The ArcPad Team Blog

Sneaky Tip: Adding icons for Layers and QuickCapture

2012-01-25T15:25:00.003+11:00

Hi everyone,

Have you ever noticed that the Riverside sample has different icons displayed from the symbology on the QuickCapture toolbar and Table of Contents for the some of the layers?

Ever wondered how easy it is to put them there? Of couse you have!

In the ArcPad Data Manager on the "Select Data" page, feature layers from your map are listed with a yellow symbol indicating the feature type (point, line or polygon).

If you use your mouse and click the symbol that you want to change, the select icon dialog will appear. Simply navigate to the location where you have an icon stored and select it.

Once you select the new icon, you will see it has been set as the symbol for that layer. Another cool thing is that the data manager will save the configuration for the MXD you have open and will be automatically applied the next time you use the wizard.Now open your newly created ArcPad Map (.APM), go to the QuickCapture toolbar and see your new icon(s) present.So remember, this doesn't change any symbology on the map itself, it purely allows you to supply another visual context for the layer(s) throughout the application

Customizing ArcPad with COM and .NET

2012-01-17T16:27:00.004+11:00

If you're an ArcPad Developer, you would be familiar with the ArcPad Object Model, but, did you know that you also have access to a lot of objects from the Component Object Model (COM)?

In Windows there's a large number of useful COM objects (e.g. Scripting.FileSystemObject, Microsoft.XMLDOM, Microsoft.XMLHTTP, ADODB.Connection). Using these objects you can manipulate files, folders, manipulate XML documents, make REST/SOAP AJAX calls and connect to databases like SQL Server.

In Windows Mobile there's a useful subset of COM objects (e.g. Microsoft.XMLDOM, Microsoft.XMLHTTP, ADOCE.Connection).


Dim xmldom
Set xmldom = CreateObject("Microsoft.XMLDOM")
xmldom.loadXML "<helloworld></helloworld>"
MsgBox xmldom.xml

In addition to Windows, you can probably obtain 3rd party COM objects.

If you are savvy with Visual Studio you can create your own COM objects. There are various tutorials on the internet on how to do this. For example A Simple COM tutorial using ATL. Recently, I stumbled upon Raymund Macaalay's How to call a .NET DLL from a VBScript technical blog which I found to be a nice read. I followed the blog and was able to create his C# .NET class and call it from an ArcPad script!

In a nutshell, by leveraging COM you can customize ArcPad in even more ways.

GeoMobile Innovations announces 2012 ArcPad training schedule

2012-01-06T12:02:00.000+11:00

GeoMobile Innovations announces 2012 ArcPad training schedule. ArcPad 10 Bootcamp (link: http://www.geomobileinnovations.com/training/arcpad-bootcamp) and ArcPad Studio 10 training (link: http://www.geomobileinnovations.com/training/arcpad-studio-with-enterprise-management) are both back and updated for latest ArcPad 10 service packs.

The next ArcPad Studio with Enterprise Management Tricks & Tips class will be held in Portland, OR on February 6th/7th. The next ArcPad 10 Bootcamp will be held in Anchorage, AK on March 19th/20th, 2012.

More training is scheduled for 2012. Send in your registration form today to secure a seat for this great investment in ArcPad/Mobile GIS training! Download a complete PDF registration packet including class descriptions, course schedule and training locations at:

http://www.geomobileinnovations.com/file_download/17/ArcPad+10_2012_combined_with_registration.pdf

ArcPad and Mobile XRF Scanner

2011-12-16T15:38:00.002+11:00

"Olympus Innov-X XRF and XRD Analyzers provide qualitative and quantitative material characterization for detection, identification, Quality Control, process control, regulatory compliance and Research and Development for metals and alloys, mining and geology, scrap and recycling, environmental and consumer safety, academia, and general manufacturing."

Olympus Innov-X currently have a solution with ArcPad 7.1.1 that sends the analyzed readings via bluetooth to ArcPad and adds it to the mapped locations' point attributes. We have been fortunate enough to help Innov-X out and get their custom applet certified for ArcPad 10.

This is quite a different device for us to have in the office and to be honest we got quite excited to "play" with it simply because there are danger stickers on the device!

So if you are in need of a mobile X-Ray gun (remember christmas is just around the corner) while your collecting field data, then check out the Delta XRF.

Olympus Innov-X Website

Basic Workflows for Getting Started with ArcPad

2011-12-15T11:17:00.001+11:00

When I ask my family what they’d like to have for dinner, I often hear a familiar response: “I don’t know.” If I rephrase the question and ask if they’d rather have stir-fried veggies or spaghetti and meatballs, they are quick to tell me their preferences. It helps to focus the mind when choices are presented to you. In the same spirit, today I’d like to present some basic workflows for getting started with ArcPad.

First, let’s break the general workflow categories into two groups. First is the ‘field to office’ group. These workflows require no office preparation. You simply grab your mobile device and use ArcPad tools to start a new project in the field. Next is the ‘office to field to office’ group. This is the set of workflows to choose from when you have an existing GIS in the office that you’d like to take out into the field with ArcPad and have integrate your field data.

Field to Office Workflows

QuickProject. ArcPad can create a QuickProject using the default template. It provides the schema that you can customize to make work for just about any project. After you complete your field work, you can bring the shapefiles over to your office computer where they can be managed as shapefiles or converted to a new geodatabase via the QuickProject to Geodatabase geoprocessing tool.

Create New Shapefile. ArcPad is also equipped to create new shapefiles in the field. You specify the geometry type, add whatever attribute fields you need, and even create a QuickForm to make attribute entry quick and easy. Back in the office, you can continue to manage the data in shapefile format or use ArcGIS editing and geoprocessing tools to convert to another format.

Field-to-office workflows feature ArcPad tools for generating new QuickProjects and individual shapefiles. Here you see the options for managing the data once in the office.

Office to Field to Office Workflows

Geodatabase

Check Out / Check In. For GIS data stored in a geodatabase, you can use the ArcPad Data Manager to check data out for ArcPad and then check the field edits back into the geodatabase. The Get Data for ArcPad tool walks you through the process which results in a folder of data containing the AXF file that stores your geodatabase feature classes and supported behavior. You can choose the extent of the data to check out to limit unnecessary panning and zooming in the field. This workflow requires that the check-out process occur every time you go out into the field and that the check-in occur when you return.

The geodatabase check-out / check-in workflow is good for continual field edits to your master geodatabase.

QuickProject with a Custom Template. QuickProjects can be generated from your own ‘custom’ templates which contain field editable feature classes, background data, symbology, and more. The beauty of this workflow is that the template stays on the mobile device so you can use it to generate numerous QuickProjects. You do not have to check out the data every time you plan for a day in the field. Another plus is that you can store multiple templates – one for each of your projects – on the mobile device. Back in the office, use the Get Data from ArcPad tool to check in your field edits to the same geodatabase used to create the template. Any changes to the geodatabase schema will require you to recreate the template and replace the old one on the mobile device.

You can create a custom template based on your master geodatabase and use it to generate QuickProjects in the field. Field edits are then checked in to the master geodatabase.

Shapefiles

Copy Out. If you manage your GIS data as shapefiles, you can simply copy the shapefiles over to the mobile device for use in ArcPad. One way to do this is via the Get Data for ArcPad tool. Unlike geodatabase feature classes which can be checked out, shapefiles can only be copied out. This means that a copy of the shapefile is made for use in the field. You can also use Windows Explorer to simply copy the shapefile(s) from your office computer over to your mobile device. After you’ve collected your field data, you can bring the shapefile(s) over to your office computer and manage them in ArcGIS. There is no tool that will integrate the field edits from the copied out shapefile into the original shapefile residing in your office GIS.

Shapefiles can be copied over to the mobile device, edited in ArcPad, then managed in ArcGIS.

QuickProject with a Custom Template. As for the geodatabase, above, you can create a custom template based on shapefiles and use it to generate QuickProjects in ArcPad. Everything is the same except for the options available for integrating the field data with your existing GIS. Because you will have shapefiles here, you cannot check in the data and have it automatically integrate with the original shapefiles. You can, however, use the geoprocessing tool, QuickProject to Geodatabase, mentioned above to convert the QuickProject shapefiles into a new geodatabase. You can also, as always, use the ArcGIS editing tools to further manage and integrate your data.

Custom templates built on shapefiles can generate QuickProjects. Back in the office you can convert the QuickProject to a geodatabase or manage the shapefiles however you like.

So there are a few of your choices for getting started with ArcPad. Hopefully they help to focus your mind and begin to think about which workflow best captures your situation. Do you have an ArcPad workflow that isn’t covered here? We’d love to hear about it.

How to archive the GPS Tracklog using vbscript, jscript or python

2011-12-06T16:05:00.000+11:00

Hi everyone,

There is a new sample on the ArcPad Resources Gallery that shows how archive the GPS tracklog while working in the field.

A fan of ArcPad recently asked how to speed up the redrawing of the tracklog, and one simple way is to draw less. Therefore this sample was created. Every hour this applet moves the tracklog to a new datetime stamped file and recreates the tracklog.shp to keep going.

This could be used for any vector layer in your map not just the tracklog.

The other cool thing about this sample is that there is a separate sample written in vbScript, jScript and Python! Take your pick, but there is also a screen shot for you to have a look at the similarities and differences between the scripting languages.

Click to get the sample How to archive the GPS tracklog

Using the ArcPad Data Manager to Check Out and Check In Data

2011-11-24T15:00:00.000+11:00

Wondering how to get started? Do you have data in ArcMap that you want to take into the field with ArcPad? Want to know how to bring the edits back?

Here are the steps that i would go through to take the Riverside sample data into the field, and bring the edits back.

Let’s create an ArcPad Project to collect data for Light Pole Inspections.

I begin by creating my project in ArcMap. All of my datasets are in a single geodatabase and they all have the same projection. I have added TEXT fields called ‘Photo’ to my data to incorporate photos into my project. I will be using a version of my geodatabase to allow me to verify all field edits from multiple sources before committing these changes to my DEFAULT version. All of my data and my related tables have been added to ArcMap. I will apply simple symbology and bright colours to optimise presentation and performance on a mobile device. I have set the extent of the map to my work area and saved my map document with an appropriate name (Light Pole Inspection Project.mxd).

Using the Get Data For ArcPad Wizard, the first step is to choose which layers I need to take into the field and then sort those into operational and background layers. I need to check-out the Poles Layer and the rest I will use as background data in a read-only AXF. Because they were present in my ArcMap Document, the related tables for the Poles Layer are included by default. If I am using Map Annotation for labelling or graphics, they will appear in the list of layers available for check-out. Each Annotation Group will have an ArcPad Graphics Layer of the same name created during the check-out process. I will add background imagery from ArcGIS Online using an internet connection and the ‘Add Data From Server’ Tool in ArcPad if I need it in the field. I will leave the ‘Select Existing Forms/Scripts’ box unchecked to create default forms for my project. If I do customise my forms and add scripts, I can use them again by selecting this option the next time I check-out this project.

On the next page of the Wizard, I have set the Picture Field for my Poles Layer and related tables to ‘Photo’. I have selected a folder to store the pictures on my computer. ArcPad will reference this path in the Photo Field and then copy any photos stored in the same folder as my AXF file to this location when I check-in my data. If I had a reference to existing pictures in my data and was using a UNC share or URL location to store my pictures, I could check the ‘Keep path of existing pictures in data’ option to allow me to access these pictures using an internet connection when in the field.

On the next page of the Wizard, I have set the spatial extent to the current display and will only check-out visible fields. I could use a selection to check-out a subset of features or if I was using definition queries, I could export these as filters to limit the amount of data exported or displayed in ArcPad. I have specified a path and a name for the folder where my ArcPad Project will be created. I want to create an ArcPad Map that will inherit the name from my ArcMap Document (Light Pole Inspection Project.apm). It is possible to encrypt and password protect your AXF during check-out to increase data security. It is recommended to validate your data when using ‘Get Data For ArcPad’ the first time.

On the last page of the ‘Get Data For ArcPad’ Wizard, I can create a ZIP or CAB file for easy distribution of my ArcPad Project. If my mobile device is already connected to my computer, the CAB file that is created will automatically deploy to my device as soon as the check-out process has completed. Now that I have configured my check-out I can either create my ArcPad Project now or save my settings to use later.

The results of the check-out operation are displayed at the end of the process. Before deploying your project onto mobile devices, you can customise your project using ArcPad Studio. I will simply take a copy of my project folder or CAB file on an SD card and deploy my project onto one or many mobile devices. Or I could copy the files directly to the device via a USB connection using the Windows Mobile Device Center. Using ArcPad on the mobile device, I can now open the Light Pole Inspection Project.apm and start making edits to my data using default forms.

To check my edits back into my Geodatabase, I first need to copy my Project Folder from the mobile device onto my computer. I will open the Light Pole Inspection Project in ArcMap and start editing the same version of my geodatabase I used during check-out. This is the only geodatabase that will accept the edits from my AXF. Then I will launch the ‘Get Data From ArcPad’ dialog.

After using the ‘Add AXF’ function in the top right corner, I can now see the Poles Layer and associated related tables. In this example, I have collected four new features, modified one feature and deleted one feature. I can now apply these changes to my geodatabase by selecting the checkbox next to the Poles feature class and clicking on ‘Check-in’. The results from the check-in process are displayed after the operation has completed. If I had an ArcPad Graphics Layer that I wanted to add to my project, I would use the ‘Import Graphics’ button to add the ArcPad Graphics to the Active Annotation Target in the Map Document.

GIS Day 2011

2011-11-17T16:03:00.004+11:00

Happy GIS Day from the ArcPad Team!!

GIS Day is a grassroots educational event that enables geographic information systems (GIS) users and vendors to open their doors to schools, businesses, and the general public to showcase real-world applications of GIS.

