– portal applications

27. Additional Training
Training.esri.com
1. Training catalog
2. Search collector
3. Choose one of five videos
http://resources.arcgis.com/en/help/

28. Questions?