Development of a Field Navigation Map

Introduction:

The process of navigating a given territory often relies on grid systems and sight-based location points in order to be successful. There are a number of grid systems that can be utilized for the purpose of referencing location during navigation. In generating a pair of field navigation maps for the Priory of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, students will demonstrate two of these grid systems in projection, one using a UTM Projected Coordinate System and the other using a traditional world Geographic Coordinate System of Decimal Degrees. The resulting maps and their use will be expanded on in later labs. 

Methods/Results:

For the first map illustrated in Figure 1, I decided to set both my data frame properties and my individual feature projections to Transverse Mercator reflecting the UTM to the 15N Zone projected coordinate system (where the city of Eau Claire falls on the UTM system). I then formatted the grid in the layout properties to mark latitude and longitude points as reference points for the mapped area. 

The second map denoted as Figure 2, conversely, uses a world Geographic Coordinate System (GCS_WGS_1984) to map the area of focus and provides its units as decimal degrees when translated onto a grid system.

While the map in Figure 1 is beneficial for preserving the shape of the illustrated area, the map in Figure 2 is better for preserving direction, which could translate as being the optimal choice map between the two for the purpose of navigation. The resulting maps are posted below: 

Figure 1: UTM Coordinate System

Figure 2: World Geographic Coordinate System

Sources:

ESRI and ArcMap

Geodatabase info provided in class from Priory