Hi all -

We use a similar product to the Trimble R1 - the Juniper Geode - which has
sub meter accuracy. The Geode is connected via bluetooth to Android tablets
equipped with the ESRI Collector app. This offers seamless data transfer to
our client- and agency-specific geodatabases. The Geode has been great in
the field and even has a backpack strap. Choosing between the R1 and Geode
is just a matter of personal choice and comparison shopping. They are very
similar. The cost of replacing a Geode and/or tablet are minimal compared
to a similarly equipped handheld Trimble unit. Tablets also offer the extra
benefit of using add-on software/apps for custom data collection.

We are currently working with a software developer to design a new ArcGIS
custom tool/script. Thi tool offers seamless transmittal of geospatial data
to State of California DPR forms using our company geodatabase. We will be
beta testing in a month. We've tried similarly marketed products and got
tired of the shortcomings/glitches, so decided to make our own. While this
approach is not suited for data recovery or site testing, we needed a
streamlined approach for our survey workflow.

My point is to get creative with your tools and invest in ideas - rather
than just using things for what they are marketed as, straight out of the
box. Tailor tools to your specific needs to get the end results you want.

Cheers,

Tria Belcourt, M.A., RPA
President

Material Culture Consulting, Inc.
2701-B North Towne Avenue
Pomona, California 91767
626.205.8279
www.materialcultureconsulting.com

On Wed, Oct 3, 2018, 7:36 AM Andrew Robinson <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> About three years ago the CRM firm/Engineering company I work for moved
> into the digital realm and we haven't looked back.
>
> There are quite a few options out there from the types of devices (Android
> or IOS tablets and cellphones) to receivers (Trimble or EOS Arrow) to
> software (Terraflex, collector, Survey123, or free ware).
>
> The company I work for provides Android smart phones, so we use those.
> We've used tablets (both Android and IPAD) and honestly I prefer the
> phone.  It's easier to carry, often has a better camera, and can fit in my
> pocket when going through thick brush.  Now for drawing (feature or profile
> sketches) a tablet is better. Depending on what you are doing, having
> cell/internet can be helpful (loading background maps, syncing forms, real
> time data). However, it might not be necessary if you are using software
> where you can download maps, data, or taking photos.  (Collector with ESRI
> online allows you to download ARCGIS files to devices).
>
> We use the Trimble R1, and like Sandra mentioned they are half to 1/3 the
> cost of a new GEOXT especially if you buy multiple at one time. When doing
> shovel probes, I can get 40-60cm, when walking/surveying 60cm to 1m. I have
> noticed if you walking faster when recording sometimes the accuracy can
> jump, but that's fairly normal with GPS units.  With out a receiver, just
> using the internal phone GPS we receive between 3m and 4.6m (which is about
> the range for cheap handheld devices). The R1 uses the same charger as most
> standard Android phones. The EOS Arrow has roughly the same accuracy as the
> R1, but is bulkier and requires a separate charger.
>
> Now software is where the options are really up to you and cost.  There
> are free open source programs which can have a steep learning curve or
> require creating a new setup. Terraflex, Collector with ESRI online, and
> Survey123 might have free options, but with paid licenses can be more user
> friends as some of the templates/forms are easier to setup and use.  I
> would recommend looking into software with cloud access for easy
> upload/download. This makes switching projects or updating routes easier in
> the field, plus saving to the cloud and your phone is always better. Each
> of these programs have there issues.  We currently use Trimble Terraflex
> with Trimble Insphere online. This costs $400 per Terraflex account (with
> up to 3 users at a time per account). We really liked Terraflex when it
> first came out, because of the background google maps, easy interface, and
> unlimited cloud storage.  However, over the past year or so, Trimble is
> changing Terraflex into a new program and support (including Google maps)
> has been greatly reduced. This winter we will be shopping around for a new
> program.  We still enjoy the easy of use and form creation.  We created
> forms that match multiple state cultural resource forms and we have forms
> to doing shovel probes including profiles, soil types, and colors (all at a
> push of a button with limited typing).  These two forms alone have
> decreased the time it takes to record sites, IFS, shovel probes, and photo
> logs. Plus all the data is saved on the phone and instantly uploaded to the
> cloud (if 4G is available). Therefore, we have duplicates in case the phone
> breaks.  The forms are then available within minutes of upload and can be
> downloaded and completed in the office instantly.
>
> There are a few company out there that have the software and devices in
> one which you can rent or buy. Plus they have in house technical support.
> We haven't pursued this option, but figured I'd mention them.
>
> I had a symposium about going digital at the New Orleans SHA meeting and
> can provide contacts for other using different software.
>
> If you would like to discuss this further off the list, send me an email.
>
> Thanks and good luck!
>
> Andrew
>
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