GIS supported mobile outdoor experiments (GISsmox)

The wide spread of mobile devices with integrated GNSS (global navigation satellite systems, e.g. GPS) receivers opens up novel and easy-to-use options for collection, visualisation and interpretation of spatial data in a teaching context. On field trips groups of students can acquire large datasets in a real-time crowd-sampling approach and conduct analysis of their own dataset on site using their smartphones or tablets (while it is still fresh).

We implement a set of exemplary teaching scenarios that make use of these new possibilities in various excursions at Bachelor level. The necessary procedures and technical requirements will be standardized as much as possible, leaving room for the exploration of the didactic potential that comes from GIS-supported mobile outdoor experiments (GISsmox). A best practice pool of examples will be provided with the intention to initiate further uses of mobile devices with added didactic value. We use standard GIS products from ESRI for both the GIS server and the mobile applications. Geodata is stored at ETH on existing GIS data servers. This setting ensures a long-term use while at the same time it minimizes development efforts.

• In general, the field experiments activate the students and, therefore, more professional interactions happen between the excursion leader and the students, as well as among students than in “classical” excursions without interactive tasks.
• Through the students’ active engagement with a spatial phenomenon on excursions, spatial aspects get a greater weight during discussions.
• Through the collaboration of GIS professionals with other experts field experiments with which spatial data can be collected during an excursion can be established relatively quickly and easily.

• Use of mobile devices (smartphones and tablets) with GPS-function on excursions.
• Participants map spatial information together (crowd sampling approach) and in real-time, trying to answer a question that fits to a discussion topic of the excursion.
• Immediately after the data acquisition phase, the analysis and discussion of the collected data will be carried out  results and «evaluation» in real time.

• Through further development of the technology, it is not only possible to analyse the collected data on-site, but also to further process it with GIS tools. This allows comprehensive analysis and evaluation of a specific question on-site.
• Construction and integration of education-oriented augmented reality (AR) applications.

• After the first two editions of the spring semesters 2014 and 2015 we can look back on many positive experiences. The students enjoyed the interactive exercises during the excursions and the heads of excursion appreciated the simplicity with which the technology could be employed.

• To provide students with specific questions prior to the crowd sampling phase which they then answer with the collected data. Like this, a discussion and hypothesis formation already takes place during the data acquisition phase.
• To plan and provide enough time for the experiment and discussion phase, because more extensive and intensive discussion can arise.
• To plan in detail in advance in order to use the limited time on-site optimally (e.g. distribution and use of measuring instruments, responsibilities of the participants, allocation of routes, …)

• GISsmox Website