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I have been tasked with looking into this old chestnut again. My general approach is to work out what software would achieve our needs then select a device with the required ruggedness and spec. This time were coming at it from the reverse. It has been suggested that we get some Windows 10, (as in desktop OS run on a rugged tablet) Rugged windows tablets. We have a device in-mind (MESA2) which looks very impressive however I have absolutely no knowledge of data collection software for windows platform. Previously all my forays have been either Android or windows mobile based. I'm aware a lot of desktop style software tends to focus on asset management style surveying for Local Authority. We do not typically have much use for long term asset management style software. In terms of usage we would mostly be looking to use the software for condition surveys on large rural or remote locations. The ability to plot tree potions with a reasonable degree of accuracy just so they can be found again and add attributes to something like and attribute table and export the resultant data to DXF SHP or similar is essential. It has also been floated that we try to source some software that has the flexibility to carry out BS5837 surveys. I am infinity dubious as to how effective a single piece of software may be in both scenarios. It may be the case that two separate approaches are used? What ever the software, the output would need to be 100% customisable in order that it can fit into our current report presentation / style. Any one with some thoughts here please do let me know. I've found that much of the software still on offer uses Windows mobile which is tragic in my view given how far things have move on since 1997. Thanks in advance.

Wasn't quite sure where to post this - so thought here was best. "On April 26, 2012, Trimble announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire SketchUp® from Google. SketchUp is one of the most popular 3D modeling tools in the world. As part of the SketchUp platform, Trimble will also partner with Google on running and developing SketchUp's 3D Warehouse, an online repository where users can find, share, store and collaborate on 3D models" taken from Trimble - Trimble to Enhance its Office-to-Field Platform It will be interesting to see how this will now evolve

Just out of curiosity, how accurate is accurate enough? I have been reading various posts (mainly LinkedIn) etc on GIS and GPS location services etc and it is very easy to be seduced (if I can use that word) at the thought of using our mobile phones to record our locational details. Is 3-5m accurate enough? In terms of telling us where we are - probably. In terms of indicating a tree - arguably yes. In terms of recording the tree location- arguably not In terms of recording the tree location to be used as a future positioned asset- defintely not However, is using smartphone as a positional locator any better than marking on a map from 10 yeras ago? Or recording an offset from a street light? or corner of a building? Personally, I fear that we building a huge data correction time bomb using smartphones as accurate positional instruments - one that cannot be easily diffused. (profund)

Here is a little Shape file that i made from OS Open Data. it will open in Google earth, (requires google Earth to be installed). It will allow you to quickly find the relevant borough when conducting TPOs. speeding up the process. for those of you interested i used Manifold to export the SHP file to KML using the required attributes as info for the KML file Title, Name Description ETC All you need to do is single click on an area and it will tell you the name of the council. the rest is up to you. It's mostly for the south of england with a few areas cut out. i am working on a file for the entire UK but at the moment its size is such that GoogleEarth freaks out a bit when it is opened. the file size is 10meg so please down load from my dropbox Download File

Hi everyone, Tues 16th Nov 2010 sees the next Geospatial User Group held at Autodesk Offices in Farnborough, Hants. This event if free and is a user show case of Autodesk GI customers. It is not a sales event despite being hosted at Autodesk UK headquarters. Anyone who uses or is interested in AutoCAD / Autodesk GIS technology is most welcome. The agenda can be found at User Group meeting details can be found at http://www.aitspatial.co.uk/pdf/seminars/MKT_AUGI_GUG_Meeting_Programme.pdf To register for the GUG day please visit AUGI - AIT Spatial Ltd - Mapping, Information and System Integrators Regards