A reflection on Purdue GIS Day (2018)

A Reflection on Purdue GIS Day (2018)

by: Ian Willey

Presenter:Dr. Nicolas Picard
Purdue GIS Day 2018

Summery of GIS Day At Purdue, fall 2018

GIS Day was a gathering of professionals and intellectuals from different disciplines that utilize geographical information systems in one way or another as part of their respective work or projects. The event was design around the idea of sharing how GIS can be used to produce a product along with the how and why it is important.  Throughout the day, multiple presenters discussed GIS. From presentations to round-table discussions, GIS Day proved to be an engaging event that was open to anyone. The variety of topics attracted attendees from different backgrounds to all leave with a better understanding of possible applications.

A few concerns for the presentations from me are primarily that of the quality and structure of the slide shows.  For example, one speaker was barley audible. This made following what he was saying very difficult. To make things worse, the supplemental slides were flooded with words and took an excessive amount of time to read through. Trying to read so much information and follow the hard to hear speaker made assimilation of the presentation nearly impossible.

Key Presentations

Of the presentations that I was able to attend during GIS Day at Purdue, Dr. Sorin’s “Spatial Humanities: What is and What Can it Be” attracted the most attention from the eager onlookers, myself included. I have been exposed to interactive and video info-graphics before however, his display and research of spatial land use and how the network of roads could show city growth during the roman empire was captivating. The presentation highlighted how GIS technology with an analysis of historical data can illustrate a process graphically to a level that traditional tables or reports could just not do. An interactive website of this information can be found here. Dr. Matei presented the idea that roads and routes as a major determination for what areas within the Roman empire flourished. The interactive model was an engaging way to see how GIS can bue used to build ideas that make connections like roads of the empire.

Roman Road Map

Another interesting take away come in the very next presentation. The title was “Race and Spatial Humanities” but from my perspective and interest in the talk, a more appropriate title should have been “Ethics Hiding in the Data”. The idea being that each data point that was represented in the presentation of the Atlantic Slave trade is more than just a data point; it represents real-living people. The human element is so easily disguised by numbers and values, that when represented in pictures or animation, it is easy to forget about the human aspect. I do not think this is necessarily a problem,but should be remembered when attaching “scale” to a database.  That not only is there numbers and values, but also the value of a life.

Atlantic Slave Trade 

Relationship of Purdue: GIS Day and UAS

I think one key takeaway from the GIS Day was the relationship between data, or data collection and ethics. However, I feel it goes beyond just data collection methods with regards to UAS. That how your gather data as well as how it is being represented. Privacy comes to mind as a relatively unexplored question while using drones to collect data. While some strides have been made to regulate drones used commercially to prevent many privacy concerns, it is still an issue. This issues is left up to the moral compass of a UAS operator to consider while conducting data collection.  What may be seen as innocent, accidental collection of images of personal property or people to the drone operator, may not be seen the same way as the victim of the accidental collection.The picture on the

right illustrates this by showing that the data collection of a field is in close proximity to privet homes. Those homes have residents whose privacy must be part of the mission planning process.  To minimize this, the operator should take special care during the mission planning to keep the collection within the scope of target area. Privacy should be a concern whenever there is a possibility for violation someone’s rights for a degree of privacy.

One other take away from how GIS day relates to UAS was operational perspective. As a UAS operator, it is easy to put a aircraft in the air with a payload and collect data. As systems become cheaper and easier to use, the need for UAS pilots may decrease to the point where anyone can pick up a transmitter and conduct a flight. The idea to remember is, how can UAS support the GIS mission or product creation. Having exposure to varying aspects of how data is used to depict a message or idea is invaluable to create depth for the operators perspective. Thus allowing him/her to translate experience into more efficient data collection for a higher quality of product.

Open source versus private licencees for GIS

Introduction

What is GIS? GIS stands for Geographic Information System as it relates to mapping technology.  Basically, it is using computer software to analyze geographic data.  Christopher Gold from the University of Glamoragan wrote in an article What is GIS and What is Not? that the most important concept to comprehend is scale and geographic location. He said that GIS modeling is when the viewing of the model changes the readers perspective, not where the model moves or rotates like in CAD for example (Gold, 2006).  The idea being that GIS is not just the software but the relationship between the data and what the potential products are. That just putting together a picture and calling it GIS is not the same thing as provided a valuable graphically representation of spatial data that serves to illustrate a particular point or direct the viewer into reaching the desired conclusion of what the data is saying.

Open source systems are intertwined within the world of unmanned operations.  It is especially evident for entrepreneurs and innovators within this field.  Open source can be the bridge between conception and reality.  Where private sector software can provide stable reliable interfaces and relate-able analysis of GIS data, open source could bring new angles or ways to analyses the data that have not yet been advocated for.  Thus, bringing about a future of conceptual ideas much faster by not having to wait for software to be designed and licensed like in traditional software suites.

