What is MobileMapper?
MobileMapper is an entry-level industrial GIS data collection/date
maintenance tool. It brings together the affordability of consumer
GPS with the feature and attributing capabilities of commercial grade
GPS mapping systems.
What comes with MobileMapper?
MobileMapper ships with the handheld unit itself as well as the
following items:
* MobileMapper receiver and data collection software
* MobileMapper Office software
* Receiver-to-PC serial data cable
* 16MB SD card
* Getting Started Guide (printed tutorial and field guide)
* User Manual (digital version on the CD)
What accessories are available?
Optional accessories include:
* SD cards, 32MB and 64MB capacity
* Swivel mount for boat or vehicle dashboard
* Vehicle mounting bracket for windshields
* Bicycle mounting bracket
* Carrying case
* External antenna
* Power/data cable
* PC cable with cigarette lighter adapter
* Serial to USB cable
* MapSend background maps for North America and Europe
What software comes with
MobileMapper?
MobileMapper comes with data collection and navigation software
in the receiver together with office software called MobileMapper
Office.
What features does the
receiver software offer?
MobileMapper field software combines GIS data collection functions
with full navigation features. Key GIS data logging capabilities
include:
* GIS feature libraries for logging feature descriptions
* Support for logging point, line and area features
* Feature offset function for logging hard to reach features
* Feature nesting function for logging features without closing
other features already being logged, e.g., inserting a telephone
pole while mapping a road
* Repeat feature function for rapid logging of features with identical
descriptions, e.g. poles along a road
* Grid mapping utility for collecting evenly distributed measurements
(water depth, chemical concentration, etc.) required for contour
map generation.
What does MobileMapper
Office software do?
MobileMapper Office is a user-friendly office software package linking
the MobileMapper receiver to the user Geographic Information System
GIS. Key software functions include:
* Feature library creation
* GIS data display and editing
* Uploading of GIS data and base maps to the MobileMapper receiver
* Definition of data collection grids
* Display in different coordinate systems and map datums
* Export of data to: .SHP, .MIF and .DXF format.
What coordinate systems
and datums will it work in?
Both the receiver software and MobileMapper Office support a large
variety of geodetic coordinate systems, grid systems and map datums.
In addition the user can create and use his own grid system and
map datum in the receiver and office software.
In what formats will it
export data files?
Autodesk's DXF, MapInfo's MIF and ESRI's SHP formats.
Can the data from MobileMapper
be post-processed?
Not at this time.
Can I create feature libraries
(code lists)?
Yes, you create them using MobileMapper Office's Feature Library
Editor and upload them into the handheld.
How does MobileMapper differ
from the Meridian?
While based on the same hardware platform, MobileMapper's software
allows the user to upload GIS base maps into the unit, collect locations
with features and attributes, and output this information in native
GIS formats.
What will happen to the
Reliance and ProMARK products once MobileMapper is released?
Both the Reliance and ProMARK "X&XM" products have
entered into the Thales Navigation End of Life process. Reliance
units are no longer being manufactured and ProMARK "X&XM"
have sold out. Neither product will be available for sale after
MobileMapper's FCS (First Customer Shipment) date of 5 August 2003.
How accurate is MobileMapper?
Autonomously, its accuracy is < 7 meters, 2DRMS (95%). With real-time
WAAS/EGNOS corrections, accuracy is between 2 and 3 meters, 2DRMS
(95%). With short base line RTCM corrections, the accuracy might
be somewhat better than this, conditions permitting. The MobileMapper
receiver will average point features while stationary and this can
also improve accuracy, but results vary.
You should note that MobileMapper's 2-3 meter error circle when
printed on a 1:10000 scale map is approximately half the radius
of this dot Ÿ. It is, therefore, indistinguishable from a one
cm error circle when displayed at this scale and with this symbol.
What is the battery life?
MobileMapper ships with two AA Li-ion batteries providing14 hours
of continuous use or 8 hours with the backlight on. The batteries
are easily replaced other AA batteries available almost anywhere
in the world. There are no hard-to-find, expensive battery packs
that require expensive chargers that are easily broken or lost.
How rugged is MobileMapper?
It is not just water resistant but waterproof. Each unit is tested
under 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. One Meridian unit survived
6 months in the Atlantic Ocean. This is almost as remarkable as
the fact it was returned (in working condition, of course) to the
original owner. MobileMapper is also tested to survive a 1.5-meter
drop onto concrete. It will operate from -10 to +60 C - which is
better than most users can say.
What is data capture versus
data maintenance?
Data capture is when you go to field and capture locations with
features and attributes associated with them. Data maintenance is
when you have spatial information in a GIS file that you upload
into a device and then update in the field. Market research indicates
that more people today are maintaining data than collecting new
data. This is being driven to a large extent by the ability of the
latest generation of GPS/GIS devices, such as MobileMapper, to take
GIS files in map form out to the field for direct updating of feature
descriptions.
Will there be firmware
updates in the future?
All customers will receive free software upgrades for the first
six months after purchase. Extended warranties will also be available.
How is MobileMapper support
handled?
Technical Support in San Dimas will handle the "first line
of support." The toll free number there is 1-866-601-3117.
This rings directly into the Hot Line in Tech Support and will be
identified as a MobileMapper call. Someone is on duty between 6
AM and 6 PM, Pacific Time, M-F. The number for outside the US and
Canada is 1-909-394-5000. This number is answered by Reception and
forwarded on to the Hot Line in Tech Support. This is how first
line support is handled for the millions of consumer receiver sold
annually. The Tech Support people will receive training in MobileMapper
and GIS data collection in general (i.e. how it differs from consumer
applications) prior to FCS on August 5.
Answers that cannot be handled in San Dimas will be forwarded to
Tech Support in Santa Clara. Both Phil Stevenson and Linda Malcom
have extensive knowledge of GIS products from ESRI and Autodesk
and the discontinued Ashtech Reliance and Magellan PROMARKX GPS/GIS
data collection systems.
In addition, the Tech Support email URL is support@thalesnavigation.com.
Phil and Linda receive these emails automatically.
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