GIS Day is a global event. Organizations all over the world that use GIS, or are interested in GIS, participate by holding or sponsoring an event of their own. In 2005 more than 700 GIS Day events were held in 74 countries around the globe. The first GIS Day occurred in 1998.

GIS Day is held in the third week of November each year, on the Wednesday during Geography Awareness Week, a geographic literacy initiative sponsored by the National Geographic Society.

Source(s): Wikipedia

ArcPad and Python

2011-11-16T09:14:00.000+11:00

As of ArcPad 10.0.3, the Windows (Desktop/Tablet) versionnow supports the Python (2.6) scripting language in addition to vbScript and Jscript. There is a port of Python to windows Mobile, you might want to try PythonCE - http://sourceforge.net/projects/pythonce/but do so at your own risk as it is not an "official" port.

You can now write your applets and customizations in python and take advantage of many of the extra libraries that are available to Python users.
Supports the ArcGIS implementation of ArcPy.

If you haveArcGIS installed on the same PC as ArcPad they are already there, or
Using ArcPad in conjunction with an ArcGISRuntime license (I currently have this on my laptop).

It is important to note that this does not expose the ArcPad object model to be used in python scripts out side of ArcPad, in case you were thinking you could create ArcPad batch files.

Over the years many people have asked for more "analytical tools" for ArcPad, so now here is a method of accessing all of those lovely jubbly geoprocessing tools that you have all come to care for so dearly.

There is an applet posted on the ArcPad Resources Site that covers the two scenarios mentioned above - ArcPad Python Applet

There are some subtle differences in writing for python with ArcPad:

You must capitalize objects, methods and Events: Console.Print(Map.Layers.Count)
You must use the full path to the message box: Application.MessageBox("ArcPad Rocks!")
If you want to change the style of the message box you must use the index number of the MessageBox constant not the name: Application.MessageBox("ArcPad Rocks!", 0) instead of Application.MessageBox("ArcPad Rocks!", apOkOnly)

So now you have another scripting language choice moving forward when customizing ArcPad to fit your data collection/editing workflows.

Online training for ArcPad

2011-11-11T10:27:00.001+11:00

RIA Mobile have now taken their instructor led courses online!

The content of these courses has been developed over the last 10 years, being the same as face to face courses run, with adaptions to better suit the online environment.

Currently, the courses require the attendee either to have a licensed version of ArcPad 10, or access to one somewhere in their organization.

The first offering is 9am-5pm AEST, Wednesday 30th November 2011.
Go to
https://student.gototraining.com/9824s/catalog/1445218212686930688
to confirm the time in your time zone, and to sign up.

Using Apps to work multi lingually with ArcPad

2011-11-09T08:20:00.000+11:00

Each time we go through a round of localization of ArcPad, we work with the Esri distributors around the world to collect and organize the text that you see in ArcPad. It means switching between locales continually, and comparing the display of dialogs and tools in each language.
In preparation for the 10.0.3 round of localization I decided to create an ArcPad App for each supported language. The result was pretty cool, and I think would be really useful for anyone working with a multi lingual ArcPad project. You would be able to open your project in each language and compare them side by side (on a desktop or tablet PC). In fact this is also acts as a great demonstation on how you can build and use any collection of ArcPad Apps.

Here’s what I did:

1. First I created a set of ico files, one for each language. I used Axialis Icon Workshop for this task, and saved them into a icon library file (.icl)

2. I then created an apm for each language. This apm contained no layers, simply an empty map, with a name that matched each ico. NB: If you want to see different icons used in ArcPad in the title bar and Quick Action button for each App, you will need to ensure you have apm’s with different names.

3. I also created an ArcPadPrefs.apx for each language. The only thing that changed in each file was the locale property. I could have made the change in ArcPad, but instead i opened each apx in notepad and manually changed each locale string. eg: the locale string for Hungarian is <LOCALE lcid="0000040e" codepage="1250"/> (these values can easily be read from ArcPad’s locale tab in ArcPad Options)

4. I then created an ArcPad App for each language. I opened each apm in ArcPad, chose Create App Shortcut, gave the App a unique name, browsed to my custom icons and browsed to my custom apx files.
Each App is now an icon on my desktop:

and I can open any one of these side by side to compare and view ArcPad in any language:

Multi lingual ArcPad is awesome :).

Let's talk about ACCESSIBILITY!

2011-11-08T17:13:00.005+11:00

Many of the same principles of cartographic accessibility apply to your ArcPad Projects. The focus on functionality and usability is the same. However, the colours and symbology you are using for map production may not be optimal for field data capture.

When you prepare your next ArcPad Project: Think ARCPAD…

Area: The screen area of your mobile device is limited. Make the most of the space available without crowding or complicating your map. Be aware of size and keep it simple!

Resolution: Most mobile devices have a QVGA (320 x 240) or VGA (640 x 480) display. Your desktop PC will most likely have a much higher resolution. Optimise your map for use at a lower resolution by removing unnecessary detail e.g. use colour and symbols instead of text labels to describe features.

Colour: Be bold with colour! Make sure your operational layer is easily distinguishable from background data. For help choosing colour schemes that are colour-blind and laptop friendly visit http://colorbrewer2.org/

Place: Field data capture occurs in the field! Think about the effect field conditions such as light and glare. Take your project for a test-run in outdoor conditions before deployment.

Aesthetics: Resist the urge to overuse labels and complex symbology to improve the aesthetics of your project. Your map doesn’t need to look fancy, it needs to be functional!

Display: Only display data that is relevant. This includes using scale-dependent feature rendering as well as limiting the amount of data that is taken into the field. Keep your map display simple and easy to interpret.

Not only will this help your ArcPad Project to be more accessible, it will also help to improve performance!

ArcPad 10.0.3 Top 3

2011-11-04T13:09:00.008+11:00

I know you are all as excited as I am about the release of ArcPad 10.0.3, but why are we so excited?

Let me break it down for you in a bit more detail with the ArcPad 10.0.3 Top 3:

#1 ArcPad AXF Extension for FME – This was one of the top ranked topics on the ArcPad Ideas Forum (http://ideas.arcgis.com). The ArcPad AXF Extension for FME allows ArcGIS users with FME 2011 SP4 to achieve the following:

Browse AXF files in ArcCatalog
Drag and Drop AXF files into ArcMap
Export AXF files into a Geodatabase

#2 Python Support in ArcPad for Windows – In order to use Python as a scripting language in ArcPad, both the Python programming language (typically installed with ArcGIS 10) and the PyWin32 Python Extensions for Windows, are required. This allows for the use of Python Scripting in the ArcPad for Windows environment only. In ArcPad Studio, a Python tool has been added to allow for the use of Python Scripting during customisation of ArcPad Projects. If you have ArcMap installed on the same machine, you can now access the ArcPy module from within ArcPad.

#3 Updated StreetMap Datasets – StreetMap is used for geocoding, high quality cartographic display and the calculation of routes with driving directions. The ArcPad StreetMap Extension is based on StreetMap Premium for ArcGIS data derived from the TomTom (formerly TeleAtlas) dataset and now includes data for Europe in addition to North America. This extension is part of core ArcPad functionality and is included at no extra cost. It supports the Smart Data Compression (SDC) format and enables display, address geocoding, reverse geocoding, and routing capabilities. TomTom have provided an update to the StreetMap Premium Datasets for Europe and North America.

We have also improved localisation, updated our documentation, improved the ArcPad Toolbox Tools and much more.

ArcPad 10.0.3 – Get Excited!

Welcome Michele Mattix, Esri’s New ArcPad Product Manager

2011-11-03T09:38:00.005+11:00

Hello Everyone,

I would like to introduce Michele Mattix, who is the new ArcPad Product Manager at Esri. Michele joined us from Sedona Arizona where she had her own company focused on helping clients integrate GPS and GIS technologies. Before that Michele worked at Esri as a software instructor and taught various ArcGIS intro and advanced courses. Michele brings to ArcPad team excellent technical knowledge and first-hand experience in working with clients using Mobile GIS. Welcome Michele!

I also want to use this opportunity to say good-bye to you all as I had moved on to a different role in Esri. I have always enjoyed working with everyone in ArcPad team and interacting with all ArcPad customers. I will miss you all.

Now I wish Michele and ArcPad team continued success!

Jian Lange

ArcPad 10.0.3 Now Available

2011-11-03T06:55:00.012+11:00

ArcPad 10.0.3 is now available for download from the Customer Care Portal.

With this build we have fixed bugs and introduced a few new tools:

New ArcPad AXF Reader allows import of AXF feature layers into compatible formats using the FME Extension for ArcGIS.
Improved Python support in ArcGIS.
Improved geodatabase schema support for subtypes and domains.
Updated StreetMap Premium Data from TomTom.

The ArcPad Deployment Manager

2011-10-27T15:54:00.007+11:00

I know what you are thinking: I have just installed my brand new copy of ArcPad on my desktop PC – but how do I get ArcPad up and running on my mobile device?

Let me introduce you to the ArcPad Deployment Manager!

The ArcPad Deployment Manager is installed along with ArcPad on your desktop PC – You can find it in your Windows Start Menu in the same location as ArcPad.

First, connect your mobile device to your desktop PC using Active Sync (Windows XP) or the Windows Mobile Device Center (Vista, Windows 7), then launch the ArcPad Deployment Manager.

Check boxes to deploy the following to your mobile device:

ArcPad – mobile field mapping and data collection software solution

ArcPad StreetMap Extension – enables you to perform geocoding, mapping, and the calculation of routes with driving directions using StreetMap data layers (data DVD’s included with ArcPad)

ArcPad Today Plug-In – a customizable Windows Mobile Today Screen Plug-In that displays battery life, device memory, space on your device and storage card as well as launching ArcPad and ArcPad App Shortcuts Projects

Datum Transforms – use HARN and NADCON tables for datum shift methods

Language Packs – expand to see the list of Language Packs available for ArcPad

Sample/s – the sample projects included with ArcPad, used in the ArcPad Tutorials

SQL Server Compact – required for Windows Mobile 5 (and some Windows Mobile 6) devices

VBScript Runtime Library – should be included on most Windows Mobile devices

Check your mobile device to choose a location to install each of your components on your Windows Mobile device.

Remember to activate your ArcPad install on your mobile device using the same code that you used on your desktop PC!

Building Great Apps using ArcPad @ OZRI 2011

2011-10-10T13:26:00.004+11:00

I would like to invite all Esri Australia User Conference 2011 attendees the 'Building Great Apps using ArcPad' session on Friday October 14th at 12.50pm in Session Room 105. In this session, you can find out how to create project-focused ArcPad Apps - without writing a single line of code!

This session will showcase the integrated Toolbar Editor and the ability to Create App Shortcuts in ArcPad 10.02

Don't forget to bring your ArcPad questions and comments or your latest project and experiences to share!

I hope to see you there!

Read ArcPad AXF in ArcMap and ArcCatalog

2011-09-19T09:16:00.000+10:00

Now you can read your ArcPad AXF files directly in ArcMap or ArcCatalog using the ArcPad AXF Reader for FME.
The ArcPad AXF Reader for FME is available right now in FME 2011 SP4 and FME 2012 beta.
If you already have a license for FME, download either of these and start using the extension now. Join the ArcPad Beta program at http://betacommunity.esri.com/ to learn more about how you can use this extension.
If you do not have a license for FME, you can obtain a free temporary license right now from www.safe.com/arcpad
The ArcPad AXF Reader will be integrated in the ArcGIS 10.1 Data Interoperability Extension.

Facebook Poll

2011-09-14T13:14:00.002+10:00

Hi everyone,

We are currently running a facebook poll on:"What smartphone operating system must ArcPad support for your organization's mobile GIS requiremnents?"

<< CLICK HERE >>

ArcPad 10.0.3 Beta Is Available

2011-09-13T03:37:00.004+10:00

Apply @ betacommunity.esri.com to try out!

Facebook - Device Operation System Survey

2011-09-07T13:37:00.007+10:00

Hi everyone,

We are currently running a poll (not a pole) on your operating system of choice for ArcPad on our facebook page. We are really interested to see what you say.

<<< CLICK HERE >>>

We look forward to sharing the results.

Mobile GIS MeetUp. September Issue

2011-08-30T13:06:00.002+10:00

Are you a Fan of Mobile GIS?
Do you live in or near Melbourne, Australia?
Do you have a twitter account?

If you answered “Yes” to any of these then we would like to invite you to participate in our second Mobile GIS Meet Up.
We would love to give you, as users and developers, the opportunity to talk to each other about YOUR experiences (both successes and failures). The session will be on Wednesday 7th September. 4pm-6pm at the ArcPadTeam headquarters.

Numbers are limited therefore it is first in, best dressed! If you are in Melbourne and you would like to participate please email to reserve a place. If you are not available geographically, we will be running a live Q&A session via twitter for the rest of the planet to interact with us, so mark your question with #MobileGIS

Look forward to hearing from you all!

Trimble GPS Analyst extension for ArcGIS Desktop Update

2011-08-26T13:54:00.001+10:00

Trimble has released a update for GPS Analyst v2.40 (TGA240Update003) in response to the Esri reported issue SPRT00000726462: Start Editing on GPS Analyst Toolbar Causes ArcMap to Crash.

The TGA240Update003 is available both when you install GPS Analyst first time (it is automatically offered as a separate download) and when you already have it installed and use the option “Check for New Updates Now”.

ArcPad 10 Bootcamp in Corvallis, Oregon on beautiful OSU Campus - Sept 15/16th

2011-08-10T10:01:00.001+10:00

GeoMobile Innovations announces an ArcPad Bootcamp workshop at Oregon State University.

This special ArcPad 10 Bootcamp session will be held on September 15/16th on the beautiful Oregon State University campus in the GeoSciences Department Digital Earth lab (Wilkinson Hall).

Watch for more GeoMobile ArcPad training coming in 2012. Send in your registration form today to secure a seat for this great investment in ArcPad/GIS training!

