Tab Tip – Tracking Offenders with XMap’s GPS Radar Function

January 26, 2010 by xmap

November’s DeLorme Professional Newsletter included a list of the major functional enhancements in the newly released XMap 7 suite. If you read the entire article, towards the bottom of the list under the subheading, Other XMap Enhancements, you may have noticed “Improved GPS Radar Search”—a reference to a lesser known but, nonetheless, powerful component of the XMap toolkit.

About XMap 7

A recurring theme in the various descriptions of XMap is that it represents the perfect integration of GPS and GIS technology. DeLorme mapping software has included GPS functionality since its earliest days, when DeLorme was one of the first companies to introduce a GPS receiver for consumer use. It is no surprise, therefore, that when XMap was developed, it inherited a powerful set of GPS tools for tracking, navigation, data collection, and, as seen in the GPS radar functionality, proximity searching.

The idea behind the GPS Radar is very simple: if your GPS receiver is able to discern your precise location and the map on which your position is being displayed includes points of interest or other significant data layers, it is very easy to generate a list of these points that are within a defined distance and to update this list as you move. Originally, this functionality was incorporated into DeLorme software titles to help the traveler find particular businesses and services such as restaurants, hotels, and gas stations. However, it soon became clear that there could be many other applications for this tool.

One such example emerged during a meeting between members of DeLorme’s XMap team and a representative from a state law enforcement agency. The officer, citing studies indicating that most criminal activity is carried out by individuals who have been previously convicted, suggested that if each patrol vehicle were equipped with a system that would alert the officer when they came close to the address of a known offender, many crimes could be prevented. This discussion and other similar meetings, led to the development of a GIS-optimized version of the GPS Radar search function.

GPS Radar is a subtab of the Find tab in XMap and the set-up process involves a few simple steps:

  1. Create or import the GIS layer containing the points that you want to search for. If you are working with a database or a spreadsheet of addresses, XMap’s GIS import function will automatically geocode or assign each record the correct point on the map.
  2. Make sure you have a GPS receiver connected to your computer. If a device is not detected by XMap, the search will originate at the current map center.
  3. Click the Find tab and click the GPS Radar button.
  4. From the Find drop-down list, select either All GIS Points, which will return results from all active GIS point layers, or Custom, which provides a text box within which the name of a specific layer can be typed.
  5. Before beginning the search process, click the Options button to customize the behavior of the search:
    • Select the distance within which the search will be conducted.
    • Set the time between updates to the search results.
    • If required, choose the wording of the verbal prompt that is played when a result is found.
  6. Click the Search button to initiate the GPS Radar search. The results will be displayed in list form with the closest at the top of the list. After the previously determined time interval, a new list of results will be generated. Directions to the closest or selected object will be indicated by a thin green line on the map.

GPS Radar can be employed for a wide variety of applications; however, much of the new functionality was developed to address the specific needs of the mobile law enforcement community.

Read More About XMap 7

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Utilizing GPS and GIS Technology for Emergency Management

January 26, 2010 by xmap

In recent years, there has been a surge in interest in location-based technology among organizations and agencies that would previously have considered these tools to be beyond their means. The emergence of low-cost and Web-based mapping applications and the ubiquitous availability of worldwide satellite-enabled navigation have instilled a spatial mindset within a broad cross-section of the population. Software offerings such as DeLorme’s XMap and GPS receivers such as the rugged Earthmate PN-40 are bringing this technology firmly down to earth.

The utilization of geographic intelligence has been particularly evident in the field of emergency management and response, where GPS technology has long played a critical role and where GIS—Geographic Information System—is now coming to the forefront. Response agencies at the national, regional, and local levels are learning that the efficient management of data plays a critical role in all aspects of emergency management, from mitigation to recovery.

Unlike in many other situations where the benefits of a GIS are measured in terms of increased efficiency, higher productivity, and ultimately dollars and cents, the benefit of this technology for emergency managers is that it saves lives. No matter what the situation, whether it is a major natural disaster, such as an earthquake, hurricane, or flood, or a local search and rescue operation, GIS can and should play a key role.

