The SMF Pro add-in allows the import and treatment of point files coming from GPS and representing machinery movements. The GPS in the machinery must

Transcription

1 SMF PRO VERSION TOOLBAR FOR ARCGIS 9.2 OR HIGHER FOREST MACHINE MOVEMENT MONITORING QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE JANUARY 9 T H 2012

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. ADD-IN DESCRIPTION General description Free trial version INSTALLATION SMF PRO add-in and ArcGIS version Installer file Description of files and folders Add-in loading Add-in registration ADD-IN COMPONENTS IMPORT GPS FILES PROGRESS REPORT CREATE GEOMETRY FROM POINTS TREATMENT UPDATE PRODUCTIVITY ANALYSIS TRAILS ANALYSIS BREAK, TRACTION AND SPEED CALCULATION GROUP AND REMOVE OVERLAP POINTS FILTER LAYERS OF POINTS AREA, PERIMETER AND LENGTH UPDATE PREPARING DATA CARD FOR GARMIN GPS CONFIGURATION ABOUT LE GROUPE SYSTÈME FORÊT INC

3 1. ADD-IN DESCRIPTION 1.1. General description The SMF Pro add-in allows the import and treatment of point files coming from GPS and representing machinery movements. The GPS in the machinery must be programmed to take a geographical position according to predetermined time interval. These points have been captured with a Garmin device (GPX format) or Truckbase (SLV format) or other tracking GPS on the market (Multidat, etc.). In any case files are imported directly in ArcView Shapefile format with SMF Pro. Points are used to draw trips (lines) of the machinery as well as to produce the treated surfaces (polygons). Analysis functions (breaks, tractions and production) allow some fast and concrete results for the follow-up of machines in forests in order to know quickly the efficiency. The treated surface calculation can also be very useful for billing work achieved. The SMF Pro add-in use himself with ArcGIS 9.2 or higher. You can see the add-in as small toolbox in graphic interface of ArcGIS. LE GROUPE SYSTÈME FORÊT INC

4 The SMF Pro reports are produce by a report administrator. This software is already installed at the same time of the SMF program. The interface allows the export of results in Microsoft excel format or in pdf if a software conversion to this format is installed. LE GROUPE SYSTÈME FORÊT INC

5 1.2. Free trial version You can use a free trial version of SMF Pro for 14 days period. For trial you should be use the p ArcGIS demo project. This project is located on this path: C:\Program Files\GSF\SMF_Pro\Demo To use the add-in in trial version it is necessary to import one or several SLV files (Truckbase) or GDB files (Garmin) located in the SMF_Pro_demo harvest folder or Site_Preparation folder. It is not possible to test the add-in with its own data. The client must record the extension to use his own data and so to subscribe to the support and the yearly updating. LE GROUPE SYSTÈME FORÊT INC

6 2. INSTALLATION 2.1. SMF PRO add-in and ArcGIS version To use the extension without any problems it is necessary to have at least ArcGis 9.2 already installed. SMF_Pro installer and updater files are available on the GSF WEB site at the following address: Installer file Run the setup.exe file to install the new version of SMF_Pro. It must first uninstall the old version of SMF if present in the computer Description of files and folders Following his installation you can find the add-in here: C :\ Program Files \ GSF \ SMF_Pro A sample of data to give a demonstration will be available in Demo folder Add-in loading The add-in loading makes himself by choosing Customize Customize Mode - Toolbars and checking «SMF» in the list. The loading will add a SMF toolbox in the graphic interface of ArcMAP. LE GROUPE SYSTÈME FORÊT INC