This 2-day hands-on ArcPad Bootcamp is a must for new ArcPad users or users migrating to ArcPad 10. It is also great for GIS administrators who manage and support field crews using ArcPad.

ArcPad Technical Session @EsriUC Live on Twitter

2011-07-08T07:50:00.006+10:00

Hi everybody,

If you can't go to the Esri User Conference in San Diego this year, you can still be part of the action by following the ArcPad technical sessions live on twitter. You can follow the sessions on #ArcPad and #EsriUC.

This year we will be tweeting the best (and hopefully the most informative) slides live as we go through each session, but we will also be open for you to ask us questions. Even if you are in the audience and would prefer to type than raise your hand, then that's cool too!

ArcPad - Introduction to Customizing ArcPad Solutions

ArcPad - An Introduction

ArcPad - Advanced Customization of ArcPad

ArcPad/GeoCollector - A High Accuracy Field Application

So prefix your question or comment with #ArcPad or simply reply to the slide that is appropriate and if appropriate we'll talk about it and try to answer during the session.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Meeting the ArcPad Team - Denise

2011-07-08T04:01:00.000+10:00

Coming to the Esri User Conference? Then make sure you come find the ArcPad team and say hello. We love hearing about all the different projects that you use ArcPad for.
One of the people to look out is Denise King. Denise is the development technical lead for ArcPad in Support Services. Learn more about Denise on page 60 of the June ArcUser magazine. http://www.esri.com/news/arcuser/0611/files/arcuser54/pageflip.html

ArcPad @ Esri UC 2011

2011-06-21T14:18:00.000+10:00

Come and say hello to the ArcPad Team, and learn something new at the Esri UC in San Diego. As always there are technical workshops, demo theatre presentations, special interest groups and moderated paper sessions – below is the ArcPad schedule.

Tuesday, July 12
8:30AM - 9:45AM
Moderated Paper Session
Transportation
Technologies and Methods for Transportation Planning and Data Collection
23 A

11:30AM - 12:15PM
Demo Theater Presentation
Mobile GIS
Introduction to ArcPad
Exhibit Hall C (Mobile GIS Demo Theater)

12:00PM - 1:00PM
Special Interest Group Meeting
Mobile GIS
Magellan GIS/GPS solution - Magellan re-enters the GIS market!
25 C

12:30PM - 1:15PM
Demo Theater Presentation
Mobile GIS
Preparing and Deploying Data to ArcPad
Exhibit Hall C (Mobile GIS Demo Theater)

1:30PM - 2:45PM
Technical Workshop
Mobile GIS
ArcPad—Introduction to Customizing ArcPad Solutions
30 D

3:15PM - 4:30PM
Technical Workshop
Mobile GIS
ArcPad—An Introduction
31 B

Wednesday, July 13
12:00PM - 1:00PM
Client/Vendor Meeting
Mobile GIS
LaserGIS for ArcPad®
23 A

12:30PM - 1:15PM
Demo Theater Presentation
Mobile GIS
Using ArcPad in the field
Exhibit Hall C (Mobile GIS Demo Theater)

Thursday, July 14
8:30AM - 9:45AM
Moderated Paper Session
Defense and Intelligence
Mapping Military Training Areas
29 A

10:00AM - 10:45AM
Demo Theater Presentation
Mobile GIS
Customizing ArcPad
Exhibit Hall C (Mobile GIS Demo Theater)

11:00AM - 11:45AM
Demo Theater Presentation
Mobile GIS
Publishing an ArcPad Project to ArcGIS Server
Exhibit Hall C (Mobile GIS Demo Theater)

12:00PM - 12:30PM
Tech Workshop 20 Minute
Mobile GIS
ArcPad—Building great Apps
30 A

12:30PM - 1:00PM
Special Interest Group Meeting
Mobile GIS
ArcPad User Group Meeting
30 A

1:30PM - 2:45PM
Technical Workshop
Mobile GIS
ArcPad—Advanced Customization of ArcPad Solutions
31 B

3:15PM - 3:35PM
Tech Workshop 20 Minute
Mobile GIS
ArcPad/GeoCollector—A High Accuracy Field Mapping Solution
6 B

Welcome Shobana!

2011-06-02T11:42:00.004+10:00

Shobana has joined the ArcPad team this week and is warmly welcomed.

Her extensive technical experience in all phases of the software development life cycle, including C++ programming for the phone and mobile environments, will be a great enhancement to our development group .

Map Annotation in ArcPad 10.0.2

2011-05-31T14:19:00.000+10:00

It was one of the most requested features on the ArcGIS Ideas Forum and now it is here. MAP ANNOTATION!
If you are currently working with ArcPad 10.0.2, you may have already noticed the changes made to the ArcPad Graphics Layer (.apg file).
These include improved support for:
- Point / Line Symbology
- Polygon Fill Symbology
- Curved and Freehand Graphics
- Features with associated Text
- Label Rotation / Text Direction
- Recognition of Map Annotation Groups
Exporting your map annotations for field editing with ArcPad is easy!!
Use the ‘Get Data for ArcPad’ tool in the ArcPad Data Manager for ArcMap, to collect all of your map annotation and export each group into a separate ArcPad Graphics file.

Or export each map annotation group separately by using the ‘Export Graphics Layer for ArcPad’ tool in the ArcPad Data Manager to export the active annotation target.
After editing the annotation groups using ArcPad, check your edits back into ArcMap by using the ‘Import Graphics’ button in the ‘Get Data from ArcPad’ tool. This will import any graphics from the selected .apg file into the active annotation target in ArcMap.
You will be given the option to delete the previous features to remove any duplication.
So try out the ArcPad Map Annotation features for yourself and let us know what you think.
Download a trial version of ArcPad 10.0.2 here.

ArcPad 10.0.2 Now Available

2011-04-20T09:09:00.010+10:00

ArcPad 10.0.2 is now available for download from the Customer Care Portal.

With this build we have fixed bugs and introduced a few new tools:

Map Annotations

ArcPad App Shortcuts

ArcPad toolbar editing (on the desktop).

To read more about these click here to read the official press release.

Mobile GIS Meet Up

2011-04-14T15:29:00.009+10:00

Are you a Fan of ESRI Mobile GIS?
Do you live in or near Melbourne, Australia?
Do you have a twitter account?

If you answered “Yes” to any of these then we would like to invite you to participate in a Mobile GIS Meet Up!
We would love to give you, as users and developers, the opportunity to talk to each other about YOUR experiences (both successes and failures). The session will be on Wednesday 4th May. 4pm-6pm at the ArcPadTeam headquarters.

Look forward to hearing from you all!

Join the ArcPad Team

2011-04-14T14:12:00.002+10:00

Love ArcPad?

Love Mobile GIS?

Looking to advance your career?

Wish you could influence the design and future of ArcPad?

Then you may be interested in joining the ArcPad mangement team at Esri!

View the position description and apply today!

On-site ArcPad Training Option for Esri IncTrimble ArcPad offers

2011-03-24T09:00:00.000+11:00

When you purchase a Trimble offer from Esri Inc (U.S. only) you now also have the option to add on-site two-day training on ArcPad with Trimble GPS handheld(s) for up to 12 students by Electronic Data Solutions.

This course focuses on being productive with ArcPad in the field and how to collect and process high-quality GPS data with ArcPad, the Trimble GPScorrect extension for ArcPad, and the GPS Analyst extension for ArcGIS. You will learn best practices for geodatabase design and map authoring as they relate to mobile GIS projects, and you will get hands-on experience walking through the typical steps of an ArcPad data collection project.

Pricing includes student manuals for up to 12 students. Customer must provide one Trimble GPS Handheld and one machine supporting ArcGIS Desktop per 2 students at a minimum. Additional hardware can be provided upon request (rental fees apply). Pricing includes training as specified, airfare, car, hotel, per diem, and shipping of material. Pricing is also based on a minimum three-week lead time for scheduling.

Please remember you can search for any hardware package using the new and improved search tool at www.esri.com/hardware. The new tool has been aligned with ESRI Products and now allows customers to search Hardware Solutions by Solution type; Desktop, Server, Mobile, Data or Hardware Peripherals. You can also search by Hardware Partner or use a Keyword search. If you want to see all the promotions as a single view, go to http://www.esri.com/partners/hardware/hw_promo-all.html

ArcPad 10.0.2 Beta out now

2011-03-18T14:50:00.000+11:00

The ArcPad release cycle is changing. We now will have more frequent releases, meaning we can deliver useful features and enhancements to customers more often.

Those of you who went to the Business Partner Conference and Developer Summit in Palm Springs last week will have seen some great improvements to ArcPad that are now ready for all of you to try out:

Improved annotation and graphics layer support
Customization of toolbars from within ArcPad, and,
Ability to create ArcPad Apps

are all now ready for you to try out! Go to the Esri beta website http://beta.esri.com/ and apply to download ArcPad 10.0.2.

Just like the release cycle, the beta will be shorter than previous, so sign up right away!

ArcPad Resource Center

2011-03-17T09:18:00.009+11:00

Hi everyone,

Previously, the public used to upload cool scripts and projects to ArcScripts and we just wanted to let you know you that you can still contribute over at the Resources Center ArcPad Gallery.

ArcPad Resource Center Gallery

All you have to do is zip up your project and upload. And if you really want to you can make a nifty image for the display screen.

Just think you could zip up your project or script and other people can use them as ArcPad Templates! Read more about QuickProject Templates here

Update to creating Local Map Tiles - Version 2

2011-03-07T14:08:00.002+11:00

Hi everyone, we have updated the script so that this tool now works with any geographic reference in your MXD. To get the download – CLICK HERE. Please read the instructions!!!

---

Users often have lots of data that take out to the field purely for visual representation, however with that can come performance issues on mobile devices – as lots of features all on top of each other with labeling and complex symbology can take along time to draw (even on a pc). People do this though because: If you can’t see where you are how can you believe the GPS is in the correct location and if you have no GPS signal how else do you navigate around your project area without the functional base map?

It has often been advertised that you need your data to be as accurate as possible to determine where you are, but all data needs to be (and is) generalized based on the scale that you are viewing so that your PC can draw as fast as possible. As the diagram shows, when looking at a project working on Main land Australia, why should I even bother drawing the islands that are around it – sorry Tasmania (we still love you)! What you’ll also notice is that the boundary is a lot smoother as well. At this scale the map doesn’t need to draw 15,000,000 + vertices why not just a couple of thousand. These techniques are not new but I want to highlight them along with considering data as “project data”. It is of course a great idea to have a central repository for storage and management of data, but why not take a copy/version and process it so that it works the best it can for you!

Another method of generalizing vector data is building image tiles (caches) of them – sound familiar? This is the basic theory of ArcGIS Online, Bing and Google. They all edit vector data but they are now publishing image (rasters) tiles that draw much fasterer. It has always been faster to draw rasters in ArcPad but has seldom been taken up. Sound like a good idea? Now if you have ArcGIS Server you can take care of this out of the box with the geoprocessing tools for Server – see our other blog entry Basemap Image Tiles for ArcPad 10. Although if you don’t have ArcGIS Server but you do have ArcGIS 10 for the desktop then perhaps I can help with another approach.

As I mentioned before we believe in using project based data – where all data is manipulated whether it be labeling, scale references, generalization, query definitions, symbology and even Areas of interest. Please remember, your maps may look great in the office but are they functional in the field In the ArcPad Team R&D department (we’re allowed to say it’s an official department because we have a lab coat in the office) we used the new ArcGIS 10 ArcPy module to develop a Python script sample that exports the data frame you have set up in ArcMap to a series of TIFF tiles rendered at the scale you nominate using the tool. Phew, that was a mouthful! So in summary, it squishes all your vector layers together and cuts the map up in to little pieces so they’re nice and fast to use in ArcPad.

You could actually perform this function without the tool. In your map, simply set the scale to your desired working scale and then use the Export Map function under File > Export Map. Give the image a File name and in the options set the to write GeoTIFF tags and write the world file. Then loop through this until you have exported your map. I did this for a city area of about 8 km2 and it took about an hour to create 56 tiles. Even If you did it this way you have a great set of base tiles, and if you have any updates to your base vectors, you would only have to export the area that was affected.

For those that don’t want to do this approach manually I have scripted, basically exactly those steps into a geoprocessing tool. The tool will prompt you with a dialog box for your working scale and the folder location that you want to store the images. The script is only a SAMPLE of what you can do, if you are up for a challenge take the code further fix my mistakes! To get the download – CLICK HERE. Please read the instructions!!!

A couple of hints:

Being a sample this only work for data frames in ArcMap that are set to Meters (there’s the first challenge for you to fix).
If you hard code scale and folder location and the Map Document name into a script you could run this as a scheduled task so every day you could have updated tiles.
You may have to edit the Tools source and point it to the location where you extracted the files from the zip file.
You can use this on any data in your data frame, even Cloud services such as ArcGIS Online, Bing or OpenStreetMap! Whatever data you have sitting on top of these base maps will be combined.
TIFF is the best version for the ArcPad to render but you can edit the script to change the format that you want to use (remember, we suggest TIFF)
You could reload the tiles into ArcMap, set reference scales and use the data manager to send them to ArcPad then you have scale dependent rendering (Hey, maybe you can add that to the script as well!)

Once the images are created you will be able to load them straight into ArcPad. So get mapping and have fun!

ArcPad @ 2011 Esri Devsummit

2011-02-22T13:48:00.015+11:00

The ArcPad team is looking forward to meeting you and sharing the latest developments with ArcPad 10.

Two principal sessions in the

Demonstration Theater 2 , Oasis 1 have been planned:

Tuesday March 8th @ 1:00pm

Developing for Rapid Data capture with ArcPad 10

Presenter: Elvin Slavik

Description: This session will demonstrate new and enhanced capabilities in ArcPad 10, which accelerate deployment of project focused apps for rapid data capture including:

The QuickCapture toolbar
Building customized project templates
Form improvements including repeating attribute values

Wednesday March 9th @ 1:00pm

New Capabilities in Arcpad 10 for Advanced Developers

Presenter: Elvin Slavik

Description: ArcPad 10 introduces new capabilities for developers to easily build advanced solutions. This demonstration will present and work through some of these capabilities including:

New Forms capabilities for Related Tables
User Interface tweaks, such as configuring the Map Navigator
Working with ArcGIS Online Caches

Please remember, these sessions will not be recorded so it is very important that you attend in person to get the latest from the ArcPad team.

