Week 6 DataSlate 2

As you work through this group of lessons, be aware that there will be a DataSlate dataset to which you will need access. The dataset is a zipped file located on the course CD in the folder called week6. You will need to copy the zip file ardc.zip to your hard drive and unzip them by double clicking on the icon. This process will create a new folder with a name the same as the zip file. You may also download the file directly from the server by clicking on ardc.zip. (You will have to unzip the file after downloading.)

When you go to view the dataset, follow these steps: (or choose the tutorial for Opening a dataset)

  1. Start the DataSlate program you installed in Week 5.
  2. Press the load button on DataSlate.
  3. Locate the folder with the unzipped dataset. In that folder you need to choose the 'lbl' file. (The .lbl file is a DataSlate label file. It is the file that DataSlate uses to run the dataset.)
  4. After selecting the appropriate .lbl file, click 'open' and DataSlate will open your dataset.

You need to click on the tools button in DataSlate. There is an angle tool, measuring tool, GPS tool, magnifying tool and a pushpin. Explore the ARDC dataset using the tools. If you choose to create a DataSlate project you will be shown how to calibrate the tools.

For an tutorial on the DataSlate tools click here.

As you work through the ARDC be thinking about the below questions that you will be asked to address in the 'Discussion Board.'

DataSlate Screen

  1. How can the DataSlate tools be utilized in the classroom?
  2. Does one tool seem more usable in your classroom situation?
  3. How could the layering of images be used in projects?
  4. Have you noticed your skills in remote sensing improve with the reevaluation of the ARDC images?
  5. Discuss how seeing the images of the ARDC layered is beneficial/not beneficial to the remote sensing process.

This week should be utilized in deciding what strand you want to work on. Be aware that you can use elements of both strands in your project. The more ideas that you utilize in you project the better experience your students can have using your ideas. Have fun with this and learn as much as you can. Remember you only get out of something what you put into it. Your students will appreciate the extra effort!!!

For an extension to DataSlate 2 click here. This will show you 3 more DataSlate lessons with remote sensing incorporated into them.

For another DataSlate dataset of Landsat 7 images covering west-central Illinois (13 images over 2 years) click to download. The dataset ill_usa.zip (for west-central Illinois) is also on the course CD in the folder called week6. NOTE this dataset is not calibrated. The satellite images are taken on the oblique and cannot be rectified to square latitude and longitude values. If you are interested in the location of the images, it is path 24 and row 32. These values can be searched for in EarthExplorer.

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