ArcGIS Pro questions

[PhillyPride]

My team is now diving deep into GPS track points and wants to figure out the movement between them, all within the same attribute table.
Google hasn't given me any magic bullet solutions, so maybe we need to calculate the distance between each point, then the time elapsed, and then do the math.

So, I'm trying to get my ducks in a row and would love to know:

How can I use the Calculate Field to get a handle on the distance between points in the attribute table?
Do I need to Calculate Geometry first to lay my cards on the table with x and y coordinates?

And how can I use Calculate Field to cut to the chase and get the time difference between points, since they all have timestamps?
TIA internet people!

 

[captain009]

Not a pro but from what I know, yes you need to use Calculate Field with Python code blocks to find both distance and time differences.

For distance, write a Python function in Calculate Field that looks at the current point's geometry and the previous point's geometry. you don't need Calculate Geometry first if your points already have geometric data, but it's handy if you want dedicated X/Y fields or need to make sure your data is in a projected coordinate system for accurate distance calculations.

As for time difference, you'll use a similar Python code block, but referencing your timestamp field and using the datetime module.

let's see what the others might suggest here.

 

[sensedfromabove761]

Totally get what you mean. Using Python in the Calculate Field is a brilliant way to tackle those tricky distance and time gaps. And you've got a great point about going with a projected coordinate system, it really does make a difference when it comes to accuracy