Trimble and software advice please...

[sloth]

Some advice requested from those in the know please!

I currently use paper maps and plot by hand, with the option of outsourcing autocad if needed on larger sites. I mostly do 5837 but would like to seek more (larger scale) condition/estate type management surveys.

I am looking at getting a juno handset (had an offer), and some sort of data collection or management software. Honestly I am baffled by what's on offer. What do people recommend/use?

Ideally Id like to be able to do everything 'in house'. But it must be easy, technology is NOT my strong point!

Id like an all round package that can do 5837 and condition data collection and mapping.

I am on an undecided budget, but less is more!

Is gps really needed? Would some other pda rather than a juno work?

Sorry for all the questions, I look forward to all the answers...

[sloth]

Bump bump...

[Paul Barton]

Ok, here's my tuppence worth.

 

Needing GPS or not: depends on the kind of sites you are doing/want to do. If you are doing mostly pre-development surveys and have a topo to work from then probably not. If you do asset surveys for housing associations, local authorities etc then yes, it is a valuable tool.

 

Be aware the Juno will only give you 2-5m accuracy though - if you want sub-metre then you'll need to spend considerably more.

 

Software: for the money Pear technology's stuff looks good. I think it's all set up for 5837 etc.

 

I use Digiterra Explorer which is also very good value (£750 for the Pro version). You can create your own data collection forms to suit any survey and the desktop GIS is pretty good. However, it has taken me some time to master this software - if you buy it definitely book some training. The software support from Hungary is first class.

 

Only other downside to Digiterra - it won't read or export to DWG files (but it will open DXFs) from AutoCAD.

 

http://www.digiterra.hu/

 

UK reseller: GIS Geographical information systems | Data capture | GIS mapping software | Handheld GPS systems | Mobile GIS software | Mobile GIS Services. Handheld GPs and GIS Data Capture Software

[Paul Barton]

Ok, here's my tuppence worth.

 

Needing GPS or not: depends on the kind of sites you are doing/want to do. If you are doing mostly pre-development surveys and have a topo to work from then probably not. If you do asset surveys for housing associations, local authorities etc then yes, it is a valuable tool.

 

Be aware the Juno will only give you 2-5m accuracy though - if you want sub-metre then you'll need to spend considerably more.

 

Software: for the money Pear technology's stuff looks good. I think it's all set up for 5837 etc.

 

I use Digiterra Explorer which is also very good value (£750 for the Pro version). You can create your own data collection forms to suit any survey and the desktop GIS is pretty good. However, it has taken me some time to master this software - if you buy it definitely book some training. The software support from Hungary is first class.

 

Only other downside to Digiterra - it won't read or export to DWG files (but it will open DXFs) from AutoCAD.

 

http://www.digiterra.hu/

 

UK reseller: GIS Geographical information systems | Data capture | GIS mapping software | Handheld GPS systems | Mobile GIS software | Mobile GIS Services. Handheld GPs and GIS Data Capture Software

[Paul Barton]

Oops, I posted that twice. Sorry.

[sloth]

Cheers Paul, I shall look into that...