Using Qgis, an open source GIS software package, the Digital Surface Model (DSM) on the left was created. The process for creating this image with Qgis was very similar when using another paid software, called ArcMap, to create a similar  rendering. On both applications, the data was loaded into the software either by directing the file path to the information or by using a "drag-and-drop" method.  Again on both applications, the open source and proprietary, an extension was downloaded to to manipulate the original data to show elevation changes clearer using a function called hill-shade. The original image is shown to the right for comparison of what the hill-shade feature does to the image. Both of the above images where developed through the use of Qgis open source software. The two maps below show a side by side comparison of the final product from the two types of software that was used to create them. The first map was done using ArcMap, while the second was done using the free Qgis software.

One feature from Qgis is to assign and modify color bands to an image. To do this, I first navigated to where I had saved the data and opened the files, the data that had each individual bands saved as different images. Then, using the merge raster GUI, i assigned bands to the different individual layers to represent red as showing healthy vegetation. I did this primarily by hiding the green band and emphasizing the red and yellow bands. This false color stacking of a sample data set can be seen in the map below.

Working in the GIS World

Wolf Paving Geospatial Build

The map above was created using data from a UAS. the following is question / answer style report that portrayed the process of creating a GIS map for a random data set. 

Part One:  Background

Q: Why are proper cartographic skills essential in working with UAS data?

A: Data is just data unless it is processed and evaluated so that it can be used to express an idea. Tuning data into maps is a valuable way to express an idea that was captured using UAS. One must possess the proper skills to change raw UAS data into effective maps that communicate the intent of the data.

Q: What are the fundamentals of turning either a drawing or an aerial image into

a map?

A: To turn a drawing or image into a map it must have a scale and legend to give the reader a point of reference.

Q:What can spatial patterns of data tell the reader about UAS data? Provide

several examples.

A: Spatial patterns can show a reader different layers of comparison in the data. The use of color mapping height is one such example where using different degrees or tones of color would bring different objects into focus depending on the intent.

Q:What are the objectives of the lab GIS Build?

A: The objectives of this project were to become familiarized with GIS and how it can dramatically improve the quality of data collected using UAS.

Part 2:  Methods, Creating a map with reasoning behind each steps.

Working with the Data

• Start by copying the UAS data folder shown in the demonstration into your

own folder for the UAS class. Be sure to name and organize accordingly. 

Q: What key characteristics should go into folder and file naming conventions?

a.       Date

b.       Name

c.       Unique identifiers

2Q: Why is file management so key in working with UAS data

a.       UAS files may look similar to each other but represent very different sets of data

3Q: What key forms of metadata should be associated with every UAS mission

a.       Altitude

b.       Type of platform/Sensor

c.       Other optional metadata, pilot name, time of day, Weather conditions.

▪ Create a table that provides the key metadata for the data you are

working with

• Add a basemap of your choice. Save the project with a pertinent name.

Q: What basemap did you use? Why?

·       Road map

o   To give location awareness by using major roads as  guides.

o   Roads also give the reader a sense of scale without using a numerical bar scale

• Using the Add data icon, or Arc Catalog, bring the orthomosaic and the DSM

into ArcMap

• Build Pyramids and Calculate Statistics for each data set.

Q: What is the difference between a DSM and DEM?

              DSM -digital surface model (includes objects on the surface) i.e. man-made objects.

              DEM- digital elevation model (does not include objects on the surface) i.e. terrain

• Go into the Properties for the DSM and record the following descriptive

statistics.

o Cell Size, Units, Projection, Highest Elevation, Lowest Elevation

o Enter those statistics into a table. 

Q: Why are these important?

              Gives the reader data they will need to compare relationships within the map or image.

• Generate a Hillshade for the DSM. Then set the original DSM to a color ramp

of your choice and set its transparency to your choice over the shaded DSM.

Q:What does hillshading do towards being able to visualize relief and

topography.

A: Enhances terrain associations that are differentiated by elevation.

• Use the swipe tool to compare what you see in the orthomosaic to the DSM.

Q:How does the orthomosaic relate to what you see in the shaded relief of

the DSM

A:  It adds context to the shaded relief.

• Save your ArcMap project again (in case the software crashes). Open

ArcScene.

• Add the DSM into ArcScene. Zoom to that layer.

• Now add relief by setting the base heights to the elevation value. If needed,

zoom to the layer again and adjust the vertical exaggeration.

Q:What is the purpose of vertical exaggeration? What settings do you have

for your data?

