Priory Navigation

Introduction:

The ways that people navigate where to go has evolved exponentially, moving from looking at paper maps during long car drives to using the GPS device on our cell phones. Usually there is no way a person can get lost now a days because they always have their phones on them, but what happens if the phone dies and all they have is a map. That is why the old navigation techniques will never die, and why the objective of this lab is to create two navigation maps that will be used to guide our way. In order for these maps to work correctly they need to be created as accurate as possible, and able to provide proper directions. For this to happen the maps created need to be put in the proper coordinate system as well as the correct projection so then the person reading the map will find themselves in the correct location. 

Methods:

The first map created contained a UTM grid at 50 meter spacing, while the second contained a decimal degree map. Along with that both maps needs to contain certain elements such as a north arrow, scale bar, RF scale, what projection its in, what is the coordinate system, list of data sources, a watermark with the cartographers name, and the pace count. Most of the data for the maps was supplied by Professor Joe Hupy, with a few modifications the maps were created. Both the UTM grid and the decimal degree grid needed to be created using ArcMap. The UTM grid was created with spacing at every 50 meters, this will allow it to be easier to navigate using the map. While the decimal degree grid was made using 5 second intervals for the same reason as the UTM grid. 

Results:

Figure 1: Priory study area with a decimal degree grid separated by 5 second intervals

Figure 2: Priory study area with a UTM grid with 50 meter intervals

Conclusion:

Overall I am very excited for this lab and learn how to correctly navigate through the selected study area by only using a map. This is going to be very interesting, because it is making the class think in a different way, a way that they aren't used to. Also will hopefully show the class the importance of being able to read actual maps rather than just being able to read a GPS device. This exercise helps the class understand the importance of accuracy as well, both when reading and creating maps meant for navigation. If one mistake goes down, then that can turn this field activity into a nightmare where groups may get lost if their maps aren't accurate to real world features.