ArcGIS and Trimble Apps for Smartphones and Tablets
Apps that use map information are hardly a new concept. GPS technology is a staple for any smartphone user, and most shopping sites now integrate maps into their websites. However, it's not just consumers and retail sites that use maps — many other industries use maps to collect and display different types of information. From law enforcement and public safety organizations tracking incidents to transportation organizations planning routes, maps play a vital role in the community at large. However, geospatial professionals gain a particular benefit from mapping technology.
Geospatial professionals and surveyors commonly use map data to visualize and plan layouts for any number of projects. To accomplish this, however, these professionals need interactive, easy-to-interpret maps that are suitable for mobile use. GIS applications offer exactly that.
What Is a GIS App?
GIS technology integrates three primary tools for maximum functionality.
- Maps: The basis of any GIS system is a map, which serves as the geographic base for any collected data.
- Data: Alongside geographic data, apps collect other data and pair it with geospatial data points. The tech allows the collection of various types of data for visualization from a geographic perspective.
- Analysis: GIS software also provides analytical capabilities, such as spatial analysis. Identify any missing data and assess existing data using GIS applications in the field.
- Mobile capability: While there are some desktop GIS applications, modern GIS apps enable GIS for mobile phones and tablets, allowing you to take your data with you for maximum visualization and faster implementation.
This type of technology allows various industries and companies to collect and visualize data in a new way. It also allows geospatial professionals and surveyors to benefit from a type of geospatial technology that moves with them on mobile devices.
ArcGIS Mobile Applications
One popular GIS application is ArcGIS, a powerful mapping software developed by Esri. This GIS application pairs with a variety of different apps that work on desktops, mobile devices or in browsers, each offering unique benefits. Below is a summary of ArcGIS' GISS apps for Android.
- Collector for ArcGIS: The Collector for ArcGIS app offers efficient and accurate data collection on any mobile device. Instead of tracking data on paper forms, gather information automatically in an easy-to-visualize digital format. With Collector, you can work on- or offline to collect and update data, even pairing photos or compiling information from professional-grade GPS receivers at each point. Automatically sync the data you collect with other devices, and filter all points using set features. Integrate Collector with Navigator or Workforce for ArcGIS for even more capability.
- Navigator for ArcGIS: Navigator for ArcGIS allows users to navigate assets reliably, even when they are working offline. Users can use their maps or Esri's navigation, searching assets for what they need. Navigator also allows users to receive stops from other ArcGIS apps and mark off stops as they complete them, providing an operational worklist.
- Workforce for ArcGIS: Workforce for ArcGIS enables your team to have a shared view, whether they are in the field or at the office. Workforce allows workers to share their status and location, as well as notes about their assignments, while enabling them to view to-do lists, assignments and documents while they are in the field. Workforce also syncs with other apps, including Collector, to help track the work taking place.
- Explorer for ArcGIS: Explorer allows users to share and access maps from mobile devices 24/7. Maps contain both asset data and markups so that you can easily find information. Explorer also offers a search option to quickly direct you to relevant assets or areas of interest.
- ArcGIS QuickCapture: ArcGIS QuickCapture is a fast way to collect observations in the field. This app allows users to record observations with a single touch, whether they are in a moving vehicle or in a fast-paced environment. When paired with other apps, QuickCapture enables users to send locations, photos and other data pieces to the office in real time.
- Survey123 for ArcGIS: The Survey123 app is a form-based survey interface that allows users to send and complete surveys throughout your organizational group. With a few taps, you can download, complete, collect, manage and analyze surveys. The software also saves surveys locally on each device, allowing for offline capability. This functionality allows you to collect survey results from anywhere.
- ArcGIS Earth: ArcGIS Earth is an interactive globe that displays both 2D and 3D map data. View information made by other users and edit as needed. You can also collect and share geotagged photos.
- Tracker for ArcGIS: The Tracker for ArcGIS app allows your office to know the real-time location of assets and personnel. Tracker automatically captures and reports the location of users in the field. Users can also see their tracks for easy navigation in challenging locations.
- ArcGIS Companion: The ArcGIS Companion app brings all the ArcGIS technology together. Companion provides a system for your organization to manage your profile and create a group for users in your organization. From a single dashboard, you can browse content, people and even groups within your organization. Easily discover and share content from the ArcGIS community, including blogs, tweets and news. Companion also offers notifications, commenting and content saving and sharing, acting as a social network within your ArcGIS system. With ArcGIS Companion, you can manage your people and discover new technologies or ways to use ArcGIS resources within your industry.
Esri is always looking to deliver more to their customers, which is why their apps bring essential capabilities together in a user-friendly format. With the help of Duncan-Parnell, you can make the most of these apps with quality equipment.
