gps software...

[DanP]

I've gone from a $3,500 TDS Nomad to an Iphone. Research the "Field Assets" app and "Arc2Earth" extension for Arc. Field Assets is your data collection/entry for IOS, and Arc2Earth syncs spatial data with Arc on your PC or you can manually export a shp file. Arc2Earth also allows data syncing/sharing via web based server. $100 bluetooth external GPS and I'm down to one handheld device in the field that is MUCH more user friendly than a Nomad or Garmin 78. About the only time I use a traditional handheld GPS now is for logging track data.

I do agree with your point on topo maps... But having the option of viewing custom maps (including topo overlays on aerial imagery) via PDF Maps on a Iphone/Ipad with outstanding resolution is very nice.

[greenheadgrimreaper]

Okay, I must be on a different page. I thought we were talking about mapping software for the casual user segment of gps. I am fairly familiar with both apps. In fact my boss uses field assets some when we are out doing quick recon for larger surveys. The chipset in the gps of an iphone is, at the very least, lacking when compared to a TDS unit, although the Iphone does have A-GPS capability, or the new one does. With all due respect, a TDS Nomad is overkill for the price and applications that it is used for. I agree, I would much rather have the setup you have now over the TDS. I realize the pin placing feature of field assets makes placement a bit more accurate, but as far the gps capability goes, it is not there after corrections. I imagine the smartphone manufacturers will implement WAAS capability on phones before long, because I think the next big step in smart phones are coupling spatial/mapping applications in a serious manner with a phone. But the process of compiling data in the office for 1200+ points taken that day is trivial with survey (or GIS) grade gps instruments and software; the iphone cannot handle the transfer of files of that magnitude. That is one of the main complaints I have read about with the professional grade data gathering apps on smartphones, is there lack of capability to handle large data transfers. Although admittedly I do cannot attest to that personally. However I beg to differ on the usability of survey or GIS grade receivers, our topcon receivers have all of the above and more that no single average user could ever dream of needing. Arc2earth is somewhat out of the question as far as price and usability goes, because no person is going to learn ArcGIS casually for very cheap. Sure you can export the filetypes, but I think in this instance that is something that a user is just not looking to dive into. You can export simple GPX files too, much easier.

But let's look at the context in which we are talking about: everyday average joe users. Let's also look at something that doesn't have an immediate monetary effect on average joe's wallet: opportunity cost. A fellow who wants to mark some spots in order to pattern deer on his property is going to have to give up much more time to learn Field Assets and all the features of it to get the full effect as opposed to a no-nonsense unit that plugs into a simple program like basecamp or mapsource.

Look I am not saying both do not have their place. It is clear that the merging of the two is inevitable and as I said before, what the average user does not have access to, yet, in terms of costs, the professional does. If I want to collect a thousand points with millimeter accuracy on my (I wish) gps while having a Robot follow me around taking angle and distance measurements from the prism up top while watching youtube and then make a phone call to mom to say hello... I can. But it is not feasible in terms of what we are talking about in this thread.

Hell, I want Apple to come out with a GNSS survey grade receiver complete with instagram before March, I promise you that.

If you have an Android, one very good- probably my favorite- app is Backcountry Navigator.

[DanP]

Agreed on all the above (except the instagram thing.... ). The point I was after with Field Assets etc is that the technology is advancing rapidly on mobile devices, two years ago none of this was possible. All I'm saying is that as a forester, biologist, watershed planner, hunter/fisherman I can do pretty much everything I need to do on an Iphone or Ipad that is much more user friendly than a handheld GPS.

[4dawgma]

Okay, I must be on a different page...

you are one long winded SOB....

[greenheadgrimreaper]

Agreed on all the above (except the instagram thing.... ). The point I was after with Field Assets etc is that the technology is advancing rapidly on mobile devices, two years ago none of this was possible. All I'm saying is that as a forester, biologist, watershed planner, hunter/fisherman I can do pretty much everything I need to do on an Iphone or Ipad that is much more user friendly than a handheld GPS.

I know what ya'll do, and when folks with experience like you talk, I am listening.

Okay, I must be on a different page...

you are one long winded SOB....

Hey folks who agree with me all the time and/or ones that are quiet make me nervous. Those are the ones that'll steal your horses and ship em off to Mexico for dog food.