Looking for a better way to collect field data???????

[RobertBostick]

I am currently using a Trimble Geo7 Handheld, collecting x,y, and z values from a Trimble R2 Centimeter accuracy receiver via Bluetooth (Both units via Verizon Jetpack for internet)attached to a 6.5-foot detachable pole in the field. 

Once collected  I connect the Trimble Geo7 to the Desktop via Pathfinder software to place the points in a file to be accessed by ArcPro and append to a map and ultimately our database. 

My question is, Is there a better way, and if so please share.

Thank you!!!!!

[RonaldHaug]

Hi Robert,

Why yes there are different ways to do this.

In Esri you could use Quick Capture or Field Maps. You may have to get a different receiver like Juniper Geode and use a tablet. You could go directly to your final feature layer, but I don't necessarily recommend it. I would go to a feature layer which you could edit and remove spurious info and then append to your final feature layer.

I'm interested in learning other ways members are doing this.

[JoelCusick1]

Hi Robert,

I'm familiar with your workflow above (with exception of using the R2 and cm edition).  Your data workflow using Terrasync on a Geo7 BT'd to an R2 is allowing you to continue using a SSF file stored on the Geo7x and processing to, I'm assuming a shapefile, then appending and Exported shp into a GDB.  This workflow has the advantage, depending on your realtime connection to an internet based correction service, to be at +/- 2-5cm.  This level of accuracy, confirmed with survey control is hard to beat, and though your going thru PFO - Export - Append, you have as mentioned by Ronald a route that does require steps for editing in Pro your final coordinates/attributes.  Your also using a Data Dictionary, an incredible invention by Trimble to store attributes, and when using the same DDF the appending process is simple, unbreakable.  

Since this is posted to QuickCapture, yes, you could switch to QC, Survey123 or FieldMaps.  Your receiver is plenty capable of feeding augmented data thru either an IOS or Android based mobile device, but you'll have to settle on one of those, and most importantly get up to speed on publishing web layers into ArcGIS online to take advantage of the three ESRI field mobile collection methods.

Having 2 feet in both of these workflows (Geo7x, cm edition TS, PFO, export) and ArcGIS Online feature services, this migration will take time to transition to Storage on ArcGIS online.  Thats where you should investigate first and get trained up with that workflow before abandoning altogether you current workflow. 

Bear in mind, a peak into say switching to Field maps on the hardware side would be a mobile device, a Trimble middleware called Trimble Mobile Manager (installed on mobile device), and internet in the field or a subscription to Trimble RTX to meet the Horiz/Vert accuracies your getting now.  An alternate workflow could be using Trimble TerraFlex.  Contact your Trimble dealer. He/She can walk you through the components required for either.  

Good luck.