Field Software

TerraSync
ArcPad
GPSCorrect for ArcPad
CartoPac
Pocket Designer / Pocket Collector

Choosing the right field software can be even more important than the hardware. The software will be your interface with the GPS or Data Collector. Therefore, it’s important to choose the right software for your needs. Some questions to ask:

1. What is your GIS/CAD software?
2. How experienced are you with your GIS/CAD software?
3. Is your goal to collect data (collecting field data and sending to your GIS/CAD)?
4. Is your goal to maintain data (taking your GIS/CAD data into the field for updates?
5. Do you require background maps and/or multiple layers?
6. Will you require customization or will an off-the-shelf solution work?
7. Is your office database a relational database?
8. Would you benefit from being able to transfer directly to mobile devices from ArcGIS?
9. Would you benefit from easily built custom forms to streamline workflows, improve data integrity, or to mimic existing data collection processes?

Terrasync

Terrasync is the culmination of almost 20 years of Trimble’s experience with field software for Mapping GPS devices. It is a feature-rich software designed for quick deployment and effective data collection and maintenance.

• Smart time-saving features for effortless GIS data collection and maintenance
• Seamless GPS control for quality position data graphical navigation and real-time map display
• Displays background imagery stored on the unit or obtained via an ArcIMS server
• Runs on Trimble’s ruggedized Data Collectors or integrated GPS devices.
• H-Star data collection for subfoot accuracy with the GPS Pathfinder
• ProXH receiver or the GeoXH handheld
• Very easy to learn
• Create sophisticated custom pick-lists and attribute fields to match your GIS or database
• In-field mission planning to determine the best times of day to collect GPS
• Supports RTK data collection from Trimble 5800 and R8 GPS receivers
• Works directly with ESRI Shapefiles
• Compatible with Office Software for efficient post-processing of GPS data and export to a wide variety of GIS/CAD formats (.shp, .dxf. .mif, .dbf, .mdb, etc)
• Can load on a Windows Mobile device, pen-tablet, or laptop
• Two versions: Terrasync Professional and Terrasync Standard

In addition to basic data collection capabilities, the Professional edition includes data maintenance functions, such as the ability to upload of data from an existing GIS database; display raster and vector background data in the map display; connect to an Internet Map Server; support RTK data collection; and input data from a laser rangefinder or external sensor.

Terrasync datasheet

Interactive Terrasync Demonstration

ArcPad

ArcPad is the field data collection software from ESRI®. Those familiar with ArcGIS® will likely be comfortable with the interface of ArcPad. ArcPad is designed to integrate with ArcGIS® and allow the check-in and check-out of GIS data to help manage data flow. It is fully customizable or ready to go out of the box.

• Familiar ESRI® interface and smart ArcGIS® workflow
• Flexible edit and data capture options
• Customizable to suit your field requirements
• Runs on Trimble’s ruggedized field devices
• GPSCorrect extension for robust GPS integration
• Easy geocoding and routing with StreetMap® extension
• Fully customizable with the ArcPad Application Builder option
• Can load on a Windows Mobile device, pen-tablet, or laptop

ArcPad datasheet
ArcPad brochure

GPSCorrect for ArcPad

GPSCorrect is a Trimble software extension for ESRI’s ArcPad. It is designed to work behind-the-scenes of ArcPad and collect the necessary files (.ssf) to allow for post-processing. Post-processing corrects the GPS data, making it much more accurate and providing useful GPS metadata (quality control information) (Post-Processing White Paper).

GPSCorrect also assists the user in the field with GPS configuration, status reports, and predictions of the best time of day to collect GPS. While it collects the data needed for post-processing, GPSCorrect does not actually correct your GPS data. For that, you will need Office Software.

• Log data for post-processing to improve position accuracy
• H-Star data collection for subfoot accuracy with the GPS Pathfinder ProXH
  receiver or the GeoXH handheld
• Seamless GPS integration with ESRI’s ArcPad software for quality GIS data collection
• Real-time differential correction controls for accuracy in the field
• Mission planning for increased productivity
• Your choice of Trimble GPS receiver
• Can load on a Windows Mobile device, pen-tablet, or laptop

GPSCorrect datasheet

GPSCorrect FAQs

CartoPac Field Solutions

CartoPac is a complete mobile software solution from CartoPac Field Solutions that allows users to take a fully relational database model into the field. Data collection projects are easily customized to meet exact needs, and those projects can be seamlessly transferred to and from mobile devices. CartoPac supports data collection that is easier, more efficient, and of higher integrity than ever before.

