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GPS Data |
Capture
GPS data in
Pocket PC Creations with the special GPS
point. Now included in the standard install of Pocket PC
Creations version
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GPS Pocket PC Creations
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Features
- Develop powerful applications around GPS, without programming.
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Capture 20 GPS outputs in accordance with NMEA standards.
- UTM
Easting, Northing and Zone based on WGS-84 global standard.
- Configuration set up options for various GPS
devices below.
- GPS connection options, data can be saved, and points drawn on maps
imported to Pocket PC Creations.
- Include GPS information in Pocket PC Creation's powerful Math
functions.
- Send GPS data wirelessly from Pocket PC using Pocket PC Creations
wireless functions.
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GPS
custom point in Pocket PC Creations
Install Pocket PC Creations (Trial
or Buy), GPS point is now included
with Pocket PC Creations version 5:
- Following installation of Pocket PC Creations, the GPS point will be available in the
'Add New Point'
window in Pocket PC Creations in Design view.
- The GPS point can be named anything to assist data tracking.
- Select GPS outputs Format from GPS Properties dialogue box below.
The default string can be amended by the insertion of Tokens
- The GPS output data can be presented in 'child' Edit points with
particular ID Names reflecting the GPS outputs selected, eg if the
main 'parent' point was called GPS, then Edit point ID Names might be GPS.lat,
GPS.long, or Sample.lat, Sample.hdop etc. This is a convenient way to present data, clearer than
in a long string.
Properties Options includes
a default setting to keep GPS device connection active while project is
open, which is the fastest way to collect a series of data. Closing the
project will close the GPS connection. When this option is unchecked, the
connection will close after each GPS fix is Saved. For most operations the
default setting should be used, as the GPS connection can be manually
closed on the Pocket PC with a 'GPS OFF' button (see below), if required. The close GPS
window as soon as fix is obtained option is a rapid way to collect data,
but may leave some users with less control than preferred.
 Project Development:
No need to be confined by the limited menus with standard GPS software.
Develop flexible data capture using the full range of other points in
Pocket PC Creations. Many applications can be developed for mining,
agriculture, environment, transport, military, education and recreation.
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Example GPS projects
can be found after installation of Pocket PC Creations at
C:\Program Files\Pocket PC Creations\Examples:
- GPSx10
- Drill Hole Log
- UTM
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Establishing a Fix
- When a project with a GPS point is loaded,
the GPS hardware is
prepared,
but not yet turned on.
When a GPS point is tapped (to record
position), the hardware is
powered
up, and "Fixing Position"
is shown. Depending on conditions, it may take a few minutes to locate
sufficient satellites (say 4) for the initial fix.
When a "Position
Fixed" is achieved, the GPS point stays open and
continues to receive data. Tap "Save" to save the data
within the GPS point data fields/boxes.
Subsequent uses of the GPS point are
instantaneous, because the GPS hardware
is still on: this applies
to other GPS points in the project, or when creating new sessions of
the project.
When the project is closed (back to
"Project" screen where project icons are displayed), the
GPS hardware is turned
off. To close GPS connection while project is still open, tap 'GPS
OFF'.
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Example Project
A simple example GPS
project in Pocket PC Creations is shown opposite. GPS readings at
"Sample" positions are recorded and the position drawn onto
either a JPG or
Bitmap image (230 pixels wide) imported into a Sketch point. A GPS reading could be taken
for each session, or numerous readings taken in a session by presenting
GPS input fields controlled by conditional Logic points (say with a test
based on Sample number). Follow the Skills
tutorial for easy development of powerful applications.
Data on Pocket PC
GIS data can be
presented in columns in the Session window on the Pocket PC, alongside
other data, and sorted by tapping the top of the columns (see
opposite). A unique and low cost solution for collection of GIS
data, with one device.
See also
UltraDrop custom point, to manage hundreds of UTM co-ordinates in the
field on Pocket PC.
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GPS Hardware
Setup
The GPS point outputs
in accordance with NMEA standards. A "Setup" prompt may present
with some GPS hardware, see below. Follow
the GPS device manufacturers specifications to configure settings for
Port Name and Baud Rate. With SDIO/compact flash card GPS units, and
Bluetooth connected units, it may be
necessary to receive GPS signal before opening GPS custom point (ie
watch for LED evidence that signal is being received). For example, for
the Socket Bluetooth Wireless GPS Receiver opposite, Setup for
Port Name is COM1 and Baud Rate 4800.
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