Development of a Field Navigation Map and Learning Distance/Bearing Navigation

Introduction:

This weeks lab was a prerequisite for next weeks project. This week the class learned about map construction and the different elements in creating a map used for navigation. Two maps were created using different coordinate systems. One map was created using a UTM coordinate system, while the other was WGS84 and shown in decimal degrees.

Study Area:

There was no data collected in the field for this lab, but the area being analyzed is the Priory. The Priory is a piece of land the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire bought recently. It is located roughly 3 miles south of town.

Methods:

Since these maps were going to be used for a navigation activity, it was important to get a pace count for the navigation. This pace count represented a 100 meter distance walking under ideal conditions. After a pace count was figured out, the students went to the lab to create the different maps. All of the data for this lab was provided by Professor Hupy. Some of the data sets included contour lines, points from last years class as well as various aerial photographs of the Priory.

It was up to the student to create a map that would suite the needs of the lab. The figures below (Figure 1 and 2) are the final maps that were created.

Figure 1. This map shows the study area with a UTM projection. 

Figure 2. This map shows the study area with a UTm projection. 

In order to create a map that could be used for navigation, a grid needed to be created for both maps. I decided to go with a 50 by 50 meter grid. This seemed to be the appropriate distance for the purpose of the lab. A greater distance would cause the map to become to generalized while a smaller distance may cause it to look much more cluttered.  Since the maps were created in different coordinate systems, the grid lines were showing different numbers. The way these numbers were displayed had to be changed within the grid properties. Without changing anything, they would not be able to be easily identified. I also added a 5 meter contour line. This line allowed for the elevation of the study area to understood. 

Discussion:

After going through this lab it was apparent that map creation is a pivotal step if it will eventually be used in navigation efforts. Although both maps needed a grid, the grid numbers needed to be shown in different ways. One particular method may not work for multiple maps. An important feature of this map is also the contour lines. The class was provided with a 5 meter and 2 foot contour lines. After close examination, I decided to go with the 5 meter contour lines for my map. The reasoning for that is the 2 foot contour lines do more harm than good. They may provide more elevation data, but it is much harder to understand on the map and creates a cluttered look. The 5 meter contour lines proved fairly easy spacing and allow for a much easier understanding of how the terrain lays in the study area. Since the maps were going to be used for navigation, I figured that aerial imagery would be the best base layer for the goal of the lab. It showed building and vegetation, and may help if we become lost. 

Conclusion:

This lab is very important in teaching the details of map design. The map design may change depending on the goal of the map. It is important to know what features will enhance your map and what features may hinder its purpose.