Join the ArcPad Team

2011-01-20T13:48:00.000+11:00

Love ArcPad?
Love mobile GIS?
Looking to advance your career?
Wish that you could influence the design and future of ArcPad?
Do you have the Right Stuff?

Then maybe you might be interested in joining the ArcPad management team at Esri!!

View the position description and apply!

Optimising the Hellenic Postal Service with ArcPad

2010-12-21T16:17:00.001+11:00

The Hellenic Postal Service have looked within their own organization to develop a project that will result in optimised delivery workloads for their postmen. Jumping straight from shapefiles in ArcView 3.2, to a geodatabase in ArcSDE 10 with Oracle 11g, the postal service have designed their own mobile GIS project and now have 48 tablet PC’s and people on the streets using ArcPad, following the postmen to update service points and sides of each road. Once this data is collected, the next phase of the project will be to calculate the times each postman needs to finish each days work. Service points will then be added or removed from each service area, to ensure all postmen have an optimal amount of service points for their work day.

This is a great project that demonstrates how readily ArcPad can used to improve business processes.

How to download ArcGIS Online cached tiles for offline use

2010-12-10T08:29:00.003+11:00

Hi everyone,

There is a new download available on the ArcPad Resources site, and it's pretty cool!

The applet allows you to download the tiles of a ArcGIS Server cached map service to your computer/device so you can still have beautiful cartographic basemaps when working without a network connection. This means you can download the area or interest and store it before you even go out into the field. You can also copy it across all your devices before going out into the field.

The tool will allow you to download any number of services that are in your ArcPad map but if you try to download lots of data, it may take some time. So I suggest NOT trying to download the entire planet at level 20!

So head over to our ArcPad Code & App Gallery and have fun!

Export Photo Layer Tool

2010-12-09T17:23:00.000+11:00

I noticed that the question of exporting photo layers came up in the recent training seminar, and is also on the Ideas portal. Time to revisit a tool that's actually been in the ArcPad installation since ArcPad 7 - Export Photo Layers to shapefiles. Is it an applet? Is it a tool? Is it a sample? Umm... (all of the above?). This lack of classification probably explains why it seems to have been missed in the various forms of documentation and discussion (Also the fact that there's very little to explain about it, other than its existence). How bout i make up for it right now?

In the ArcPad installation folder you will find a sub folder called \Tools\. In here are three files: PhotoLayerTools.apa, PhotoLayerTools.ico and ExportPhotoLayer.ico. Copy these files to your preferred applet folder (eg: C:\Users\Public\Documents\ArcPad\Applets) and start using the applet in ArcPad.

The applet functionality is very basic:

open a photo layer in ArcPad
tap the Export PhotoLayer button
select the photo layer from the dialog, and tap the Export PhotoLayer button.

When complete you will have a shapefile in your pictures folder, that you can use in other applications. Done.

Watch the Field GIS Seminar again

2010-12-08T09:35:00.003+11:00

If you missed the Field GIS seminar, its now online at
http://training.esri.com/acb2000/showdetl.cfm?did=6&Product_id=988
If you saw it the first time, watch the masters of demonstation, Todd and Chad, again.

Your questions answered from the Field GIS Collecting and Editing Data Using ArcPad 10 Seminar

2010-11-30T13:10:00.002+11:00

This blog entry contains both answered and unanswered questions submitted during the Live Training Seminar, which aired on November 18^th. Questions that were asked multiple times have been consolidated and will only appear once here in this document. If you have any additional questions, please contact Esri Support by calling 1-800-377-4575 or by visiting the Online Support page. Thank you for participating in the seminar!

-Todd Stuber and Chad Minteer

Common Questions: http://www.esri.com/software/arcgis/arcpad/common-questions.html

1. How does ArcPad differ from ArcGIS Mobile?

The products differ in key areas, such as system requirements, typical workflows, and target audience. ArcPad is a map-centric field GIS software toolkit that primarily is used for disconnected editing (although it does also work with ArcGIS Server). Data is typically prepared on the desktop and checked out for ArcPad using the ArcPad Data Manager Toolbar in ArcMap (although there are geoprocessing tools for this also).

A good discussion of the comparison points can be found at http://www.esri.com/software/arcgis/about/mobile-gis-for-you.html as well as the “Common Questions” link above.

Typical workflows are discussed at http://resources.arcgis.com/content/arcpad/10.0/workflows.

2. What GPS receivers does ArcPad support?

This question is answered in the “Common Questions” area linked above. In addition to the receiver protocols listed there (including NMEA 0183, TSIP, etc.), ArcPad also supports SiRF receivers.

3. How is editing through ArcPad different from editing with an ArcGIS Server Feature Service?

The main difference is that editing in ArcPad can be done in a disconnected mode whereas a feature service requires that a real-time connection to the service.

4. Are there predefined templates for specific projects (that save me the work of customizing?)

The old ArcScripts area (www.esri.com/arcscripts) and the new Galleries area (http://resources.arcgis.com/gallery/file/arcpad) both have free template samples. Also, ArcGIS Online (www.arcgis.com) is a place to share and obtain geodatabase layer packages to help you build your geodatabase more quickly.

However, if you have a geodatabase already, you may just need to learn about the ArcPad Data Manager extension in ArcGIS for checking that data out for ArcPad.

5. Do I need a wireless connection to use ArcPad?

No. The only functionality requiring Internet connectivity is synchronization with ArcGIS Server and ArcGIS Online base maps (although these can be cached as well). All data collection and field GIS functionality can be done without a wireless connection.

6. Does ArcPad support Palm OS?

No. ArcPad supports Windows and Windows Mobile operating systems. See http://www.esri.com/software/arcgis/arcpad/system-requirements.html for a complete list of supported platforms.

7. Is ArcPad available in any language other than English?

Yes. A full list is provided in the “Common Questions” link above.

8. Are more ArcPad templates added on a regular basis?

Sample QuickProject templates are not added to ArcPad on a regular basis. But, new sample applications and data entry forms are regularly added to the Gallery at http://resources.arcgis.com/gallery/file/arcpad.

9. Which brands of laser rangefinders are supported by ArcPad? Are there any that are not supported?

ArcPad supports specific laser communication protocols. This ends up meaning that many commonly used brands and models are supported. A full list is proved in the “Common Questions” link above.

10. Do I need a GPS in order to use ArcPad?

No. ArcPad can be used to collect and edit data without GPS, although GPS is often used at least to provide an orientation on the map even if the primary data collection is attributes.

11. Is ArcPad 10 any faster than previous versions of ArcPad?

The answer to this loaded question depends. Hardware, operating system, memory, data, symbology, customization, extensions, and communication all play a part in the answer. But overall, yes, ArcPad 10 performs more efficiently and makes better use of available resources on mobile devices.

The ArcPad Help contains a Best Practices article on how to speed up map performance in ArcPad. This article can be found online at http://help.arcgis.com/en/arcpad/10.0/help/index.html#/How_to_make_your_map_draw_faster/00s1000000wm000000/.

12. Can ArcPad 10 connect to services that have been created in 9.3?

Yes.

13. How do I transfer an ArcMap file into ArcPad used in a GPS mobile unit?

The ArcPad Data Manager extension (or Trimble GPS Analyst extension, which uses the ArcPad Data Manager) is used to check data out for ArcPad, and the resulting data folder is copied to the device after connecting it via Microsoft ActiveSync (XP) or Windows Mobile Device Center (Vista or 7).

14. How do I differentially correct the data collected using ArcPad?

Data collected in ArcPad can be post-processed if the connected GPS receiver supports it, and you have installed an ArcPad extension to record the necessary information. For example, the Trimble GPScorrect extension for ArcPad records data for post-processing if a supported Trimble MGIS receiver is connected.

If ArcPad connects to GPS using NMEA or SiRF protocol, that data cannot typically be post-processed. However, depending on the GPS receiver, real-time differential correction may be available on the receiver itself. However, ArcPad cannot be used to configure real-time correction settings on the receiver, although it can filter data based on its real-time corrected status.

15. I need to know how to create a custom data entry form/template

There are several ways to accomplish this. The most common is to set up domains, required fields, and default values in the geodatabase in ArcGIS desktop. Then, use the ArcPad Data Manager to check data out for ArcPad. Data entry forms are created automatically when data is checked out.

To create custom data entry forms, or modify the forms that are automatically created, use ArcPad Studio (which installed on the desktop with ArcPad).

16. Have you ever created an .apm that appears to disable the ability of your gps to activate? If so how did you fix?

No, I have not observed that behavior, which in any case would be unexpected behavior. It would be best to submit a support incident to Esri Support using the Support Portal at http://support.esri.com/en/.

17. I understand ArcPad 10 can stream Bing Maps. Can those be cached onto the unit to bring to the field? Or can they be streamed from the field? How would that be done?

Generally speaking, online content can be cached using desktop tools (depending on license level and installed products). However, Microsoft licensing with Bing maps requires that ArcPad dispose its cache every 24 hours. If your field device has Internet capability (through cellular for example), then online base maps can be added directly into ArcPad on the mobile. However, this is not always possible or practical. Another approach is to build a base map for use in ArcPad. An example of how to accomplish this using a developer sample can be found on the ArcPad Team Blog at http://arcpadteam.blogspot.com/2010/08/create-local-map-tiles.html.

18. Is there an extension included for differential correction?

No extension is included. The Trimble GPScorrect extension can be purchased separately through Trimble distributors. Additional extensions for differential correction may be available for other receiver brands. Check with the GPS receiver manufacturer for more information.

19. What scripting language is used in Arc Studio?

VBScript and JScript for mobile devices. Python can also be used for desktop Windows. ArcPad acts as a hosted scripting environment, so the scripting host supported by the operating system dictates this.

20. I do not have ArcGIS Server, can I still use the base maps?

Yes. The online base maps demonstrated were from ArcGIS Online.

21. Do you need a wireless connection to add a sever base maps?

Yes.

22. How do you import a photo layer into ArcMap?

Third-party software tools such as Wind Image for ArcMap, GPS Photo Link, and Ricoh Data Manager (which is available with Ricoh GPS cameras) can process georeferenced photos and create point features in shapefiles or geodatabase feature classes.

23. Can you make the Icons on Toolbars larger so they are easier to see on the field device?

Yes, this is a simple change in ArcPad. It’s kind of hard to find – it’s in Toolbar Options, which is accessible from the toolbar drop-down (tiny drop-down in grey toolbar area).

24. Where are photos saved for the photopoints? Are they saved on the SD card of the device?

The ArcPad photo layer can be created wherever you choose. Photos for the photo points are saved in that location.

Hyperlinked pictures are stored wherever the AXF file is stored.

Photos taken with the ArcPad camera button that are not part of a photo layer or linked to any features will be stored in the location specified in ArcPad Options.

25. I've noticed when checking out with ArcPad Data Manager in ArcGIS 10, the checkout at 'defined extent' kills ArcGIS 10. Is this a known problem?

This may be data-dependent. It would be best to submit a case to Esri Support to get to the bottom of it.

26. Are there any patches available for ArcPad 10?

Yes, ArcPad 10.0.1 (Service Pack 1) is available for download at http://resources.arcgis.com/content/patches-and-service-packs?fa=viewPatch&PID=26&MetaID=1709.

27. Are there any problems using ArcPad 10 with ArcGIS Desktop 9.3?

ArcPad 10 can be used with ArcGIS Desktop 9.3. The ArcPad Data Manager that is presented to the user on the desktop will be the same as what you’re used to with ArcPad 8. This only means that features of the ArcPad 10 Data Manager, such as Photo Fields, will not be available. Otherwise, AXF checkout and check-in will work as usual. Future Service Packs will only include fixes for the ArcPad 10 Data Manager however.

28. Will ArcPad be ported to the Windows Phone 7 device in the future?

Currently there are no plans to support this OS.

29. How accurate is GPS collection in ArcPad?

This depends entirely on the receiver used. Consumer GPS is typically 1-5 meter accuracy. Mapping or Utility grade GPS is typically sub-foot to 5 meter accuracy. ArcPad does support RTK, or survey-grade, GPS receivers, which are cm-level accuracy.

30. Can you link multiple pictures to one point? Is it possible to display the direction of photo taken in ArcPad if you have a camera that has the capability of storing that info?

Yes. This would require multiple photo fields, or a related table for attachments.

ArcPad does not support symbol rotation, so direction could not be indicated through symbology in ArcPad. Also, for cameras that have compasses built in, ArcPad does not have out-of-the-box capabilities to store that information as an attribute in a table.

31. How do I export a .img raster using ArcGIS 9.3.1 sp2 to ArcPad?

Use ArcGIS Desktop tools to convert it to a supported image format, or run it through the ArcPad Data Manager to convert to JPEG2000 format.

32. Will a large MrSID file work with ArcPad 10 on a Juno Trimble SB?

This depends. Large file sizes do tend to work well in ArcPad with a display scale set, so that the image is not displaying at all scales. However, speed and performance also depend on other factors, such as storage media, other map data (size, symbology).

33. I have been using ArcPad for a while and don't see how to add time as well as date when a point is recorded. How do I do that?

Shapefiles don’t support Time fields, or Date/Time fields. Recording a time value in a text attribute requires scripting. Some samples are available on ArcScripts or Galleries.

34. Do you make changes to toolbars on the mobile unit or on the desktop version also?

The only toolbar that can be modified in the field is the Favorites toolbar. Toolbars can be hidden or displayed also. Otherwise, modifications are made using the ArcPad Toolbar Manager.

