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XMap at Work—Using the PN-40 GPS for GIS Data Collection

February 23, 2010

One of the most significant new functions of the XMap 7 suite is XMap Forms. This innovative mobile GIS tool provides the opportunity for field technicians to view, edit, and collect GIS data using a laptop computer or an Earthmate PN-40 GPS receiver. After returning from the field, edits, additions, or other modifications can be automatically merged into an XMap GIS layer.

On the PN-40, XMap Forms functionality offers the ability to:

  • Record the location of field assets
  • Collect attribute data using preformatted drop-down lists, check boxes, and simple text entry
  • Verify the positional accuracy of current data layers
  • Modify the attributes for existing point locations
  • Move a point to a new set of coordinates
  • Delete existing points
  • Save collected data in GPX format
  • Store multiple forms, each containing their own data collection parameters for a variety of field applications

There are several considerations that should be addressed before deploying XMap Forms on the PN-40 for your mobile GIS operations:

  • To build an XMap form, you must have access to a copy of XMap 7 GIS Enterprise to create the requisite XMap 7 Enterprise database. XMap 7 GIS Editor includes the necessary tools for creating and managing forms, but not for creating the appropriately formatted database.
  • The PN-40s on which XMap Forms will be used should be upgraded to the latest Pro firmware.
  • The devices must be equipped with an SD card.
  • A GIS layer on which the form is built should be imported or created in the XMap 7 Enterprise database. Any data collected using a form is automatically appended to this layer.
  • It is not necessary to assign all attribute fields associated with a layer to a form.
  • Multiple PN-40s can be employed to collect data that is later integrated into a single GIS layer.
  • The process of merging collected data does not require each PN-40 to be connected to the host computer running XMap. There are several manual file transfer options that allow field-collected data to be submitted from a remote location.
  • Using XMap Forms on the PN-40 requires no additional forms license or locally installed software and the device itself requires no hardware upgrade.

Creating, Transferring, and Collecting Data on the PN-40 Using a Form

Step 1—Configuring a GIS Layer

As noted above, an XMap form is associated with a GIS layer in an XMap Enterprise database and therefore the first step in creating a form is to ensure the layer in question contains the required attribute fields. A form can be created using an imported GIS layer or a using a layer that is designed and developed in XMap specifically for this purpose. In either case, it will be necessary to establish certain field constraints to enable accurate and efficient data entry on the PN-40. Applying constraints to a field establishes limits on the data or values that can be entered when collecting or editing field information.

For an imported layer, the Attribute Design View in the GIS tab allows existing fields to be edited and constraints to be applied. To achieve this, simply right-click the attribute name in the Design View and click Edit Field. Depending on the data type, constraints can be applied that limit the number of characters that can be entered; that define an upper and lower range for the numeric values; or that specify a finite list of text entries that are acceptable. If an imported layer is pre-populated with existing points and attributes, the Suggest Values button will automatically create the list of value constraints based on what is currently contained in that field. This list can be manually supplemented with additional values if it is assumed that certain field-collected points will be attributed with data that is not included in the current list.

When creating a new layer for the purpose of collecting data on the PN-40, each field will be created manually. XMap 7 offers three options for creating fields:

  • Simple Field
    Use this option if you want manual text or number entry on the device without any constraints. Simple Field also offers the option to create a Boolean field which is manifested as a simple check box on the PN-40
  • Formula Field
    Formula fields, which are derived from a formula applied to an existing field, are not compatible with the PN-40 and cannot be used in a PN-40 form.
  • Constraint Field
    As noted above, this allows limits to be applied to the values that are added to a form. When creating a constraint field in a new layer, the Suggest Values button is not available as there are no preexisting values—therefore, the list of expected values must be manually typed. It is a good idea to include “Other” as a value constraint and to add a following simple text field to the form to allow text entry in the event that field observations do not match the constraints.

A Constraint Field can be assigned an initial value which will automatically be inserted with each new record. This option is usually applied if the vast majority of field-collected records have the same value and it eliminates redundant steps in the data collection process.

