read only Auto Date/Time field and Auto-Duplicating field

[DanielBrenner]

2 questions:

1) is it possible to create an automatic Date / Time field that is read only?  (format of date/time to be determined).  read-only function should be simple but...

2) is it possible to create a field that automatically duplicates?  For example, user enters Burn Name (for a controlled burn) once and have it automatically duplicate to all future records.  

Yes I should try to play with ArcPad 10 and maybe even script in Studio but I don't have much time on this.  I also have seen posts that come close to this but either have a lot of scripting or just dont' mention a button to hit.

(I still would like to know if ther is an azimuth functionality for the Photo Field in ArcPad 10).  Is this a button thing or a script/properties thing, like when Getting data for ArcPad wizard ends and there is a whole bunch of attribute type info?)

All and any advice sought ASAP.

Thanks,

Dan B
Eureka, CA

[GarethWalters]

Hi Dan,

1) There is the capability of having auto time/date field - Open the .APL in Studio, Open the edit form, double click on the date control and "untick" the aloow null values. This will make the form automatically fill the date. You cannot make it read only as when  you press OK it will write to the underlying table (dbf or AXF). Why not hide the control if you don't want someone to edit it?


2) In ArcPad 10 the repeat fields button was implemented. It is on the bottom of the editform and if you press it, the values that you wrote on the form will be rememebered and the next feature that you create will have a populated form ready to go.


In regard to the azimuth, is it that you want to know the direction the photo was taken and populate a field in the table or have it embedded in the image itself?

I hope this a helpful start for you.

Cheers,

Gareth

[DanielBrenner]

Gareth,

Thanks big time for your answers; this is very useful in terms of sending me down the right path.

1) for the azimuth functionality, yes, I would like to know if the direction and distance are built in; how do we find that out?

2) I am still in the dark about the .apl in studio and editing the field properties.  I used the Help for Studio, created a shapefile and opened it, but I didn't see any of what you were talking about in terms of unclicking the "allow null values".   Could I have taken care of that when I set up the field in the first place? I have used Studio before and was able to edit field properties but more for symbolic purposes.

Thanks again.

Dan Brenner

[DanielBrenner]

Gareth,

I made some progress, but as of now:

1) I didn't see anything on whether azimuth functionality is built in to the photo field.  When I am in ArcPad 10 I didn't see a button to allow me to see if it is, and I didn't see anything in ArcPad 10 Studio in terms of Control Properties either.  Help?

2) I am sorry but the Repeat Values in ArcPad 10 seemed static and didn't seem to respond. I had to search more than I thought to find out about it.  Could you send me better instruction on this?

I do thank you for your advice, but could use more clarity....ArcPad is so lovely.

Dan Brenner
Eureka, CA