GIS Defined
While many GIS specialists might offer a more complex definition of their chosen field, the basic tenet of a GIS is fairly straightforward. A GIS is a system for managing data in its locational context. Typically, a GIS is a computer-based system for gathering, storing, organizing, and distributing location-based information.

Why GIS?
A well-organized GIS provides an invaluable tool for collecting data from a variety of sources, organizing it into a usable format, and efficiently redeploying the data to those who need it most. In the field of emergency management, a GIS can reduce response time, eliminate redundancy, streamline the allocation of personnel and resources, and can provide crucial information for planning future operations. Additionally, the common file formats in which GIS data is usually stored offer an easy means to share maps and data with other responding agencies.

Integrating GIS and GPS
It is frequently assumed that GIS and GPS are inherently connected; however, the interoperability of these two technologies is often a difficult process necessitating the conversion of files to allow the exchange of data from one platform to the other. Few handheld GPS receivers offer the option of  viewing GIS layers or aerial imagery, a feature which serves to extend the reach of the GIS infrastructure to remote locations. Nor do they typically provide the means to collect field observations that can be easily integrated into a centrally managed GIS. It was with this in mind that DeLorme developed the Earthmate PN-40, a GPS receiver that offers a unique set of capabilities.

Foremost is its ability to display map data from a wide variety of sources, including aerial imagery, USGS maps, NOAA charts, GIS layers, and more. Additionally, this waterproof device can be used to collect data using the innovative XMap Forms capability. This powerful component of the XMap suite utilizes customized drop-down lists, check boxes and simple text entry to not only mark a critical point but to record a wealth of invaluable information about the location. Back at the command post, the field-collected data from multiple PN-40s is integrated directly into a GIS layer, allowing emergency managers to quickly discern the spatial characteristics of the data and to make better operational decisions.

GIS for Emergency Management
Often the development of a GIS is approached as a three-phase effort: data collection, data processing, and data sharing. For emergency managers, much of the data collection and processing can be performed as part of the preparation work. A broad range of relevant data can be imported or created to reflect what might typically be required in an emergency within the jurisdiction of the responding agency.

When an emergency strikes, the GIS infrastructure needs to be flexible enough to work in the field and to incorporate all of the additional data that will be collected as part of the emergency operation. In such a dynamic and challenging setting, the system must be easy to manage and the data must be accessible to those with limited knowledge of GIS. An overly complex GIS requiring a specialist to run it may become an unwelcome bottleneck when the need for data and maps becomes critical.

Typically, GIS software is designed for office use; however, DeLorme’s XMap, which has been developed on the platform of the company’s renowned navigational software and includes route planning and GPS interoperability as standard features, has helped redefine GIS. XMap is equally at home in the office, in the vehicle, in the field, or wherever emergency operations are managed.

GIS and GPS for Search and Rescue Operations
When a hiker fails to show up at a designated rendezvous spot or a child goes missing after wandering away from a campsite, the local emergency response agency quickly steps up to the plate, often assisted by other organizations and willing volunteers. From the outset, a high degree of organization is essential.

Many searchers will be unfamiliar with the area so there is the risk of escalating the crisis if those who are searching becoming lost themselves. Others, eager to assist, may take it upon themselves to initiate a search without any collaboration with the agency in command and without access to potentially critical directions.

A GIS will allow the emergency manager to identify and record any currently available information: Where was the subject last seen? In which direction was he heading? What are the terrain, land cover, and natural vegetation in the proposed search area? Where are the best access points? With all of this information at hand, a strategy can be developed and a plan initiated.

A useful component of the GIS for both assigning response teams and keeping track of areas covered is a grid superimposed on the search area. By way of preparation, a custom floating grid can be created in XMap and dragged to the target area. For those responders who do not have access to a GPS device, a map displaying this grid along with all of the other pertinent information can be printed. Users of DeLorme’s PN-40 GPS receiver can have the same map sent directly to the device so as they proceed on their designated search path, they can see where they are in relation to the grid.

