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What is ArcGIS Field Maps?
ArcGIS FieldMaps is a mobile solution that allows you to explore, collect data, and share their locations from the field.
Why use this tool?
This tool enables you to streamline the workflow of collecting field data and visualizing it on a map. For example, you may use it to record the exact locations of species and their associated information, along with images, while conducting a biological inventory. Or you might employ the tool to document the exact locations of graffiti along with images and descriptions in a neighborhood while studying the relationship between graffiti and income levels.
Recommended workflow for using Field maps
- Click on the App Launcher Icon (shaped like a nine-dot icon from the right top corner of your homepage).
- Choose Field Maps Designer:
SFU examples
Species Inventory in Burrard Inlet
Read this storymap about the Burrard Inlet inventory to learn how Environmental Sciences students collected data in the field to create an inventory of the native and invasive species that inhabit the Inlet.
Mapping a philosophical concept
Marion Benkaiouche, a Master’s student in Urban Studies, used Esri FieldMaps to map people’s perceptions about Semiocide, a philosophical concept. Download Benkaiouche's presentation about Semiocide at GIS Day 2024.
Verifying mapping of landslides
Catalina Pino- Rivas, a PhD student in Earth Sciences used Esri FieldMaps to verify landslides. Here is the abstract of Catalina's talk at GIS Day 2024: "In October 2023, I uploaded all the information regarding the landslides triggered by a seismic event on Vancouver Island to my iPad. With this, I was able to verify the mapping from the helicopter, take notes, and add other points of interest to later sync with the computer. The use of these tools is incredibly powerful, allowing for the collection of a lot of real-time information that can be easily synchronized afterwards."
Learn more about how Catalina set up her FieldMaps data layers
Catalina made a map in ArcGIS Pro with multiple layers, such as the base map (satellite imagery), landslide inventory, contour lines, and notes from Google Earth. She then brought the map to the Field Maps app. In the field, she was able to open the app on an iPad (see Image 1), add markups like polygons and take notes (see Image 2) while sitting in a helicopter.
Image 1:
Image 2:
Is there anything I need to know if I want to collect sensitive data?
The most important thing you should understand is that your data on AGOL will be stored on US-based servers. So if your research involves sensitive data, you should exercise extra caution.
Sensitive data in spatial research could include personal information and sensitive geographical locations (i.e. endangered species, archeological sites, etc.).
In Canada, ethical conduct and guidance on research involving human subjects is provided by a Tri-Council Policy Statement commonly called "TCPS 2". TCPS 2 does not explicitly address cloud storage, but in practice it is often suggested that sensitive information should not be in cloud storage to mitigate risk of disclosure. However, if you must use AGOL, you should make the participants aware of what’s involved.
You should also take appropriate measures in data storage, anonymization, and collection that intersect with AGOL to mitigate the risk of disclosure. Contact data-services@sfu.ca to discuss your project needs.
Learning resources
These self-paced tutorials and guides will get you started. You will need an AGOL account to access them.
Get Started with Field Maps Designer
Deploy a Location Sharing Solution with ArcGIS Field Maps
ArcGIS Location Sharing Privacy Best Practices
See GIS Training for general tutorials on ArcGIS from Esri, ArcGIS's parent company.
Questions?
If you need help with learning the tool or troubleshooting or you like us to pay an in-class visit to introduce students to this tool, please contact Sarah (Tong) Zhang, , tza68@sfu.ca