7 2.5. Add-in registration The SMF Pro add-in is protected by a virtual key. For registration, it is necessary to contact the Groupe Système Forêt office by info@gsf.qc.ca or by phone (418) A 12 characters product number will be generated and this one is specific to the used computer. It is necessary to provide this product number and so that GSF also generates the number of license of 12 characters. This number should be writes down in the window «About» of the menu «SMF Pro» that is located at the end of the list. Registration step by step 1. Open a map with ArcMAP. 2. Load the SMF Pro add-in. Click Customize Customize Mode, point to Toolbars and check SMF in the list. 3. In a View, choose About in SMF Pro dialog box. 4. Contact GSF and provide the product number. This number will be used to create the licence number that should be type bottom. Then click RECORD. 5. This operation will create and will preserve your license until the installation of a next version that should not ask for the number of license since it is preserved on the used computer. LE GROUPE SYSTÈME FORÊT INC

8 3. ADD-IN COMPONENTS The SMF Pro add-in is represented by a toolbar located in the graphic interface of ArcMap. This one contains different functions permitting to treat the GPS points coming from a Garmin system, Truckbase and other. Points can also come from Microsoft Access database structured with the necessary fields to the treatment and the analysis. Points will be able to used beings in order to generate trips, lines or polygons. The use of a field containing the date and time will allow to analyses of breaks and productivity. The creation of geometries allow the creation of both lines representing trails and polygons representing the treated surfaces, directly from points of one or several sets of measures coming from different machines. A function allows to also given out a report of the productivity by block of works. Another type of analysis calculates the percentage of the trail surface created by the machinery on the treated surface. Other functionalities allow the user to configure his application and also to make some specific treatments to data collected with the GPS. LE GROUPE SYSTÈME FORÊT INC

9 4. IMPORT GPS FILES This operation is a tranformation of points coming from a system GPS Garmin, truckbase and other as a point cover in a shapefile format. To use data coming from a GPS Garmin it can be necessary to transfer data via the software MapSource and in format GPS exchange (*.gpx). A function of import this format is present in SMF Pro. The import of Access data base will be treated subsequently. This function has been planned for the import of data already structured by other applications as the Multidats. LE GROUPE SYSTÈME FORÊT INC

10 It is possible to proceed to the simultaneous import of data coming from different type of GPS producing different type of exit files. For example, an entrepreneur who have GPS truckbase in three machines and GPS garmin in two other machines will be able to process all files in only one operation. LE GROUPE SYSTÈME FORÊT INC

11 The section that follows presents the main stages of files importation. The four buttons located on the right of the main window allow to assign an identifier to files. It is also possible to select files and to suppress some of the list.. A File selector: Select files for import Erase files of the list Add an operator Add a type of machine It is also possible to manage operators and machine types from the configuration menu. You can select one file or many file using then ctrl key on keyboard. B Data projection: Positions recorded in the GPX files are in geographical system (latitude and longitude) calculated in degrees, minutes and seconds. It is possible to apply an operation of projection to create geometries in a system projected as MTM, UTM or Lambert, that will use units of the METER. The application will use the projection defined in ArcMap layers. If user already have a map of his sector, it is preferable to open him before starting the treatment. If no projection has been defined in ArcMap, the application will ask to define one of it. LE GROUPE SYSTÈME FORÊT INC

12 C Importation results: It is possible to save results in an existing cover. Or in new(s) cover(s). As checking the box Name of structured file the name of the file will have the following nomenclature: Year_Month_Day_Operator_Machine It is not necessary to give operator's name as well as a name of machine. The exit files will be named in the beginning by the date. However, it is necessary to give a folder name for the output datas. Only positions contained in the log of GPX files or GDB or other selected will be imported in layers of points. LE GROUPE SYSTÈME FORÊT INC

13 The following screenshot shows the result of the import of three files of GPS. This is a shapefile of points spatially localized. This show site preparation works. Some features are associated to each point and are stocked in a database. One recovers the spatial position of the point and the moment when reading has been taken. LE GROUPE SYSTÈME FORÊT INC

14 List of fields in the table of the resulting shapefile that is create automatically during the import. LE GROUPE SYSTÈME FORÊT INC

15 5. PROGRESS REPORT This function, is a lot more that a simple report. In fact it consists in analyzing all the points structured in shapefiles to prepare them to the following steps. For each point a speed is calculated and is stocked in the field of the speed. From the field speed the points are separate in three classes: Point in break or in stop. LE GROUPE SYSTÈME FORÊT INC