Upon returning to the command center, the track recorded by each GPS device is imported into XMap and overlaid on the grid to determine which areas have not yet been covered in the search. The GIS tools in XMap allow each track to be buffered creating a wider swath on the map so that a more realistic perspective of the actual area searched can be ascertained. XMap’s spatial querying and symbolization capabilities are then used to create an updated map that is then redeployed to each PN-40.

Classification or color-coding of the tracks is used to map the area searched by each team. For example, the track files that were recorded and downloaded from the GPS receiver used by the canine unit could be represented by a unique color, allowing the emergency manager to see where this particular team should be assigned next.

The collection of point-specific data is also important in the search and rescue effort. Tagging a location where evidence has been found is a simple process using the PN-40. A button on the device is used to create a labeled waypoint to which detailed comments can be added. As with tracks, this point data is easily integrated into a GIS layer allowing all of the information to be centrally managed and, if necessary, updated and redeployed.

If a photographic record is also appropriate, XMap includes a tool for automatically assigning a series of downloaded digital photographs to the precise point on the map at which they were taken. This geo-referenced photo can be displayed as a thumbnail image on the map or as a hyperlink, which opens the full size photograph.

For emergency managers, the application of GIS does not end with the completion of the search operation. All of the data that has been collected during the rescue effort can be reviewed and analyzed to help plan and prepare for future events. It can also be used to create simulations for the purpose of training other responding agencies.

Conclusion
A GIS is a tool that manages information to enable better decision-making and nowhere is the decision-making process more important than in emergency management and response. Among the critical considerations when deciding to apply spatial technology for emergency management and response are the flexibility and suitability of the system for field applications, the accessibility of the technology for novice-GIS users, the interoperability with other applications and data sources, and the ability to efficiently share data with handheld GPS receivers.

XMap GIS software and accompanying Earthmate PN-40 GPS receiver from DeLorme meet all of these requirements and collectively provide a perfect mapping and GPS platform for all emergency operations.

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DeLorme Responds to Haiti Disaster

January 26, 2010 by xmap

A few weeks ago, the XMap team met to discuss the content of January’s edition of the DeLorme Professional Newsletter. It was decided during the meeting that we would focus on the application of XMap and the Earthmate® PN-40 GPS receiver for emergency management. Little did we know at the time that within a few days the nation of Haiti would fall victim to one of the most devastating national disasters in living memory and that DeLorme mapping and GPS tools would be quickly called into service.

As the news of the severity of the earthquake filtered out, and agencies and organizations from around the world mobilized to help the citizens of this already impoverished country, calls started to come in to DeLorme requesting accurate and up-to-date map data as well as assistance deploying our software and GPS products. DeLorme data technicians quickly responded and developed a GPS-accurate, routable road and street map for Port-au-Prince and other affected areas for use in XMap and on the PN-40.

Download Free Haiti Map Packages

Meanwhile customer service representatives and product specialists manned the phones, met with emergency response organizations, and conducted training classes to ensure that everyone who required assistance with their DeLorme product provided the information they needed.

DeLorme products are now being used by emergency personnel and relief organizations in Haiti to map the extent of the destruction, to help navigate around the city of Port-au-Prince and beyond, to assist in the distribution of much-needed supplies, and to plan for the slow rebuilding process.

On behalf of everyone at DeLorme, our heartfelt thoughts are with the residents of Haiti as they come to terms with the loss of friends and relatives and as they begin to rebuild their lives. We also forward our sincerest gratitude to those who selflessly responded to the call for help and who are on the ground in Haiti. DeLorme is pleased that we are able to assist in this effort.

Read the full press release:
As Many as 500 First Responders Relying on DeLorme GeoSpatial Solutions in Haiti

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XMap Q & A – Will XMap or the PN-40 work outside the U.S.?

December 14, 2009 by xmap

There is no technical limitation that restricts the use of XMap or the Earthmate PN- 40 GPS receiver to use in the United States. Courtesy of the United States Department of Defense, a reliable GPS signal can be used to establish a precise positional fix virtually anywhere on the surface of the planet at any time. XMap and the PN-40 can therefore be used to monitor location, track movement, and accurately create waypoints or other draw objects no matter where in the world you are located.

