Looking for in-vehicle GPS software that can export to GIS

[Southeast Overland]

Hey guys,

I'm looking for a fairly basic GPS software package that has the following capabilities:

- can run on a tablet in my vehicle
- has the capability to show 1:24,000 USGS quad maps
- can function with various GPS receivers
- can import tracklogs and boundaries from ESRI GIS software (professional grade GIS software)
- and can export waypoints and tracklogs to a file format readable by ESRI GIS software

The last point is very important. I have higher-end GPS software that I use on a professional basis but it takes time to pre-program in projects. I want a software package that I can simply turn on in the field, record some basic data (tracklog and waypoints) and download back in the office to ESRI GIS software.

I like how easy Overland Navigator appears to use but I don't think it can interact with my GIS (I sent a question to the company but have not heard back yet.) Delorme Topo USA 8.0 has some more capabilities but after talking Delorme it doesn't look like their data can import into my GIS. Map Tech Terrain Navigator Pro might work but it is pricey ($300 per state for data). I've only briefly looked at National Geographic Topo.

I also have used Garmin GPS units in the past and thanks to the Minn Dept of Natural Resources who wrote a nice little, free software package I can export GPS data collected in a Garmin GPS unit directly to my GIS.

Any ideas???

 

[Southeast Overland]

I've been emailing with Craig with Overland Navigator and it looks like ON can export to a gpx format which I can then bring into my GIS. Hopefully we have a winner...

 

[rusty_tlc]

Maybe you should look at programs that can export as TDT or CSV then use Excel to massage the data into the format you need.

Will the Pro SW import TDT or CSV? If so it would be a pretty easy way to move the data between whatever new SW you pick and whatever you already have.

 

[Southeast Overland]

I'm not really interested in massaging data too much.

Overland Navigator saves files to a .gpx file which I can bring straight into my GIS - schweeet!

GaiaGPS is also a need iPhone application I stumbled across that records tracklogs and waypoints as a .gpx and also offers USGS quadrangles as a backdrop. It is on sale right now for 99 cents.

 

[bhmmapping]

Why don't you just run Arcmap on the tablet? I have been working that way for several years and it works well for me.

 

[1911]

You might also look at Terrain Navigator Pro by Maptech: MyTopo USGS Topographic Maps and Software

I use it for my business and it is a great program that will import and export in a lot of different formats. Hook up any GPS to your tablet and away you go.

 

[Southeast Overland]

Why don't you just run Arcmap on the tablet? I have been working that way for several years and it works well for me.

I want a simple solution. I know ArcMap inside and out as I use ArcInfo everyday at work (GIS/GPS consultant). I'm also pretty sure ArcInfo, and probably ArcMap too would just about nuke a little solid state tablet.

 

[little_joe]

I've installed eeebuntu on an Asus eee 701 and have Navit, Tango, GPSDrive, and one other program running on it w/ a GlobalSat BU-353 USB GPS. All of this is free/open source and can export in any non-proprietary format.

 

[Source3]

I also use DNR's ArcMap extension to talk between ArcMap 9.2 and my Garmin units. I have not found a better replacement other than the DNR extension. You may also want to check out gpsBabel for conversions between gpx, kml, etc.

I also run Viking in Linux. Have not got the GPS to work running Viking in Windows.

 

[Southeast Overland]

Looks like my simple solution ain't so simple anymore.

Laptop (soon to be netbook) with ArcMap & Trimble TerraSync
BU-353 (currently not working great)
USAAerialMaps (soon to be DeLorme Topo 9.0)
And as 'backup' a Trimble GeoXH with TerraSync - mostly used out of vehicle

 

[Southeast Overland]

I also use DNR's ArcMap extension to talk between ArcMap 9.2 and my Garmin units. I have not found a better replacement other than the DNR extension. You may also want to check out gpsBabel for conversions between gpx, kml, etc.

I also run Viking in Linux. Have not got the GPS to work running Viking in Windows.

If you are talking about the DNRGarmin extension then yes, I have it and it works great. I've been using it for years. ESRI's Data Interoperability Extension works well too but for simple conversions (and for the price) you can't beat DNRGarmin

 

[bhmmapping]

BU-353 (currently not working great)

Believe it or not I have had great results with a Delorme Earthmate with Arcmap. They have a usb-serial driver on their website that interfaces very well. I have also used the bluetooth earthmate directly, but it can be finicky sometimes - it think it is the bluetooth that causes the hiccup.

With Arcmap in the field I made a custom toolbar and just added the tools I frequently use and turned off all of the other toolbars.