16 Point in production. Point in traction. This classification will allow other subsequent analyses to determine the productivity and the area occupied by the trails. The main parameters to select are: Choose one or many covers of points Choose the type of analysis, harvest or site preparation Calculate the time in break (length in minutes or a time minimum where the machine will be considered in break). Tolerance of 10% to eliminate the short sequences of points not respecting the criteria of speed of the pause but cannot be kept for traction or production. Calculate the time in traction, to indicate a minimal speed to which the machinery won't be considered in production but well in traction (displacement). Tolerance of 10% to eliminate the short sequences of points not respecting the criteria of traction speed but cannot be kept for a break or production. In case of activities of site preparation it is suggested to use a value of 5.0 Km/h. By using a lower will cause much point in production will be incorrectly classified as point in traction. LE GROUPE SYSTÈME FORÊT INC

17 Create a stop if a break to a length of more than 30 minutes for example. It will allow classify in the stop category immobilizations of machinery beyond this period. Consider like unusual 2 consecutive points separated by more than 10 minutes for example. This parameter is used to detect cuts of the GPS signal sensitivity as determined by minute depending on the type of treatment and frequency of data acquisition of the GPS in the machine. Table 1 Start values and tolerance suggested for the first calculation Treatment Pause Movement Stop Unusual Length (minute) Tolerance (10 %) Speed (Km/h) Tolerance (10 %) (minute) (minute) Site 10 yes 5,0 yes preparation Harvest 10 yes 3,5 yes Note: The user can use the values it wants in terms of its equipment. Report, indication of a start date and end date for the items identified in the report. Indicate whether the opening is necessary in detailed mode with each change of status (break, traction, production or stop) or summary (subtotal per day). At the end of a calculation, if the box open the report is checked, the display window of report visualization appears and it is possible to choose between the summary report and/or detailed daily production up right. It is also possible to print reports and export them as a digital file. LE GROUPE SYSTÈME FORÊT INC

18 Use the legend to the layer of points, depending on the status of each points, a color is assigned to the points and view the status of the activity in ArcMAP. Ordering of results in the report according to operators. The operator will be distinguished in subtotals in the report. The information can come from the table of points, or to be specified for data set represent the same contractor or any. Table of results, allow to keep and display as a DBF results of the report. It corresponds to the detailed report. Once the calculation is completed, we are witnessing the creation of a cover for projects achieved by a particular machine. There will be as many cover as supplied files. The points are the colors according to their status as break, stop, traction or production. This make easier to see the road right of way and where the machinery has stopped and an overview of the production sectors. LE GROUPE SYSTÈME FORÊT INC

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20 The report generator gives us the ability to view and print the results in summary or detailed report for each day of production. The following screenshot gives an example of summary report. The comments at the bottom of page present cuts of GPS signal with (green) or without (red) displacement allowing users to validate cuts of signal and distances browsed between cuts. LE GROUPE SYSTÈME FORÊT INC

21 There is an example of detailed report for one day of production where you can see periods of break and production of the machinery during the day. There are occasional periods of traction or production of less than one minute or even seconds. It is better to ignore theses values and retain those with significantly important duration. These short temporal phenomena are within the margin of error of taking and analyzing data. LE GROUPE SYSTÈME FORÊT INC

22 6. CREATE GEOMETRY FROM POINTS A - This function uses points that are selected to create lines and polygons. It is possible to use multiple files once from different operators. One must also choose the type of operation to obtain the desired result; harvest or site preparation. B - Results are added in layers of line and polygons selected in the bottom section «Results in lines or in polygons». There is no requirement to create lines and polygons, but we must select at least one of the two types. Just check the results box. It is possible to create news layers of lines or polygons using the folder button which is located to the right of a dropdown menu. The structure of the fields or variable is one that is defined in the configuration section of SMF Pro. C - Selection operation This section provides tools to apply a selection of all layers checked in the interface, either by drawing a polygon around the area to select them or while using the pointer. LE GROUPE SYSTÈME FORÊT INC