In practical terms, however, the most significant impediment to using DeLorme mapping technology outside of the U.S. has, until recently, been the availability of map datasets. This barrier is slowly disintegrating and there are now several avenues for non-U.S. XMap users to view, import, or create base map data:

  • XMap World Base Map
    Skilled cartographers at DeLorme recently embarked on an ambitious project to create the first seamless, consistent, accurate, and up-to-date base map for the entire world. This effort culminated in the XMap World Base Map, a vector-based dataset incorporating an extensive GPS-navigable road network, geographic and hydrographic features, land cover information, elevation, and much more. For information on purchasing this dataset, call 1-800-293-2389, or e-mail prosales@delorme.com.
  • Locally Available GIS data
    GIS professionals within the U.S. have access to countless data libraries and archives from which thousands of data layers, both raster and vector, can be downloaded, usually at no charge. Such publicly accessible data repositories are becoming increasingly common throughout the rest of world as government agencies and educational institutions recognize the value in encouraging the application of spatial technology. In these archives, XMap users can usually find compatible data in the form of shapefiles, GeoTIFFs, or other common GIS formats.
  • Scanned and Registered Paper Maps
    Often considered a last resort if no preexisting datasets are available, the ImageReg function in XMap provides a straightforward means to convert a standard image file into a raster GIS layer. The obvious benefit of this approach is that any local map or aerial image that is either in a standard image file format or that can be scanned is compatible. The positional accuracy of the final dataset depends on the precision with which the anchor coordinate points are established and, obviously, on the accuracy of the original map itself.
  • Canadian Topographic Maps from the Map Library
    If your foray into foreign lands takes you no further than our neighbors to the north, XMap has you covered. The Map Library subscription now includes unlimited downloads of Canadian topographic maps derived from the 1:50,000 series. These high-quality maps are available from the U.S. border to beyond the Arctic Circle.
  • XMap’s Embedded Reference Data
    If you have ever clicked the pan button in XMap a few too many times or imported a coordinate dataset without first checking to see if the longitude values had the requisite minus sign or West designation, you may have found yourself, or at least your map view, in some remote corner of the world. You may also have noticed that the map is not blank, at least up to zoom level 6. Embedded in all versions of XMap is worldwide Reference Dataset that, while not detailed enough to allow you to plan a hike in the Himalayas, will, with the aid of an attached GPS, let you know if you are currently in Kathmandu or Khartoum.

XMap users within the U.S. have become accustomed to the integrated high-quality topographic and street level datasets that are the foundation upon which XMap projects are built. Not only does DeLorme design and develop the software, we also create and manage the map datasets themselves; a truly unique amalgamation of spatial technologies. With the release of the XMap World Base Map, this synthesis of maps and software is now available worldwide, supplemented by locally available GIS layers and other data. XMap and the Earthmate PN-40 are therefore truly global mapping tools.

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Tab Tip – Using the Edge Matching Tool to Accurately Map Adjacent Polygons

December 14, 2009 by xmap

Among the exciting new GIS components developed for XMap 7 is an ingenious tool for streamlining the process of creating or modifying polygons. The Edge Matching tool, as its name implies, provides an efficient and effective way to automatically match the edge of a polygon with the corresponding edge of its neighbor. In short, this tool saves a lot of duplicated effort when creating adjacent irregular polygons.

To help provide an appreciation of the value of this tool and to describe how it works in a practical sense, we will consider a common application for manual polygon creation: parcel mapping.

If you are lucky enough to play your GIS trade in the vast central section of the United States, property mapping is a relative breeze. Thanks to the Jeffersonian survey system, properties are typically regular, four-sided polygons, stretching as far as the eye can see. Click, click, click, click and you’re ready for the next one. Here in New England, property boundaries tend to be based not on a universal consistent system but on local geographic or hydrographic features such as streams or ridgelines, which do not usually follow straight lines or intersect at right angles.

