Throughout the course, you have reviewed the four basic phases of GPS field projects: preparation, field operation, data processing, and final report. In addition, from the GPS activities completed in the course, you have already gone through a short version of these four phases, probably without even realizing it. In this discussion assignment, I would like you to use your experience with GPS data collection to design a GPS field data collection project with a focus on the preparation phase.
The preparation phase of a GPS data collection project is critical for the project's success as careful planning would help ensure that GPS project is successful and meets the project objectives. Some key considerations in the preparation phase include:
Project Objectives: Clearly define the purpose of the project, including specific goals and objectives that the data collection will achieve.
Research Questions: Develop a list of research questions that will guide the data collection process.
Study Area: Identify the geographical area where the data will be collected and conduct a site visit to assess any potential logistical challenges.
GPS Equipment: Select appropriate GPS equipment based on the specific needs of the project and ensure it is properly calibrated and functioning.
Field Plan: Develop a detailed field plan that outlines the data collection process, including timelines, personnel, and logistics.
Data Management Plan: Determine how the data will be managed, including data storage, quality control measures, and analysis procedures.
Ethical Considerations: Consider any ethical concerns related to the collection and use of the data, including privacy, confidentiality, and informed consent.
Budget: Develop a budget that accounts for all expenses related to the project, including equipment, personnel, and data management.
Risk Management: Identify and assess potential risks to the project, and develop strategies to mitigate them.
Although these are the some key considerations, when you design your preparation phase, I would like you to specifically focus on (a) study the area where data collection will take place, (b) select appropriate GPS equipment - in this case, your smartphone - and (c) develop a detailed field plan.
When studying the area where data collection will take place, you should consider any potential challenges, such as environmental factors that may affect GPS signals, terrain, or other obstacles that could affect data collection (gathering any existing data or maps of the area would help in this step).
For selecting appropriate GPS equipment, think about factors including the accuracy of the GPS receiver, battery life, storage capacity, and compatibility with any necessary software or data management systems.
When designing a field plan, some factors you should consider include the number of personnel needed, their roles and responsibilities, the data collection schedule, and any necessary safety measures.
Let's design the preparation phase for a GPS project. You can either use the GPS activities as a project or develop your own project. There is no correct format for this assignment, but you should ensure that you discuss at least two factors of the three (study area, GPS equipment, and a field plan) above that should be considered in the preparation phase. In short, suppose you intend to gather GPS data in the field. Before embarking on data collection, it is essential to undertake field preparation. What factors should you consider during this phase of preparation?