35. What is the major difference between ArcPad 7 vs. ArcPad 10?

The best answer to this is What’s New in ArcPad 10 (as well as What’s New in ArcPad 8). This can be found at http://www.esri.com/software/arcgis/arcpad/whats-new.html.

36. How many coordinates system does ArcPad supports. Is this number equal to ArcGIS 10?

ArcPad supports nearly every coordinate system that desktop ArcGIS does.

37. Is it possible to edit forms once they are created?

Yes. ArcPad Studio can be used to edit existing forms.

38. Can we do Linear Referencing with ArcPad? I work in gas and oil pipelines and need real-time stationing.

ArcPad currently does not support linear referencing; however, there are two enhancement requests in place asking that this be added to a future release:

CQ00125395: DATA Add: Add basic dynseg / linear referencing / measures for transportation market
CQ00168295: OBJ Add: Rudimentary Linear Referencing capabilities via OM

Please contact Esri Support if you wish to be added to these requests.

39. Is ArcPad 10 compatible with ArcGIS 9.3.1? Specifically, can I use the check-in check-out tools on the ArcPad toolbar?

Yes. The ArcPad toolbar can still be used to check out shapefiles, and ArcPad 10 can still use them. However, the ArcPad toolbar has been removed from ArcGIS 10. The ArcPad Data Manager is used instead.

40. Do you have to have the GPS correct and GPS analyst extensions to use ArcPad on Trimble units?

No. Trimble GPS receivers typically output NMEA, TSIP, or SiRF protocol. However, without GPScorrect and GPS Analyst (or Pathfinder Office), post-processing is not possible. Additionally, real-time correction and receiver settings control may require using Trimble GPS Controller, a free download from www.trimble.com/support.

41. Can you give more info on what RTK is and how to use it?

RTK (real-time kinematic) refers to survey-grade GPS equipment. ArcPad does not provide any tool s for controlling RTK receivers, but can connect to and use data from them if they output data in a supported protocol.

42. We have a Trimble Juno SB with a camera. Can this work directly with the photo layer option?

Yes.

43. The laser rangefinder provides a direction; how do you gain the azimuth or direction for the offset? With a lensatic compass? Does the software have magnetic declination data?

Most supported rangefinders measure at least distance and inclination angle. Some include a magnetic compass, so provide a bearing referenced to magnetic North. Correction to true North is accomplished by entering a magnetic declination on the laser, or in ArcPad (offset options).

44. Is there some type of correction with the camera? Photos of the object is not totally accurate.

There is no photo editing or image correction capability built in to ArcPad. Photo quality is completely dependent on the camera used.

45. When you have multiple people in the field editing the same database, how do you ensure that edits are not overwritten during the synchronization process?

This is a good question. The answer depends to some extent on the database that is used. For example, if checking data in and out directly to an SDE version, SDE provides tools for managing conflicts. In the case of personal or file geodatabases, the last edit wins, just as it does in desktop with multiple potential editors. In that case, potential conflicts are controlled by business process rather than software.

46. For someone that is transitioning from Pathfinder Office. What is equivalent to the .ddf data dictionary file? For instance in your last example with poles and lights and the sub options. Is that all created in QuickProject?

The equivalent to a data dictionary’s feature-attribute-attribute value taxonomy is a geodatabase feature class-domain-value. ArcCatalog is used to create a geodatabase with features, attributes (fields in attribute tables), default values, required attributes (allow null: false), domains (range domains for numeric fields, coded value domains for menu lists).

Training classes are available that cover all of this. See http://www.trimble.com/training.shtml to search for Trimble Certified Mobile GIS Trainers, all of whom teach ArcPad data collection workflows.

47. Can rangefinder locations be taken from an airplane or does it need to come from a fixed position?

Sure. The reference position for the laser measurement would be the GPS position at the time of the measurement.

48. Can a field be autonumber?

This would require scripting in ArcPad Studio.

49. Does ArcPad 10 support NULL numeric values? ArcPad 8 would automatically plug in a zero into the attribute table, which is a totally different thing.

Yes it does. The erroneous insertion of zeros for NULL values at ArcPad 8 was a bug (CQ00311122 – AXF Forms are showing NULL values as zero). This was fixed with the release of 10.

50. Are ArcPad Templates created using ArcPad Studio?

Studio is not required to create a template. Use ArcPad Data Manager to check out an AXF file along with an ArcPad map file called “Template.apm” then ZIP the data up and place it in the ArcPad Templates folder.

51. Can you add symbols to the quick capture tool bar?

You can use the Table of Contents to manage the contents of the Quick Capture toolbar. However, you can only add layers or categories that are already available. Symbol categories can only be defined in ArcMap and modified in ArcPad.

52. How is the bearing determined using the laser range finder?

Some range finders (Laser Technology TruPulse 360 for example) include a digital compass to measure the bearing. If not, bearing can be manually entered based on a compass measurement.

53. Can you create forms in ArcPad Studio using .axf files and related tables? Can you reuse forms if you modify the geodatabase?

Yes and yes. To reuse a form click the Layer Definition Template checkbox when checking the data out to assign an existing form to a particular layer.

54. Can the tables that we are seeing be made larger or wider? It seems to crowd a lot of text in dropdowns, etc.?

Yes, although this depends on screen size.

55. How does one get support for GPScorrect?

Support for GPScorrect can be obtained through Esri Support with a current ArcPad license, or through the Trimble dealer or business partner that you purchased GPScorrect. Paid support can also be obtained from Trimble Priority Support at (866) 560-6200.

56. Does ArcPad 10 run on Win7 x64?

Yes.

57. I have a custom toolbar from V8 without the quick capture shown on it. How do I quickly turn quick capture on/add it on the device.

The QuickCapture toolbar will display by default with an ArcPad.apx file created by ArcPad 10. If your toolbar is part of an applet that suppresses standard toolbars, the QuickCapture toolbar will display unless it is suppressed.

58. Does ArcPad10 allow me to split lines in the field?

No. If this is something you think ArcPad should do, please post your idea on http://ideas.arcgis.com.

59. Are there certain times of day when satellites work better and/or collecting data is better?

To some extent, yes. Trimble has a free Planning utility available at www.trimble.com/support (find Trimble Planning) that shows this information. Trimble GPScorrect also has a Plan section that shows the satellite coverage for the upcoming 12 hours.

60. Can you link directly from ArcPad 10 to your SDE server?

Yes. You can check data out from an SDE database/version, and back in. You can also synchronize ArcPad with ArcGIS Server using the ArcGIS Server ArcPad Extension.

61. Is there any place on the ERSI website that has lots of info on ArcPad? With examples and a technical manual?

Yes. The ArcPad Resources Page contains a lot of content, which is constantly updated.

ArcPad Product Landing Page: http://www.esri.com/software/arcgis/arcpad/index.html

ArcPad Resources Page: http://resources.arcgis.com/content/arcpad/10.0/about

Esri Support: http://www.esri.com/support

Esri Training: http://training.esri.com

62. I’m having trouble activating the GPS. I am using the Trimble Nomad. Settings? COM port?

Ensure the SiRF extension is enabled in ArcPad (Advanced Options > Extensions). The Nomad can output NMEA or SiRF. To reset the Nomad to NMEA output, bring up the power menu (hold power button) then Power Off. After turning the unit back on, it will output NMEA on COM2 at either 4800 or 9600 baud (depending on the model). In ArcPad GPS Preferences, use the Find GPS functionality (search or “binoculars” button) to search for the right COM port and baud.

63. Can you traverse to an area using a range finder (i.e. multiple reference points under canopy)?

Yes. Linear and radial traverses with laser rangefinders are supported in ArcPad.

64. Do you have to have a GPS enabled camera to hyperlink photos? Or do you just need Bluetooth capability?

To hyperlink photos, you need either a device with a built-in camera, or some way to get photos from the camera to the device. Some cameras can transfer via Bluetooth or WiFi. Also, Trimble TrimPix Pro software can be used with nearly any digital camera that has an SD card slot, and any device that has WiFi.

65. Does ArcPad 10 have logic capabilities within the forms design?

Sure. Whatever (il-) logic is supported by VBScript is supported in form design.

66. Can I check in and check out a geodatabase multiple times allowing me to see previously recorded information?

What you’re asking for sounds like archive versions in SDE. Check-in history is not preserved by the ArcPad Data Manager, so this would depend on other tools.

67. Is there any restriction on Personal vs. File geodatabases for checkout to axf?

No, not by design.

68. Is there a limitation of the update rate of the GPS position in ArcPad 10? If You are using a GPS device.

No, ArcPad does not impose a particular update rate. If the streaming interval is set to 1 in ArcPad, and the GPS receiver outputs at 10 Hz, then ArcPad will read and store at 10 Hz (depending of course on hardware and processing power).

69. Can you check out data into an .axf and provide it to multiple mobile units? Can you check out an additional .axf file before the data is checked in?

Yes. Checkout information is stored in the AXF file itself, so one checkout can be deployed to multiple field devices. Yes, additional checkouts can be performed before the first is checked in.

70. What types of geodatabases are needed for the 2 workflows?

Good question. Disconnected editing is supported by all geodatabases (personal, file, multi-user). ArcGIS Server with ArcPad Server extension requires the enterprise (SDE) geodatabase.

71. Can more than one mobile device update the GIS server at the same time under the GIS server work flow?

Of course; that’s the idea behind a service. Multiple synchronizations can occur simultaneously.

72. Can related tables in ArcPad 10 handle relationship classes related by Global ID? Such as source FC Global ID and a table GUID (also has own separate GlobalID) field relation in SDE. Had trouble in 10, worked in 8.

This should work; if not, please bring this to the attention of Esri Support.

73. Do you need an extension to ArcGIS Server to consume an editable map service in ArcPad?

No. But, in order to synchronize with Server, you would need the ArcPad Extension for ArcGIS Server.

74. Can multiple polygons be drawn as part of one record in the attributes?

No, ArcPad does not support multi-part polygon creation.

75. Is there an integrated tool which uses the distance from two known points to plot the intersection for the accurate plotting of an inaccessible feature when directional data is unavailable or of limited accuracy?

Yes. A 2-point offset can be entered. Enable Point Offset, and after the Offset form displays, switch to the 2-point offset form. Bearing-Bearing and Distance-Distance offsets are supported.

76. Can ArcPad 10 handle renaming the photos taken with the mobile device? "Tree_001.jpg" vs. "Photo_001.jpg"?

Yes to some extent. ArcPad Options has settings for renaming photos using a prefix (user-configurable) as well as Date/Time. Other options may be available via 3rd-party extensions to ArcPad.

77. Can you check out only queried data into an .axf file?

Yes. The final panel of the Get Data for ArcPad wizard allows you to check out only data that satisfies a definition query, only selected features, only the visible extent, and other options. So, you could run a query first, then check out.

78. What did you "uncheck" to be able to create points without answering attribute questions?

There is now an additional column of check-boxes in the Table of Contents to show or hide the edit form.

79. Can multiple users check out the same data from a database at the same time?

Yes, both multiple checkouts from the same database and a single checkout copied to multiple devices are supported.

80. Will ArcGIS ever be available for Android?

The ArcPad development team has not announced any plans as of yet.

81. Are there significant changes in ArcPad 10 since ArcPad 8?

Yes, there have been quite a few changes made to ArcPad since 8.0. The following link describes many of these changes: http://www.esri.com/software/arcgis/arcpad/whats-new.html

82. Is there a limit to the number of tool buttons/bars that can be used?

Technically no, there is no limit to adding tools to a toolbar. However, there will be a definite limit to how many tools will be visible on your screen at any given time so this needs to be taken into account.

83. Is the find tool still limited to 500 lines on the results tab?

No. If more than 500 records are returned, a dialog box will ask if you want to show all the records.

84. The buttons look bigger than in previous versions of ArcPad. Is this correct?

Yes, this is correct. The buttons got a new updated look at ArcPad 8.0.

85. Is there a preferred camera to use with the GPS unit?

Esri does not recommend one camera manufacturer over another, just that they meet system requirements. Please see the following link for supported digital cameras in ArcPad:

http://help.arcgis.com/en/arcpad/10.0/help/index.html#/Supported_digital_cameras/00s100000088000000/

86. Please give a quick summary of what it is that ArcPad Toolbar manager customizes?

The ArcPad Toolbar Manager allows you to create or modify a toolbar configuration file (e.g. ArcPad.apx etc.) without the need of ArcPad Studio. To launch the ArcPad Toolbar Manager, go to Start > All Programs > ArcGIS > ArcPad 10 > ArcPad Toolbar Manager.

87. How can I download the data from the desktop to the mobile device?

Data to use in ArcPad can be transferred to a mobile device from the desktop simply by copying and pasting it through either an ActiveSync (XP) or Mobile Device Center (Vista, 7) connection.

88. Is free ArcPad 10 license available with each ArcView 10 desktop license?

A free license of ArcPad does not come with ArcGIS Desktop. A full version of ArcPad is available for download on the ArcPad product page and can be used in 20 minute increments without a license.

89. How stable is ArcPad 10? We are new to it and hearing that it is having issues crashing... should we be worried?

No. ArcPad 10 is extremely stable and uses resources much more efficiently than its predecessors. If you do run into any issues please contact Esri Support. They will need to be looked at on a case-by-case basis.

90. Is it possible to cut and merge polygons in ArcPad 10?

No, ArcPad cannot split and merge polygons.

91. Can you use the toolbar manager in previous versions of ArcPad?

Yes. The Toolbar Manager was introduced at ArcPad 8.0, but can be used to edit configuration files (i.e. ArcPad.apx, ArcPadPrefs.apx, etc.) from earlier versions. Please note that any functionality that is introduced at the later release, cannot be added to a toolbar to be used in a previous release. For example, a toolbar that was created and currently used at ArcPad 8.0 can be edited using the ArcPad 10 toolbar manager. However, the QuickCapture tools cannot be added to that toolbar and used at 8.0.