When mapping adjoining parcels of this type, it is unavoidable that each boundary line must be precisely duplicated to avoid any holes or overlap. This process usually doubles the time and effort needed to create the parcel database—it was for such situations that XMap’s Edge Matching feature was developed.

To use the Edge Matching tool in either the Editor or Enterprise version of XMap, follow these steps.

  1. Create or import the first polygon, making sure it is accurately delineated.
  2. Create a simple version of the adjacent polygon (four points is sufficient).
  3. Click the Edge Matching tool on XMap’s toolbar and click anywhere within the simple polygon.
  4. Select the two shape points at either end of the section of this polygon that will be matched. These anchor points will be symbolized with pink boxes.
  5. Click anywhere within the first polygon and repeat the anchor point selection process for the two points that correspond with ends of the section of the boundary to be matched. A dashed line on the map provides a visual indication as to which of the two previously selected points will be matched. After the second point is selected, the corresponding edge of new polygon will be automatically redrawn and matched to the shape of the original polygon.

The Edge Matching tool not only saves time and effort in polygon mapping projects, it also ensures accuracy in the mapping process by eliminating the likelihood of mismatched or omitted points.

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DeLorme Offers Free Downloadable Trial Version of XMap 7 GIS Enterprise Software

December 14, 2009 by xmap

DeLorme is pleased to announce the availability of a downloadable trial edition of the latest release of its XMap 7 GIS Enterprise software. This thirty-day evaluation copy provides all of the features of the standard Enterprise software version and includes a sample of DeLorme’s topographic base map data.

XMap 7 is a three-tiered GIS software suite that has been engineered to extend the reach of GIS to field technicians and mobile professionals through straightforward two-way data synchronization and form-based data collection and editing.

XMap 7 GIS Enterprise is the most advanced level of the three tiers. It offers offer a full array of GIS importing, editing, and analysis tools as well as powerful data administration and deployment functionality. Using XMap 7 GIS Enterprise, a GIS manager or IT administrator can:

  • Import data in all common spatial formats
  • Create and edit both the geometry and attributes of a layer
  • Classify, symbolize, and query the data.
  • Establish the synchronization process to enable the efficient transfer of selected GIS layers
  • Build data collection forms for use in all versions of XMap 7 or on the Earthmate PN-40 handheld GPS receiver
  • Integrate field-collected data in a master GIS database

To download a free trial copy of XMap 7 GIS Enterprise, visit www.xmap.com/trial.

Also available in the XMap 7 software suite are XMap 7 GIS Editor—a full-featured application offering an extensive set of GIS layer importing, creating and editing tools, ideally suited for small scale GIS operations—and XMap 7 Professional, which is primarily a GIS data viewing application but, when used in conjunction with XMap GIS Enterprise, becomes a proficient field data collection and updating tool, ideally suited for field personnel and other mobile professionals.

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XMap at Work

December 14, 2009 by xmap

Santa Claus travels the world with the Earthmate PN-40

North Pole – The Earthmate PN-40 has proven its mettle in the most demanding physical environments—from the high peaks of the Himalayas to the searing heat of the Sonoran Desert. Yet these extremes pale in comparison to the latest assignment for this indomitable device.

This year, Santa Claus has chosen the PN-40 to help him guide his sleigh as he circumnavigates the globe bringing joy (and DeLorme mapping products) to all.

“Rudolph’s navigational prowess is well known,” said Mr. Claus in a recent interview. “But the red nose is yesterday’s technology. When I heard the Easter Bunny had picked up a PN-40 and had shaved twenty percent off his delivery time, I had to get one.”

Working with his team of IT elves, Mr. Claus used XMap to quickly geocode the location of every child on the planet. In the resulting GIS layer, he added a Naughty or Nice field, with Nice assigned as the default initial value, of course. He then appended the Requested Presents database and even attached a copy of each kid’s Santa letter as an embedded document. Finally, he overlaid this point layer on the new XMap World Base Map data before creating the necessary map packages for his PN-40.

