AN INCREMENTAL APPROACH FOR TEACHING FIELD MAPPING USING RUGGED TABLET COMPUTERS AND GIS

The Geology Department at Northern Arizona University, has for decades taught field techniques to geology students in a traditional fashion using paper base maps and emphasizing individual or small-group learning. Over the last five years we have introduced digital field mapping to students using rugged tablet computers as a component of Advanced Field Methods (GLG440), the capstone course at NAU for geology majors. In this paper, we present our five year experience, including struggles endured and advancements made, introducing advanced digital field mapping techniques. Rugged tablet PCs function like a digital mapboard, displaying multiple types of georeferenced data with ArcGIS software, and easily locate the user with integrated GPS devices. In GLG 440, the first field mapping exercise is done using traditional methods. For the second project, students map traditionally but are introduced to GIS prior to going in the field to examine the map area in digital air photos for preliminary mapping ideas. Upon completion of their field mapping, they are required to digitally scan their paper maps. After creating a digital image of their maps, students are taught to georeference the image and digitize the geologic features in ArcGIS using a tablet PC. The final map is composed in ArcGIS and submitted for a grade. For the third project, students build on their GIS skills and are introduced to complete digital mapping technologies in the field. The students spend three or more days mapping directly into ArcGIS on a rugged tablet PC. The students use digital ink technology to take their field notes and also collect GPS points and enter spreadsheet data in the field. We have determined that the tablet learning experience is more successful if tablet computers are introduced to students incrementally over the course of the semester, to give adequate time for students to become familiar with use of the tablets and software. Before starting a computer assisted field project, students will have used tablets to view topographic maps, air photos, and satellite images of the field area and learned to utilize ArcGIS to compile and produce geologic maps using available images. May 2007, marked our fifth year using computers in the field and the first time we included a comprehensive external assessment of the learning techniques.