Trimble Applications for Mobile Devices
Trimble® is another company that offers a variety of mobile applications using geospatial technology. A variety of geospatial professionals use Trimble software, especially forest managers and professionals. Trimble's smartphone applications vary widely, but all ensure that users have quality tools to handle the job at hand. Some of the applications Trimble offers for geolocation include the following.
- Trimble Catalyst Service: The Trimble Catalyst Service app serves as your hub for managing your Catalyst subscription every month. Manage your subscription to fit your needs, whether you need 1cm or 100cm accuracy. The Catalyst service works online and offline worldwide, turning your phone into a positioning system with just a Catalyst antenna.
- Trimble Penmap: Trimble Penmap brings accurate data collection capabilities to Android field devices. Easy to use with a simple graphical user interface, Trimble Penmap can collect highly precise positions, especially when paired with Trimble R series receivers and RTX positioning services. Use Trimble Penmap to create maps with features and attributes, generate workflows and visualize collected data. You can even code points for easy filtering.
- Trimble Mobile Manager: Trimble Mobile Manager is a GNSS receiver and subscription license monitoring and configuration app. Use this app to configure, test and set up Trimble or Spectra GNSS receivers to use with compatible apps. This app also allows you to share precise positions from your receivers through your Trimble Catalyst GNSS positioning service and even check the status of your subscription.
- Trimble SiteVision: Trimble SiteVision brings data to life with augmented reality. When paired with a Trimble SiteVision Integrated Positioning System, you can use this app to observe data in real-world environments, allowing for a new level of visualization.
- Trimble TerraFlex: TerraFlex unifies your data into a single system hosted in the cloud. Use the system to collect and update data in the field using user-friendly forms and manage them in a single cloud-based database that keeps your team in sync. With this system, field users can focus on getting their job done quickly.
Trimble also offers a range of apps specifically for industry operations, including Trimble Unity for wastewater management, Trimble Earthworks for construction equipment operation and Trimble AG Mobile for agricultural management and planning. Duncan-Parnell can help you make the most of Trimble's applications with Trimble equipment and quality implementation assistance.
Solutions From Duncan-Parnell
If you're interested in using GIS to your advantage, Duncan-Parnell can help. Duncan-Parnell is your local partner for sales, implementation, support, training and consultations for a variety of surveying hardware and software solutions. Below are just a few options and ideas for how to use them with the mobile applications discussed above.
1. Surveying Hardware
As an authorized distribution partner for Trimble, Duncan-Parnell not only offers equipment to pair with your GIS apps, but also implementation, support, training and consulting solutions. Some of our popular offerings include the following.
- Trimble receivers: Trimble receivers offer excellent versatility in the field. Choose the option that provides the level of accuracy you want, whether it is the highly mobile F1 receiver or the highly accurate F2 receiver. Any option is compatible for use with the Collector for ArcGIS app or the Trimble Penmap service. Regardless of your choice, Duncan-Parnell can guide you through the process of configuring the F1 receiver with Collector for ArcGIS or configuring the F2 receiver to work with your Collector for ArcGIS or Trimble Penmap service.
- Spike: Spike is a smart laser measuring tool that clamps on and off a smartphone. It is easily useable for geospatial applications, quickly measuring width, height and area for assets. Spike is compatible with a variety of GIS software, including Collector for ArcGIS and Survey123 for ArcGIS.
On top of these options, Duncan-Parnell offers a wide range of surveying accessories to assist with your next job. Reach out to Duncan-Parnell to find out why successful projects start here.
2. Surveying Software
- Trimble Business Center: Business Center is a powerful software tool that enables users to take accurate measurements using images. Take pictures using Trimble surveying equipment and present measurements after the fact to help improve efficiency and safety during survey applications.
- Spectra Precision Survey Office: Survey Office integrates your surveying tasks into a single system, improving visualization and efficiency for your office.
- Trimble RealWorks: This software system is a fully integrated Trimble suite. RealWorks provides access to robust cloud data storage, enabling surveyors to send data to the cloud for quick and easy collection and analysis.
- GeoSLAM Desktop V3: The V3 system automatically registers collected data and creates fully aligned 3D point clouds from it.
- PointCab Software: This software is an entry-level solution, processing point clouds into detailed 2D ground plans and facades.
- Trimble 4D Control Software: This scalable Trimble solution compares structural and geographic changes over time, identifying the movement of both human-made and natural structures.
- Trimble Access Field: Trimble Access allows field workers the ability to create, review and edit projects on the job site, allowing greater control for field surveyors.
- Spectra Precision Survey Pro: The Survey Pro software solution presents multiple modules for data collection and analysis.