Recent advances in GPS/GIS data collection
Ashok Wadwani
President
Applied Field Data Systems
Abstract
The presentation will cover tremendous advances in GPS/GIS technology that have taken
place during the last year or so. These advances have made the tasks of field data collection
easier and much more economical.
The area of advancements have been in the GPS technology as well as in the new hardware
and software now available to GPS/GIS professionals for mapping applications. With the
elimination of Selective Availability and worldwide coverage of DGPS service, accurate
position data can be obtained economically.
Since about a year, a large number of Personal Digital Assistants (PDA) running on Palm
O/S and Pocket PC operating systems have been introduced. Several versions of rugged PC'S
have been also introduced. About 10 different types of field data collection software running
on Palm O/S, Pocket PC, and Windows operating systems are now available. A GPS/GIS
data collection project can now be easily handled by utilizing one of the PDA'S coupled with
appropriate software. Advantages of new generation hardware and software will be
discussed.
New mapping tools/technology such as laser range finders are now available with much
easier user-friendly software and at much lower costs. Presentation will cover the use of
these devices. A system relying on GPS positioned control points and a laser range finder to
remotely position geologic features will be discussed. Field data capture with GPS and
Lasers integrated with digital photographs will also be discussed.
Selection consideration for your mapping projects will be covered in the presentation. A case
history of GPS/GIS data collection recently conducted with new type of hardware and
software will be presented.
