Bobby Sullins from West Wilson Utility District asked us to help them utilize the device with their real-time Trimble GPS equipment.  It required a unique configuration setup to work properly.  The result was a 4in (with mapping grade equipment) to 1cm (with survey grade equipment) accuracy utilizing multiple real-time GPS devices at the same time.  Imagine having up to five data collectors in the field loading data to one source without individual connection problems and multiple cell phone payments.

In conjunction with Verizon’s state government rep, Ken Malone, GEO-Jobe is currently implementing the MiFi into their data collection efforts and can help you configure your device to your data collection equipment! Connect the MiFi to your GeoXH, utilizing real time correction from state reference stations, the GEO-Jobe base station, or your own base station, while transferring information from multiple devices simultaneously, and achieving amazing results.

Verizon is offering monthly broadband data plans for the MiFi at $39.99-$59.99 a month (not bad for an uncomplicated multi-user tethering device in an easy to use package).

Your current phone plan (voiceplan, data plan, and tetherable phone option plan) you use for RTK probably cost you more!  For more information about the device or how to configure it to your GPS equipment please contact us.  Interested parties within the middle Tennessee area can also email ken.malone@verizonwireless.com.

The World Imagery Map has blended together USA Prime Imagery, World IKONOS Cities Imagery, and World Imagery with new high-resolution imagery for various countries providing the most optimal vintage, resolution, and coverage available.

The World Street Map contains improved cartography and building footprints.  It was updated with 2009 data from Tele Atlas and Automotive Navigation Data.  Several country street maps  were added including; Columbia, Hong Kong, Japan, and Thailand.

The World Topographic Map was compiled from public domain, user-contributed, and commercial datasets from the U.S. Geological Survey. DeLorme, etc.  Coverage for the world scale is down to 1:150,000 and the United States scale is down to 1:20,000.  It also includes detailed maps for select U.S. cities.

GEO-Jobe GIS is the Authorized Sole Source Trimble Dealer for Mapping & GIS Solutions in Tennessee and is the only vendor in the State authorized to handle Trimble Sales, Training, Service, Support and Rentals. GEO-Jobe GIS is also an Authorized ESRI Business Partner, Consultant, Reseller, Developer, and offers Authorized ESRI Training throughout the State. In addition, GEO-Jobe GIS is the Authorized Reseller for LaserTech Laser Offset devices and LizardTech MrSID technology.

The Trimble Seminars will be held in Johnson City, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Nashville, Jackson, and Memphis. We will be giving away a free 1GB iPod Shuffle to one lucky attendee at each of our seminars.

Each half-day seminar will include the following:

• GPS Theory Basics
  • What is GPS
  • Real Time vs. Post Processing
  • Learn about GLONASS (Russian), Galileo (European), and other satellite constellations
• Trimble Product Reviews
  • GeoExplorer 2008 Series (GeoXM, GeoXT, GeoXH)
  • Pathfinder Series (ProXT, ProXH, ProXRT)
  • Nomad
  • Juno ST/SB/SC
  • NetR5 Reference Station
  • Centimeter Level Trimble GPS (Trimble R8GNSS)
  • Hurricane & Zephyr Antenna’s for better Accuracy and use in tree canopy
• H-Star Technology Overview
• Real-Time Mapping – Do YOU want a High-Accuracy Real-Time Mapping Solution? – Come see it in action!! Requires no post processing for decimeter-level (4″) accuracy.
• Laser Offset Technology – For collecting assets in low satellite signal areas such as when you are close to buildings or under heavy tree canopy. If you can see it, you can capture it.
• Digital Photography – Our inventory is stocked with BRAND NEW 8 megapixel cameras with WiFi capabilities. These cameras allow you to capture high resolution imagery for assets in the field and then automatically transfer the image to the GeoXH/XT handheld maintaining a permanent link to the asset. As the data is exported out to the ArcGIS environment, the picture and link are automatically maintained and available for viewing back in the office.
• GIS/GPS Field to Finish Solution – Now you can get more done in less time with this turnkey package by GEO-Jobe GIS. Featuring out of the box solutions for Water, Gas, Electric, Stormwater, Wasterwater, Telecom, and more. We bring the complex down to a manageable workflow. With training added in, you’ll be up and running in no time.
• Mobile Editing - With so many handhelds and PDA devices now in the field, updating data in real time is not just possible, it’s now readily available. Access your data out in the field on the PDA and perform edits and updates which allows synchronizing back to the office as often as you see fit.
• In-Vehicle Mapping - GEO-Jobe GIS is a reseller of Panasonic Toughbooks and has already outfitted several utilities with In-Vehicle Mapping Systems. The latest Toughbooks come with internal GPS and broadband cards which provides flexibility for automated locating and updating in the field. This means workorders, for example, can be transmitted to and from vehicles from the office. Plus, add Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) technology and your fleet will be more efficient at responding to incidents when they occur.
• Fleet Equipment Management – GEO-Jobe GIS provides complete packages for your crews. From Toughbooks loaded with ESRI ArcGIS and ArcPad to Trimble GPS hardware and software packages, let us help you standardize your fleet so all of your employees are outfitted with the same equipment, fully setup and configured at GEO-Jobe, and delivered ready to go.
• Training – Do you need GIS or GPS Training?  GEO-Jobe offers a wide range of standard and customized Training Programs
  • ArcPad, GPScorrect & GPS Analyst
  • TerraSync & Pathfinder Office
  • Custom onsite Training
  • ArcGIS Desktop I
  • ArcGIS Desktop II (formerly Intro to ArcGIS I)
  • ArcGIS Desktop III (formerly Intro to ArcGIS II)

