Utilizing Handheld GIS Technology

Wisconsin Land Information Association Annual Conference

IntroductionsIntroductions

• Handheld GIS Applications– Jon Schwichtenberg

• GIS Leader• GISP

• GPS/GIS – Bobbie McIlroy

• Senior Technician• GPS Specialist

Handheld GIS TechnologyHandheld GIS Technology

• Compaq/HP IPAQ ®

– ArcPad® by ESRI– HGIS ® by StarPal– MapXtend ® by MapInfo

• Palm – GPS Pilot– GeoGIS by GeoInsight

• Trimble GeoXT ®

– Terraserver ®

– ESRI ArcPad

ArcPad Allows ForArcPad Allows For

• Image display

• Creating and editing spatial data

• Navigation

• Ability to identify, query,

locate and display features

• Measuring

• Custom application development

Why Use ArcPad?Why Use ArcPad?

• Field data collection – time-consuming – error-prone

• Geographic data in the field – Paper maps– Sketches and notes hand recorded– Data manually entered into the GIS– Results inaccurate and delayed

• ArcPad allows information to be collected digitally– Provides field access to GIS data– Adds real-time capabilities – Allows for analysis, display, and

faster decision making in the field

Who Uses ArcPad?Who Uses ArcPad?

• Asset inventory

• Asset maintenance

• Inspections

• Incident reporting

• GIS analysis and

decision making

ESRI ArcPad TemplatesESRI ArcPad Templates

• ArcPad templates located on the ESRI website include applications for:

• Health and Human Services

• Infrastructure and Utilities

• Natural Resources

• Public Safety

• State and Local Government

• Urban and Regional Planning

ArcPad ApplicationsArcPad Applications

• EMS

• Tree Inventory

• Building Inspection Application

• Storm Water Phase II Application

GPS andGIS

GPS andGIS

Integrating GPS into the GIS processIntegrating GPS into the GIS processIntegrating GPS into the GIS processIntegrating GPS into the GIS process

• GPS can be one of the various ways to collect data for GIS

• No need for digitizing maps or manually entering data

• Data is collected quickly and accurately

• Process for updating data is more efficient

Data collected for GIS can be stored as:Data collected for GIS can be stored as:

• Points

• Lines

• Area

Data Collection ConsiderationsData Collection Considerations

• Planning day around satellite positions

• Field conditions

• Accessibility

• Standard process for adding data attributes (data dictionaries)

Data DictionaryData Dictionary

• Equivalent to a paper form that you fill out with information about the feature

Data DictionaryData Dictionary

• Designed specific for what data is being collected about that feature

Data DictionaryData Dictionary

• Can be created to match existing shape file databases to ensure efficient update processes

Additional features that make GPS a beneficial part of the GIS processAdditional features that make GPS a beneficial part of the GIS process• Shape files or raster files can be used as

backgrounds

Additional features that make GPS a beneficial part of the GIS processAdditional features that make GPS a beneficial part of the GIS process• Existing data can be transferred into

waypoints for navigating purposes

Processing the Collected GPS DataProcessing the Collected GPS Data

• Transfer to a PC

• Differentially correct

• Change coordinate system

• Display/Manipulate data

• Export to GIS format

Managing the GPS dataManaging the GPS data

• Maintain efficient standards for entering, updating and collecting data

• Save time and space by minimizing redundancy of attributes

• Make sure the correct units, datum, and coordinate system is being used

Contact InformationContact Information

SEH Inc.6418 Normandy Lane, Suite 100Madison, WI 53719800.732.4362 (office – toll free)

Jon Schwichtenberg, GISP608.358.9517 (cellular)608.270.5360 (office)

Bobbie McIlroy608.270.5342 (office)

Questions??Questions??

Utilizing Handheld GIS Technology

Wisconsin Land Information Association Annual Conference