When symbolizing a layer from which a PN-40 form is created, be sure to use the Earthmate PN-Series symbol set. This ensures that the points displayed on the device will look the same as they do in XMap. If a layer is classified, all classes including the Null class must be assigned an Earthmate PN-Series symbol.

Step 2—Using XMap’s Form Builder

After the requisite GIS layer has been created and formatted with the necessary constraints, it’s time to build your XMap form. The form builder window is accessed in one of three ways: from the XMap Forms button in XMap’s toolbar; by right-clicking the appropriate layer in the Workspace and choosing Forms; or by clicking the Tools menu above the Workspace table and selecting Forms. Whichever method is chosen, click the Create option.

In the Create New Form window, there are several required steps for creating a form for the PN-40:

  • Enter a name for the form in the Form Name field. This is automatically populated with the name of the corresponding layer, but it can be edited if needed.
  • Change the Form Type dropdown to PN-compatible Form. XMap-only forms will not work on the PN-40.
  • If the PN-40 is being used to collect as well as view data, set the Form Operations selection to Add Data. Note that this setting will also allow points to be edited or deleted on the device.
  • If necessary, type a description for the form.
  • Under Attributes, add the fields you wish to include in the form using the arrow buttons and if required, adjust the order in which they appear.
  • To ensure that the correct Earthmate PN-Series symbols are assigned when points are displayed on the device, make sure you transfer the classification field to the form. This will be listed as a non-editable field.
  • To manually lock specific fields, ensuring the data cannot be deleted or modified, check the box next to the appropriate fields.

When creating a form for the PN-40, you may notice certain fields from your layer are not available in the attributes list. The reason for this is because certain types of data that are supported by XMap, such as document, URL, and currency fields, are not compatible with the device.

After all of the form parameters are set, click the Create button.

Step 3—Transferring a Form to the PN-40

A GIS point layer containing a PN-compatible form can be sent directly to a connected PN-40 from the Workspace in XMap’s GIS tab or it can be saved in a user-specified location and distributed via e-mail or manually copied to one or more SD cards. Simply right-click the layer name or choose the Send to PN-Series Device from the Tools menu to display the Export Points dialog box.

If the source layer contains existing data, these points along with their corresponding attributes will be copied to each PN-40 device that either directly or indirectly receives the form. If no preexisting data is present, such as in cases where the form is being used exclusively for data collection, an empty layer will be sent.

If the points and the form are being saved locally, two folders will be created at the specified location: a forms folder and a GPX folder. It is important that the recipient of these files replicates these folders on their SD card before inserting it into their device.

Another method for distributing XMap Forms to multiple PN-40 users is to use XMap’s data synchronization feature. This process transfers the entire source layer to a local version of XMap from where the form and data can be directly transferred to the device using the process described above. For more information on synchronization, refer to the XMap 7 Administration Guide.

Step 4—Collecting or Editing Data on the PN-40

The process of transferring the form and data to the PN-40, as described above, creates the necessary files on the SD card within the PN-40. Before using the form, these files must be loaded into the internal memory of the device. This process is initiated from the Waypoints screen on the device by clicking the MENU button, selecting File, and selecting Open. After choosing the appropriate layer, a list of existing points will be displayed in the Waypoints list. If the layer is empty a blank waypoint screen is displayed.

Collecting Data – To create a new point, press the Mark (pushpin) button at the bottom of the PN-40. The preconfigured form will be automatically displayed allowing the user to enter the appropriate data pertaining to that point. Use the arrow buttons to scroll between the available fields. When the form is complete, there is no need to save the point as it is automatically stored in the internal memory of the device. Instead, simply press the QUIT button to return to the previous screen or press the Mark button to create a new point.

Editing Data – To edit the attributes for an existing point, use the up or down arrows on the PN-40 to highlight the point in the Waypoints list and press the ENTER button on the device. Alternatively, move the cursor on the PN-40 screen to hover over the required waypoint and press the ENTER button. Initially, the attributes will be displayed as a read-only list. To enable editing, press the MENU button and select Edit Waypoint. All the attribute fields are now editable.