92. Are there any problems or concerns with using ArcPad on a laptop only? I like to have more screen available.

There are no problems running ArcPad on a laptop instead of a mobile device. In fact there are some great advantages. One is the screen size you mention here. The other is the fact you can take advantage of the laptops higher processing power and storage capacity.

93. How or where do you set up the photo layer and associate it with the attribute information? For example we are collecting data on bluebird boxes and want to have images for the maintenance team to see what needs attention.

This is done in the last screen of the checkout process in ArcMap. You will associate which field will contain the hyperlinks to the images and which folder the images will be saved to once the data is checked back in. More details on how to incorporate photos into your workflow can be found here.

94. Can ArcPad 10 work with a 9.3.1 backend?

Yes, ArcPad 10 can be installed with ArcGIS 9.3.1, but it will revert to the 8.0 version of the Data manager Toolbar.

95. Has ESRI written a new book on using ArcPad 10 like they had for some of the older versions of this and other software? I have found these to be real valuable.

There is not a book published as of yet outside of the tutorials that come installed with ArcPad. This would be a good submission for the ArcGIS Ideas site.

96. Can I create survey forms for ArcPad so workers in the field can collect spatially referenced survey data?

Yes. Forms to collect this type of data can be created using ArcPad Studio.

97. Is it possible to use ArcPad in augmented reality environment?

No, ArcPad cannot be used in an augmented reality environment.

98. I used ArcPad 7.11 and tried to move up to ArcPad 8 but it worked very slowly on our GeoXH 2008 Trimble. Will this still be a problem with ArcPad 10?

Several performance enhancements were made to ArcPad 10 allowing it to run much more efficiently on mobile devices and take better advantage of the available resources. We have received a lot of positive feedback from users who have seen this boost in performance.

99. Without building a query statement, is there a way to look at the entire contents of feature table - and select individual record to pan to or edit the attributes?

This can be done using the Find tool.

100. Can the LaserTech be customized as well?

The LaserTech Rangefinder itself cannot be customized.

101. Does connecting a cell phone to do real time correction make a real difference with ArcPad 10?

Any kind of real-time corrections to the data to increase the accuracy of the positions is always a good thing! For example, The published specification for WAAS accuracy is approximately 5 meters horizontally, and 7.6 meters vertically. As a comparison, the published specification of the U.S. Coast Guard beacon system is 10 meters.

102. Does ArcPad have a tool or is there an extension available that creates random or systematically random (grid) points?

Unfortunately no there is not.

103. Can you set the view to automatically pan with the GPS location as center?

Yes. In the GPS Preferences window, check the box marked Automatically Pan View.

104. In the pole inspection example did you have to develop those data entry forms or does ArcPad already pre populate the forms, drop downs etc. based on the existing point file attributes?

The EditForms from the demos are generated automatically from the Data Manager Toolbar and the dropdowns are created when a field has a subtype or domain associated with it.

105. With Trimble GPScorrect will I be forced to operate out of a PGDB or is their functionality allowing me to work out of SDE?

GPScorrect currently only supports personal geodatabases. The suggested workflow, for those of you using SDE, is to create a replica database and work out of that. The changes made to the child replica can then be synchronized back to the parent database.

106. When editing multiple features, do you still have to highlight the pencil icon and choose the layer or can you just click on the quick capture tool.

The QuickCapture tool eliminates the need to click on the pencil icon to make a new layer editable. All you need to do is click on the symbol icon of the layer you wish to edit and it is automatically made editable.

107. How do you develop Quick project custom templates?

The ArcPad Team Blog has a great workflow, including a video posted on how to create custom templates.

108. Does ArcPad support collecting streaming data from an external sensor? This data would be from an RS-232 chip in a radiation detection instrument and updated every second.

Yes, ArcPad can do this by reading the data via the auxiliary serial port. You will most likely have to do some scripting in order for ArcPad to understand the incoming signal from the instrument.

109. How is it possible to judge if the GPS data is correct or are influenced by high buildings?

Check the skyplot window as you get closer to the buildings. If you start to see satellites drop out, you know that you are losing signal integrity. You can also monitor the PDOP values on the GPS Status ribbon on the screen. The higher the value, the more interference is being generated and the higher the possibility of a less accurate reading.

110. How do we get the quick capture tool tab to show up?

The QuickCapture tool is part of the default set of toolbars installed with ArcPad 10. It is the Pencil icon with the green checkbox next to it.

111. Is there a way of making the select symbol larger when we select a feature?

If you mean the highlighting around the symbol you are selecting, yes it can be made larger. In the Options window choose the Display tab. You will see the highlight option is set to a width of 3 pixels by default. You can change this value to something larger so it is easier to see.

112. Are QuickForms still available?

Yes they are. QuickForms are generated automatically upon checkout of the data.

113. Any plans to develop Arc Pad for iPad?

Not at this time.

114. What's the best way to update features mapped on daily bases, as an example..creating model builder, or get a replica geodatabase and use editing session?

Model Builder would be a great way of doing this. Most of the tools available on the Data manager toolbar are also available as geoprocessing tools in ArcPad Tools toolbox. These tools can be incorporated into a model which can then be run as an automated process. More information can be found here, including a link to a sample script.

115. We have had multiple issues checking data out to a network drive, and have had to work around checking out to a local drive and copying all the files. Have there been any solutions for this problem?

Yes. This bug, CQ00311502, has been fixed at ArcPad 10 SP1.

116. If you use the Data Manager to check out data which creates all your forms, etc., what workflow would you use to check this data back in using Trimble's GPS Analyst extension?

GPS Analyst will install it’s own toolbar in ArcMap. On the toolbar there are two buttons that can be added allowing a user to check data out to AXF format and back in. These buttons use the engine from the ArcPad Data manager and will create the same forms that ArcPad does. You can still check the data back in using the Check In ArcPad AXF File and GPScorrect SSF tool.

117. What versions of ArcPad work with ArcGIS Server 10.0?

ArcPad versions 8.0 and 10 are compatible with ArcGIS Server 10.

118. Can you provide any ArcGIS references on designing a network connection from internet to ArcGIS server located in a private network?

Resources for ArcGIS Server can be found here. If specific information regarding your network is not there, you can also contact Esri’s System Integration team by emailing them at sihelp@esri.com.

119. Is topology preserved through ArcPad edits?

No, ArcPad does not currently support topology.

120. Is the real-time processing as accurate as desktop post-processing?

Generally speaking, real-time differential correction tends to be slightly less accurate than post-processing.

121. To date we've been using shapefiles. In order to get the ArcPad 10 functionality, do we need to use geodatabases? i.e. can we use shapefiles? And if yes, what functionality will we lose?

You can still use shapefiles with ArcPad but there are limitations. For example, you cannot check out a shapefile for editing using the Data Manager toolbar; they can only be copied out as background reference data. The only way to edit shapefiles is to manually copy them onto the mobile unit, then copy them back to the computer after the edits have been made. Working from geodatabases is the recommended workflow.

You can still use shapefiles with ArcPad but there are limitations. For example, you cannot check out a shapefile for editing using the Data Manager toolbar; they can only be copied out as background reference data. The only way to edit shapefiles is to manually copy them onto the mobile unit, then copy them back to the computer after the edits have been made. Shapefiles also do not support domain information or date\time fields. Working from geodatabases is the recommended workflow.

122. Is there any minimum resolution requirement for using ArcPad 10 on handheld devices?

No, there is no minimum resolution requirement. For more details, please see the ArcPad 10 System Requirements page.

123. Is the functionality for moving pictures to a particular location only supported for photo point features or can it work for a feature class with photos added to an attribute?

This absolutely can be done for feature classes that wish to use a hyperlink to a photo stored as an attribute. The last screen of the Data Manager allows a user to designate which folder the photos will be moved to upon check in.

124. I just wanted to be clear that Arc Pad 10 is not compatible with ArcView 9.3?

ArcPad 10 is compatible with ArcGIS 9.3, however the 8.0 version of the data manager toolbar will be installed. See this blog entry for more details.

125. What are some differences or advantages between deploying ArcPad vs. ArcGIS Mobile

Some advantages of deploying ArcPad include the following:

- Editing existing geometry. If you make a mistake , you can go back and correct those mistakes at any time. This is particularly handy especially when you are 58 miles into a 125 mile stretch of collecting transmission line data.

- Creating data from scratch out in the field. ArcGIS Mobile does not have this capability.

- Support for related tables

- The use of laser rangefinders

- The ability, through the use of GPScorrect and GPS Analyst, to post-process data.

126. Can ArcPad 10 be used for survey line work i.e. projecting a line from a given point a distance and bearing?

Yes. The Linear Travers tool can be used for this.

127. Is there any list of compatible GPS devices that can synchronize with ArcPad 10? Is NMEA compliance the only way to figure out if a device would work with application?

ArcPad supports various GPs protocols so if your device can output to one of these, then it should be able to connect to ArcPad. Supported protocols include NMEA 0183, Earthmate, PLGR, SiRF, or TSIP.

128. How does the caching of ArcGIS online work? How much can be cached, how much space does it take up?

Caching works by breaking up the Basemap into individual tiles at different scale levels. This allows the software to stitch back only the information needed for a given area, saving time and process memory. There is not a limit on how much can be cached at one time except for the amount of physical memory you have free on your device at any given time. The space it takes up will vary depending on the area being cached and at what scale level.

129. Does ArcPad 10 and ArcGIS Mobile support post processing differential correction?

Neither ArcPad nor ArcGIS Mobile directly support post-processing. However, Trimble GPScorrect, an extension for ArcPad, writes satellite information to a file on the mobile device. These files then can be used by Trimble GPS Analyst, an extension for ArcGIS Desktop, for post-processing.

130. Does this customization employ VBA coding?

ArcPad uses VBscript and Jscript on the mobile device for customizations. Extensions for ArcPad can built using C++.

131. Do all hyperlinked photos have to be in the same folder on the Windows Mobile device?

Not necessarily. If you are associating existing photos to existing features then the photos can reside in multiple folders. If you are taking new photos then ArcPad will require you to choose a specific folder to save them to.

132. How do you install ArcPad on a second device?

Use the ArcPad Deployment Manager to install ArcPad to multiple devices.

133. Is there a list of bar code scanners that are compatible with ArcPad 10?

There is not. Some customization is needed in order to translate the data being sent from the barcode scanner to a format ArcPad can read.

134. Can you log carrier data in ArcPad 10?

ArcPad can log carrier and H-Star data via the GPScorrect extension.

135. I've had some trouble checking out deployments for ArcPad using the ArcPad Data Manager in ArcMap since v10 was released. Sometimes this causes ArcMap to shut down. Is there a way around this or an upcoming patch to correct this?

This is hard to pinpoint without more information. Your best bet would be to contact Esri Support to talk to an analyst.

136. How do you know if GPScorrect is installed on your device?

GPScorrect will install its own toolbar in ArcPad. You can also tap the Start > Programs to see if GPScorrect is listed

137. How can stakeout data be collected through ArcPad and what would the absolute accuracy of data/features be 3 dimensionally?

Stakeout data would be collected via a real-time kinematic (RTK) GPS link which can deliver sub-centimeter accuracy both horizontally and vertically.

138. Can ArcPad be extended with C#?

Yes, ArcPad functionality can be extended with C#.

139. Were the related tables’ part of a quick project? or part of geodatabase you transferred over via data manager?

The related tables used in the demos were part of a geodatabase and were checked out using the data manager toolbar. The forms were the default EditForms ArcPad generates upon checkout, no customizations were done.

140. How does real-time update work?

Real-time updates work by synchronizing ArcPad and ArcGIS Server via any internet connection.

141. Can a quick project be created on the mobile device, or only on the desktop?

QuickProjects can be created from scratch on the mobile device. See the ‘Getting Started with a new QuickProject’ section of the online help for more details.

142. We have units that are still running the ArcPad 7 & 8 platforms; are there also trainings available for those?

Some good documentation for ArcPad 7.1.1 can be found here. Be sure to also take a look at the QuickStart tutorials that come installed with the software as well. For more comprehensive training.

143. Can you suggest a virtual GPS device for testing the ArcPad - GPS workflow for a beginner?

ArcPad Studio 10 comes with a mobile device emulator allowing you to run a virtual mobile device for testing. Different types of mobile devices and operating systems can be downloaded from the Microsoft Download Center.

144. How would you use 'Move to GPS' with a laser rangefinder (i.e. an offset)?

The ‘Move to GPS’ function will move an existing vertex to the current GPS location. If you are using a rangefinder and need to move a vertex to the resulting offset, the workflow is slightly different. You would create the offset using the laser rangefinder first. This would give you the X and Y location. You would then use the Move To command and enter the X and Y location of the offset.

Latest versions of Software / Firmware related to ArcPad as of: NOV 2010

2010-11-30T12:24:00.002+11:00

Trimble have recently released an update to GPSCorrect, and of course Service Pack 1 is the latest release of ArcPad 10.

Version 3.15 of the GPScorrect extension for Esri ArcPad software includes the
following updates:
• On a Windows Mobile® powered device, the extension correctly identifies ArcPad 10.
• The GPScorrect extension icon is visible on the ArcPad toolbar.
• The extension correctly writes the ArcPadPrefs.apx file to \My Documents\My ArcPad.
• The extension correctly identifies the COM port for a Juno® series handheld as COM4.

Organisation	Software / Firmware	Current Version No
ESRI	ArcPad	10.0.1
Microsoft	Active Sync (XP)	4.5
Microsoft	Device Center (Vista and Windows 7)	6.1
TDS	Nomad Firmware	1.0.4
Trimble	GeoExplorer 2008 Series GPS and OS Firmware	2.03 and 6.1
Trimble	GeoExplorer 2005 Series GPS and OS Firmware	1.82 and 5.1.16
Trimble	GPS Correct	3.15
Trimble	GPS Analyst	2.3

Using ADODB in VBScript to open AXFs

2010-11-18T13:40:00.008+11:00

There may come a time when you need to read and update AXFs outside of ArcPad and ArcGIS. For such scenarios consider using ADODB and Windows Script Host (WScript.exe and CScript.exe). This makes use of the fact that the AXFs are SQL Server Compact databases.

