Gathering data for a geographic information system (GIS) project?
You're going to need the right GIS data collection tools.
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The good news is that when it comes to field data collection you have plenty of hardware options. The bad news is the sheer number of options can be overwhelming.
To help you out, we're covering the best GIS hardware for the field, including digitizers, GPS units, and mobile devices. As a bonus, we'll also explore the office hardware you'll need to utilize all the data you collected in the field.
Note: This post only covers GIS hardware. To learn more about GIS software, be sure to check out this page.
Best GIS data collection tools
GIS data collection hardware can be broken into three basic categories: digitizers, GPS units, and mobile devices. With a broad range of capabilities and price points, each type of device has it's own ideal use case.
To determine which device is right for your organization, be sure to begin with the end in mind. Good questions to ask include:
What kind of projects will this device be used for?
What are the deliverables?
What degree of location accuracy is required?
These questions are fairly broad, but can be a good jumping off point for determining what kind of device will be most effective for your GIS data collection projects.
Digitizers
Many devices are considered digitizers: digital cameras, digital tablets, scanners, and more. As defined by Computer Hope, a digitizer is:
'[A] hardware device that receives analog information, such as sound or light, and records it digitally. Usually, the information is stored in a file on a computing device.'
In the context of GIS, digitization refers to converting coordinates, text annotations, or analog maps into digital form, so as to be read by a GIS software.
In terms of digitzers for GIS data collection, tablets are the primary tool. GIS professionals can use digitizer tablets to easily capture, store, analyze, and manage data while in the field.
For our money, the best graphics tablet is the Wacos Intuos Pro.
Wacos Intuos Pro (Large)
According to a review on CreativeBloq, this graphics tablet features a 'pen that feels as close as possible to the paper equivalent.'
That combined with the large active drawing area (12.1' x 8.4') makes the Wacos Intuos Pro an ideal option for mapping, drawing, and taking notes while out in the field.
With the large screen, superior pen sensitivity, and affordable price point when compared to similar devices - this tablet is a truly solid option for GIS data collection.
GPS Units
You likely use some form of GPS in your daily life, but do you actually know what it is or how it works?
A GPS unit is any device capable of receiving information from GPS satellites and calculating your geographical position. According to Physics.org:
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a network of about 30 satellites orbiting the Earth at an altitude of 20,000 km. The system was originally developed by the US government for military navigation but now anyone with a GPS device.. can receive the radio signals that the satellites broadcast.
Remarkably, wherever you are on the planet, there are at least four 'visible' GPS satellites.
These satellites transmit information between each other at light speed, and can pinpoint your location based on how long it takes messages to move between them. This process is called trilateration.
GPS units today can be broken down into three categories: recreation grade, mapping grade, and survey grade.
Garmin GPSMAP 64az [Source]
Recreation grade GPS
These units are the least expensive and are most-often purchased by the general public. For a reliable recreation grade GPS unit, we recommend the Garmin GPSMAP 64sx.
A handheld GPS unit with navigation sensors, the Garmin GPSMAP 64az features a rugged, water-resistant design, button operation, and a 2.6 inch sunlight-readable color display.
Preloaded with TopoActive maps in the U.S. and Australia, this device offers readable maps for roads and hiking/biking trails.
Transfering data from this unit to a GIS software does require the DNRGPS app, which can be downloaded from the Department of Natural Resources.
Mapping grade GPS
Most often used by government agencies and researchers, mapping grade GPS receivers are more expensive than recreation grade.
That said, the increase in price does yeild a significant increase in positional accuracy. For any project requiring highly accuracte coordinates, mapping grade GPS is definitely the way to go.
In terms of mapping grade GPS devices, you can't go wrong with the Trimble Juno 5 (less advanced) or the Trimble Geo7x (more advanced).
