Demystifying Mapping: Low-Cost and Easy Tools for Mapping Natural Areas, Plus Other Fun Tech Tools
In February I was fortunate to present a talk at the 2015 Wild Things conference on mapping tools for the local conservation community. My co-presenter, Daniel Suarez, from Audubon Chicago Region presented about the Restoration Map tool. This is a great way for local land stewards to track and monitor their work. My part of the talk focused on how to take accurate GPS data for including in Restoration map or other mapping projects.
The first step in taking quality GPS data is to know and use the correct datum. In our region, setting your GPS unit to the WGS 84 datam will produce accurate data that is easily incorporated into maps. It is also important to record data in uniform units. Often times I am handed data that was collected over a several month period in multiple different units. If you are using a GPS unit to digitally record data, I recommend that you set your unit for decimal degrees.
Finally, it is very important to record your error when taking GPS data. In an urban environment with tall buildings on the horizon it is easy to have unexpectedly high errors. Recording, or noting the error every time you take a point ensures that you have high quality and usable data.
As you go out in the field to take spatial data, it is no longer necessary to purchase a GPS unit. I have compiled some great smartphone apps that could be useful for the conservation community.
GPS Apps
Free GPS, iOS - This is a great app for someone just getting started or for use with kids. All of the settings are clear and easy to use and the error of waypoints is prominently displayed. Because this app has less features then Motion X it is easier to find the datum and units settings.
GPS Essentials, Android - This free app comes highly recommended as the best Android alternative to Motion X GPS.
Motion X GPS, iOS - For only a dollar this app is hugely powerful and my recommendation for any steward wanting to take GPS data for input into Restoration Map. Even if you own a GPS unit, it's worth the dollar to have this app in your pocket.
Perfect Mark, iOS or GPS Averaging, Android - Both of these apps allow the user to take an averaged GPS point to improve accuracy. This is useful when you want to take a GPS point that is as accurate as possible. GPS averaging is a feature commonly offered by GPS units but not offered by smartphones. These apps approximate that ability and provide lower error results.
My Tracks, iOS or Android - Ever want to know how far you walked on a specific workday? These apps can be turned on to track your every step. Identification Apps
Leafsnap, iOS - This is a fun app for anyone. It allows you to take a photograph of a leaf and have the app suggest an identification.
Plant-o-Matic, iOS - Coming soon on Android this is a new app that creates a custom plant list based on your GPS location. The app is very new and because it pulls data from a variety of sources the quality is variable.
iNaturalist - Available as an app on both iOS and Android or on the web this is a community for reporting personal observations of any plant or animal species in the world. Experts and novices can participate by asking for help or suggesting an identification.
Birds, Birds, Birds!
The app store isn't just for Angry Birds. There are a wealth of resources for learning and documenting birds. There are some wonderful reviews written by birding experts to help you choose the correct app for your needs.
- Review one
- Review twoOther Resources
Many of the apps above came from a comprehensive list for use by field biologists.
Google Earth Pro recently became free. In addition to Restoration Map, Google Earth Pro is a great tool for tracking, analyzing, and planning your restoration work.
