Progress:
This week, we moved from planning to active data collection. After finalizing our team charter and roles, we began documenting indoor plants in academic buildings. Austin and Patrick logged species names, characteristics, and locations, and Patrick created 3D models using Scaniverse so selected plants can be explored interactively.
Brandon organized our Survey123 form, reviewed entries, and corrected small location inaccuracies before mapping everything in ArcGIS. We also used iNaturalist when needed to confirm plant identification.
At this point, we have a working data collection form, multiple logged plants, several 3D scans, and an initial ArcGIS map.
Problems:
The main issue we encountered was indoor GPS accuracy. Some plant locations were slightly off in Survey123. Brandon manually corrected coordinates using the campus GIS base layer. We also realized there are more plants than expected, so we are focusing on representative buildings and notable species rather than documenting everything.
Tools:
We are using ArcGIS Survey123 for data collection, ArcGIS Online for mapping, Scaniverse for 3D modeling, iNaturalist for identification, and WordPress for publication. Our process is collect → clean → map → embed → present with narrative context.
ArcGIS Online → https://www.arcgis.com/ ArcGIS Survey123 → https://survey123.arcgis.com/ Scaniverse → https://scaniverse.com/ iNaturalist → https://www.inaturalist.org/ WordPress → https://wordpress.org/
Deliverables:
We are still on track. Week 8: continue logging plants and refining the map. Week 9: finalize website layout and integrate archival context. Week 10: polish and prepare for presentation.
Personal Statement:
Mohammed: My role focuses on how the project comes together on the website. I’ve been working on the layout so that the map, 3D models, and archival materials feel connected and clear. My goal is to make sure the design supports our argument about plant visibility on campus.
Austin: I helped shape our project idea and worked on the team charter to define our goals and responsibilities. Recently, I’ve been visiting academic buildings and logging plant species, characteristics, and locations while Patrick documents selected plants through 3D modeling.
Patrick: I’ve been exploring plants across campus and creating 3D models using Scaniverse. My goal is to build an interactive section that lets users examine specific plants and learn more about them. I’ve focused on making the models detailed enough to embed cleanly on the site.
Brandon: I organized and managed our plant data collection through ArcGIS Survey123. I structured the form, reviewed entries, and corrected location inaccuracies before mapping everything in ArcGIS. My goal is to make sure the spatial data is accurate and meaningful.
I like the way that you guys set up your workflow. Our group has a similar order of work but the way you guys put it together: collect -> clean ->map -> embed -> present makes the process feel very intentional. I also like the 3D Scaniverse model as a cool added touch. It does a good job adding an aspect that brings everything we have learned in this class together. I think it’ll make the project stand out.
This is such a cool project, I would have never thought of something like this! Seems like you are using a lot of different digital tools to bring this all together, that’s a lot of work. I was wondering if you guys will have any information about if the plants are next to windows, if they need light etc, like what is the exact environment in which these plants are. Maybe it will be obvious on the map? Good luck!
Sweet idea. What interesting visualizations do you guys plan on including? Our group is also at a similar point in our data collection process. Are you guys trying to collect data on different kinds of plants? Will details about the plant type be included?
This is a nice documentation of the teamwork, roles, and technical use. I especially like how your process, collect, clean, map, embed, and then present, demonstrates a structured pipeline rather than just a collection of tools. The way you addressed indoor GPS inaccuracies by manually correcting coordinates shows good data collection as well as cleaning. The decision to focus on representative buildings instead of cataloging every plant is also a smart adjustment.