Empowering the Field Force: Technology Advances for Efficient Data Capture

Brian L. Soliday, Trimble Navigation Limited

The GIS market has witnessed significant growth in the use of emerging technologies in supporting the activities of personnel in the field. A vast majority of this growth has concentrated on developing enhanced capabilities to support the data accuracy, personnel mobility, and costs. Existing and new technologies focused on providing personnel with field deployable GPS-based data capture, database maintenance, communication and real-time GIS update capabilities are under evaluation and implementation by numerous organizations. This presentation will discuss the existing technologies available to end users and how they are being implemented at the application level, as well as what the future holds for enhancing these technologies for increased field force productivity.



GIS and Related Technology-GPS and Ground Control Mapping to Management: GPS/GIS Technology's New Role

Darrel Peterson, GeoResearch, Inc.

GPS/GIS is emerging as a driving technology in meeting the changing needs of today's organization. The concept of "mapping to manage" reflects the evolution of GPS/GIS from a field proven data integration technology to a core organizational tool. GeoLink's GPS/GIS technology provides highly efficient field-to-office cycles for GIS updating and work order creation. New computer platforms and mobile communication links are further increasing the range and speed of GPS/GIS data collection. Status or incident reports can be digitally entered and geocoded in the field, eliminating time-consuming paperwork, retyping, and filing--GPS/GIS technology does all this for you. When GPS/GIS mobile data terminals are integrated with vehicle tracking, operations managers can control and allocate resources for optimal cost savings and customer satisfaction. This presentation focuses on innovative, wide-ranging GPS/GIS applications for utilities, law enforcement, military operations and public works.



CONTOUR for ArcView: Thematic Mapping to the Next Dimension

Dave Totten, Plus 3 Software, Inc.

ArcView is making GIS accessible to the masses. Now the masses want their GIS with a Z. Plus 3 Software, Inc., has embedded their 3-D Engine inside ArcView, allowing users to generate contours from ArcView Tables, .DBF files, ArcInfo coverages, or ASCII point files. This Avenue application provides thematic contours, Z elevations, and perspective views.




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