Trimble Geo7x [Source]
A gift of fire 3rd edition. A gift of fire: social, legal, and ethical issues for computing technology / Sara Baase. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 978-0-13-249267-6 1. Computers—Social aspects. Computers—Moral and ethical aspects. Internet—Social aspects. Internet—Moral and ethical aspects. This item: A Gift of Fire: Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues for Computing Technology (5th Edition) by Sara Baase Paperback $95.84 Only 14 left in stock - order soon. Sold by.Smart Student. and ships from Amazon Fulfillment. A Gift of Fire: Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues for Computing Technology, 4e is ideal for courses in Computer Ethics and Computers and Society. It is also a useful reference for computer science professionals or anyone interested in learning more about computing technology and its overarching impact. View Notes - Chap3-freedom.ppt from IT 3153060 at Ajman University of Science and Technology Ajman). A Gift of Fire Third edition Sara Baase Chapter 3: Freedom of Speech 106/07/12 1 Freedom of Speech. Sep 08, 2019 A Gift. Editorial Reviews. About the Author. Sara Baase is Professor Emeritus with the Department of A Gift of Fire: Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues for Computing Technology 4th Edition, Kindle Edition. Gray Hat Hacking The Ethical Hackers Handbook – 3rd Edition: 3rd Edition.
Each unit offers sunlight-optimized displays and allows you to stay in touch with the office via integrated communication systems. The Geo7x offers a higher degree of acccuracy (within 3 feet) than the Juno series and, when augmented with an external antennae, can actually be used for survey grade projects.
Survey grade GPS
Most often used by professional surveyors, survey grade GPS receivers are by far the most accurate. Accuracy for these units rangs from 1 meter for lower end devices, down to within 1 millimeter for higher end.
Devices of this grade are often used in conjuction with an external tripod-mounted antennae, such as the Trimble r10, which helps increase location accuracy.
Because these devices are so advanced, they are also the most expensive: starting in the deep thousands and going from there.
To learn more about GPS devices and identify which is right for your specific project, check out this detailed breakdown of GPS data collection devices.
Mobile Devices
As mobile technology has evolved, smartphones and tablets have become useful tools for GIS data collection.
Smartphones specifically offer unparalleled convenience. They are versatile, fit in your pocket, and most people already have one.
Though smartphones don't offer the same level of accuracy as GPS receivers, accuracy can be approved by connecting to a broadband network or GPS device.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S4
Apple iPad Pro 9
Though tablets aren't as ubiquitous or portable as smartphones, they have one huge advantage: screen size. Bigger screens make it easier to view large data sets or create detailed maps - both of which are significant components of GIS work.
As with all GIS data collection devices, the choice between smartphone or tablet depends almost entirely on budget, personnel, and the project itself.
GIS hardware for the office
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Once you're done in the field, you'll need the right office hardware to get the most out of your data. The devices below will help connect field and office, ensuring that your GIS data transfers seamlessly.
For your desktop computer, you'll need a large-display monitor, lots of RAM (more than 4 GB recommended), and plenty of extra space on the hard drive. For an in-depth breakdown of specific computer hardware requirements, check out this guide.
You may also want to consider a plotter i.e. a printer for large scale GIS maps. Plotters are incredibly useful because they allow you to bring your digital map into the physical world.
Dnrgps For Mac Pro
Once you print a map you can hang it on the office wall, distribute to your teams, or simply keep as reference.
In terms of mapping grade GPS devices, you can't go wrong with the Trimble Juno 5 (less advanced) or the Trimble Geo7x (more advanced).
Trimble Geo7x [Source]
A gift of fire 3rd edition. A gift of fire: social, legal, and ethical issues for computing technology / Sara Baase. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 978-0-13-249267-6 1. Computers—Social aspects. Computers—Moral and ethical aspects. Internet—Social aspects. Internet—Moral and ethical aspects. This item: A Gift of Fire: Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues for Computing Technology (5th Edition) by Sara Baase Paperback $95.84 Only 14 left in stock - order soon. Sold by.Smart Student. and ships from Amazon Fulfillment. A Gift of Fire: Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues for Computing Technology, 4e is ideal for courses in Computer Ethics and Computers and Society. It is also a useful reference for computer science professionals or anyone interested in learning more about computing technology and its overarching impact. View Notes - Chap3-freedom.ppt from IT 3153060 at Ajman University of Science and Technology Ajman). A Gift of Fire Third edition Sara Baase Chapter 3: Freedom of Speech 106/07/12 1 Freedom of Speech. Sep 08, 2019 A Gift. Editorial Reviews. About the Author. Sara Baase is Professor Emeritus with the Department of A Gift of Fire: Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues for Computing Technology 4th Edition, Kindle Edition. Gray Hat Hacking The Ethical Hackers Handbook – 3rd Edition: 3rd Edition.
