Using ArcGIS for Windows Mobile with the Windows sensor/location API

[TimWroblewski2]

Hi,

A client has recently purchased a new Windows 8 Dell Latitude 10 tablet to use ArcGIS for Windows Mobile on.  Now I know that strictly speaking the official line is that ArcGIS for Windows Mobile is not supported on Windows 8 at present.  However, we have it up and running on another client's tablet also running Windows 8.  The difference between these two devices is the GPS configuration:-

• The device we have it working on is using an external GPS plugged in via USB which is being connected to by ArcGIS for Windows Mobile using a virtual COM port.


• The new tablet from Dell has a built in Broadcom GNSS location sensor with GPS capabilities.  However, it is configured to work with the OS via the Windows sensor/location (Not sure which one) API and as such, is not visible to the ArcGIS for Windows Mobile application which requires a COM port to connect to a GPS.

I guess I have two questions:-

• Has anyone mangaged to get ArcGIS for Windows Mobile to connect to a GPS using the Windows sensor/location API?


• If not, then does anyone know how to create a virtual COM port which relays the data from the built-in Broadcom GNSS location sensor via the Windows sensor/location API?

I really appreciate any time that people are able to put towards helping me out!  I'm a little but stuck!

Thanks,

Tim

[PhillipHannam]

i have a solution for some i use Oziexplorer for my mapping
it works with Lenovo Thinkpad 2 running Win 8 Pro the software is http://www.oziexplorer.com/
all i had to do was update my software

Thank Phillip

[HenrikSvenningsen]

If it's about getting WIN 8 on a tablet to "see" your GPS, mostly external GPS, you should try FRANSON GPS GATE.

We use this software (free) on our Samsung SLATE Tablets and it works just splendid....but without it....no GPS connection.

[nicogis]

I have done a simple add-in for arcmap that use Windows sensor/location api
if it may be useful to someone ...
source code included
http://studioat.maps.arcgis.com/home/item.html?id=b983b8d401b646b2a3ba57c31f4454c3

[nicogis]

This is add-in for arcmap (I have used with tablet samsung http://www.samsung.com/it/consumer/pc-peripherals-printer/notebook/smart-pc/XE500T1C-A01IT-spec & Windows 8 & ArcGIS Desktop 10.1sp1).
This is a simple start point because I needed only simple position so you can use these api and create it for arcpad

[JasonWarzinik]

I just returned from a field collection in which we used the Lenovo TP2 (3682-22U) Broadband version with no wireless plan.  The GPS worked fine.  We were using ArcPad but the interface is the same for both programs.

What GPS connection settings are you using in ArcPad.  I have trouble getting the 3682-22U to actually see GPS coordinates with the latest version of ArcGIS Windows Mobile 10.1.1.133385.  It finds and connects to the GPS on COM3 but the fix type stays "Invalid" or gets one coordinate shows PDOP for a second, and then no other updates.  Whereas I open a GPS testing app called "GPS device tester" and can see the coordinates coming through COM3 just fine.  Loading up ArcPad now to see if it works.

[JasonWarzinik]

What GPS connection settings are you using in ArcPad.  I have trouble getting the 3682-22U to actually see GPS coordinates with the latest version of ArcGIS Windows Mobile 10.1.1.133385.  It finds and connects to the GPS on COM3 but the fix type stays "Invalid" or gets one coordinate shows PDOP for a second, and then no other updates.  Whereas I open a GPS testing app called "GPS device tester" and can see the coordinates coming through COM3 just fine.  Loading up ArcPad now to see if it works.

Just an update, I did load the latest ArcPad and it connects and consumes the GPS via COM3 just fine so this seems to be a specific issue with ArcGIS Mobile for Windows. Also used a USB GPS puck with the same results.  I am working with ESRI support and will follow up with any workarounds we come up with.

[AlexanderKhoroshun]

I'm just wondering if anybody tried to use this product?
Centrafuse Localizer
http://www.centrafuse.com/centrafuse-localizer

[AlexanderKhoroshun]

Good news!  Thanks, Jeremy!

[DeniseKing]

Did those of you looking at Centrafuse Localizer notice the known limitations of the Windows 8 GNSS to Com Port tool?
Limitations:
The number of active satellites and signal strength is simulated. It DOES NOT represent the quality of the actual GPS/GNSS signal and is provided for protocol compatibility only.
The Windows location platform is limited to a 1Hz refresh rate (once a second). At higher rates of speed, the displayed map position may lag behind the actual vehicle position.
Under NO circumstances should this product be used for precision navigation. It is provided "as-is", and intended for recreational use only. No warranty is given or implied as to the accuracy or availability of location information.


I can't imagine users utilizing ArcPad or ArcGIS for Windows Mobile for GPS data collection in the field that satellite simulation is an acceptable solution. Many organizations have GPS/GNSS requirements of acceptable PDOP, HDOP or other quality parameters and Centrafuse Localizer isn't able to provide these. 

Regards,
Denise

I'm just wondering if anybody tried to use this product?
Centrafuse Localizer
http://www.centrafuse.com/centrafuse-localizer

[NickKopczyk1]

I can also confirm it works on a Lenovo TP 2 (broadband version) in ArcPad 10.1.  I can recieve GPS now from both the cellular chip and COM as well as the Virtual COM I designated in the software.  Great find!  Thanks