Working with MobileMapper CE and ArcPad: Working with MobileMapper CE and ArcPad


Agenda: Agenda Section 1 – ArcPad Basics Section 2 – Using ArcPad with MobileMapper CE Section 3 – Troubleshooting MobileMapper CE


Section 1: Section 1 Section 1 ArcPad Basics


Introduction to ArcPad : Introduction to ArcPad ESRI’s mapping software designed for mobile devices. Use ArcPad for: Data collection Creating and maintaining asset inventories Conducting inspections and permitting Editing and updating spatial data in the field Recording GPS positions in shapefile format Field-based GIS Support vector and raster format Query Data collection GPS data capture Editing and updating


What is ArcPad Application Builder?: What is ArcPad Application Builder? ArcPad Application Builder is a product that allows you to personalize and customize ArcPad Design custom forms Create new toolbars that contain built-in and custom tools. Build applets for field specific applications and tasks. Write scripts that interact with ArcPad software's internal objects. Develop extensions to support new file formats and positioning services. ArcPad Application Builder ships with an ArcPad license, ArcPad Studio, documentation and free technical support from ESRI


Installing ArcPad: Installing ArcPad ArcPad supports Windows CE (mobile devices) Windows 95 and 98 Me NT 2000 XP Detailed installation instructions for ArcPad are provided in the ArcPad documentation To install ArcPad on MobileMapper CE Make sure to install ArcPad on MyDevice Customers who purchase the MobileMapper CE / ArcPad bundle will receive a ArcPad installation on SD Card Defaults the installation to MyDevice Make sure to lock the SD card before installation Registration code will be included in the package


What data formats does ArcPad support?: What data formats does ArcPad support? Vector Shapefiles With map projection metadata (not mandatory, but highly recommended) Filename .PRJ Raster (images) MrSid JPEG BMP CADRG Image files must also include associated world files. *.jgw for JPEG images *.sdw for MrSID *.bpw for Windows Bitmap images (*.bmp) ArcIMS services Requires an internet connection Supports ArcIMS image services


ArcPad maps and layers: ArcPad maps and layers Maps The fundamental component you work with in ArcPad ArcPad map stores a list of the map layers and their properties in your ArcPad session Very much like the MobileMapper Office job file You can open an existing map or create a new map by adding layers of data Layers Each layer represents a particular type of feature, A layer references the data contained in shapefiles or images Layers dialog Layer properties dialog


ArcPad map file: ArcPad map file The ArcPad map file (.apm) stores a list of the map layers together with the geographic extent and projection of the map


Adding Layers: Adding Layers Tap the Add Layer button on the Main toolbar Tap the Folder button to navigate to your data directory Check the check box beside the data files (shapefiles or raster images) you would like to add Tap OK ArcPad requires an associated world file for supported image formats.


Map Projections: Map Projections Each layer should have a projection information file (.prj) associated with it Viewing a map projection Tap the Layers button Tap the Map Projection information button


Specifying a Coordinate System: Specifying a Coordinate System Tap the Layers button Tap Choose Map Projection Definition File (.prj) Navigate to the location of your projection file Select the projection file Tap OK.


Map and layer projections: Map and layer projections Default is latitude-longitude WGS84 Reads .prj files Map adopts layer’s projection Access projection and datum information On-the-fly projection of GPS input A list of supported projections an datums is documented in Appendix A of “Using ArcPad”


The ArcPad Map Window: The ArcPad Map Window Three toolbars Main toolbar - manage your data Browse toolbar - explore data by panning, zooming and retrieving information Edit/Drawing toolbar - add new data or update exiting data


ArcPad map browsing tools: ArcPad map browsing tools User-defined Fixed extents Previous/Next Bookmarks Define Extent/Scale


ArcPad Query tools: ArcPad Query tools Identify Advanced Select Find


ArcPad measuring tools: ArcPad measuring tools Measure Radial measure Freehand Measure