Deleting Points – Be careful when deleting points that were transferred to the PN-40 because when the data is later merged back into the source layer in XMap, the original point in the GIS layer will be deleted as well. To delete a point, select it from the Waypoints list or from the map as described above and press the ENTER button. After verifying from the attributes list that the point in question is no longer needed, press the MENU button again and select Delete Waypoint.

Moving Points – To move an existing point, enable the editing function as previously described and select the coordinates in the Position field. Note that these coordinates are assigned by the PN-40 and may not necessarily reflect the coordinates in the original data in XMap. After pressing the ENTER button, use the left and right arrow buttons to highlight each individual number in the coordinates and press the up and down arrows to adjust the values as needed.

After the data collection or editing process is complete, press the MENU button when displaying the Waypoints Page, select File and then Save. This copies the collected points back to the GPX file on the SD card in preparation for transfer into the original GIS layer in XMap. Note the same form can be used over again so there is no need to transfer a new version to the PN-40 for each data collection event.

Step 5—Transferring Field-Collected Data into XMap

The GPX file that was created when the form and accompanying points were transferred to the PN-40 retains its association with the original GIS layer so the process of merging collected data into XMap automatically adds the new points to the layer. Furthermore, any attribute edits or point deletions are also applied to the original layer.

To merge collected data, right-click the layer name in the Workspace in XMap or choose the Import from PN-Series Device from the Tools menu to display the Import from PN Series Device dialog box. The import process automatically recognizes the data layers on a connected PN-40 and displays the associated GIS layer for each data layer. This dialog box also offers the option to browse to another location if the GPX files have been emailed or manually transferred from remote PN-40 users.

To update the source layer with the new data, click the Merge button.

Employing XMap Forms functionality on the PN-40 significantly increases the value of the device by transforming it from a field data viewer into a fully functional GIS data collector. No comparably priced GPS receiver offers this level of functionality and provides access to such a wide variety of data at the jobsite, wherever that may be.

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Utilizing GPS and GIS Technology for Emergency Management

January 26, 2010

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

December 14, 2009

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

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

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—What are the main differences between XMap and Topo USA, and will XMap offer any additional functionality when used with my PN-40 GPS Receiver?

August 12, 2009

Since the introduction of the PN-Series GPS receivers over two years ago, DeLorme’s customer service representatives have helped countless customers determine which of these two software titles best suits their needs. Long-time subscribers to the DeLorme Professional Newsletter may recall that we addressed this same issue in a late 2007 edition; however, as the question is still being posed, it is worth revisiting this topic.

To begin, let us quote from the 2007 article:

“Both XMap 5.2 and Topo USA can be used to transfer maps and data to and from the PN-20, however there are key differences between these two software packages that reflect the intended use for each product.

Topo USA was developed as a recreational mapping software product and it excels for such applications as hiking, biking, hunting and off-road navigation. Combined with the PN-20 it offers a powerful set of tools for planning and undertaking virtually any backcountry adventure.

XMap, which includes all of the features and functions of Topo USA, was designed to specifically meet the needs of the professional user and it achieves this by offering several mechanisms for integrating third party data into the software.”

3D_SLCWhile the XMap and Topo USA have been significantly upgraded since 2007, the fundamental distinctions remain the same. Topo USA is intended for recreational use and XMap has been designed for professional applications.

Both products contain the same core mapping functionality and include many of the same features and functions including routing, drawing and annotation, 3-D terrain modeling and much more. Because there are such similarities and common functionality, the upgrade path is a painless one for Topo USA users who want to take their mapping to the next level.

For most users, XMap Professional—the entry level edition of the suite—is a perfect stepping stone from recreational mapping to more advanced spatial technology. So what data does XMap Professional support that is not compatible with Topo USA?