 

[Southeast Overland]

Believe it or not I have had great results with a Delorme Earthmate with Arcmap. They have a usb-serial driver on their website that interfaces very well. I have also used the bluetooth earthmate directly, but it can be finicky sometimes - it think it is the bluetooth that causes the hiccup.

With Arcmap in the field I made a custom toolbar and just added the tools I frequently use and turned off all of the other toolbars.

The BU-353 was returned for a refund. Musta been a faulty unit.

I 'think' I'm pretty much decided on using a beefy netbook, running ArcMap and Trimble TerraSync for work stuff (b/c I already have 'em) and Delorme Topo USA for rec stuff when I want USGS quads as basemaps already loaded - but Overland Navigator is still in the running - its just so simple!

 

[Bogo]

The BU-353 was returned for a refund. Musta been a faulty unit.

Most likely a faulty USB device driver. I had no end to problems with mine until I patched the USB to serial chip maker's driver on my own. Now it handles sleep and hibernate modes properly.

 

[Southeast Overland]

Most likely a faulty USB device driver. I had no end to problems with mine until I patched the USB to serial chip maker's driver on my own. Now it handles sleep and hibernate modes properly.

I gave up after about 6 to 8 hours of work with it, on PCs and Macs, running multiple software packages with two different people working on it (the other knew much more than I did about IT).

 

[Southeast Overland]

Leaning hard towards an HP Slate - should fit the bill perfectly.

 

[Waorani]

Ordered a Slate 500 shortly after I stumbled across this thread but HP kept delaying shipment and finally sent msg a few days ago that if not shipped by 1/17 order would be automatically cancelled. Looked promising but tired of the comedy so went ahead and cancelled. Has anyone actually received one?

 

[Southeast Overland]

Ordered a Slate 500 shortly after I stumbled across this thread but HP kept delaying shipment and finally sent msg a few days ago that if not shipped by 1/17 order would be automatically cancelled. Looked promising but tired of the comedy so went ahead and cancelled. Has anyone actually received one?

Dang - that's a bummer.

 

[jonharis]

I want a simple solution. I know ArcMap inside and out as I use ArcInfo everyday at work (GIS/GPS consultant). I'm also pretty sure ArcInfo, and probably ArcMap too would just about nuke a little solid state tablet.

If you are using version 10 I would 100% agree.

I also use DNR's ArcMap extension to talk between ArcMap 9.2 and my Garmin units. I have not found a better replacement other than the DNR extension.

x1000 on DNRGarmin

The BU-353 was returned for a refund. Musta been a faulty unit.

I 'think' I'm pretty much decided on using a beefy netbook, running ArcMap and Trimble TerraSync for work stuff (b/c I already have 'em) and Delorme Topo USA for rec stuff when I want USGS quads as basemaps already loaded - but Overland Navigator is still in the running - its just so simple!

As far as tablet/computer recommendations. I use a lenovo x201 which is plenty compact and powerful for my uses and to run ArcGIS. Great reliability and Mil Spec at a descent price. they also make a convertible tablet version (http://shop.lenovo.com/us/notebooks/thinkpad/x-series-tablet).


I also use google earth with GPS tracking enabled. GooPs may be usefull for real time and saving track logs to .kmz (http://goopstechnologies.com/). Then use DNR to export to .shp. You can pre download imagery (automattically with this. Google Earth Voyager - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com) and there is a good extension that allows you to download USGS scans. USGS Topographic Maps « Google Earth Library

Good luck.

 

[Southeast Overland]

If you are using version 10 I would 100% agree.

Yup, using version 10.

As far as tablet/computer recommendations. I use a lenovo x201 which is plenty compact and powerful for my uses and to run ArcGIS. Great reliability and Mil Spec at a descent price. they also make a convertible tablet version (Lenovo - Laptop computers - ThinkPad X Series Tablet).

I also use google earth with GPS tracking enabled. GooPs may be usefull for real time and saving track logs to .kmz (GooPs). Then use DNR to export to .shp. You can pre download imagery (automattically with this. Google Earth Voyager - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com) and there is a good extension that allows you to download USGS scans. USGS Topographic Maps « Google Earth Library

Good luck.

I've thought about the Google Earth applications but I don't want to have to download USGS quads before I head out. I'd prefer to purchase state coverage and be good to go. I'll probably go with Overland Navigator for a very simplified approach or Topo USA for more bling. I also have Trimble TerraSync Professional I can run if I want the extra bling!

[STRIKE]I'll look into the Lenovo x201.[/STRIKE] Nevermind - I don't want an attached keyboard. I need for the wife as passenger to have as much leg room as possible.