Lab three I found to be the most interesting lab that we have done so far. We actually were able to  get hands on experience with working in the field with GPS units, along with more work on our digitizing skills that we are beginning to master. The goal of the lab was to teach us how to collect data in the field on a GPS unit, then be able to transfer the data into ArcMap which would allow us to  overlay the data onto a map of the campus. With getting hands on experience in the field, I feel that it is very important to know and understand how to collect data on a GPS unit and transfer it over into ArcMap.
      When working with the GPS units there are some skills that I learned. First off I learned the difference between collecting data continuously and collecting data points, which then would connect to form the polygon or area that you're trying to map out. Another important skill I learned was how to read your GPS and track how many satellites it is reading off. It is important to have between 5 and 8 satellites which allow you to get the most accurate reading for plotting your points. After collecting the data, I learned the important skill of transferring your data from your GPS onto the computer, which in turn allows you to digitize and make small corrections for the areas that your GPS unit might have been off slightly. To get your data onto the computer you first have to connect the GPS with the HDMI cord to the back of the computer. This then allows you to check in your data that you want to get transferred over to the computer into your personal geodatabase. This step is key in making sure that your only transfer the data that you want and not some random data points or points that have zero significance with the map that you're trying to display.
      After I checked in my data and had the data added to my base map of the Eau Claire campus, I realized that some of the points from the GPS didn't line up exactly with how they were portrayed on my base map. This allowed me to make edits to allow both my base map and GPS points to align. I started with the Grass areas on my map. I brought up the editors toolbar and proceed to edit vertices. Once I was this far I could line up my GPS points exactly with how they were on the base map. This allowed my map to look neat and in order. I also had to plot out points for trees and light poles. This was very simple and the GPS points that I recorded were exactly were they needed to be on the map, the only minor changes I made were I changed the color scheme and symbols for the trees and light poles.
      Below is the map I created of the data I collected, while overlaying the base map of the Eau Claire campus. The grass areas I collected are in green, trees are bright green triangles, light poles are yellow dots, and the campus bridge is a red line at the top of the map. The campus buildings were already on the base map and are in a purple hue color. I was also able to put the title, north arrow, legend, scale bar, author, source, and date on the map to make it pleasing to the eye and easy to read.