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From the Office to the field
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Blueprint For Mobile Mapping: A Case Study
Prototype Design
The objective of the prototype was to test the hardware, software, and ergonomics, and to get a
sense of user acceptance with this proposed system. To test the assumptions, Union used the
following configurations:
- Three field representatives from different areas with different j ob functions (line locates,
field inspections, maintenance)
- Three different field computers in different configurations
- two different pen computers, one convertible pen/laptop computer
- three external PCMCIA CD-ROMs
- three parallel connected mobile printers
- Different mounting configurations
- one with briefcase option (field computer, CD-ROM and printer integrated)
- one with vehicle pedestals to transmission hump
- one with mount on an existing desk within a van
- Same map viewing application on all three units
Each of three prototype users tested a configuration for a two-week period. They then switched
configurations with a different user and evaluated it. The total length of field time testing for all
configurations was six weeks.
Technology Findings
The following were findings after this six week period:
- Laptops were preferred over the pen tablets. Users liked to use the trackpoint better than the
pen as a pointing device. By using the wrist rest on the laptop as opposed to extending their
arms to draw with the pen the users felt more at ease. Their hands holding the pen
obstructed the view of the screen. Also there was a desire to mount the unit in the truck.
This is more difficult with a pen unit than a laptop.
“ It was not necessary to remove the unit from the vehicle. With the map viewing application
the users did not require using the unit outside of their vehicles.
- The briefcase option (where the PC, CD-ROM and printer are integrated) was felt to be too
big, heavy, and cumbersome. It was very awkward using the briefcase in the vehicle.
- An off-the-shelf docking station was more appropriate than the larger custom-built type.
For a laptop implementation these are more readily available and suitable for use.
- Printers in the truck were thought to be needed. However, the printer tested did not output
the drawing fast enough. This was thought to be a “nice to have” as opposed to an
immediate requirement.
- Colour screens are preferable for this application. Users much preferred colour, both for
clarity and contrast of image.
- Colour is a great asset in distinguishing the various map
features, e.g., pipe pressures. Although the colour display tends to “wash-out” in direct
sunlight the benefits of the colour offset this problem, especially since most of the time the
unit is in the truck.
- Environmental issues (e. g., durability, ruggedness, vibration, moisture, temperature,
sunlight) were not as much a concern as originally anticipated.
- The battery life of the laptop is not a problem as it is powered from the vehicles charging
system.
- The weight of the computer is not an issue as it will mostly remain in the vehicle.
- The field application map viewer software worked well and required very few
modifications.
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