Save the following to a script called ListPoles.vbs.

Dim con

Set con = CreateObject("ADODB.Connection")
con.Provider = "Microsoft.SQLSERVER.MOBILE.OLEDB.3.0"
con.Open "C:\Users\Public\Documents\ArcPad\Samples\Riverside\Riverside_mdb.axf"

Dim rs
Set rs = con.Execute("SELECT COUNT(*) FROM POLES")
WScript.Echo rs.Fields(0).Value

This script determines the number of Pole records in the Riverside AXF. Running it should show 73 in a Windows dialog box.

In fact, there are several ways you can run this script. If you're using 32-bit versions of Windows (XP, Vista, Windows 7, ...) then the easiest way to run it is via double clicking on the ListPoles.vbs from File Explorer and the result would appear in a Windows dialog box.

If you're using 64-bit versions of Windows you have to use WOW64 redirection by opening a Command Prompt window and running C:\Windows\SysWOW64\WScript.exe ListPoles.vbs (i.e. instead of C:\Windows\System32\WScript.exe ListPoles.vbs).

If you want the WScript.Echo to show it's results to the Command Prompt window instead of a Windows dialog box then you should use CScript.exe instead of WScript.exe.

Using this ADODB technique to manage your AXFs means you can build a library of maintenance, reporting or data conversion scripts which all can run without the need of loading either ArcPad or ArcGIS. This may be a valuable option when building custom solutions.

Join the ArcPad Team

2010-11-18T13:02:00.004+11:00

Love ArcPad?
Love mobile GIS?
Looking to advance your career?
Wish that you could influence the design and future of ArcPad?
Do you have the Right Stuff?

Then maybe you might be interested in joining the ArcPad management team at Esri!!

View the position description and apply!

ArcPad 10 Service Pack 1 now available!

2010-11-18T09:25:00.004+11:00

Hi friends of ArcPad,

Service Pack 1 for ArcPad is now available for download.

http://resources.arcgis.com/content/patches-and-service-packs?fa=viewPatch&PID=26&MetaID=1709

For a brief video describing whats new in ArcPad 10 SP1, check out the 'Hear Me' (as opposed to a Read Me...)

http://resources.arcgis.com/gallery/video/arcpad/details?entryID=5D439B8F-1422-2418-7F01-23420220F7ED

ESRI UK provide new Mobile Bundle

2010-11-15T08:47:00.003+11:00

ESRI (UK) are pleased to announce a new cost effective bundle of hardware and software that will make it quicker and easier for organisations to roll out GIS users in the field.

The ArcPad Bundle is a hardware-software package that provides organisations with the option to purchase Duo Touch II, a rugged, cutting edge tablet device pre-loaded with ArcPad; Esri's feature rich data collection and validation mobile GIS application.

Benefits of choosing ArcPad bundle:

Proven compatibility and integration between software and hardware
Customisable interfacing specific to device i.e. short cut buttons and commands
Decreases risk to customers, compared with buying device and software separately
Faster procurement via one transaction verses two separate supplier relationships
Best of breed industry mobility partners to manage deployment

To find out more information, click here to go to the ArcPad Bundle page at ESRI (UK).

Contact ESRI (UK) for more information and complete a short survey with details of your requirements and we will enter you into a draw to win an iPod. Closing date for entries is 31st December 2010.

Terms & Conditions
Only one entry per person. One name will be drawn from applicants who complete the relevanat survey, with details of their requirements, within 28 days of the closing date. Full details on request.

How to use ArcPad with SQL - Part 2, UPDATE

2010-11-08T16:55:00.012+11:00

A while back we wrote a blog introducing SQL and how you can use it with ArcPad, so here is the follow up article on how go that bit further (anyone else feel like screaming Buzz lightyear's catchphrase?).

For those who are new to ArcPad and/or SQL click on the link above. If you are you too impatient for that then the summary is "Using SQL in ArcPad allows us to select, modify and delete many features in one go quickly and potentially without the use of EDITFORMS (or even when data is not present in ArcPad)". You are now up to speed.

So since the last blog you will have all gone away played with ArcPad and Studio using either your own AXF or the Riverside Sample data and constructed the select queries and all gone "WOW that is amazing! I can't believe how easy and simple it is" and then you would have, now doubt, said "Yeah, it's great I can select lots of stuff, now I want to edit it too. Come on ArcPad Team stop teasing us. We want to know more!"

Updating

In the previous blog we wrote an UPDATE Statement:

UPDATE Poles SET COMMENT = 'The pole requires maintenance' WHERE MATERIAL = 'S'

Breaking it up you can see the command is going to find All of the Poles that have a Material type code of S and UPDATE the Comment field with 'The pole requires maintenance'. If you haven't already, open up ArcPad Studio and play around with the SQL editor to get a good feel for what we are about to do.

Ready, Steady, Scripting

We are now going to UPDATE the zonecode to Multiple Family residential (Zone Code = 4, check the ST_PARCEL_ZONECODE table in the Riverside AXF) for all the Parcels with an APN between 22501002 and 22501007. Now the thing is we haven't talked about how to actually implement this in script, so let's have a look at the ingredients:

One PC with a functioning keyboard
One willing participant (well you might not be that willing)
One copy of ArcPad 7 or above (preferably ArcPad 10, because it's shinier).
The Riverside sample data (or you can adjust the script to fit your data – I know you'll do this afterwards anyway)

First of all Open up ArcPad Studio and click the Applet icon (or File, New, Applet)

Next we want to create a Toolbar in our new applet. I always give my toolbars and tools a prefixed name so I remember what they are in the script, so I called this toolbar tlbrSQLUpdate. Once you have added a toolbar you add a tool button. Press Add Custom… (and for tools I prefix them with tl). Press OK a couple of times and save your applet. I suggest you save it straight to your default ArcPad Applets folder. Windows 7: C:\Users\Public\Documents\ArcPad\Applets and Windows XP C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\ArcPad

Now that we have a button that will be used to fire off the script, let's write the script.

This approach of SQL editing can only be done with an AXF (not shapefiles) as we will be using the DATASOURCE object to connect to the data. If your new to this, I will explain it as we go.

Open the script window and we'll start typing. For those that are new to scripting, we are about to write a "routine". A routine is set of steps that are done in a specific order over and over and over again. Our script will:

Connect to the datasource
Update the features
Close the connection to the datasource

Any routine must have "book ends" to wrap it all together. So the first thing to write is Sub SQLupdater. Then hit a couple of carriage returns and then write End Sub.

First thing we need to do is create a connection to the datasource object of the PARCELS layer so we can crack it open and edit it. Create a variable called myDataSource. I suggest having the ArcPad object model opened nearby and follow the order: Goto the Map object, then go to the Layer object and then have a look at the DataSource object. Oh and having the Help open is good too.

Dim myDataSource 'The Dim creates the object

Set myDataSource = Map.Layers("PARCEL").Datasource 'Here you can see we are going to interact with a layer that is in the Map.

We also need to add a Time Stamp to the Parcel Layer and change the tables AXF_Status column. This will tell ArcMap that something happened to the feature(s) when you check the data back in.

Dim DateTime

DateTime = Cstr(now)

Now here is the best bit, one line of SQL loveliness. The key to this line of SQL is that we are embedding the variable DateTime for the AXF_TIMESTAMP row value so that it dynamically adds the current date and time any time the routine is run. Therefore we have to break the string sentence up into two and splice the variable in the right spot.

myDataSource.Execute("UPDATE [Parcel] SET ZONECODE = 4, AXF_TIMESTAMP = '" & DateTime & "', AXF_STATUS = 2 WHERE APN Between '225201002' and '225201007'")

Then we close the Datasource and just add a message to let us know the script has finished, also we'll refresh the map screen.

myDataSource.Close()
MsgBox "Completed! " & DateTime

And we're done scripting! Verify your code and save it. The only thing we have to do is attach the script to our new tool button, so when we click it in ArcPad it will run the SQL command.

Go to the Applet and open the toolbar and open the custom tool's properties.

Click on the Events tab and select the OnClick event, in the event Script panel type Call SQLupdater, then press OK.

One last thing give the toolbar an icon – I going to use the Calculator. Press OK and save the applet.

You are ready to test your applet in ArcPad. Once you run your new tool, refresh the map screen and see how the parcels have been updated.

Now that you have seen how to interact with SQL and update many features at once, I have a homework question for YOU. Using SQL in script how can you change the Message box to show the COUNT of features that were updated?

Please put your solution on this ArcPad Forum thread so that other people can learn from each other when they try it in the future.

ArcPad tutorial videos

2010-10-29T12:21:00.004+11:00

Check out the tutorial videos now on http://resources.arcgis.com/gallery/video/arcpad

There are 4 videos:

Workflows - this video is to shows how you can start a field project with what appears to be 'nothing', and scale up to an enterprise solution. Covering topics such as QuickProject, data normalization, geodatabase design, data validation and touching on post processing and integration with ArcGIS Server, this tutorial gives you a great overview of working with data in ArcPad.
Preparing Data for ArcPad - view tips and tricks on how to best prepare data to take into the field. Includes information to help you choose when to use vector or raster layers, consider map presentation for field work, and describes check out and in processes.
Large Deployments - considering scaling up your field project? This video includes workflow and installation recommendations for large deployments. It also takes a look at the files that are created when a project is published to ArcGIS Server and gives tips on how to work with them.
ArcPad in the field - now that you have a carefully designed project its time to step outside (oh, you've already been outside? of course, how silly of me to assume...). This video touches on some of the less obvious aspects of field work and includes a look at integrating GPS, cameras and rangefinders into your project, and uses survey techniques such as offsets and traversing.

ArcGIS 10 update for GPS Analyst users

2010-10-14T15:29:00.003+11:00

As per Esri:

"ESRI® announces the ArcGIS 10 Desktop Feature Inspector Patch. This patch addresses an issue that prevented the editor’s feature inspector from being hosted outside the editor’s attribute window. This patch is required for users who install Trimble Navigation ArcGIS 10 Desktop extensions. These extensions use the feature inspector to display and edit attributes in a custom window."

In everyday words, 'if your using ArcGIS 10 and GPS Analyst, you need this patch'

Latest versions of Software / Firmware related to ArcPad as of: OCT 2010

2010-10-06T11:49:00.005+11:00

Trimble have recently released updates to GPSCorrect and GPS Analyst that include support for ArcPad 10. For more information go to

http://www.trimble.com/gpscorrect.shtml

http://www.trimble.com/gpsanalyst.shtml

Organisation	Software / Firmware	Current Version No
ESRI	ArcPad	10.0
Microsoft	Active Sync (XP)	4.5
Microsoft	Device Center (Vista and Windows 7)	6.1
TDS	Nomad Firmware	1.0.4
Trimble	GeoExplorer 2008 Series GPS and OS Firmware	2.03 and 6.1
Trimble	GeoExplorer 2005 Series GPS and OS Firmware	1.82 and 5.1.16
Trimble	GPS Correct	3.14
Trimble	GPS Analyst	2.3

Create ArcPad Templates

2010-09-09T16:27:00.015+10:00

In ArcPad 10 the QuickProject wizard was enhanced to support starting the GPS and turning the GPS tracklog on so your device is ready to collect data once you press OK.
Another enhancement to the QuickProject element has been the introduction of Templates. With this template you can set up your own projects and use this interface to select different projects to use.

Here you can see a screen dump of how it looks out of the box.
So what actually happens? A zip file that contains the pertinent shapefiles, AXF or images and APM is extracted to your default data path – generally your My Documents path and a QuickProject is created with all of the file in it. So, for want of a better explanantion, it takes a replication of the the files and you start from that point. The benefits are many, but a couple are:

that you can produce a template with either data that has no data in it (a completely blank template) or you could provide specific data in them, perhaps you have a council and you only want staff to work with data in a specific region. Create a template for each of the North, East, South and Western Regions or break it up by suburbs – It’s your choice!

Also, unlike a default QuickProject you are not limited to 1 point, 1 line and 1 polygon file. You can have as few (1) or as many layers as you want.

Templates are not limited to shapefiles

Less options needed in QuickProject

You can make a template from virtually any existing project

Easy to distribute. Single file per template that you put into a folder.

By using zip folders we are confident that virtually all of our friends of ArcPad would have used them in some way before and the great thing is that this is using technology that is standard on desktops (we’re only a right mouse click away).
To create the template is as easy as:

Create a working folder for the template you want to create
Make a project in this folder that contains all the layers that you want your template to have.
Customize the layers as you want them to appear. Forms, scripts etc.
Open the layers in ArcPad, save as a new map in the working folder and name the project Template.apm (it is important to name the map Template)
You can go to the Map Properties and change the Title from the Template.Apm to something more meaningful based on what your project.
Create a ZIP file and drag into it the contents of your working folder
Copy the ZIP file to the Templates folder under the ArcPad installation folder (by default for the desktop: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\ArcPad\Templates and on mobile: You are ready to go.
Run QuickProject and you will see your template listed.

An advanced approach (well not really)
Let’s say you want your template to only have the editatble data in it and you just want to reference some background layers each time the template is used. Well, you have a Working folder so create a BaseMap folder and move all the layers you want in to that. When you create your APM add the layers from the two different locations and then all the data references are set. Then continue on with the steps from 4-6. The only thing is that if you are working on a mobile device make sure you copy the BaseMap folder over as well as your template.

Sharing is Caring
Now once you have created your template projects and implemented them across your organisation, why not share with your ArcPad friends at the ArcPad Code Gallery and submit your entry. Remember just tag it with words like ArcPad, QuickProject, Template and anything else you like.

