Abstract:
GDA (Geologic Data Assistant) is an extension to ArcPad, a mobile mapping software program by Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) designed to run on personal digital assistant (PDA) computers. GDA and ArcPad allow a PDA to replace the paper notebook and field map traditionally used for geologic mapping. GDA allows easy collection of field data that include:
-Station location as ... determined by GPS, map inspection, or as a bearing and distance offset from an existing station
Originators:
Evan E. Thoms and Ralph A. Haugerud
Title:
Geologic Data Assistant (GDA): An ArcPad Extension for Geologic Mapping
Release_Date:
2006
Provider:
U.S. Geological Survey
URL:
http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2006/1097/
ArcPad, and thus GDA, runs on the Windows CE 3.0 (or greater) operating system, also known as the PocketPC operating system. It can also be installed on Windows-based desktop, laptop, or tablet computers. It does not work on Palm or ... Linux devices. Most WinCE computers are adequate. When selecting a PDA, pay particular attention to display readability, communications capabilities, battery life, the quality of the digitizer, memory capacity, and speed. We are currently using Hewlett-Packard iPAQs with 400MHz processors, 64MB memory, and 240 x 320 pixel 16-bit color daylight-readable displays.
Extra battery:
An extended-capacity battery, or an expansion pack with an additional battery, is desirable. You would like to have enough power for continuous operation throughout a 14-hour field day. When using a GPS it is especially useful to set your PDA to never shut off. One reason for this is simply efficiency, but the other is that turning a PDA off without first disconnecting the com port often causes the PDA to lock up so that it can only be reset with a soft reboot. The largest drains on the battery are the intensity of the backlight and the length of time it is on, so set your backlight to dim to nothing after a short period of inactivity.
Extra non-volatile memory:
Use a Compact Flash card, Secure Digital card, or other non-volatile memory for mapping project workspace. This provides storage for large raster images and guards against data loss when, inevitably, you forget and let the PDA battery run down. We use expansion packs that provide both a Compact Flash slot and an additional battery. Be aware that unless you store programs in a non-volatile space on your PDA, ArcPad will evaporate from memory if the battery dies. As a backup in the field, keep a PC nearby from which you can re-install ArcPad.
Bluetooth:
Bluetooth (a short distance device-to-device radio protocol) is excellent for communication between the PDA and a GPS unit. Cable connections between GPS and PDA are fragile, inconvenient, and hard to make waterproof.
Screen protector:
Protect the PDA screen from abrasion with a self-adhesive replaceable plastic screen protector (check Office Depot or a similar supplier.)
Case:
The PDA probably won't survive a 4-ft drop onto bedrock. Get a rugged case that provides significant shock-proofing. Consider third-party cases (such as Otterbox) as well as cases available through your PDA manufacturer. Such cases can also be waterproof, with a clear vinyl window over the PDA screen--but if you retain this window, omit any additional screen protector.
3rd-party stylus
A third-party stylus with a pocket clip or lanyard is handy. Multifunction instruments that combine a stylus with a pen or pencil (or both) are available for under fifteen dollars.
Use Constraints
Required hardware and software
Windows CE / PocketPC PDA:
ArcPad, and thus GDA, runs on the Windows CE 3.0 (or greater) operating system, also known as the PocketPC operating system. It can also be installed on Windows-based desktop, laptop, or tablet computers. It does not work on Palm or ... Linux devices. Most WinCE computers are adequate. When selecting a PDA, pay particular attention to display readability, communications capabilities, battery life, the quality of the digitizer, memory capacity, and speed. We are currently using Hewlett-Packard iPAQs with 400MHz processors, 64MB memory, and 240 x 320 pixel 16-bit color daylight-readable displays.
Extra battery:
An extended-capacity battery, or an expansion pack with an additional battery, is desirable. You would like to have enough power for continuous operation throughout a 14-hour field day. When using a GPS it is especially useful to set your PDA to never shut off. One reason for this is simply efficiency, but the other is that turning a PDA off without first disconnecting the com port often causes the PDA to lock up so that it can only be reset with a soft reboot. The largest drains on the battery are the intensity of the backlight and the length of time it is on, so set your backlight to dim to nothing after a short period of inactivity.
Extra non-volatile memory:
Use a Compact Flash card, Secure Digital card, or other non-volatile memory for mapping project workspace. This provides storage for large raster images and guards against data loss when, inevitably, you forget and let the PDA battery run down. We use expansion packs that provide both a Compact Flash slot and an additional battery. Be aware that unless you store programs in a non-volatile space on your PDA, ArcPad will evaporate from memory if the battery dies. As a backup in the field, keep a PC nearby from which you can re-install ArcPad.
Bluetooth:
Bluetooth (a short distance device-to-device radio protocol) is excellent for communication between the PDA and a GPS unit. Cable connections between GPS and PDA are fragile, inconvenient, and hard to make waterproof.
Screen protector:
Protect the PDA screen from abrasion with a self-adhesive replaceable plastic screen protector (check Office Depot or a similar supplier.)
Case:
The PDA probably won't survive a 4-ft drop onto bedrock. Get a rugged case that provides significant shock-proofing. Consider third-party cases (such as Otterbox) as well as cases available through your PDA manufacturer. Such cases can also be waterproof, with a clear vinyl window over the PDA screen--but if you retain this window, omit any additional screen protector.
3rd-party stylus
A third-party stylus with a pocket clip or lanyard is handy. Multifunction instruments that combine a stylus with a pen or pencil (or both) are available for under fifteen dollars.
Name:
MICHAEL
F.
DIGGLES
Phone:
(650) 329-5404
Email:
mdiggles at usgs.gov
Contact Address:
U.S. Geological Survey
345 Middlefield Road
Mail Stop 531 City:
Menlo Park
Province or State:
CA
Postal Code:
94025
Country:
USA
Distribution Media
Distribution_Media:
Online
Fees:
No fees
Personnel
TYLER
B.
STEVENS Role:
SERF AUTHOR
Phone:
(301) 614-6898
Fax:
301-614-5268
Email:
Tyler.B.Stevens at nasa.gov
Contact Address:
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Global Change Master Directory City:
Greenbelt
Province or State:
MD
Postal Code:
20771
Country:
USA
RALPH
HAUGERUD Role:
TECHNICAL CONTACT
Phone:
(206) 553-5542
Fax:
(206) 553-8350
Email:
haugerud at u.washington.edu
Email:
rhaugerud at usgs.gov
Contact Address:
U.S. Geological Survey at University of Washington
Dept. Earth and Space Sciences
Box 351310 City:
Seattle
Province or State:
Washington
Postal Code:
98195
Country:
USA
EVAN
THOMS Role:
TECHNICAL CONTACT
Phone:
(907) 786-7409
Fax:
(907) 786-7491
Email:
ethoms at usgs.gov
Contact Address:
U.S. Geological Survey
Western Region Earth Surface Processes Team
4200 University Drive City:
Anchorage
Province or State:
AK
Postal Code:
99508
Country:
USA
Creation and Review Dates
SERF Creation Date:
2006-06-09
SERF Last Revision Date:
2011-03-21
Links