Section 2: Section 2 Section 2 Using ArcPad with MobileMapper CE


Setting up ArcPad to receive NMEA from MobileMapper CE: Setting up ArcPad to receive NMEA from MobileMapper CE Tap the Tools button to open the ArcPad Options dialog box Specify NMEA Protocol Select the datum - WGS84 Setting the GPS Port Tap the GPS tab on the ArcPad Options dialog box Tap the Port dropdown arrow to select the serial port Set the remaining communication parameters


Activating GPS in ArcPad: Activating GPS in ArcPad Tap the arrow to the right of the GPS Position Window button to display the dropdown list Tap GPS Active The GPS cursor is displayed when the GPS is active


The GPS Debug tool: The GPS Debug tool GPS Debug is a useful tool for troubleshooting GPS connection problems Tap the arrow to the right of the GPS Position Window button and then GPS Debug Verify that the NMEA is streaming from the MobileMapper CE


Using the GPS Position Window: Using the GPS Position Window The GPS Position Window displays information about the GPS satellites, position coordinates, and navigational information Tap the GPS Position button to open the GPS Position Window By default it displays the GPS Satellite Skyplot. You may tap it to toggle between the Skyplot, Signal Chart, and Compass view


Using the GPS Position Window - GPS Mode: Using the GPS Position Window - GPS Mode The GPS Mode displays the type of position being calculated by the GPS receiver NOFIX ArcPad is not receiving a position from the GPS receiver 2D/3D 2D: only three satellites are available and are being used to calculate the x,y position coordinates 3D: at least four satellites are available and are being used to calculate the x, y, and z (elevation) position coordinates Differential DGPS indicates that real-time differential correction is being used to calculate the x, y, and z position coordinates.


Using the GPS Position Window - Satellite Skyplot: Using the GPS Position Window - Satellite Skyplot Black indicates the satellite is available and used for calculating the GPS position Blue indicates the satellite is available but not used Red indicates the satellite is unavailable The outer circle represents the horizon; the inner circle represents 45 degree above the horizon; and the center point represents what is directly overhead


Using the GPS Position Window - Signal Chart: The Signal Chart shows a horizontal bar chart of the PRN (Pseudo-Random Noise) numbers and relative signal strengths of the satellites in the almanac. A red bar indicates that the satellite is unavailable. Using the GPS Position Window - Signal Chart


Using the GPS Position Window - Compass: Using the GPS Position Window - Compass Shows the GPS direction with a black arrow and the direction to the selected destination in red. The GPS direction corresponds to the COG (Course Over Ground) direction displayed in the navigation section of the GPS Position Window, and direction to the destination corresponds to the BRG (Bearing)


GPS Position Window - Position Coordinates: Position Coordinates is a tap and hold menu field: tapping and holding on the coordinates display the following menu list of alternate coordinate systems, or projections, to be used for displaying the current GPS positions GPS Position Window - Position Coordinates


GPS Position Window - Elevation: GPS Position Window - Elevation Tapping and holding on the elevation displays the following menu list of altitude or depth units to show in the elevation field: Altitude (Meters) Altitude (Feet) Depth (Meters) Depth (Feet)


GPS Position Window - Position Measure of Quality: GPS Position Window - Position Measure of Quality Tapping and holding on the Position Measure of Quality display the following menu list of information: PDOP: Position Dilution of Precision DOP: Horizontal Dilution of Precision VDOP: Vertical Dilution of Precision TDOP: Time Dilution of Precision SATS: Satellites used in solution DAGE: Differential data age DSID: Differential reference station ID


GPS Quality, Capture, and Alerts options : GPS Quality, Capture, and Alerts options Quality options Capture options specify position averaging and streaming interval parameters Alert options


Collecting Data with GPS: Collecting Data with GPS The GPS needs to be activated before any of the GPS buttons on the Edit/Drawing toolbar are enabled The GPS Point button is only enabled when a point layer is active for editing The Add GPS Vertex and Add GPS Vertices Continuously buttons are only enabled when either the polyline or polygon feature type has been selected