So what does this mean for you?  Well now you can have your very own end-to-end GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) solutions in house.  In fact, to access the full power and features within the Trimble GPS Pathfinder ProXRT receiver and 2008 GeoXH handheld, access to a NetR5 base station is a must, especially if you are looking for decimeter level (10 cm / 4″) accuracy made available on these models.

According to Richard Duncan, Vice-President of GEO-Jobe GIS Consulting:

GEO-Jobe has been selling the NetR5 through our survey partners for years.  The NetR5 is the best reference station model Trimble has ever produced due to its versatility, network capabilities, and easy to use web interface.  The NetR5 is easily accessible from remote locations via the internet which facilitates easy configuration and tuning.  This allows me to keep my clients running smoothly, which I take very seriously.

Some of our current NetR5 clients include:

• Metro Nashville
• Gladeville Utility District
• Consolidated Utility District
• The City of Columbia, TN

The NetR5 is a multi-channel, multi-frequency GNSS receiver designed for use as a stand-alone reference (base) station or as part of a GNSS infrastructure solution.  Some of its features include:

• Support for real-time H-Star^TM and H-Star postprocessing.
  • The NetR5 allows you to broadcast real-time L1/L2 GPS corrections in multiple formats, and to multiple users in the field, to achieve decimeter (10 cm or 4″) or subfoot (<30 cm) accuracy with the 2008 series GeoXH handheld or ProXRT receiver.
  • The NetR5 can log the L1/L2 GPS data required for H-Star postprocessing with H-Star capable receivers in GPS Pathfinder Office software or the Trimble GPS Analyst extension for ESRI ArcGIS Desktop software.
• Advanced technology for GNSS support: Trimble R-Track technology in the NetR5 receiver supports the modernized GPS L2C and L5 signals, as well as GLONASS signals, for great satellite availability, more robust tracking, and future proofing.
• Rugged and lightweight
• Easy to use Graphical User Interface (GUI)
• Low Power Consumption – up to 20 hours in tough conditions on a single charge
• Limitless expandable memory saves you time
• Flexible applications: Use alone or in a VRS Network
• Seamless integration with other Trimble Infrastructure products and services

The NetR5 is now available at a new reduced rate. Give us a call at 615-883-0085 to learn more about Trimble and how the NetR5 can fit into your workflow.  Download the NetR5 Datasheet for more info.

You can also link to http://glovis.usgs.gov from the EarthNow! page where you can download 20% or less cloud cover images of the US.

Forget capturing distance and bearing by hand on a notepad and then working your calculus back at the office. Let the new TruPulse 360B do the job for you automatically. GEO-Jobe is an authorized LaserTech distributor and we use this in our data collection projects too. Give us a call if you’d like to learn more or for a demo. 615-883-0085.

1. Not to export the map layers
2. To export only the map layers
3. To export the map layers and the feature attributes.

Opting to export the layers and attributes comes with a warning: “Exporting attributes to PDF can lead to performance problems while viewing the file in Adobe Acrobat® or Reader®. If possible, limit exported fields to one layer per map. To suppress field export, turn off field visibility in the Layer Properties dialog.”

I created a test PDF using the state of New Jersey’s Municipality Layer. Once you have a PDF exported from ArcMap (you must export directly from ArcMap, the attributes/layers will not be generated if you print the map using a pdf printer) open the file in Adobe Acrobat® 8 or later, did not work with Acrobat® Pro 6, and add the “Object Data” Tool then click on a feature of the map. It was very difficult to click just one object. It seemed to select all then on the second click it was easier to select just one. The object data shows up in the left pane as a “Model Tree”. I don’t yet know if you can edit the object data. I would make sense for that to be an option with Acrobat® Standard or Pro.

This option is a much needed addition to enhance map production and the free distribution of mapping information.

Here is a sample PDF of Well Head Protection Areas with some attribute information attached: sample_93 (for best results download and open, viewing in a browser may not work).