Spatial Technology Apps – Teacher’s Guide
Overall aim
The overriding aim for this project is to show how common mobile technology and free apps can be put to
use in geography fieldwork to simplify aspects of data collection and more seamlessly integrate data in
computer-based applications for further analysis. Our aim is keeping the geography the focus, not the
technology.
General notes
Even with the geography as the focus, there is the possibility that students may be curious about things like
how smartphones know where we are. There is merit in assisting students to understand the nature of the
technologies they are using, and what lies behind it, in general terms. The following might be useful
background for you:
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To large extent, the use of these applications is predicated on an understanding of latitude and
longitude co-ordinates. Apps we are using employ, or should be set to use the WGS84 map datum.
A map datum is a mathematical model of the Earth – an ideal approximation – which takes account
of its irregularities (the Earth is not a perfect sphere, nor is its surface smooth). Given the
continents are all moving – due to plate tectonics (more geography here) – individual countries use
their own, local map datums. Australia is moving northwards 5-7 cm per year, so our local map
datum (called AGD84) moves with us, so the co-ordinates for a location don’t need to change.
Google Earth Pro, which is the application used for mapping data in this project, uses WGS84, so
that is what should be used with the smartphone apps to provide the common datum.
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It is also useful to point out to students that any map or aerial/satellite image involves some form
of distortion. For any aerial or satellite image, only the centre point of the image is truly vertical.
We are also dealing with an uneven surface on a curved Earth. In Google Earth, it will be observed
as a result, that we see the sides of tall buildings (parallax), and that fixed features on the ground
are not always in the same spot in different Google Earth satellite images (errors in transforming
and registering the satellite image).
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Despite the application names and general usage, we should encourage students to use the generic
term GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System), rather than GPS (Global Positioning System). GPS is
the proprietary US NAVSTAR satellite system; this is like using ‘Glad Wrap’ or ‘Scotch Tape’ instead
of the generic ‘cling film’ and ‘sticky tape’. In actual fact, students’ devices will use multiple satellite
systems, including GLONASS (Russian), Galileo (European), in addition to the US NAVSTAR GPS
system. Other nations are adding to the satellite constellation over time.
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In general terms, a GNSS receiver calculates accurate distances between itself and multiple
satellites in fixed Earth orbit, by line of sight, and the accurate measurement of signal travel time.
The more satellites that are ‘visible’, the higher the likely accuracy. This does mean that in locations
surrounded by tall buildings or valley walls, for example, accuracy may be degraded.
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It should be stressed that these spatial technology apps do not use students’ device data, just the
GNSS receiver, so no cost is incurred. Moving map navigation displays do use data.
What follows is a list of the applications for both Apple and Android devices, their purpose and potential
usage by geography students, as well as any notes on settings or features.
It is important to note that apps for mobile devices are often regularly updated by their developers. In
some instances, this means the app will only work with more recent versions of device operating systems.
Students receiving in incompatibility message should try alternative apps that achieve the same outcome.
From time to time, apps might cease to be supported, therefore becoming unavailable.
Android devices
General instructions
The apps below can be freely downloaded from Google Play, the app for which should already be present
on all Android devices.
Turning location features on
It is a good idea to advise students to turn their location services off when not using them for reasons of
privacy and battery conservation. This will be under the main Settings of the device.
Surveyor Tools Free
Purpose: To capture images on fieldwork with the location data visibly imprinted on the
image itself.
Usage: Students can take pictures on their devices, ideally one with the standard camera
and one with this app. This will allow students to map the locations of images and relate any observations
to that location. As long as one location image is taken, multiple ‘clean’ images can be taken at that spot
showing different levels of detail as required. A good replacement for field sketching. Clean images could
be uploaded or linked to Google Earth or annotated and used in reports, again as a replacement for field
sketches, using the data from the imprinted image.
Notes: Operation:
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Choose the highest resolution option at the opening window.
‘Shutter’ button to the centre right of the screen captures the image.
Settings accessible via the slide-out menu to the lower left of the screen.
Note that the other buttons to the right provide different compasses (not used for data collection).
GPS Test
Purpose: To provide latitude and longitude co-ordinates of a point.
Usage: Students can use this app to manually record where they are located. This is
specifically useful when recording observational data or field measurements with the coordinates. This data can then be entered into a spreadsheet (e.g., Excel or Google Docs) and thereafter
imported into Google Earth, which will map the data for further analysis.
Notes: To check/customise settings, use the following:
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Settings > ‘Coordinate Grid Settings’ > ‘Grid’ > DD.DDDDDDD˚ (sets to decimal co-ordinates).