“The forms feature on the PN-40 is what will really make my job easier,” said Mr. Claus while stuffing his sack full of DeLorme Atlas and Gazetteers. “Let’s say I park the sleigh on the roof little Jimmy’s house. I just look down at the screen of my PN and click the symbol and up pops a form with all of Jimmy’s details: Nice–check; Copy of XMap–check. I’m on to the next house before the guys up front have a chance to finish their carrots. I even added a check box to the form to let me know that I’d visited this house. How cool is that? Now, if you’ll excuse me, I really have a lot to do.”

So there you have it, the PN-40 does its part to help bring holiday cheer to kids all over the world.

The XMap Team at DeLorme would like to wish you and yours a happy and healthy holiday season and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.

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XMap Q&A — I have been using the embedded document tool in XMap 6 — what’s different in version 7?

November 13, 2009 by xmap

The most important distinction between the document embedding functionality in XMap 6 and XMap 7 is that in the newer version  documents can be opened, edited, and saved in the XMap OpenSpace database.

Document embedding was first introduced to the XMap suite in version 5 and it was intended as a tool for assigning a file, such as a photograph or a schematic diagram, to an object on the map. To accommodate this process, a new type of attribute field was developed that offered the option to upload the document or file and store it in the database.

Anyone with access to this layer—either locally, through OpenSpace file transfer, or synchronization—could open the file by clicking the appropriate cell in the attribute table. This one-way file distribution process did not permit the file to be edited and embedded again, so the recipient of the layer would be required to manually send any updated files to the data administrator as an e-mail attachment.

Doc_menuDuring the initial discussions of the feature requirements for XMap 7, embedded document editing was one of the first items added to the must have list. Additionally it was decided that the management of embedded documents should not limited to the attribute table but should also be available by clicking an object on the map. A new right-click feature now offers the option to upload, open, edit, save, or delete a file that is associated with the selected point, line, or polygon.

This list of options is available in all versions of XMap 7, so that even a field worker using XMap Professional can upload an image or complete a spreadsheet report and save it to a local database in preparation for synchronization to the data administrator.

Forms_DocEmbedded documents can also be efficiently managed within an XMap form [link to Forms article]. If a document field is added to a form, buttons are displayed for editing, deleting, or uploading a file and the file name itself is added to the form as a hyperlink. If an image is uploaded to a document field, the actual image will be displayed in the form.

Another new feature in XMap 7 is the option to establish an initial or default value for an attribute field. As each new object is added to the layer, this initial value is automatically assigned, which can save time by eliminating repeated steps. An initial value can even be established for a document field so that as each new item is created, a new copy of a standard document or report is assigned to the record instead of having to be manually uploaded each time.

Practical uses for the new document embedding functionality include:

  • Uploading and archiving photographs associated with objects in a GIS layer
  • Distributing a standard report associated with each record and automatically collecting the completed report using XMap’s synchronization process
  • Cataloging data that cannot be easily assigned to existing GIS attributes
  • Associating plans, diagrams, or drawings with asset locations

Document embedding adds an extra dimension to GIS management by providing access to pertinent files in a geographic context. The new editing feature significantly enhances this functionality by streamlining the collection, storage and retrieval of location-based information.

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Tab Tip – Using XMap Forms to Collect or Edit GIS Data in the Field

November 13, 2009 by xmap

The all-new XMap Forms feature is without doubt the single most important addition to the XMap 7 suite. Designed as a simple and affordable tool for viewing, collecting, and editing GIS data in the field, XMap Forms can be created for use on a PC or on the Earthmate PN-40 handheld GPS receiver.

Well_Inspection_FormAn XMap form provides a user-friendly interface for displaying the attributes assigned to an object in a GIS layer or for recording new point locations and their associated attribute information. To simplify this data collection process and to ensure data accuracy and consistency, the data administrator can establish drop-down lists or check boxes as an alternative to manual text entry. Field-collected or edited data is automatically merged or integrated into the originating GIS layer through XMap’s innovative two-way synchronization process or the PN-40’s Exchange function.

XMap Forms is fully compatible with all versions of XMap 7 including the affordable XMap Professional. To enable form-based data viewing or collection, the XMap Professional user must purchase a separate XMap Forms license. This license, which is available by calling the XMap sales team at 1-800-239-2389, significantly increases the value of the software by transforming its GIS functionality from simple data viewing to powerful data collection.