How to use SQL for working with data in ArcPad – Part One, Select

2010-08-31T17:22:00.016+10:00

People often ask how to manipulate lots of features at once, or how can ArcPad give me a summary of the work I have done today? Well, if you use your editable data inside an AXF then you can leverage the power of SQL. For those of you who don’t know what SQL is, it is a database language designed to allow data insert, query, update and delete, schema creation and modification, and data access control. There are lots of books and web pages on what you can do with SQL and the best part is that the language hasn’t changed for decades. I’m still using a book that has been floating around the office for years (and published in 1987). You may not even be aware that you have used SQL before as well, however ArcMap takes advantage of this in Select by Attributes or a layers’ Definition Query.

A quick example of SQL.

From your feature class, for this example we shall talk about Roads, you want to select all of the Roads with a Name Type of Avenue. So let’s have a look at the query:

Select * ‘This line selects the columns you want to return in your query. The * means you will see every column

From Roads ‘Here we are selecting the feature class (or as SQL thinks the table)

Where Name_Type = ‘Avenue’ ‘The criteria is set using a where statement

Ok, so now we are all experts in SQL from that comprehensive demonstration, let’s talk about how you can use SQL with ArcPad. The AXF is a SQL Server Compact database (also known as an SDF), with the special ArcPad schema built into it. As I previously mentioned having the data in the AXF allows us to select, query, edit and delete data so if you open ArcPad Studio we shall start there. For this blog I am going to use the much loved sample dataset that comes with ArcPad – Riverside. Here you can see the table of contents showing the feature layers available in the dataset. Once you show the data a new SQL Query Window is opened and it shows a SELECT statement to show all the records in the Poles table (I hear you saying “That’s even easier than the example you showed above”).

Now in the Query Window, let’s run a couple of queries:

1. Find all the records for the Manufacturer ‘ACME’

2. Find all the records for the Manufacturer ‘ACME’ and that have a PoleID Greater than 90000

3. Find the count of poles that have a Material of ‘S’ or ‘W’– Hint there are two potential ways of doing this!

Seeing as we are all GEO-Nerds let’s do a spatial query!

4. Find all the records that fall within the extent of x 6213310, y 2291175 and x 6214523, y 2291759

Finally let’s edit some data

5. Update the Comment to ‘The pole requires maintenance’ for all poles that have a Material = ‘S’

Where else can I use SQL in ArcPad?

Now that you have seen the power of SQL and the benefits of what it might offer you in the field, let’s explore some options of how you can use it practically.

Not only can you use SQL in ArcPad Studio but you can filter layers based on attributes in ArcPad. If you edit the filter tab in the layers’ properties then you can adjust what is seen on the screen. Below you can see the example of filtering based on a material type. Therefore you can filter your data based on any attribute in your dataset. What if the layer was a list of locations a field user has to inspect/maintain mapped by their status of complete/under way/incomplete. You could use the filter to only show records that ARE NOT complete, and everytime a job /task is finished, the location disappears off the map. Another major benefit of filtering is “THE LESS YOU WANT ON THE SCREEN, THE FASTER ARCPAD WILL DRAW”. And finally you can also use multiple criteria for the filters as well such as Material =’s’ and Manufacturer = ‘ACME’. Or you could use do: @##MAPSCALE## < material =""> The second example shows how you can set a visibility scale as well as filtering by attributes.

Now that sounds really cool! But now you’re thinking that you want to flick between different filters without having to go through those manual steps. SQL can be constructed in a script so you can pass dynamic values into the filter. Open the Riverside sample APM in ArcPad, and open the script window (hint: press Ctrl + Enter). I am showing you this purely as an example, generally you would put these types of scripts on a tool button or embedded somewhere in ArcPad. Making toolbar buttons are well documented in the Customizing ArcPad Help, so read up if you are unfamiliar to them. The script window is a good place to check scripts are working in ArcPad before you put them into Studio as a specific customization. Ok, Copy the sample below and paste it into the script window.

dim myValue, myFilter

myValue = Application.InputBox("Type a material type: al, s or w", "ArcPadTeam Blog: SQL Filter")

myFilter = "Material = '" & myValue & "'"

Layers("Poles").Filter = myFilter

Application.ExecuteCommand("zoomfullextent")

Press, the red exclamation mark! You should see an Input box and type one of the values al, s or w (Aluminum, Steel and Wood respectively) and then press ok. You should notice that map changes based on the value you selected. Why not try and edit the script now, based on some of the questions. You don’t have to have the Input box at all, you can always hard code it so the filter is always the same e.g. Example 2: Find all the records for the Manufacturer = ‘ACME’ and that have a PoleID Greater than 90000.

dim myFilter

myFilter = "MANUFACTURER ='ACME' and POLEID > 90000"

Layers("Poles").Filter = myFilter

Application.ExecuteCommand("zoomfullextent")

That’s enough script code for one blog Especially as this is supposed to about SQL!

Hopefully you can see there are many benefits to filters, primarily it allows the map to focus on specific data and therefore makes your map faster to draw. This entry has been about selecting data and upcoming blogs will talk about Inserting new data and updating existing records.

Answers to Questions

1. SELECT * FROM [POLES] where MANUFACTURER ='ACME'

2. SELECT * FROM [POLES] where MANUFACTURER ='ACME' and POLEID > 90000

3. SELECT count(MATERIAL) FROM [POLES] where MATERIAL = 'S' or MATERIAL ='W' / Option 2 / SELECT count(MATERIAL) FROM [POLES] where MATERIAL <> 'Al'

4. SELECT * FROM [POLES] where SHAPE_X > 6213310 and SHAPE_Y > 2291175 and SHAPE_X < 6214523 and SHAPE_Y < 2291759 or you could use SELECT * FROM [POLES] where SHAPE_X between 6213310 and 6214523 and SHAPE_Y between 2291175 and 2291759

5. UPDATE Poles SET COMMENT = 'The pole requires maintenance' WHERE MATERIAL = 'S'

GeoMobile Innovations offer updated ArcPad and Studio classes in Portland and Seattle

2010-08-18T09:28:00.003+10:00

GeoMobile Innovations announces updated ArcPad Bootcamp and ArcPad Studio training for ArcPad 10. The next ArcPad 10 Bootcamp will be held in Seattle, WA on October 12th/13th, 2010. The next ArcPad Studio with Enterprise Management Tricks & Tips class follows on October 14th/15th.

More training is scheduled for 2010 and 2011. Send in your registration form today to secure a seat for this great investment in ArcPad/GIS training!

Download a compete PDF registration packet including class descriptions, course schedule and training locations at http://www.geomobileinnovations.com/file_download/12/GeoMobile_ArcPad10_Training_2010-2011.pdf

Create Local Map Tiles

2010-08-03T17:46:00.017+10:00

Users often have lots of data that take out to the field purely for visual representation, however with that can come performance issues on mobile devices – as lots of features all on top of each other with labeling and complex symbology can take along time to draw (even on a pc). People do this though because: If you can’t see where you are how can you believe the GPS is in the correct location and if you have no GPS signal how else do you navigate around your project area without the functional base map?

It has often been advertised that you need your data to be as accurate as possible to determine where you are, but all data needs to be (and is) generalized based on the scale that you are viewing so that your PC can draw as fast as possible. As the diagram shows, when looking at a project working on Main land Australia, why should I even bother drawing the islands that are around it – sorry Tasmania (we still love you)! What you’ll also notice is that the boundary is a lot smoother as well. At this scale the map doesn’t need to draw 15,000,000 + vertices why not just a couple of thousand. These techniques are not new but I want to highlight them along with considering data as “project data”. It is of course a great idea to have a central repository for storage and management of data, but why not take a copy/version and process it so that it works the best it can for you!

Another method of generalizing vector data is building image tiles (caches) of them – sound familiar? This is the basic theory of ArcGIS Online, Bing and Google. They all edit vector data but they are now publishing image (rasters) tiles that draw much fasterer. It has always been faster to draw rasters in ArcPad but has seldom been taken up. Sound like a good idea? Now if you have ArcGIS Server you can take care of this out of the box with the geoprocessing tools for Server – see our other blog entry Basemap Image Tiles for ArcPad 10. Although if you don’t have ArcGIS Server but you do have ArcGIS 10 for the desktop then perhaps I can help with another approach.

As I mentioned before we believe in using project based data – where all data is manipulated whether it be labeling, scale references, generalization, query definitions, symbology and even Areas of interest. Please remember, your maps may look great in the office but are they functional in the field In the ArcPad Team R&D department (we’re allowed to say it’s an official department because we have a lab coat in the office) we used the new ArcGIS 10 ArcPy module to develop a Python script sample that exports the data frame you have set up in ArcMap to a series of TIFF tiles rendered at the scale you nominate using the tool. Phew, that was a mouthful! So in summary, it squishes all your vector layers together and cuts the map up in to little pieces so they’re nice and fast to use in ArcPad.

You could actually perform this function without the tool. In your map, simply set the scale to your desired working scale and then use the Export Map function under File > Export Map. Give the image a File name and in the options set the to write GeoTIFF tags and write the world file. Then loop through this until you have exported your map. I did this for a city area of about 8 km2 and it took about an hour to create 56 tiles. Even If you did it this way you have a great set of base tiles, and if you have any updates to your base vectors, you would only have to export the area that was affected.

Being a sample this only work for data frames in ArcMap that are set to Meters (there’s the first challenge for you to fix).
If you hard code scale and folder location and the Map Document name into a script you could run this as a scheduled task so every day you could have updated tiles.
You may have to edit the Tools source and point it to the location where you extracted the files from the zip file.
You can use this on any data in your data frame, even Cloud services such as ArcGIS Online, Bing or OpenStreetMap! Whatever data you have sitting on top of these base maps will be combined.
TIFF is the best version for the ArcPad to render but you can edit the script to change the format that you want to use (remember, we suggest TIFF)
You could reload the tiles into ArcMap, set reference scales and use the data manager to send them to ArcPad then you have scale dependent rendering (Hey, maybe you can add that to the script as well!)

Once the images are created you will be able to load them straight into ArcPad. So get mapping and have fun!

Export AXF data to Shapefile or Excel Spreadsheet

2010-07-30T07:51:00.013+10:00

Data in an AXF file can be exported to shapefiles using tools in ArcPad Studio.In this example I opened Riverside.axf sample file in ArcPad Studio.Right click on the Poles feature layer and click on the “Export…” menu item.Then in the “Export to Shapefile” dialogue window I can type in the name for this shapefile and save it.

If only a DBF file is needed for Poles layer, I would right click on the “Poles” sub-layer and select the “Export…” item. Then save the DBF file in the “Export to DBF file” window. The DBF file can be opened and viewed in MS Excel.

There's another way to view AXF data in Excel.
We need to open the AXF data table first in ArcPad Studio.

Then right click on the data table and select the “Export to Miscrosoft Excel” item. Excel program is automatically opened on your computer and the data is shown in the spreadsheet now.

ArcPad project wins a ESRI UC 2010 SAG

2010-07-27T12:23:00.007+10:00

The ESRI SAG Awards often fly under the radar - there is a very long list, and the titles often don't give anything away about what the project actually was about.

This year our friends at ESRI Muscat were instrumental in securing a SAG award for the Ministry of National Economy in Oman - CONGRATULATIONS!

ArcPad was at the core of this recently completed Oman building and establishment census. Customization was a key part of this project and the ESRI Muscat team pushed ArcPad and ArcPad Studio to the max to deliver an exemplarily software and hardware solution for this project. Some key elements of the customization were:

Custom check-out tools that packaged the required features and layers for each user for each day
Every form was completely bilingual
Forms intelligently represented attributes from complex relationships in human understandable manner (not in database order or style)
Forms enforced complex business rules (eg: ‘if this field x populated with value y, do not display fields a,b,c, else, a,b,c are mandatory’)

The system was designed to support approximately 300 field workers spread across over 20 offices, and all data was synchronized to a central enterprise GIS.

Did your ArcPad project win an award too? I'm sorry we couldn't find it in the list - please tell us about your ArcPad successes!

ArcPad 8.0 Service Pack 4 is available for download

2010-07-20T10:28:00.004+10:00

ArcPad 8.0 Service Pack 4 is available for download at ESRI's support website:

http://resources.arcgis.com/content/patches-and-service-packs?fa=viewPatch&PID=26&MetaID=1628

Service Pack 4 addresses four very specific issue only:

There is now an increase in available memory whilst running ArcPad, particular noticeable on VGA Windows Mobile devices
JPEG2000 images are now loaded incrementally avoiding critically low memory states
(Layer) extension developers can set their layer to be dynamic or non-dynamic (missing in 8.0.0 – 8.0.3)
GPS on Windows XP rugged tablet PC’s can now be turned off successfully using the GPS Activate/Deactivate tool

ArcPad in UC2010 Plenary

2010-07-14T10:56:00.005+10:00

Here's a couple of screen shots from Jack's plenary presentation highlighting ArcPad's place in the ESRI suite.
Hear & See Jack's full presentation @ www.esri.com/uc

UC2010– Advanced Customizing Sessions

2010-07-13T08:56:00.008+10:00

Good News!

The ArcPad - Advanced Customizing of ArcPad Solutions sessions have been confirmed for the ESRI UC2010.

Session 1: Wednesday July 14 @ 08:30am - 09:45am - Room 30E

Session 2: Thursday July 15 @ 1:30pm - 2:45pm - Room 30E (encore session)

Learn to move beyond simple forms and toolbars.

Elvin and Gareth will show you how to build mobile GIS applications using ArcPad 10.

In-depth discussion of various topics plus many tips and trick to enhance your ArcPad experience.

ArcPad Cool Ten @ ESRIUC

2010-07-07T10:33:00.008+10:00

Thanks Glenn for publishing and enhancing our

10 Cool ArcPad things to do at 2010 ESRIUC.

http://www.gisuser.com/content/view/20897/2/

Find the ArcPad team at the mobile island or at any of the sessions

and share your experiences.