Geog 602: Field Methods in Geography

Study Guide, Fall 2001

Geometric/Surveying Methods

for all methods: idea of spatial control, control framework, details, use of basic trig

measuring distance: tape, pacing, time, triangulation, trilateration
triangles: similar triangles, right triangles & simple trigonometry; know the basic equations and how to use them (yes, you can bring a calculator)
horizontal & vertical distance: and how to derive them from slope distance & vertical angle; how do you measure tree or other feature height?
angles: horizontal & vertical.
azimuth: magnetic & true; magnetic declination; local magnetic anomalies
instruments: compass, clinometer, transit, level
geographic position: coordinate systems
basic survey principles: control, constraining a sketch
triangulation & intersection: for finding a point by intersecting rays from two known points.
chain-trilateration survey – measuring distance, etc.
compass traverse – method we used – equipment, measurements
- protractor vs. cartesian coordinates method
- 2d & 3d survey
- intersections for detail – when appropriate
- elevation points – VIPs
- closed traverse
leveling survey: basic concept, methods; turning points, fore- & backsights, when to add, when to subtract, H.I.
telemetry: radiotelemetry, satellite telemetry, GPS + transmitted positions
stadia, stadia rod: using for distance, similar triangle, telescopic alidade, transit, level
plane table survey
- basic idea, method, equipment, alidade
- baseline & detail

GPS

Purposes of GPS: position & navigation
Alternatives: celestial, LORAN, SATNAV
Design of the GPS: Dept of Defense, NAVSTAR, 24 SVs.
Accuracy: RMSE, variables,
Grades of instruments: survey, differential, handheld
Vertical (1.5-3x) vs. horizontal accuracy
Concepts of Satellite Ranging: L1 & L2 pseudorandom codes, time delay, trilateration
Accurate time required (3d purpose of GPS: time standard); use of UTC
WGS 84 datum
Sources of error
Geometric Dilution of Precision, causes and effects
Differential GPS
Post-processing vs. in-the-field, advantages/disadvantages
Other GPS-like systems: GLONASS, Galileo (down the road)

Research Design

Formulating the Problem: question/problem/hypothesis, preliminary data requirements, study area
Project Planning: source materials, reconnaissance, pilot study, operational data requirements, project time & personnel, equipment & materials, public relations & access
Field Data Collection
Processing, Analysis, Synthesis

Sampling Methods

Scale: extensive & intensive, maybe both
Sampling Units: point, area, linear, plotless (for density: closest individual 2, nearest neighbor 1.67, random pairs 0.8, point-center quarter 1 : density per hectare =10000/k D2)
Point Sampling: for actual point-related measures; finding point locations: resection, GPS
Area (plot, quadrat) sampling
- fixed plots: phenomena-area curve, orientation & distribution
- variable plots
Linear (transect) sampling
1D, 2D, quadrats along a transect
plotless sampling units: four methods
Spatial Sampling design
- hierarchical
- random
- systematic spatial
- stratified
- systematic stratified unaligned
Statistical Analysis & Sample Size

Biogeographical Sampling

I'll get a question or two from Barbara.

Geomorphological Studies

Be able to distinguish these four types of studies, and how they might relate (e.g. you might study the form of a stream cross-section over time to understand process and landform evolution – and you might sample streambed materials for the same study. Know specifics about italicized things:

Form
- morphometry and mapping
- general and specific morphometry
- hillslope form, slope elements, relate to hazard
- drainage basin morphometry; watershed concept
- stream channel form: cross section, bankfull, longitudinal profile, planform (habit),
Material Properties (e.g. physical properties: particle size, porosity, etc.)
Process e.g. weathering, karst, slope development, fluvial transport processes, coastal, wind, etc. How do you measure discharge in a stream?
Landform Evolution: isotope dating, sediment sequences, determining ages of events, relationship to past environments/climates

Data Logging

Types of Data Loggers

Strip-Chart Recorders

Advantages & disadvantages

Computers

Advantages & disadvantages

Datalogger Boards in pcs (impractical for field work – mainly for labs)

Programmable Calculator-based dataloggers (HP & TI)

Programmable Microcontrollers (Blue Earth, Basic Stamp)

Programmable Dataloggers (Campbell)

Simple Dataloggers (Omega, Onset HOBO): (Simple to use, but can’t program so can’t control power supply, other circuits.)

Human Interviews and Questionnaires

The who, what, where, when, why, and how of interviews & questionnaires. Issues faced when planning an interview or questionnaire. Concept of stratification as applied to these. I'll get a question or two from Nancy.