• Support for fully relational database models. (The first and only mobile GIS/GPS solution of this kind!) Work with the same data model as your GIS. No need to convert to flat files for field use.
• Supports both spatial and non-spatial data tables. For ESRI users supports both Feature and Object classes.
• Support for linking digital images.
• Patented high-speed graphics performance (up to 30x faster!).
• One-button synchronization to your GIS.
• Support for post-processing of GPS data using GPS Pathfinder Office.
• Laser Rangefinder support.

• Uses CartoPac Data Interchange to efficiently move data to and from your ArcSDE, ESRI Personal Geodatabase, Oracle, SQL, or Access database. Available standalone or as an extension to ArcGIS.
• Supports the use of remote projects. (Allows distributing field projects over email.)
• Enhanced productivity tools (subset creation, repeat attributes, duplicate prevention, distances tools, etc.).
• GPS navigation support.
• ESRI shapefile support.
• Query engine for displaying and populating data from related tables.
• Supports one-to-one and one-to-many data relationships. For example, municipal users can select a water line and view and interact with all the related water valves.
• Supports one-to-one and one-to-many feature relationships. For example, view or create a new parking space associated with a given parking lot.
• Supports dynamically populated list boxes (“if/then” statements.)
• Support for long field names up to 255 characters.
• Supports calculation of values using data and pre-defined formulas from your GIS.
• Integrates with easy-to-build custom forms. (Allows rapid development of custom workflows.)
• CartoPac Field Server allows field users to connect to a web server for upload and download of field data.

Relational Database Advantages Video (8MB download)
CartoPac Field Server Video
Solutions for Municipalities and Utilities
Solutions for Natural Resources
Solutions for Oil and Gas
Solutions for Railroads

For those who are responsible for mapping invasive species, Spatial Data Technologies has developed a created Invasive Weed Mapping Solution.

Please visit our Invasive Weed Mapping webpage to learn more.

Pocket Designer / Pocket Collector by GeoSpatial Innovations
Designed specifically for the Utility industry, these innovative software solutions help to greatly improve the facility design and data collection process.

What is Automated Field Design?
Automated Field Design (AFD) is all about enabling information to flow between the office and the field while taking advantage of GPS for precision measurement of distances and angles. AFD White Paper

AFD improves the design process for network facilities:

• Controls rising costs to validate and maintain critical asset information
• Leverages GPS technology for precision measurements with simple, hand-held devices
• Reduces material costs through an optimized design
• Eliminates redundancy and errors related to communicating asset details from the field

What is GSI PocketDesigner?
GSI PocketDesigner is a comprehensive field solution that combines specialized software with Trimble GPS equipment for designing new overhead or underground electric lines in the field. Key features of the software include:

• Windows Mobile Device that provides all the tools necessary to design distribution assets in the field. A simple user interface allows the Field Technician to identify locations, assign units, and enter precision measurements for an optimized design
• Desktop Environment that allows the Office Technician or Designer to manage jobs and use import and export interfaces to GIS, work management, and engineering systems
• Server components and back-office applications simplify data management including GPS post-processing differential correction (subfoot or submeter accuracy)

American Electric Power (AEP) selected GSI Pocket Designer for its 500+ designers based on a reduction of more than 20% in field design time, positional accuracy for facilities within a meter, and systems integration which eliminated redundant data entry and data errors. AEP currently has over 225 designers using Pocket Designer for line design.

Pocket Designer Datasheet

As-Built and Inventory:
One size does not fit all when it comes to field solutions. Many work processes require the field worker to gather information where the work is being performed - in the field - rather than just transcribing notes back in the truck. This work includes updating as-built facility data for GIS, designing new or existing facilities, performing walking inspections, relocating UG facilities covered by snow or earth, and capturing GPS locations of equipment.

What problem is solved?
Managing network data "in the field" streamlines business processes by:

• • Controlling rising costs to validate and maintain critical asset information
• Leveraging GPS technology for precision measurements with simple, hand-held devices
• Reducing material costs through an optimized design
• Eliminating redundancy and errors related to communicating asset details from the field

What is GSI PocketCollector?
GSI PocketCollector is software for capturing the location and attribution for new and existing overhead or underground utility facilities in the field. Key features of the software include:

• • Support for features and attributes at each facility similar to a GIS
• Available plug-ins to Smallworld GIS and ESRI ArcGIS to pull data out of and return data to the GIS
• Integrated GPS post-processing differential correction (subfoot or submeter accuracy)

Pocket Collector Datasheet