Municipal Field Data Collection...Selecting the right GPS unit

[GaryPalmer1]

We currently upgraded to ArcGIS10 Desktop.  We need to begin an aggressive data collection program in order to meet our NPDES and FHWA standards.

I am looking for seamless, plug and play, transfer of field data into our basemap.

What are the best GPS handheld units that are supported by ArcGIS10 desktop?

feel free to email me directly at gpalmer45@gmail.com

gp

[jasonblocker1]

Pretty broad question.....need more information

How is your GIS set up? 
One user, small group, enterprise?
Accuracy needed?
What exactly collecting (location/information once and then information at a later date?
Monetary Budget?
Time Budget?
Experience?
Where is this being used (rugged country, city)?
Internet accesible area?

Jason Blocker

[GaryPalmer1]

How is your GIS set up?  We get our data from Knox County (TN).  www.kgis.org and import quarterly datacuts.  Using this data we do alot of in house output and some intermittent municipally needed analysis.

One user, small group, enterprise?  We have two in house users with extensive experience but alot of other duties....we also have a highly experienced GIS professional consultant.  No enterprise...desktop...pushed out to employees through arcreader.

Accuracy needed?  1-3 meter accuracy would be sufficient


What exactly collecting (location/information once and then information at a later date?)  Right now we have to conduct an inventory of all of our roadway signs to comply with the retro reflectivity mandate...approx. 7,000 signs....need to pull xy, enter some pre-determined field data, photo, and drop in as a layer onto our basemap

Monetary Budget?  I would like to stay under 3k....maybe get two handhelds if price is right

Time Budget?  This will be ongoing and innovative

Experience?  Extensive...currently using a topcon gms-2 and recon

Where is this being used (rugged country, city)?  both....not too much canopy or building blockage

Internet accesible area?  We have hotspots in our parks but it does not overlap

Thanks for the reply.

gp

[jasonblocker1]

More questions...

What level ArcGIS?
Is the Recon any good? Does it use a gps card?  What type of accuracy do you get with it?
Happy the Topcon, does it take pictures?  What type of accuracy do you get with it
What software do you use with them..hopefully you have arcpad...if not it's the seamless way

I'm assuming the recon will be a little lacking and that you'll be able to achieve 1-3M with the recon
I think arcpad 10 is more seamless with linking photos

Create dataset(s)-fgdb with ArcGIS (set up domains, fields)
Purchase arcpad (~700$ a copy)
Possibly purchase Juno SB (~700$)
Purchase 1 or 2 cards for background imagery/photos/data (+-50-100$)
Check out data from fgdb
Edit in field
Check in seamlessly to fgdb
Check out to start process again...could have multiple units out.

You could customize the arcpad part but if the users are going to be skilled operators don't waste your time...constant revolving door of interns and maybe you'll want to invest time up front.