topic Re: ArcPad on Android in ArcPad Questions

ArcPad on Android

KeithAubin — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 17:33:26 GMT

You guys really need to get with the times and offer ArcPad on Android. It's really sad that there is no real GIS tablet software from you guys yet, just a limited viewer. Windows mobile died nearly 6 years ago, and the hardware is awful and way overpriced to boot. If you don't watch out some small time start up will zoom right on by while you're still lost in windows mobile land. Yes I know you have android apk's and whatnot, but that does not help me very much. I need an app as powerful as ArcPad that runs on Android. Heck I'd even settle for iOS at this point.

You guys really are missing out on a huge market and opportunity to get GIS tools into the hands of the masses. Almost everyone has an Android or iPhone these days, plus all the tablets. All we need is software, I'm talking real GIS tools like ArcPad not simple viewer apps like ArcGIS Explorer. Is this ever going to happen, or should I start looking to other companies for a solution? The ESRI ArcGIS android app just does not cut it right now.

Re: ArcPad on Android

GarethWalters — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 02:13:39 GMT

Hi Keith,

Follow this link to the Ideas Portal. Someone has already posted it and the more people that vote on it the more likely it is to happen.

http://ideas.arcgis.com/ideaView?id=08730000000bsj1AAA

Cheers,

Gareth

Re: ArcPad on Android

DanikBourdeau — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 01:34:29 GMT

I agree, it would be nice to have a good GIS software for my smart phone. However, I would never send out a team in the field to do data collection with an IPhone or a Galaxy tablet. We would end up having to replace the units every week. As long as Trimble and Handheld keep making field computers running Windows mobile I think we're stuck with ArcPad the way it is.

Re: ArcPad on Android

PatrickMurphy — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:06:00 GMT

I just bought a Samsung Galaxy Player 4" and it is awsome for data collection. I have my own vegetation data collection software for Android called DAtaPoint and it runs great. There is a built in GPS, 2 cameras and on and on. Only about $170-$200 so nice price for a field crew. Now if only ArcPad would run on it I would be very happy.

Re: ArcPad on Android

NormanyClark — Tue, 01 May 2012 08:57:15 GMT

I can run Arcpad separately from the expensive even to rent GPS device which is even better since I mostly just rent the GPS device when I need it, but use ArcPad all the time. Currently I run ArcPad on an HP211 but they don't make those anymore. Get ahead of the curve and develop ArcPad as a stand-alone GIS program for the Android that doesn't need internet/phone access for maps etc.

Re: ArcPad on Android

TOMBELL — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 15:12:37 GMT

I recently read a discussion on facebook requesting that ESRI create an ArcPad version that runs on the Android OS. Several ESRI employees associated with ArcPad development responded in one way or another. I was amazed or should I say dismayed by their contention that no one would want to use a phone as a data gathering platform because in general, they are not rugged devices.

As a long time ArcPad and rugged PDA user, I would like to point out some of the realities of using so called rugged PDAs. First, the low end devices may be rugged while still in the box but in fact out there in the real world, they don't last as long as we expect. These devices are expensive ($1,000+) and expensive to fix. Second, though there are videos on the web were people drop them on the floor or throw them into swimming pools, most of us know better than to abuse them like this. The fact is, rugged PDAs aren't as necessary as many people think.

I would like to be able to buy a cheap mobile device that isn't rugged and throw it away if it breaks or get it repaired for something less than 50% of the original purchase price. Low end android based tablets are getting cheap so why use a high priced rugged device? Maybe the only barrier to this strategy is ESRIs unrealistic assumptions about the needs of its user base.

Re: ArcPad on Android

DanikBourdeau — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 06:46:59 GMT

The fact is, rugged PDAs aren't as necessary as many people think.

It all depends what environment you're working in. If you're working in an urban area and all you're doing is getting out of the car to collect a few points I completely agree with you but that's certainly not my situation. My field teams work in the Australian bush for two weeks straight putting in 10-12 hours a day. The PDA's take a beating; their constantly being dropped, people slip and use them to brace their fall, not to mention the dust and the +50 degree heat. I don't think we have any option but to use rugged PDA's.

However, Trimble's new Juno now comes in an Android version 🙂 Trend setting I predict.

Re: ArcPad on Android

GermanVazquez_Carreon — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 21:30:41 GMT

Currently I run ArcPad on an HP211 but they don't make those anymore.

The problem here is this:

¿What are you waiting for to make ArcPAD runs on ANDROID? WE NEED IT. Right now are devices faster, cheaper, and with a bigger screen, the only thing we need is that ArcPAD can run on them.

When you compare a device with Windows 6.0, 6.5 or else, against a TABLET. You note this:

1.- The speed of their processors is too slow.
2.-The screen is too small.
3.-They are very expensive.
4.- They are not fabricated any more.

I,ve been working with several HP IPAQ´s, and even they do the job, the screen is too small for some uses. We use ArcPAD 7.0 as a platform for some tools we develop for register the electric lines, along with the atributes. But when you have some hundreds points, the HP IPAQ becomes so slow, that makes the job very dificult. When you are 8 hours under the sun, that becomes a problem. If you add a layer with a map on the background, it becomes a nightmare.
The sun and dust are problem too, the screen scratches, and you need to replace it, or the touch screen dont work anymore because of the heat. We have to send to repair to the only shop that have the replacements and can do the job. It takes at least a week, and cost a half a price of an used HP IPAQ. It´s known that PDA´s are history, in a wolrd with several smartphones.