  • Shapefiles
    The most common GIS file format, shapefiles are freely downloadable from thousands of online data libraries. Shapefiles can depict property boundaries, nesting sites, schools, subway lines or almost any imaginable geographic feature.Subway
  • XMap OpenSpace files
    DeLorme’s GIS format offers a simple way to share data layers with other XMap users. DeLorme provides several free OpenSpace layers for download including Township, Range, and Section boundaries, ZIP Code polygons, and NGS Benchmarks.
  • Scanned or digital versions of paper maps
    Using XMap’s ImageReg tool, you can import an image, such as a scanned map or aerial photograph, and precisely align and scale it to create a geographically referenced map layer.
  • Third-party aerial imagery
    Many national, regional, or local government agencies offer aerial imagery or other raster data at no charge. The most common formats for this imagery are GeoTIFF and MrSID, both of which are supported by XMap. As an example, all of the topographic maps for Canada can be downloaded from the Canadian government and can be viewed in XMap.
  • Your data
    XMap offers a geocoding tool that gives you the ability to import spreadsheets, databases, and even text files that contain a location component, such as a street address or coordinates. Each record is represented by a user-selectable symbol and is positioned at the correct point on the map.

All of these map layers can be transferred to the Earthmate PN-Series GPS receivers and can be displayed alongside DeLorme’s renowned topographic maps and Map Library layers.

XMap also includes a number of functional advances when compared to Topo USA:

  • Phone Search which offers searchable access to over 150 million phone records for the U.S. and Canada.
  • Voice-controlled navigation and voice recognition capability, allowing you to control certain features of the software using verbal commands.
  • Map feature customization including user-selectable contour intervals, shaded relief control, and flexible dual map windows.
  • Advanced layering functionality, allowing selected map features to be displayed on top of aerial imagery

In XMap, you will find all of the features and functions you love about Topo USA enhanced with an array of powerful mapping tools that help you make maps like a pro.

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Reseller Spotlight

August 12, 2009

This month, we continue our reseller spotlight feature by looking at a recent addition to DeLorme’s VAR (Value Added Reseller) network. Data Directions, based in Eugene, Oregon, not only offers a full range of DeLorme’s software and hardware but also provides a wealth of expertise in the application of location technology for natural resources professionals.

Tony Cooley, Data Directions Principal, who recently received his Geographic Information Systems Professional certification by meeting the standards for ethical conduct and professional practice as established by the GIS Certification Institute, shares some information about his company.

DDLogoData Directions has been providing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology for forestry and natural resources management applications since 1992. Clients are located throughout the Pacific Northwest and manage anywhere from a few thousand to more than a million acres of resources. The solutions provided are tailored to meet the individual client’s needs and often intermix a variety of software and hardware products.   The XMap GIS product line works well as a cost effective, feature-rich solution for the smaller clients and with the addition of the PN-Series GPS units, XMap also fits in well as a component of larger, enterprise-level GIS implementations.

“The PN-Series GPS units coupled with the XMap software enable our clients to view and reference their detailed GIS vector layers, as well as custom imagery in the field.   The ability to load GIS layers for property lines and private road systems onto the GPS units is invaluable,” said Cooley. “The units work quite well under the canopy of the northwest forests.  With the release of the PN-40 ESRI Extension, importing field collected data used for harvest or stand treatment planning is now virtually effortless.  We have found that XMap integrates well into GIS departments which are ESRI or MapInfo based.”

Data Directions provides GIS system software sales, consultations, systems analysis, user support, training, and applications development. Additional services include GIS data acquisition, conversion, creation, and integration. Data Directions specializes in integrating the XMap software and PN-Series GPS units with existing GIS installations or deploying XMap GIS as the primary system for clients with limited budgets. For more information on the services Data Directions performs please visit their web page at: www.datadirections.biz.