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Settings > ‘Coordinate Grid Settings’ > ‘Datum’ > WGS84 (sets map datum for Google Earth
compatibility).
GPS Logger
Purpose: To plot a user’s path of travel, with the ability to place markers (waypoints),
with text notations, at selected locations.
Usage: Students can track their path of movement, which is useful to recall later.
Waypoints with text notations are useful for the recording of data or observational notes as they move.
This app export to a GPX format file, which can be imported directly into Google Earth, mapping the path
and waypoints.
Notes: Operation (for help use the ‘?’ button, top right):
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Tap the ‘Start Logging’ button: the green light (top right) indicates operation.
Views (simple, detailed, big and log) accessible from the top centre menu: use ‘Simple’ view.
Options (Accessible via the three stripes button, top left corner)
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Logging Details > ‘Log to…’ to set the log file format to GPX or KML (both will work with Google
Earth).
Logging Details > ‘Save to folder’ to set where the log file is stored.
To add a waypoint:
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Tap the ‘annotate’ (pencil) button, lower left and type the desired information for the location
using only letters and numbers.
The log file location is shown in fine print on the screen underneath the location information in
simple view.
To export a data file:
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Tap the ‘Share’ button (bottom right) and select which file(s) to share. Click ‘OK’ to be taken to the
sharing options.
To upload a file click the ‘up arrow’ button (bottom, right of centre) and select.
Apple iOS devices
General instructions
The apps below can be freely downloaded from App Store, the app for which should already be present on
all iPhones/iPods.
Image storage will need to be accessed.
Turning location features on
It is a good idea to advise students to turn their location services off when not using them for reasons of
privacy and battery conservation. This will be under the main Settings of the device > Privacy > Location
Services.
Altitude DC
Purpose: To capture images on fieldwork with the location data visibly imprinted on the
image itself.
Usage: Students can take pictures on their devices, ideally one with the standard camera
and one with this app. This will allow students to map the locations of images and relate any observations
to that location. As long as one location image is taken, multiple ‘clean’ images can be taken at that spot
showing different levels of detail as required. A good replacement for field sketching. Clean images could
be uploaded or linked to Google Earth or annotated and used in reports, again as a replacement for field
sketches, using the data from the imprinted image.
Notes: Operation:
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Large round central button takes the image.
‘Pin’ button under the capture image button allows for different maps of location.
‘Colour’ button allows change of the on-screen text to make it more clear.
GPS Data
Purpose: To provide latitude and longitude co-ordinates of a point.
Usage: Students can use this app to manually record where they are located. This is
specifically useful when recording observational data or field measurements with the
co-ordinates. This data can then be entered into a spreadsheet (e.g., Excel or Google Docs) and thereafter
imported into Google Earth, which will map the data for further analysis.
Notes: Most of the settings on this app are changed by tapping various parts of the screen. For example,
tap the latitude/longitude and it will alternate between decimal degrees (which we want) and degrees,
minutes and seconds. Distance units can be changes by tapping the relevant box. The red ‘light’ in the
centre flashes when the location is updated and the app gives you a count of the time since the last update.
The following will be useful:
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To force a location update, tap ‘Force Update’ near the lower right corner of the screen.
Set ‘Desired Accuracy’ to ‘Best’ and Distance Filter to ‘5 metres’.
Location (GPS) can be set on or off by tapping the text at the lower left of the screen.
Simple Logger
Purpose: To plot a user’s path of travel, with the ability to place markers (waypoints), with
text notations, at selected locations.
Usage: Students can track their path of movement, which is useful to recall later. Waypoints with custom
names and descriptions are useful for the recording positions as they move. This app exports to a format
file, which can be imported directly into Google Earth Pro, mapping the path and waypoints.
Notes: The following settings should be used:
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Tap the ‘Launch Logger’ button.
Under ‘Settings’ (cog icon), set ‘GPS Accuracy’ to ‘High’, and ‘Interval of Point’ > Time > 5 seconds.
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Tap the round ‘REC’ button (left side) to record (changes to pause once recording).
The arrow button (right of REC) zooms the map to your current location.
Tapping the grey information box switches between point, distance and time information, and
latitude, longitude and elevation.
To add and export a way point:
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Tap the waypoint button (to the right of the camera button), name and describe the waypoint > ‘+’
button (top right).
Tap the save button (between the camera and settings cog) and ‘Save to File) > New File (blue text
button).
To edit file names, Tap ‘Edit’ in the file view.
To export, when starting the app, select the ‘View Files’ button > select the desired file name >
select the date/time details > at the map display with the track and waypoints > tap the send
button (left of the cog) to transfer GPX file for loading in Google Earth.