The Edit/Drawing Toolbar: The Edit/Drawing Toolbar


Creating new layers for editing: Creating new layers for editing Tap New Layer Choose the type of shapefile that you want to create Tap the + button and define the fields for your new shapefile’s dBase table Type the name of the Shapefile and the folder to save it to


Creating Point Features in ArcPad: Creating Point Features in ArcPad Select a point layer for editing in the Layers dialog box Activate the GPS Tap the GPS Point button on the Edit/Drawing toolbar to create a point feature Type in attributes for the new point feature GPS position averaging for points is enabled in the Capture page of Options dialog


Creating Line Features in ArcPad: Creating Line Features in ArcPad Select a line layer for editing in the Layers dialog box Activate the GPS Tap the Polyline button to start capturing a line feature Tap the Add GPS Vertex button to capture a single vertex, or tap the Add GPS Vertices Continuously button to capture streaming vertices Tap the Polyline button to complete the capture of the line feature Type in attributes for the new line feature Streaming vertices interval can be increased in Capture page of Options dialog


Creating Polygon Features: Creating Polygon Features Select a polygon layer for editing in the Layers dialog box Activate the GPS Tap the Polygon button to start capturing a polygon feature Tap the Add GPS Vertex button to capture a single vertex, or tap the Add GPS Vertices Continuously button to capture streaming vertices Tap the Polygon button to complete the capture of the polygon feature Type in attributes for the new polygon feature


Extending a Line using GPS: Extending a Line using GPS You can extend a line feature by adding vertices to either the head (start) or tail (end) of the line Select a line layer for editing Use the Select tool and choose the line feature you wish to extend Tap the Vertex Edit button Tap Add to Head Tap Add GPS Vertex


Inserting Vertices with GPS: Inserting Vertices with GPS Select the line-or polygon- feature Tap the Vertex Edit button Tap and hold on the map at the exact location where you want the vertex inserted Select Insert Vertex at GPS Tool


Moving a Vertex to the Current GPS Position: Moving a Vertex to the Current GPS Position You can tap the GPS button on the Vertex dialog box, to move the select vertex to the current GPS position


The Geography Page: The Geography Page Select the line or polygon feature Tap the Feature Properties button Tap the Geography tab Double-tap the vertex coordinate that your want to change Tap the GPS tool


Editing Attributes: Editing Attributes Select the point, line, or polygon feature Tap the Feature Properties button Custom edit forms can be created using ArcPad Studio


Navigating with GPS: Navigating with GPS Use the GPS Position Window to view the distance (DST) and bearing (BRG) from your current GPS position to your selected destination Selecting a navigation using Go To tool Find tool Advanced Select tool Go To Selected Feature tool


Using the Go To tool: Using the Go To tool Tap the arrow to the right of the Identify button to display the dropdown list Tap Go To Tap the map to select a destination Use the GPS Position Window to view the distance (DST) and bearing (BRG) from your current GPS position to your selected destination


Using the Find tool: Using the Find tool Tap the Find button to open the Find dialog box Tap the Select Layers button to select the layer and optional field to search on Type the value that you want to search for Tap the Find button to execute the search Tap the feature that you want to navigate to Tap the Go To button to make the selected feature your destination Use the GPS Position Window to view the distance and bearing from your current GPS position to your selected destination


Using the Advanced Select tool: Using the Advanced Select tool Tap the dropdown arrow to the right of the Identify button to display the dropdown list Tap Advanced Select Tap the map to select a feature or tap and drag a selection box to select multiple feature from the active layers Tap the feature that you want to navigate to Tap the Go To button to make it your destination


Using the Go To Selected Feature tool: Using the Go To Selected Feature tool Tap the Layers button to open the Layers dialog box Check the edit check box associated with the layer that you wish to edit Tap the Select tool on the Edit/Drawing toolbar Tap the feature on the map that you want to select for your navigation destination Tap the arrow to the right of the Feature Properties button to display the dropdown list Tap Go Selected Feature


