Utilizing Handheld GIS Technology Wisconsin Land Information Association Annual Conference

Introductions Handheld GIS Applications –Jon Schwichtenberg GIS Leader GISP GPS/GIS –Bobbie McIlroy Senior Technician GPS Specialist

Handheld 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 For Image display Creating and editing spatial data Navigation Ability to identify, query, locate and display features Measuring Custom application development

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? Asset inventory Asset maintenance Inspections Incident reporting GIS analysis and decision making

ESRI 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 Applications EMS Tree Inventory Building Inspection Application Storm Water Phase II Application

GPS and GIS

Integrating 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: Points Lines Area

Data Collection Considerations Planning day around satellite positions Field conditions Accessibility Standard process for adding data attributes (data dictionaries)

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

Data Dictionary Designed specific for what data is being collected about that feature

Data 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 process Shape files or raster files can be used as backgrounds

Additional 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 Data Transfer to a PC Differentially correct Change coordinate system Display/Manipulate data Export to GIS format

Managing 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 Information SEH Inc Normandy Lane, Suite 100 Madison, WI (office – toll free) Jon Schwichtenberg, GISP (cellular) (office) Bobbie McIlroy (office)

Questions??

Utilizing Handheld GIS Technology Wisconsin Land Information Association Annual Conference