When it comes to fieldwork, our Data Collection Lead, Tyler, has had an exciting journey over the past eight years. He has navigated through diverse terrains, tackled unexpected challenges, and witnessed the evolution of GIS technology. Clocking over 365 cumulative days in the field and 65,000 miles driven in company vehicles, he certainly has a breadth of fieldwork knowledge.
The Early Days
Tyler’s journey with Cloudpoint began as a helping hand on a large collection project focused on water, sanitary, and storm data, but his role expanded when he was introduced to ArcMap, and continued with his certification as an FAA Part 107 Drone Pilot in 2017, which opened up exciting new possibilities for fieldwork.
Unforgettable Adventures in the Field
Tyler's fieldwork is not without its share of interesting moments:
Taking Shelter: While working in Minooka, Illinois, Tyler found himself seeking refuge in a Dollar General store during a severe storm with tornadic conditions.
Unexpected Passenger: A mischievous dog once snuck into the Cloudpoint van, catching Tyler by surprise.
Aquatic Mishap: Tyler once dropped his wireless headphones into a water-filled culvert, leaving him headphone-less for the day.
The Case of the Vanishing Hotspot: Speaking of water - one summer an intern dropped their internet hotspot into water under a culvert not once…but twice!
Traffic Accident: Tyler was once rear-ended on the interstate while heading to his collection spot for the day. Thankfully, the only serious injury was to the totaled van.
A Unique Stay: 'The Slammer' Bed and Breakfast
One of Tyler's memorable experiences was staying at 'The Slammer,' a bed and breakfast in Aledo, Illinois. This unusual lodging was formerly a jailhouse, now being run by the former Sheriff. He had the chance to stay in what used to be the jailer's quarters—a fascinating piece of local history.
A Day in the Life: Fieldwork Routine
Tyler’s typical fieldwork day is packed with activity:
The day starts early, arriving at the office just before 7 a.m. to load equipment into the van, ensuring everything is powered up and ready to go.
Upon reaching the job site, the team checks in with the client to outline the plan and set up safety measures.
The team relies on iPads, GPS receivers, and other tools to navigate to each feature, with ArcGIS Field Maps guiding their way.
Collecting the features is relatively quick, but locating them can be time-consuming, often taking up the majority of the day.
A 30-minute lunch break provides a brief respite, and the team typically aims to return to the office around 6 p.m.
Long Days in the Field
He has experienced some marathon field days, with the longest clocking in at a grueling 13-14 hours to a Wisconsin golf course and back. These demanding days are a testament to Tyler's dedication and endurance.
Takeaways
Tyler is thankful to have witnessed the transformation of GIS technology, from handheld GPS units connected to antennas via wires - to live data uploads using ArcGIS Field Maps. He has also learned to recognize patterns at each fieldwork location, such as the consistency of water features on the same side of the road, which has contributed to his efficiency in field data collection.
From stormy encounters to technological advancements, his adventures continue to shape his expertise and passion for GIS. We are very thankful for Tyler’s dedication to providing top-notch field data collection for our Clients.