If you are interested in the application of XMap within a particular industry, you are encouraged to contact an appropriate Value-Added Reseller directly. If would like more information about becoming an XMap VAR, please contact the XMap team at 1-800-293-2389 or email prosales@delorme.com

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Notes from the Director

August 12, 2009

In mid July, Geoffrey Ives, DeLorme’s Director of Professional Sales, flew to San Diego for the 2009 ESRI User Conference along with a number of key DeLorme staff members. DeLorme’s attendance at this event was significant for many reasons, not the least of which was the fact that DeLorme had recently become an ESRI Business Partner. The following was written by Geoffrey shortly after his return.

What I Learned at DeLorme’s First ESRI User Conference

A few weeks ago, DeLorme Publishing Company, Inc., a new ESRI Business Partner, exhibited at the 2009 ESRI User Conference in San Diego. For DeLorme, the conference was a great success and provided the DeLorme professional sales group with hundreds of sales leads for the DeLorme World Base Map data and the Earthmate PN-40 handheld GPS receiver. But, clearly, there was more to the conference than just a list of sales opportunities.

ESRI_UCWe were told that attendance at the conference was down from previous years. That may be or may not be true, but from my perspective (our booth was swamped), the level of attendance— in light of the economic downturn—seemed indicative of the growing acceptance of GIS into mainstream government and business processes.  I’m talking low-level, basement of the rural town hall where you register your car, acceptance here.

DeLorme has exhibited at eight national conferences this year and at all of them, with the single exception of the American Wind Energy Association conference in Chicago, attendance was significantly off.  And they have all been peppered with job seekers and struggling job holders seeking a better life, which means attendees are less interested in stuff to buy and more interested in jobs and new time-saving processes. The ESRI User Conference was no exception.

In the current economic climate, most of us are stretching our daily job parameters to absorb additional tasks and responsibilities. Across the nation, ten percent of us have lost our jobs.  Those of us fortunate enough to retain a job suffer from the need to fill the process vacuums left by the now unemployed or re-employed.  It forces us all to rethink our relationship with work; to reassess our futures, our company objectives, our careers, our family’s security, and the trade shows we attend.

The ESRI User Conference plenary session highlighted multiple and critical global crises, in part to emphasize the positive impact of GIS on disaster management and future planning (let’s face it, unless you’ve got your head in the sand, we’re up against nothing less than planet-wide disaster), but also to target an audience of over twelve thousand with a message of “yes we can” in the face of all this darkness. During the afternoon keynote speeches, I emotionally cycled between ‘springing’ all of the apes from the San Diego Zoo and rushing home to build geospatial models that clearly identify the guilty parties. Of course, the quintessential US consumer (i.e., me) is the guilty party in one way or another. I could check Google for the nearest EZ-Rent-A-Van to the convention center.  Although I’d likely end up in the hospital; a data point within some public safety GIS showing statistically that a middle-aged US professional dad cannot transport arboreal apes in a rented van without risking serious personal injury; my well-intended personal protest not helping orangutans one bit.

“Where exactly was he going with all those primates?,” the responding trooper would ask my wife.

“I really don’t know officer. You see his Blackberry isn’t fully charged. Know what I mean?” she responds, filing her nails. “You should see how he loads the dish washer.”

“We understand Ma’m.”

Leaving the personal drama behind, I spoke with an estimated three or four hundred GIS users during the week. What I heard, again and again, was that many had suggested to their bosses that, due to the economy, they skip the ESRI UC this year. After all, San Diego is “Junket-Land” where, by itself, eating will obliterate a per diem living allowance. What was interesting to me was how so many small organizations, like budget constrained towns, told their GIS people, “No. We want you to go because you always bring back money-saving tools and new ideas.”

That seemed to be the ultimate evidence that GIS has truly become a critical component of mainstream business processes. For a small Maine town to fund a GIS manager’s trip to San Diego for a week is really quite amazing especially in light of shrinking municipal budgets. And for elected officials to recognize the benefits of GIS clearly speaks to the intrinsic value geospatial technology is now expected to provide.

