MOBILEMAPPER  GIS SYSTEM

Q: What features does the receiver software offer?
A: MobileMapper field software combines GIS data collection functions with full navigation features. Key GIS data logging capabilities include:

• GIS feature libraries for logging feature descriptions
• Support for logging point, line and area features
• Feature offset function for logging hard to reach features
• Feature nesting function for logging features without closing other features already being logged, e.g., inserting a telephone pole while mapping a road
• Repeat feature function for rapid logging of features with identical descriptions, e.g. poles along a road
• Grid mapping utility for collecting evenly distributed measurements (water depth, chemical concentration, etc.) required for contour map generation
• An option is available for recording data for post-processed differential correction

A separate FAQ on the MobileMapper receiver is available from Thales Navigation.

Q: What does MobileMapper Office software do?
A: MobileMapper office is a user-friendly office software package linking the MobileMapper receiver to the user Geographic Information System GIS. Key software functions include:

• Feature library creation
• GIS data display and editing
• Uploading of GIS data and base maps to the MobileMapper receiver
• Definition of data collection grids
• Display in different coordinate systems and map datums
• Export of data to: SHP, MIF, DXF and CSV format
• Post-processed differential correction of data recorded using optional receiver software

A separate FAQ on MobileMapper Office software is available from ICM Survey Systems

Q: Can I use MobileMapper for both collecting new GIS data and maintaining my GIS database?
A: Yes. You can take MobileMapper “to the field” and record the location of point, line and area features and fully describe them using feature libraries (code lists). You can also maintain/update existing GIS data files by uploading GIS files and background maps into the MobileMapper receiver. You then navigate to and inspect the features in the GIS file and update the coordinates and/or descriptions of those features that have changed since the last inspection.

Q: How accurate is MobileMapper?
A: With real-time WAAS/EGNOS corrections (available automatically and free of charge in North America and Europe) and under ideal circumstances (tracking 5 or more satellites and with a PDOP less than 4), MobileMapper accuracy is between 2 and 3 meters, 95% of the time. With short base line RTCM corrections such as from a “beacon receiver,” accuracy can be somewhat better than this. Without WAAS/EGNOS/RTCM, MobileMapper accuracy will be 7-10 meters, 95% of the time. The MobileMapper receiver will average point features while stationary and this can improve accuracy.

Q: Can the data from MobileMapper be post-processed?
A: You can purchase an option for the receiver to record the GPS measurements required for post-processing to submeter accuracy. After downloading this data together with data from a reference receiver to the PC, you use the current version of MobileMapper Office to perform differential correction. All existing MobileMapper receivers can be upgraded with this new option once they have been updated to receiver software version 6.00 or higher. This option is available for purchase from ICM Survey Systems. (in the United States and Canada only).

Q: How does MobileMapper Office handle post-processed differential correction?
A: The MobileMapper differential correction option is initiated by inputting an activation code into the receiver. (You only have to do this once.) This activation allows the receiver to record the L1 GPS code and carrier phase measurements that are required for post-processed differential correction. When you use MobileMapper Office’s transfer utility to download a post-processing job file from the receiver’s SD card, the code and carrier data files are simultaneously downloaded into the same directory. When you display this job, the presence of the corresponding GPS code and carrier measurement files alerts MobileMapper Office to display the differential correction window. You input data from a “reference station” receiver and then initiate the differential correction program.

Q: What is a reference station receiver?
A: This is a GPS receiver that records GPS code and carrier data while remaining stationary over a precisely surveyed location. You can use a second MobileMapper receiver or any GPS survey receiver outputting code and carrier data in the standard RINEX format. If you own a reference station receiver, you turn this receiver on prior to recording your job files. If you do not own one, you can often download free reference station files off the World Wide Web, e.g. from www.ngs.noaa.gov/CORS/ and other public sites.

Q: In what formats will MobileMapper Office import and export GIS data files?
A: MobileMapper Office can import and export files in ESRI’s SHP and MapInfo’s MIF and AutoDesk’s DXF formats. In addition, MobileMapper Office can export job files in ASCII text (CSV) format.

Q: Can I create feature libraries (code lists)?
A: Yes. You create them using MobileMapper Office’s Feature Library Editor and upload them into the handheld. When importing SHP or MIF files into the MobileMapper receiver, MobileMapper Office automatically generates feature libraries matching those used by your GIS.

Q: Can I create background maps?
A: Yes. You create them using MobileMapper Office’s background map utility. You create background maps by importing .SHP, .MIF and DXF files. There is a separate FAQ on this subject on the website.

Q: Can I use my own SD cards - of any size - with MobileMapper?
A: Yes, as long as the card is formatted for FAT file system. This is the standard for off-the-shelf SD cards.

Q: What is the battery life of a MobileMapper receiver?
A: MobileMapper ships with two AA, Li-ion batteries providing 16 hours of continuous use without backlight or 8 hours with full backlight. You can easily replace these batteries in the field; there is no hard-to-find, expensive and heavy battery pack or charger. A cigarette lighter adapter option is available for operating the MobileMapper receiver from a vehicle.

Q: How rugged is the MobileMapper receiver?
A: It is not just water resistant but waterproof. It can withstand submersion in one meter of water for 30 minutes. The MobileMapper receiver can also survive a 1.5-meter drop onto concrete, and it will operate from - 10 to +60 C.