Recommendations for improving accuracy while using Collector

Question

Hi, the city where I work is switching over to ArcGIS Online. I am trying to get Collector up and running for our field crews. They will be using Ipads and Iphones for collection. My boss asked if we could try and get the data points' accuracy higher. I am wondering if anyone has any recommendations for receivers? I saw the list that ESRI has posted but was curious if there are any that work better?

DavisWildman · Answer

Hi Seth,

Following are a few more considerations when looking at ROI's and work efficiencies of low cost, less accurate receivers vs full gnss (multi-constellation) bluetooth enabled receivers that work with Collector and just about any device.

Take a look at Eos Arrow GNSS receivers; especially the Arrow 100 or maybe the Lite.  While it costs more than a Bad Elf and other low end receivers the total cost of ownership can be higher for cheap receivers.

For example, if you want sub-meter accuracy, the BadElf can't deliver that in most cases, and if you can accept 1.25m from the Bad Elf by waiting 4 minutes, how much productivity is lost compared to 15 sec occupation time (or less) using a more accurate receiver like the Arrow 100?  The cost of labor due to slower performance from the cheap receiver quickly becomes more expensive than the higher capital cost of a better performing receiver.

And, Arrows leverage investments already made in front end hardware, i.e. tablets/smartphones and software/apps, not to mention working seamlessly with Collector.

RyanMcGinnis · Answer

Hmm... That's weird you got a bounce-back on that email.  Maybe check that the spelling or copy/paste

ryan@agsgis.com

Yeah, I hear ya; mapping with a phone/tablet only and getting 30ft accuracy isn't great.  It works, but for a lot of mapping exercises, that level of accuracy isn't going to provide a lot of value.  You know where your assets are, but only vaguely.  You can easily and 'affordably' get into the 1-3m range with a BT device, and the use of said device really doesn't change your workflow at all.  You can also just as easily get submeter accuracy or even centimeter-grade using BT hardware with your phone/tablet.  Obviously, the price goes up as accuracy improves.  But there are rental options available for shorter-term needs, if/when those needs arise.  Just hit me up and we can discuss

Thorbjoern_DK · Answer

I agree with Ryan. I've been testing the Garmin GLO2 external BT GPS/GLONASS-receiver with the Collector-app on an iPad. It works just fine for everyday data collection such as mapping hiking- and MTB-trails and collecting inventory of trees, signs, storm drains and so on. Not submeter accuracy but much better than the build in antenna in most handheld devices. Just turn it on, throw it in the top-poket of a backpack or your jacket, switch to external position input on the device and start mapping. Another feature is that since the external BT-antenna has its own power supply, the tablet/phone device will hold power for much longer working period than when using the internal GPS.