Setting the distance alert - message and sound: Setting the distance alert - message and sound Tap the Tools button to open the ArcPad Options dialog Tap the Alerts tab Scroll to Approaching Destination alert Check the Visible check box to display a message box and/or check the Sound check box to play a sound when the alert is activated


Setting the distance alert: Setting the distance alert Tap the Tools button to open the ArcPad Options Tap the Location tab Tap inside the DST Distance Alert input field to position the input cursor Enter the distance value to be used for the Approaching Destination alert


The GPS Tracklog: The GPS Tracklog An electronic breadcrumb trail that shows the path that you have traveled Stored in a shapefile format Tracklog points are always captured in latitude and longitude degrees using the WGS84 datum Can be added to an ArcPad map by using the Add Layers tool


The GPS Tracklog - continue: The GPS Tracklog - continue The GPS Tracklog layer is always displayed as the first layer in the Layers dialog box GPS information is captured for each point in the tracklog Layers Properties for the GPS Tracklog


Section 3: Section 3 Section 3 Troubleshooting MobileMapper CE


Checking the version of the current firmware: Checking the version of the current firmware Tap “Thales System Info” under Control Panel Make sure that the user is running the latest OS firmware, EBoot and the GPS firmware (Baldur)


Updating firmware: Updating firmware Four pieces of firmware OS Boot loader Rescue Image GPS firmware Baldur update utility Perform “restore to factory default settings” Demo Thales OS Loader


Installing third party application: Installing third party application Make sure that the software is installed in the non-volatile MyDevice folder Perform a “Full Shutdown” after the software installation Is it a Windows CE .NET or Windows Mobile application? Check the software installation guide for more details on supported platforms, processors etc.


Using GPS in third party application: Using GPS in third party application Was the corrected COM port selected? Check to see if you can get a fix with GPS Status under GPS utilities Download evaluation copy of ArcPad from ESRI’s website for debugging purposes


Troubleshooting Bluetooth connection: Troubleshooting Bluetooth connection In an environment where many Bluetooth devices may be detected, uncheck the “retrieve all supported services” You may need to set a password when connect to a mobile phone MobileMapper CE file transfer works only as a client MobileMapper CE serial service can be host or client


Using with MobileMapper Beacon: Using with MobileMapper Beacon In an environment where many Bluetooth devices may be detected, uncheck the “retrieve all supported services” Make sure that the user tap “Open Port” in DGPS configuration utility Make sure that the MobileMapper Beacon is not blocked by the body Select “Tune to the beacon station” manually Make sure that the MobileMapper CE or any other electronic device (e.g. cell phone) is not too close to the beacon Make sure the MobileMapper Beacon is not running low on battery power Recommend the new MobileMapper Beacon firmware


Battery is not charging: Battery is not charging Check the battery contacts The next shipment of MobileMapper CE will have the new lower housing with improved battery contacts Is it still in Suspend mode? The MobileMapper CE will recharge only when on or in full shut down mode


Ensure accuracy in difficult environments: Ensure accuracy in difficult environments Change the parameters in GPS settings In the canopy environment, we recommend the following settings: Maximum PDOP: 8 Minimum SNR: 32 Elevation Mask: 15


System time appears to be 12:00 when start up: System time appears to be 12:00 when start up MobileMapper CE will automatically update the system date & time using the GPS time determined by the integrated GPS receiver and the time zone that you specify. To set the time zone Please inform the users that they should wait for a while (about 30 seconds after GPS cold start), after turning on MobileMapper CE, before sys­tem time can effectively be updated.


Saved files are lost when MM CE is switched off: Saved files are lost when MM CE is switched off Please make sure to store your data on either MyDevice or the SD Card. Data that saved in the RAM will be erased when the system is switched off!