23 Pressing this symbol, the window geometries creation menu will be reduced and it will be then possible to select elements in ArcMap. To return to our menu creation of geometries, simply click on blue icon. Once the selection is complete, the function Execute is to be used to generate the results corresponding to the selection. It is possible to cancel the last result and restart the operation with new parameters or new selection. LE GROUPE SYSTÈME FORÊT INC

24 NOTE : It is not possible to combine some multiple selections by combining the operation of the mouse button and the SHIFT or CTRL with the polygon selection tool. However, it is possible to do with the selection with the pointer. Coverage polygons or lines are cumulative which means that the selection is added to the previous and so on. We must therefore define a new cover out if you want separate results. LE GROUPE SYSTÈME FORÊT INC

25 Parameters to create geometric entities: Filter the points close within XX meters, can simplify the lines while maintaining a minimum vertex when the machinery is stationary or moving very slow. Split into multiple lines if the distance between two points is greater than to XX meters. Allow not connect two points when they separated by unrealistic distance. This phenomenon represents cases where the GPS is closed or that the machine moves of a sector to another. Smoothing polylines whit XX decimeters. Represent a way to better represent the movement between two points in a turn to eliminate the effect of angle and zigzag representing theoretical geometry must be rounded to comply with standard such as the Ministry of Natural Resources of Québec. Remove vertex every XX meters. This correction is based on the algorithm of Douglas and Peucker (1973) where an assessment of the maximal displacement of the line is performed. Vehicle width. The value specified here is very important to properly represent the «width» of the vehicle. Amplification of the width can significantly change in term of area. The value varies with the type of machinery and operation. Site preparation is usually between 4 and 5 meters (distance observed between the two grooves of a TTS or other) and for a feller buncher width will be more in a range of 14 to 20 meters (two times the longest extension possible of the head with the center of the machine). The value is determined for all the files and you cannot be combine several types of machines with different widths. Merge polygons. Check this box to get the fusion of all entities polygons that touch themselves and not to duplicate certain areas from overlapping trails. LE GROUPE SYSTÈME FORÊT INC

26 Apply an adjustment tolerance of the proximity of contours of XX meters. This adjustment excluded most of the polygons that represent very small areas but increase a lot the perimeter and the complexity of the polygons. Without proximity adjustment With proximity adjustment LE GROUPE SYSTÈME FORÊT INC

27 Add exclusions with an area less or equal to X.X ha. When exclusion in a polygon is lower or equal to the area specified, it will be filled to disappear. Without the addition of exclusion With adding exclusions to 0.1 ha Delete the polygons isolated of less X.X ha. Eliminates small polygons that created from very few points and sufficiently distant not to merge with other polygons. Exclude points in break and in traction. Possible only if the activity report was launched to analyze the set of points according to the parameters off speed. LE GROUPE SYSTÈME FORÊT INC

28 7. TREATMENT UPDATE Helps match a polygon layer containing a field to match the treatment plan and an initial prescription. The area treated off planning (purple) will be kept in polygons do not have treatment information and should be merged or eliminated under the rules of the user. LE GROUPE SYSTÈME FORÊT INC

29 8. PRODUCTIVITY ANALYSIS This part of SMF_Pro to calculate the productivity of an operator or a machine taking the time and area produced. To be produced the report requires this numerical data: 1 - Layers area polygons: Polygon layer representing the work resulting from the creation of geometry. The report can be run on one more selected polygon or several polygons but a selection must be applied. LE GROUPE SYSTÈME FORÊT INC

30 2 A point layer that has been produced at the report stage of activity report and that contains the status of points that is in production in pause or in traction. If the report was produced, it is not necessary to run the analysis to find the status of points. The user may at any time resume the analysis and varying certain parameters. It is possible to include the name of a contractor so that it appears in the header of the report by checking This one box and typing the name in drodown menu. Results can also be displayed or stored as a DBF table. The report presents results by polygons and allows you to view who has worked and in what sector. Hours traveled outside area are not compiled in this analysis. There are plans to add these items to analysis in a later version of SMF Pro for a more accurate estimated of a total cost. A summary results and detailed results are presented in a single document. LE GROUPE SYSTÈME FORÊT INC