Creating an XMap Form
An XMap form is generated from a GIS layer that has been created in or imported into an XMap Enterprise database. Therefore, before beginning the process of developing or managing XMap Forms, you need to have access to a copy of XMap 7 GIS Enterprise.

The process of designing a form begins by creating or importing a GIS layer and adding all of the required attribute fields. XMap’s new attribute constraints functionality can be applied to new or existing attribute fields to ensure that only predetermined values can be entered during the data collection process. Depending on the data type, constraints can take the form of a drop-down list, a check box implying true or false, or a numeric range. Any data that falls outside the constraint limits will be flagged as invalid allowing the data administrator to edit the data or modify the constraint as needed.

When all of the required attributes and constraints have been established, the XMap form is created in the Create New Form dialog box. This window is accessed from the Tools menu in the GIS Workspace by right-clicking the appropriate layer or by using the Forms button in the toolbar. When creating a form, there are several configuration settings that need to be established:

  • Will the form be used in XMap or on the PN-40? A PN-40 form cannot be used in XMap or vice versa.
  • Is the form for adding new points or just for updating existing attributes?
  • Can existing objects be deleted using a form?
  • Which attributes from the layer should appear on the form and in what order?

When creating a form for use on the PN-40, only point layers are supported and there are certain attribute field types, for example, document fields, which are not compatible and will therefore not appear in the available attributes list.

Each XMap form is individually named and saved as an extension of the corresponding openspace GIS layer so any edits, additions, or deletions made using the form either in XMap or on the PN-40 will eventually be applied to the host layer.

When using an XMap form for data collection, as opposed to data editing, the layer from which the form is created is typically empty to begin.

Transferring a Form Using Database Synchronization
For individual use, an XMap form can be employed to add or update information in a local database using either XMap GIS Enterprise or XMap GIS Editor. In such a case, updating the attributes using a form has the same effect as making edits directly to the attribute table in XMap. To enable remote data collection or editing, the data administrator must utilize XMap’s synchronization process to automatically send a copy of the layer and the corresponding form or forms to one or more XMap users, to whom an XMap Forms license has been assigned. Refer to the XMap Admin Guide for more information on setting up the synchronization process.

When enabled, data synchronization is initiated by the recipient of the data, typically before heading into the field. A simple click of a button in XMap’s toolbar initially downloads the contents of a layer and each time thereafter, checks for any changes or additions that have been made to the layer.

Sending a Form to the Earthmate PN-40
XMap forms and the corresponding GIS layers are transferred from XMap to the PN-40 using a direct exchange procedure within the GIS tab. Either right-click the layer name or click the Send Layer button in the toolbar to transfer the file to the SD card in the device, making sure that the Connect to Computer setting on the PN-40 is first set to Transfer to SD Card. Alternatively, the layer and form can be saved to local folder and manually copied to an SD card which can subsequently be sent to a PN-40 user.

On the PN-40, the XMap form is activated from the Waypoints screen by pressing the Menu button, selecting File, and then choosing Open.

Collecting Data using a Form
The procedure for collecting data is very straightforward using either XMap or the PN-40. In XMap the form is displayed as a floating window and includes buttons to place a new object at the current GPS position, at the map center or manually. When an object is added or an existing object is selected, the attribute fields in the form are activated and the appropriate data can be entered.

PN_FormOn the PN-40, clicking the Waypoint button creates a new point at the current GPS location or at the position of the cursor on the map screen. The editable form then automatically appears and the required data is entered in each available field. When the data collection task is complete, it is important to save the collected or edited points back to the SD card in preparation for merging into the host layer. The process is performed by pressing the Menu button when the Waypoints screen is displayed, selecting File, and then choosing Save.

Integrating Field-Collected Data into XMap
The data synchronization process has been upgraded in XMap 7 to allow the transfer of data both to and from remote XMap users. Consequently, the action of clicking the Synchronize button previously described will automatically integrate data collected using an XMap Form into the originating layer.