Another point, is that you need an external device for catching de GPS coordinates. We use Garmin GPS 10x Bluetooth.

So you are around in field, with two devices, for doing your job.

Then we used the Trimble NOMAD, it works very good, is fast, has an integrated GPS , BUT, its too expensive. We have only one of them.

Another option, is use de Honeywell Dolphin 9900. Same that NOMAD, a little cheaper, not so fast, but we only have few and have to ask them borrowed to another deparments.

So, a Tablet would be great to do the job.

Re: ArcPad on Android

JamesEngland1 — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 10:25:29 GMT

I agree with many of the comments posted here but it suprises me that ESRI havent grasped this market. For those who cant see why you would want it, answer the following questions:

1) Show me a Windows Mobile device with a quad core processor?
2) Show me that has 32Gb built in?
3) ndroid smartphones are able to use built in compasses, GPS and cell triangulation to help get quicker location fix.

I accept that the GPS will not be as capable but for my needs they have been fine.......

I hope that it gets developed and the first fully equipped GIS software for Android will do very well.......then all we need is Otterbox to make a further range of rugged cases for some popular Android tablets and I can see this being a mayor break through.

Re: ArcPad on Android

RichardFrancis — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 03:48:58 GMT

The android Panasonic Toughpad FZ-A1 with ArcPAD would suit me. The Motion tablets we are using now are just not rugged enough and replacement screens cost the same as a new machine.

Come on ESRI!

Re: ArcPad on Android

GermanVazquez_Carreon — Wed, 03 Jul 2013 05:37:53 GMT

I agree with many of the comments posted here but it suprises me that ESRI havent grasped this market. For those who cant see why you would want it, answer the following questions:

1) Show me a Windows Mobile device with a quad core processor?
2) Show me that has 32Gb built in?
3) ndroid smartphones are able to use built in compasses, GPS and cell triangulation to help get quicker location fix.

I accept that the GPS will not be as capable but for my needs they have been fine.......

I hope that it gets developed and the first fully equipped GIS software for Android will do very well.......then all we need is Otterbox to make a further range of rugged cases for some popular Android tablets and I can see this being a mayor break through.

How about this:

A TABLET with both operating systems:

http://betanews.com/2013/06/20/samsung-ativ-q-android-and-windows-8-get-married/

The New Samsung ATIV Q

Re: ArcPad on Android

GermanVazquez_Carreon — Wed, 03 Jul 2013 05:38:29 GMT

The android Panasonic Toughpad FZ-A1 with ArcPAD would suit me. The Motion tablets we are using now are just not rugged enough and replacement screens cost the same as a new machine.

Come on ESRI!

How about this:

A TABLET with both operating systems:

http://betanews.com/2013/06/20/samsu...8-get-married/

The New Samsung ATIV Q

Re: ArcPad on Android

GermanVazquez_Carreon — Wed, 03 Jul 2013 06:30:57 GMT

I can run Arcpad separately from the expensive even to rent GPS device which is even better since I mostly just rent the GPS device when I need it, but use ArcPad all the time. Currently I run ArcPad on an HP211 but they don't make those anymore. Get ahead of the curve and develop ArcPad as a stand-alone GIS program for the Android that doesn't need internet/phone access for maps etc.

I run it on a Dolphin 9700, because it has an integrated GPS and Windows Mobile, but there are other good options.

1.- The new Dolphin Black 70e (wich i will buy as soon as i get the money). It comes with Windows Mobile 6.5 OR Android. (integrated GPS optional). Big fat screen, super fast, super cool look (smartphone like).

www.dolphinblack.com

2.- The TRIMBLE JUNO 3B, with Windows Mobile 6.5. integrated GPS (pretty good really).

and the coolest of all

3.- The Samsung ATIV Q, with BOTH AT THE SAME TIME, Windows 8 AND Android.

http://betanews.com/2013/06/20/samsung-ativ-q-android-and-windows-8-get-married/

Re: ArcPad on Android

zainabadamu2 — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 14:07:58 GMT

i really need ArcPad on my android phone right now

Re: ArcPad on Android

PatrickMurphy — Wed, 09 Mar 2016 16:14:56 GMT

You can try Collector for free if you have a Desktop license. It works but is not as easy or complete as ArcPad. You can tell it is still primitive in the sense that you are locked into one screen orientation. For example on my Samsung 7 or 8 inch, the screen is locked into landscape and it can't be changed.

ESRI is making the same mistake that Microsoft made when they ended Windows Mobile 6.x. If some other software like AndMap available on Google Play gets a little more improved, they will wipe out Collector. PLEASE ESRI, make ArcPad for Android and I would be willing to pay for it.

NOTE: all of you who think iOS is better, note that no Apple devices allow an external SD so if you smash your device, ALL you data are lost. Android allows you to save data to the external SD so if you smash your device, you just pull the chip out and you are good to go.

Re: ArcPad on Android

RebeccaStrauch__GISP — Wed, 09 Mar 2016 16:20:40 GMT

ArcPad still runs on win (non-mobile) devices, so although not your phone, you can have a pretty lightweight, fairly cheap Windows 7 tablet to run arcpad on. That is what we do. Not recommended to run in win10...arcpad is ok, it's the GPS integration that might be an issue.