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32 9. TRAILS ANALYSIS This section applies mainly to timber harvest activities but can be also sometimes by necessary to have an estimation of percentage of total area that has been scarified (site preparation). Calculating the percentage occupied by trails can be useful to adjust how to operate feller bunchers. While the proportion occupied by trails is already near to the authorized limit, it is likely that following the logging and timber transportation the limit is exceeded. To run the analysis of trails requires the following layers: Layers of Polygons sector: Layers(s) of cut blocks made at the stage of the creating geometry SMP_Pro. Layers of point machine : All points from machines worked in the blocks to be analyzed. Machine width : Width wheel print created by the machinery tires or simply machine width. Use only the points having a sector identifier : This is optional and can serve in the case of some analyses. Segment if the distance between 2 points is greater then XX meters : This option prevent the consolidation of two blocks together. Perform a smoothing of geometry : This round the trails by obtaining angles less pronounced between the vertex of the lines representing the trails. Filter points to close within XX meters : Generalize the points before making lines for not having shapefile too heavy and complex. LE GROUPE SYSTÈME FORÊT INC

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34 10. BREAK, TRACTION AND SPEED CALCULATION This section substantially the same steps as the progress report. An option to create polygons around stops and breaks is preserved but may possibly be found in the section of progress report. LE GROUPE SYSTÈME FORÊT INC

35 11. GROUP AND REMOVE OVERLAP POINTS This feature allows you to group several files from one machine into one file and remove points which are superimposed in the same location. This is specific to Garmin GPS that use the wrap when full which ensures that when the drive is at capacity, he continued his writing by starting at the beginning of the drive and overwriting the data that is present. This resulted in overlap and there found more then one point at the same location. It is possible to choose the field that contains the date and time, select an operator as well as a machine type. The shapefile resulting from treatment has the same name as the original file with _tri at the end. It is found in the file list treatable. LE GROUPE SYSTÈME FORÊT INC

36 12. FILTER LAYERS OF POINTS This procedure is derived from the original way to proceed under ArcView 3. It was to eliminate a number of points prior to the creation of lines and polygons. This procedure may remain useful for some tests but with the new concept of monitoring forest machinery, all items are stored and analysed only to receive a status to filter later. LE GROUPE SYSTÈME FORÊT INC

37 13. AREA, PERIMETER AND LENGTH UPDATE This is a feature found in GSFOtools and allows to update the areas and lengths in the polygons that were edited manually. All automatic operations of SMF_PRO recalculate areas and lengths by default. LE GROUPE SYSTÈME FORÊT INC

38 14. PREPARING DATA CARD FOR GARMIN GPS This function allows you to create empty files for the transfer of data from Garmin GPS type marine models 400 and 500 series. The selection of these files during the backup of routes allows a more structured approach and quick for the operator. You can create as many files as you that one wants per date with a different identifier as not to confuse operators. LE GROUPE SYSTÈME FORÊT INC

39 15. CONFIGURATION We find all of the fields managed by the add-in and the default values are used. The user can refer to manage-down menus as well as the parameters to be set initially for a specific use of the add-in. LE GROUPE SYSTÈME FORÊT INC

40 With this interface it is possible to add an operator or a machine in the table of results, of lines or polygons. The operator's name can be obtains from or through the interface points and a predefined list. To add an operator, for example, you must click on the «+» button to the right and then double click on the empty field that is created and type the operator's name. By pressing the right floppy disk, the name will be saved. Also you can delete an operator with the «X» button. LE GROUPE SYSTÈME FORÊT INC

41 16. ABOUT We find the product number and licence registration as well as the product version. LE GROUPE SYSTÈME FORÊT INC