The process for downloading data from the PN-40 is equally straightforward. In XMap, simply right-click the name of the host layer and choose Import from PN-Series Device or click the Import Layer from PN button in the toolbar. Any additional points or data edits will be applied to the OpenSpace Layer.

The XMap Forms functionality significantly enhances the value of XMap at every level. Corporate data administrators can now efficiently update GIS databases with direct input from remote users; standalone GIS managers can simplify data input ensuring accuracy and consistency; field workers can collect pertinent information at the jobsite using a simple onscreen form in XMap Professional or on the PN-40 and can quickly submit their findings to the data manager.

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What’s New in XMap 7?

November 13, 2009 by xmap

The XMap 7 suite includes a wide array of new and improved mapping and GIS functions in the desktop software and on the Earthmate PN-40 GPS receiver.
Sewer_Form
New Features

  • XMap Forms:
    New data collection and editing tool for XMap and Earthmate PN-40 (for more information, click here)
  • Two-way data synchronization:
    Automatically send data to XMap users in the field and integrate edits and additions into a corporate GIS database
  • Advanced document embedding:
    Assign a file to a GIS object on the map; open, edit, and save the file before synchronizing it back to the data administrator (for more information, click here)

Attribute Management Improvements

  • Attribute constraints:
    Establish rules that govern which attribute values can be assigned to an object when gathering or editing data
  • Improved attribute field creation:
    Choose simple, formula, or constrained field
  • Initial value for new a new field:
    Simplify data input by establishing default attribute values for each new object in a layer
  • User-defined decimal precision:
    Select the number of decimal places when creating or editing a number field
  • Data type editing:
    Change the data type for any compatible attribute field
  • Many-to-one attribute linking:
    Import additional attributes and assign a recurring attribute to multiple objects in a layer
  • Unlinked record reporting:
    Save information on unmatched or duplicated records when linking external attributes

Edge_Matching

CAD and Feature Display Improvements

  • Edge matching:
    Automatically replicate the boundary of a polygon when creating an adjacent polygon
  • Zero and negative buffering:
    Create a buffer of zero dimension to merge multiple polygons into a single object
  • Multi-point deleting:
    Select multiple shape points in a line or polygon object and delete them all at one time
  • New default symbology for GIS layers:
    Bright yellow color ensures maximum visibility against all types of base maps
  • Updated symbol set:
    New industry symbols, including wind turbine and oil derrick, for use in XMap and on the PN-40

Other GIS Improvements

  • Expanded geocoding format compatibility:
    Import point databases with UTM or SPCS coordinates
  • New latitude/longitude display:
    Geographic coordinates are now automatically added as an attribute for all point layers
  • Simpler object deleting:
    Delete multiple objects on the map or in the attribute table
  • Improved layer classification:
    Classification name defaults to name of the field that was used to create the classification
  • KML format support:
    Export and display your GIS objects in Google Earth™ or Google Maps™ mapping services
  • Enhanced GIS layer management:
    New option settings to zoom to extent of layer when importing, limit the number of objects that can be displayed, and more
  • Improved query result management:
    Attribute table set to display filtered query results by default

XMap/PN-40 Improvements

  • Redesigned Handheld Export tab:
    Copy individual GIS layers to the PN-40 so each can be independently controlled on the device
  • Direct exchange of data between XMap’s GIS tab and the PN-40:
    Automatically send point layers and XMap Forms to the device and merge changes into the original layer
  • Streamlined map package creation for GIS layers:
    Automatically select the grid coverage to capture  all objects in a layer
  • Updated PN-40 firmware:
    View, edit, and collect GIS data using XMap Forms; transfer, manage, and save GPX files on the PN-40’s SD card

Other XMap Improvements

  • Improved GPS Radar Search:
    Search for objects in a GIS layer within a defined radius of your current location and update the search results as you drive
  • New World Map dataset:
    Seamless global base map developed at a scale of 1:250,000
  • Updated Welcome Screen:
    Provides quick and easy access to your XMap projects as well as direct links to pertinent Help files.

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