A:  It exaggerates the differences in terrain elevations.

Q: What color ramp did you use? Why?

 A: Red to green. Red is often associated with high and green with low. Makes it more relatable to the reader without having to decode the color scheme.

Q:What are the advantages of using ArcScene to view UAS DSM data vs.

the overhead shaded relief in ArcMap. What are the disadvantages?

 A: Advantages are that the model can be rotated to put emphasis on select portions of the data. Disadvantage is that cardinal direction could be lost and scale could be skewed.

• Find a zoom setting and angle you like in ArcScene and export the image as a

jpeg or file of your choice.

o Is this export a map? Why or why not?

              It is not a map, It would be a map if it had scale and a legend

Part 3: Conclusions

• Summarize what makes UAS data useful as a tool to the cartographer and GIS

user,

              UAS data is a useful tool to the cartographer and GIS user as it opens up aerial imagery as a relatively cheap and easy way to gather data. UAS data, if properly gathered and organized, can be highly detailed and accurate to create extensive useful products  

• What limitations does the data have? What should the user know about the data

when working with it.

1.       Limitations that come with data are that it is only as good as how it was collected. If parts are missing like an accurate coordination system that links the image to a reference-able place, then the data set will be nothing more than an pretty picture.

2.       The user should know the following: how was the data collected, what are the different parts of the data, what was the purpose of collecting the data, and how will the data communicate the message of the final product.

• Speculate what other forms of data this data could be combined with to make it

even more useful.

1.       Historical data

a.       Previous images that show changes over time

2.       Additional ground reference points to depict more accurate terrain changes

Comprehensive UAS Program Development towards Integrated Manned Unmanned Deployment

The culture of UAS operations is in desperate need of change. The current atmosphere for drone operations is one of a free for all with is inherently hazardous and does not support the collective goal of integration into both the National Integrated Airspace System (NIAS) and global markets that are in need of utilizing aerial platforms. To propel UAS operations to be competitive against the current and expected high standards of manned aviation, I propose drafting a standard operating procedure for commercial and civil (non-military) UAS programs. This project will be a two-tiered system. The first part will focus on pre-operation and program management. Where the second will focus on safety during flight operations for integration of manned unmanned teams within the NIAS.

My intent will be to develop a draft maintenance program geared towards UAS platforms and associated ground equipment. This should include statistical software that will track components, usage and life-cycles. Second product will be a guideline for normal procedures that outlines not only flight operations, but also external considerations that develop a solid understanding of the mission along with a situational awareness of all aspects of the operations. Finally, a conceptual report on procedures for combined data collection between manned and unmanned systems. The report will cover topics such as communication procedures and proper terminology between the manned platform, the unmanned platform and a controlling element, procedures for operation with reduced separations utilizing alternate avoidance techniques, and flight tactics for the highest efficiency of data collection.

Paint Ball Field Network coverage UAS Consultant Options

Paintball Field Network: Provided by UAS 

Not all platforms are created equal, the following report outlines three different possible platforms that would accomplish the goal of providing a wireless network to an otherwise unobtainable location. With the use of a network extender/repeater, a network could be established over any desired location.  Using a drone is the preferred method, as opposed to a fixed tower, due to the need for flexibility of location, repurposing of the drone, i.e. used for picture/video collection for resale to the clients, and by causing an attraction for the business over the competitors. For this task, a fixed wing, a multi-rotor and an aerostat were compared. 

These differences were made based on usability of the airframe, cost of the airframe, and the ability to carry the desired payload.  The three options listed in this report were based primarily on cost and ease of use. The following chart provides a side by side comparison of all three selected airframes. All airframes have the ability to accomplish the task of providing an aerial network by carrying a repeater/extender payload. This could be accomplished by transmitting a signal that originates from a base station, sending that signal up to the drone that would then amplify the signal to receivers on the ground. The use of a drone in this manner would increase connectivity by minimizing line of sight issues that are present in a heavily wooded and isolated environment.  Additional platforms should be considered as more aerial repeaters would overlap coverage to further increase coverage.  

Airframes 

 

Flexibility of payloads were a major determining factor, as the need for upgraded technology is high. The fixed wing and quadcopter have the most flexibility to interchange payloads as the aerostat does not have the same level of mass production to support a user-based market. Three network extenders options are depicted in the chart below, all require the same amount of power to operate and are differentiated primarily by cost and durability. For any platform selected, some support will be needed to modify the drone to carry the particular payload as they are not originally intended for use with drones. Furthermore, it is understood that a primary network will have to be established on the ground to transmit the network signal up to the drone. The primary concern would then be the drone would need to be positioned where it could receive the signal and provided the greatest coverage to the target area.   

