Today, most people want to use a smartphone or tablet to access geographic data and maps in the field frequently, even without internet connectivity.  I’ll go out on a limb and say you fall into this category, as well. If you haven’t started with ArcGIS Online you are...
Today’s field users and GIS folks now have more choices than ever regarding tools for field data collection. It makes sense that collecting data in the field is relatively easy given all these choices and the ability to use common devices like phones and tablets. Add...
Smart devices such as iPads and Android tablets are becoming more and more popular for collecting GIS data in the field. They are affordable, readily available, and powerful and offer benefits that GIS folks like such as a larger view for displaying imagery and...
That is an interesting question and not an easy one to answer. We can start by clarifying that standalone digital cameras take the best pictures. That is clear! Many of today’s smartphones and tablets with their miniature lenses do amazingly well too. What if we look...
It is such a welcome feeling knowing that you can pick up nearly any device, be it smartphone, iPad, Android device or full Windows tablet and venture into the field for attribute driven GIS data collection. In some ways, it’s a little dangerous to give in to the...
It is amazing how fast certain people can estimate the volume of a stockpile. We aren’t talking about armchair quarterbacks here. These are folks who wear the sole off a nice pair of leather work boots in a single year. They can glance at a pile between sips of hot...
One common aspect of field data collection is that it often happens in remote places with no cell coverage or worse yet no Starbucks. Running low on caffeine can seem tragic at times but a GNSS handheld that runs low on satellites is certain doom for those jobs we...
Collecting high quality GNSS data in the field is simple. Well…..maybe that is understating things considering you can attend a prestigious university and receive a graduate degree on the subject. Certainly there is a lot to consider when working with GNSS...
In early 2012, the City of Bozeman GIS Department was asked to create a comprehensive map of the City’s stormwater system, supporting both the Bozeman Stormwater Program and Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) permit for stormwater discharge. The...
