Priory Naviagation Maps: Part One

Introduction

Navigation cannot be done without a well thought out, purposefully constructed map. Along with a proper map the coordinate system used to construct this essential tool must be carefully chosen to ensure the accuracy of what the map will be used for. If not careful the incorrect coordinate system may lead a navigator many meters off course and in the wrong direction.
In this activity we created maps of the Priory in Eau Claire,WI for the purpose of navigation to certain points in a later activity.

Study Site
Date: 21 October 2015, 3-6pm
Location: Map of the Priory, Eau Claire, WI (1190 Priory Rd, Eau Claire, 54701)
**Maps were made in the geography department of UW-Eau Claire


Methods

Two navigation maps of the Priory were created; one using a UTM style grid with 50 meter spacing and the other with Degrees Minutes and Seconds grid.

From data provided by Professor Joe Hupy I used the Eau Claire West SE raster to display the section of Eau Claire with the Priory in ArcMap. The Navigation Boundary feature class and 5 meter contour lines feature class was added to the map as well.

The Eau Claire West SE raster was set to 40% transparent by entering its properties, selecting the display tab, and then changing the transparency to the desired value. This allows better visibility of the features and grid displayed on the map.

The navigation maps include all essential map elements such as a north arrow, scale bar, RF (representative fraction) scale, legend of features, source, title, projection used, and a watermark. A RF scale was included in these navigation maps in order to provide more detail than the usual scale bar. The projection used for both navigation maps was NAD 1983 UTM Zone 15N Wisconsin Transverse Mercator.

Grids were constructed in order to make these maps useful in identifying the course points for the next activity.

To create a grid in ArcMap go into the Grids tabs of the data frame properties. Select New Grid. Measured grid was chosen for the UTM style grid, while the graticule grid was selected for the degrees minutes and seconds grid. Make sure to select Grid and Labels so the output is labeled in the desired units. The interval for the UTM grid was changed to every 50 meters (x and y axis). As for the decimal degree grid the interval was every two seconds for the x and y.

Metadata
Who: Morgan Freeburg
What: Navigation Maps of the Priory Land Plot (1190 Priory Rd, Eau Claire, 54701)

Where: University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Geography Department
When: 21 October 2015
Why: To prepare for navigation relying on these maps and a compass

Discussion

Besides including the basic map elements (title, north arrow, scale bar, legend, and source) I decided to include a scale text reference to enable us to calculate the number of paces we need to reach each point. As for the grid itself I wanted to ensure there were divisions between the major grid lines in order to more accurate pin point where the course would be. Unfortunately, after creating the map I realized I did not create enough subdivisions and found it difficult to narrow down the location of the point. Having subdivisions will guide you to the correct location instead of the general area. Another aspect to consider would be how many decimals or significant figures to include in the making of the grid. Initially, I did not include enough significant figures for the UTM grid and ended up, once again, only arriving in the general area of the point.

Figure . Navigation map using the NAD 1983 UTM Zone 15N
Wisconsin Transverse Mercator coordinate system with a degrees,
minutes, seconds grid. 

Figure . Navigation map using the NAD 1983 UTM Zone 15N 
Wisconsin Transverse Mercator coordinate system with a UTM grid. 

Conclusion

Creating the grids for the UTM and degrees, minutes, seconds map was a great way to prepare for the navigation activity. Not only did the maps help us familiarize ourselves with the priory land it forced us to focus on what was needed to create a practical navigation map. Map elements must be a priority in creating a navigation map because if the elements are not considered and made correctly, you could find yourself very lost!