Trimble has just released its latest software upgrade, TerraSync Version 5.00 (along with GPS Pathfinder Office Version 5.00). The software includes an array of new features, changes, and benefits. TerraSync is known as a field software for highly-productive GIS data collection and maintenance and is the leading application for professional GNSS field data collection and asset maintenance. Version 5.00 has made TerraSync an even more intuitive data capture experience for the field worker, has created better in-the-field quality conrol of data capture, and can be more easily set-up, deployed, and learned. Trimble’s new versions have taken a great leap into data capture usability, so much so, that I almost want to get back out in the field and collect some data. I think Trimble’s overall goal was to simplify the data collection experience. It has given more power to the manager, increased production capacities, decreased chances of erroneous configurations, and reduced training time. 
New Key Features and Benefits of Version 5.00
Version 5.00 displays background maps 25x faster than the previous versions of TerraSync increasing the typical speed by 10x. It also has the ability to display larger background files that competing data capture applications poorly load, or simply can’t load at all.
Trimble is calling one of their new functions the “Effortless GIS Feature Selection.” Data collectors are provided a quick visual selection of features from a button-panel that is easier to use on the move and when you are wearing gloves. This means no more frost-bitten fingers, quicker feature selection, and enhanced performance.
New Visual Data Collection Controls include graphical picklists, check boxes, and radio buttons that can be easily viewed and contain pattern recognition. You can also select attributes from an image gallery providing instant visual confirmation. You can easily adapt paper forms to the screen and provide collapsible and expandable sections for viewing.
Intelligent Data Collection enables the user to adapt a form to the data already entered and changes attribute behavior and default values. You have the opportunity to view/hide information from the field worker. Your crew will only see the fields needed to complete the job, providing less clutter and distraction, leading to higher data productivity. Auto-populate repeated attributes! If your crew has a long line of (almost identical features to capture, Version 5.00 allows them to repeat upon selection at the attribute level.
How is it more User-Friendly? The interface simplifies the TerraSync application for field workers, removes functionality and options that could distract employees, reduces the chance of erroneous configurations, and reduces training time simply by reducing the need to educate users about functionality they will not use. In addition, features, attributes, and list selection (menu) are no longer contrained by cryptic GIS database terms and has descreased abbreviations by extending their character length to 40-characters.
Oh, I almost forgot. There is a customizable interface…
Agencies must have a sign management program in place to insure that signs along roadways meet certain minimum retro-reflectivity standards. In 2008, the FHWA required that state and local agencies must assess and develop a sign replacement plan by January 2012. Non-compliant warning and regulatory signs must be in compliance by 2015 and guidance and street name signs must be in compliance by 2018.
As an agency, how can you best manage your road signs? GEO-Jobe incorporates a turn key solution for agencies to effectively manage their sign “retro-reflectivity” program. We can customize a geodatabase to properly inventory your signs by including useful management attributes in the database such as: maintenance records, location, incident reports, installation dates, type, retroreflectivity, environmental conditions, etc.
Want to learn more about the retroreflectivity standards? Click Here
Do you have a group that needs to learn ArcGIS? GEO-Jobe recently held an ArcGIS Desktop I training class for several airport personnel at Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport. The training classes are instructed by GEO-Jobe’s Senior VP, Neill Jobe. GEO-Jobe offers ArcGIS Desktop I, ArcGIS Desktop II, and ArcGIS Desktop III training anywhere in the country.
Don’t have a group but would like to attend the classes? You can still register to attend our monthly training classes held at our Nashville office! Register and view our Training Class Schedule at our website at www.geo-jobe.com.
Remember all of the old mnemonic devices we learned growing up?
Never Eat Soggy Worms…North, East, South, West…
Our data collection process involves several steps to insure the most accurate data input for our clients. Here, Mark is not just showing off his boots. He’s also measuring the depth of this manhole and has chalked the direction and flow of the connecting conduits. So, Mark, you know how deep it is, but which way is the office?..And are those steel toe?
Dale is showing us the proper use of protection around a manhole. Our crew is working hard to collect field data in a safe and efficient manner. Depending on the traffic and location, we use cones, helmets, lights, vests, and street signs to keep our fellow Americans and our experts safe! It is very important to abide by the appropriate safety measures during field collection. I wonder if Dale was abiding before his boss surprised him on the street and took his picture? Oh, of course he was, he’s our experienced manhole expert!
You just never know what you’ll find when you peek inside a manhole. Data collectors recently found a furry friend rummaging through a manhole in East Nashville. “Dale (one of our premier manhole experts) lifted the cover while I took a picture with our Nikon CoolPix s7c Wi-Fi enabled camera (let us know if you’re interested in one). I didn’t believe Dale when he asked me if I saw the raccoon,” said Tech-Nick. “We reviewed the picture and sure enough, he was right. Now each time Dale opens a manhole, we hunt for treasures like pirates looking for gold.” Luckily, for everyone, the raccoon wasn’t far from freedom and scurried to an headwall several yards away…most likely in route towards your trash can.
Our recent partnership with WDSCO has enabled us to encompass airport GIS while maintaining the same vertical services to utility companies, local governments, public safety departments, and universities. Our experience and expertise in all spheres has provided us with the necessary tools to continue growing and serving all of our business relationships. We are persistent in our ability to serve, support, and create new business in all of these industries and look forward to working with you for all of your GIS and GPS needs. For a complete list of all the services and products we provide, please visit our website www.geo-jobe.com.
We recently arrived back in Nashville after investigating the need for a consolidated GIS at Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR). The assessment plan enabled us to probe different departments, consultants, and resources to learn the operational and communication strategies of the airport. In this phase of the assessment plan, we interviewed key airport managers to explore GIS possibilities. We would like to thank BTR for all of their support, and we look forward to showing them all that we can do!
GEO-Jobe is wrapping up the initial contract with Nashville/Davidson Co. to help define the MS4(drains to a river or stream) / CSS(drains to a sewer plant) boundary. As part of this contract, GEO-Jobe is collecting all storm water features that eventually drain to a body of water. The project will enable Metro Water Services to more effectively determine if a toxic spill will end up in the river, or be routed to one of its sewer plants. In addition to data collection, we have rectified and digitized 220 grading permits consisting of over 1,400 plats. GEO-Jobe will soon be starting the second phase of the contract that consists of collecting all drainage features and manholes within the CSS boundary.
Thanks Mike Curtis for the submission.. If you find yourself in an interesting location wearing the infamous MapThis! T-shirt, send us a picture and we will post it on the GEO-Jobe Blog..
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