Payload Options 

 

UAS Platform Choices

   Platform Choice 1: 

Tethered Mulit-Rotar    

The first platform chosen for this project is the DJI Inspire 2 series. For this project, a tether will be used to increase duration and performance of the Inspire. This multirotor drone can fly indefinitely with the tether system the DJI has produced, which is perfect for this mission. It is in the middle-class range of prices which is around $9,999 dollars including the tether system and generator.  

The DJI Inspire 2 is compatible with many different sensors and cameras. It has upward facing infrared sensors that are used for overhead obstacle avoidance. It has a 2-axis FPV camera for accurate manual flight, and autopilot monitoring. Using a CineCore2.1 image processor, the DJI Inspire can record video at up to 6k with a Zenmuse X7 camera. The DJI Inspire 2 also has other vision sensing technology and uses collision avoidance software to insure safe flight. This drone uses a specific software for autonomous flight called DJI GS PRO. This app is specific for DJI and has most capabilities that other panning software has. 

The DJI Inspire 2 has a range of 200 feet while tethered which is more than enough for the mission it will be used for. The tether system the DJI is attached to generates power to the drone, giving the drone an unlimited flight time. The drone can go from 0 to 50 miles per hour in a mere 5 seconds, with a max speed of 58 miles per hour. The payload capacity for this drone is 1.79 pounds. The DJI Inspire 2 is wind resistant up to 10 m/s.  

The DJI Inspire 2 was chosen for the first platform for this lab because it fits perfectly to the mission. Because it can be in use all day without having to change batteries or wait to charge, it is convenient and officiant. This is the drone favored over both other platforms because it is most efficient, for the cost. It is easy to use with compatibility to multiple payloads and a strong mission planning software.  

Platform Option 2: 

Aerostat System 

An aerostat system was chosen for the second choice in this report. Aerostat systems typically provide a lower cost of use per flight hour when compared to fixed wing systems for similar applications. However, the initial startup cost is significant. The range of price from manufacture to manufacturer varies. In comparison, the cost of the Skystar 180 is priced fair within the market.  

The major benefit with this type of system, is the near continuous coverage. Depending on weather, this system can remain airborne for 3 days at a time before scheduled maintenance occurs. Maintenance turnaround can be achieved in about 20 minutes.  Weather limits are far better than compared to the other platforms, as this system can withstand 40 knot winds and can continually collect data or provide network coverage in almost all-weather conditions, other than wind limits.  

With a payload capacity of almost 40 lbs, it is more than enough to handle the capacity of what is needed for the network. They payload capacity would accommodate the network relay, as well as a video sensor to provide both the network and the required network coverage. Having multiple payloads could reduce the cost by provided additional services simultaneously.   

The company that produces the Skystar, also produces what they care a “user-friendly software package”. The application of this system is primary for military/ police operations. Which does nothing but speak on the durability and usability of the system.  

Platform Option 3: 

Fixed Wing UAS  

The third option comes in the form of a fixed wing drone.  The lower cost of $436 makes this the best option for a budget-based approach. Other features to consider are the higher payload lifting capacity compared to the other previously mentioned options as well as within the price range of other fixed wing options.  

This specific drone has the longest flight time duration in its class. Although options 1 and 2 do not have durations at all, they are also a lot more expensive. Another thing that makes the Trinity best for its class is the fact that it has vertical takeoff and landing. This is huge for a fixed wing, decreasing the risk of any damage to the drone as well as increasing the area that this drone can take off in. For our example we can assume it will be taking off in a wooded area, so other fix wing aircrafts wouldn’t work unless they also had vertical takeoff and landing. Having a 7.48 Feet wingspan, the glide ration for the Trinity is one of the largest in its class at 14:1. This helps give the Trinity a longer duration of flight time which is up to 1.5 hours.  

The fully autonomous drone comes with easy to use software called Qbase, which is used for setting up autopilot missions. The range for these missions, and manual flight is up to 1.24 miles which would be plenty of coverage for the example we are using. The payload for the Trinity is fully customizable, with a carry capacity of up to 4.4 lbs. It has compatible interchangeable plug in play with the red edge camera, along with compatibility with the UMC-R10C camera. The Trinity is wind resistant to up to 13 MPH which is average for fixed wings. For its low cost and high flight duration, 

 The Trinity is the best drone in its class. If budget is the primary concern, or funds are not available for option one or two in this report, then this fixed wing platform is the best option out of all fix wings or quad copters available in the Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) market and other quadcopters as well. The vertical takeoff and landing feature of the Trinity makes it superior to other drones of its class and would fit perfectly for the desired application. This platform does not need an airfield for takeoff or recovery, can last for an entire duration of a match, and can carry both the desired payload and a camera.  

References 

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