Mobile Computing and GPS for Natural Resource Data Collection

1
Mobile Computingand GPS for Natural Resource
Data Collection
Inventory and Monitoring Program
2
Solution Classes

• Custom
• ArcPad
• Trimble/TerraSync

3
In General

• No fully relational database on a mobile device
  (laptops excepted)
• Most solutions implement unrelated tables on the
  mobile device
• Most solutions require rebuilding forms manually
  for the mobile device
• Domains and required values in the field are
  supported
• Data validation/verification/integrity rules in
  the field are not

4
Custom Solutions

• CartoPac, Pendragon, Intercue Mobility Suite,
  many others
• Most combine with proprietary desktop development
  software
• Some of these are spatial (background imagery,
  feature delineation, etc.)
• Some are not

5
ArcPad Solution

• Pros
• License agreement
• No third-party software
• Widely supported
• Cons
• ArcPad Developer is not user-friendly
• Lengthy and complex setup/development
• Designed primarily for updating existing features

6
Trimble Solution

• Trimble GPS unit running TerraSync
• Geodatabase-based
• GPS Analyst or Pathfinder Office (on the
  desktop?)
• Designed primarily for collecting/creating new
  features

7
Alaska GIS Team

• 8-hour Garmin training course
• Targets "Ologists
• Simple point and track collection
• Transfer data to/from ArcView 3.3 DNRGarmin
• Navigate to fictitious transect sample points
• Field and coordinate handling techniques
• Staying out of the datum tar pit
• ftp//63.220.43.40/AKR/GPS4Ologists/

8
EPMT Mobile Solution

• Two mobile devices with integrated receivers
• Geo Series Receivers with Pocket PC O/S (XM and
  XT)
• Geo Series Receiver with Assets Surveyor O/S
• Two mobile devices with separate receivers
• Recon with Pocket PC utilizing ProXRS receiver
• PDA using Blue Tooth with the Pathfinder XT
  receiver
• TerraSync Professional data collection software
• Pathfinder Office supports data collection and
  data maintenance

9
EPMT Mobile Solution

• Pros
• Real-time and uncorrected positions filters
• post processing capability
• Initial data collection is simplified
• Minimal learning curve ready to go out of the
  box
• All in one units PDA and receiver
• Supports MS Word and Excel only
• Trimble solution
• TerraSync and Pathfinder Office ease s data
  transfer

10
EPMT Mobile Solution

• Cons
• Initial Set up cost is 4900
• Geo Explorer Unit, TerraSync and Pathfinder
  Office
• However, long term cost savings
• Maintenance agreement highly recommended
• Hardware Warranty - 355 after first year
• O/S and Field Software -300
• Pocket PC and TerraSync
• Pathfinder software enhancements
• Site license or individual cost per unit less
  with site license
• Long term technical support from Trimble dealer

11
EPMT Mobile Solution

• Judy Daniels
• Program Manager
• Biological Resources Data
• Exotic Plant Management Teams
• WASO/BRMD
• Fort Collins, CO
• 970-267-2107

12
This Mornings Agenda

• Kristine Edwards Spatial Data Technologies
• CartoPac demonstration and Q/A
• BREAK mid-morning
• Finn Dahl ESRI
• ArcPad demonstration Q/A