Each unit offers sunlight-optimized displays and allows you to stay in touch with the office via integrated communication systems. The Geo7x offers a higher degree of acccuracy (within 3 feet) than the Juno series and, when augmented with an external antennae, can actually be used for survey grade projects.
Survey grade GPS
Most often used by professional surveyors, survey grade GPS receivers are by far the most accurate. Accuracy for these units rangs from 1 meter for lower end devices, down to within 1 millimeter for higher end.
Devices of this grade are often used in conjuction with an external tripod-mounted antennae, such as the Trimble r10, which helps increase location accuracy.
Because these devices are so advanced, they are also the most expensive: starting in the deep thousands and going from there.
To learn more about GPS devices and identify which is right for your specific project, check out this detailed breakdown of GPS data collection devices.
Mobile Devices
As mobile technology has evolved, smartphones and tablets have become useful tools for GIS data collection.
Smartphones specifically offer unparalleled convenience. They are versatile, fit in your pocket, and most people already have one.
Though smartphones don't offer the same level of accuracy as GPS receivers, accuracy can be approved by connecting to a broadband network or GPS device.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S4
Apple iPad Pro 9
Though tablets aren't as ubiquitous or portable as smartphones, they have one huge advantage: screen size. Bigger screens make it easier to view large data sets or create detailed maps - both of which are significant components of GIS work.
As with all GIS data collection devices, the choice between smartphone or tablet depends almost entirely on budget, personnel, and the project itself.
GIS hardware for the office
Dnrgps For Mac Torrent
Once you're done in the field, you'll need the right office hardware to get the most out of your data. The devices below will help connect field and office, ensuring that your GIS data transfers seamlessly.
For your desktop computer, you'll need a large-display monitor, lots of RAM (more than 4 GB recommended), and plenty of extra space on the hard drive. For an in-depth breakdown of specific computer hardware requirements, check out this guide.
You may also want to consider a plotter i.e. a printer for large scale GIS maps. Plotters are incredibly useful because they allow you to bring your digital map into the physical world.
Dnrgps For Mac Pro
Once you print a map you can hang it on the office wall, distribute to your teams, or simply keep as reference.
This article from Business.com provides a great breakdown for the best wide-format printers of 2020. For printing maps, they suggest the HP DesignJet T1700: citing extreme accuracy, detailed lines, and high overall reliablity.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many GIS data collection tools available. When combined, these tools can form the perfect system to execute your project with ease. Whether you're collecting data in the field or making maps in the office, getting the right hardware will help you every step of the way.
On this page: concise list of all software programs. Also available:
Dnrgps For Mac N
- Listed by Software Name - alphabetical list of programs showing location of computer(s) with that software
- Listed by Computer Location - location(s) of computers listing available programs
Available Software Programs
3DS Max
7-Zip
Acrobat Reader DC
Adobe Acrobat X Professional
Adobe Bridge Creative Cloud
Adobe Dreamweaver Creative Cloud
Adobe Fireworks Creative Cloud
Adobe Flash Professional CS6
Adobe Illustrator Creative Cloud
Adobe InDesign Creative Cloud
Adobe Media Encoder Creative Cloud
Adobe Photoshop Creative Cloud
Adobe Photoshop Elements
Adobe Premiere Creative Cloud
Affinity Designer
Affinity Photo
Affinity Publisher
Agisoft Network Monitor (64 bit)
Agisoft PhotoScan Professional (64 bit)
Agisoft Viewer (64 bit)
ArcGIS Pro
AutoCAD
Autodesk Mudbox
Band in a Box 2019
CloudCompare
Chrome
DaVinci Resolve 16
DNRGPS
Edge (Microsoft)
Elaborate Bytes
eMotion 2
ENVI 5.3
Express Scribe Transcription Software
Final Cut Pro
Firefox
Garage Band
Google Chrome
Google Earth
Google Earth Pro
GPS Utility
HP Copy
HP Scanning
HP Smart
IDL 8.5
Image Composite Editor
I.R.I.S. OCR Registration
iMovie
Java
MapWindow GIS
Mark
MATLAB
Maya
Microcase
Microcase Remote
Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Office
Microsoft Silverlight
Minitab 18
Minitab 19
Movie Maker
Office 2016 for Mac
Pix4Dmapper
Python
R
RealFlight 7.5
R-Studio
Safari
VideoLAN
VLC
VTI