Sure geospatial technology is cool. GPS navigation, on-line parcel maps, satellite views of Nana’s  house—these are all great things—but to generate actionable intelligence out of maps and location data can be life, and hopefully, planet saving.  It’s one thing for a federal agency to recognize GIS benefits through a cadre of analysts applying the best tools in the business but something entirely new to find that GIS value is being touted by an elected official from rural America. GIS benefits are now recognized by smaller jurisdictions through both ROI analysis and plain common sense.

In San Diego I learned that ESRI business partners may actually be part of something bigger than creating and selling product. We’re providing tools that empower solutions to global problems.  To do so we need to survive and flourish as a business community. That means balancing competition with collaboration, taking risks and pushing innovation, sharing and investing, all while developing value for our customers. As businesses, we’re no good to anyone if we don’t survive. So congratulations to those of you surviving this economy. It is no small achievement and we all need all the help we can get.

So perhaps there is hope. That’s what Jack Dangermond’s message seemed to be at the plenary wrap-up. We’re living through a dark time but there is hope, “There’s a light at the end of the tunnel.” GIS as a “Geo-Design” tool, can help educate and inform those in power, from local towns to national governments, to make the critical decisions necessary to help turn our planet around.

The problem, according to Mr. Dangermond, is nothing short of saving our world for our children. Geospatial technology has come of age just in time to help guide and inform the critical decision makers of the world.

Will GIS save the world? Who knows? I know it won’t happen without intelligent planning, cross cultural collaboration, sacrifice and guts. But I have faith that the GIS community at large is better at saving the world than your average, middle-aged dad is at loading the dish washer.

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DeLorme Releases Free NGS Benchmark Data for XMap

August 12, 2009

DeLorme is pleased to announce the availability of NGS (National Geodetic Survey) benchmark data for XMap. These OpenSpace files, organized by state, can be downloaded for free and are compatible with all versions of XMap 5 or newer.

Benchmarks1A benchmark is a geographic point whose coordinates and/or elevation has been measured and recorded to a high level of accuracy. Benchmarks are used by surveyors, engineers, map makers, and other professionals who need a highly accurate positional reference for their work. Recently, locating benchmarks has also become a popular pastime for the geocaching community.

Each benchmark or geodetic control station has a precise latitude/longitude used for horizontal control or a precise orthometric height used for vertical control or both a horizontal and vertical control.

The XMap data is comprised of individual OpenSpace layers created for all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, based on data downloaded from the NGS benchmark archive files. Recent benchmark additions can be downloaded directly from the NGS website and appended to the appropriate XMap OpenSpace layer using the Import… Append function of XMap GIS Editor or XMap GIS Enterprise.

The benchmark layers have been classified and symbolized to distinguish horizontal and vertical benchmarks. Additionally, a unique symbol has been assigned to benchmarks that are considered both horizontal and vertical control points. Each layer includes four pre-defined queries that can be run from within the Attribute subtab of XMap: Search by County, Search by ID number, Search by Benchmark name, and Search by USGS Quad. The results of these queries are highlighted on the map and in the attribute table.

Each benchmark includes over 35 attribute fields, including its name, date established, and condition. Additionally, each point on the map is labeled with the benchmark ID number, which also serves as a hyperlink to the complete online datasheet for that control point.

As with all GIS layers in XMap, the benchmarks can be transferred to the PN-Series GPS receivers for field use. On the device, the objects that appear as labeled points on the screen are searchable using the Find function.

The availability of the benchmark data in XMap format is further evidence of DeLorme’s commitment to providing powerful geospatial tools and data in a cost-effective way, making GIS technology accessible to everyone.

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The DeLorme Professional Newsletter – Summer Edition

August 12, 2009

SunIf you’re worried that you missed a month of this venerable publication, fear not. This is a combined July/August edition; let’s call it a bumper summer special. Read on to find out about a new free data offering for XMap users, an intro to an XMap reseller in the Pacific Northwest, a rare missive from DeLorme’s Professional Sales Director about his experience at the ESRI User Conference, and, of course, a chance for you to test your geographic knowledge and maybe win a copy of XMap with a GPS receiver in the latest Where on Eartha challenge.

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