1. Mapwise in the Field with GPS
Mr. Dwain E. Miller Jr.
Session Code: E&O709

2. Objectives
• Prince George Electric Cooperative (PGEC)
Overview
• PGEC Scope of Work
– Impact on PGEC staff and membership
• Applying Mapwise to Scope of Work
– Using ArcPad 10.1 & TerraSync software in the field

3. Prince George Electric Cooperative
Overview
Incorporated in 1938
Located in southeastern Virginia
10 substations
1,300 miles of line
Approximately 12,000 consumers
55% residential power load

5. PGEC Scope of Work
• GIS Analyst
– Regulate changes in electric distribution system
and geographical land base model and accordingly
reflect changes
• Critical component of field work
– Manage GIS databases to remain current with
data flows
– Why is this important for PGEC and its members?

6. Mapwise at a Glance

7. Preparing ArcPad 10.1 software for
Field Collection
• Get Data For ArcPad (ArcPad Data Manager)
– A process that enables creation of feature class(es) to
import onto Trimble unit using ArcMap
• Chosen feature class(es)are geographically essential to the
PGEC territory
– Ability to capture pictures/images /graphics while in
the field to assist in data attribution
– Creates map document file (.apm) and data storage
file (.axf)
• Necessary for real-time navigation to track acquired
features; built-in GPS feature captures data coordinates for
desired feature class type (points, lines, polygons); keypad
for recording text about field attributes

8. Example of Importation Process

9. Post-Processing using ArcPad 10.1
software
• GPS Pathfinder Office
– Run Differential Correction & ShapeCorrect on .ssf file
• “cleans up” wayward logging points while in the field
(corrected and uncorrected GPS points); creates (.cor file)
• Get Data From ArcPad (ArcPad Data Manager)
– Navigate to corrected .axf file in ArcMap under wizard
– “Checks in” feature class(es) that were modified
during field work
– Once saved, the new features reviewed and added to
Mapwise

10. Pictorial Example of Post-Processing

11. Pictorial Example of Post-Processing

12. Captured Data Using ArcPad 10.1

13. Results Published to Mapwise

14. Preparing TerraSync software for Field
Collection
• An easier interface to use with Mapwise
– Ability to create data dictionary in GPS Pathfinder
Office to easily record attributes in the field (pole size,
transformer number, etc)
– Less time with importation/exportation processes
• Data dictionary regulates information into drop-down menus
• All attributes are directly imported into Mapwise from
menus
– No longer need to digitize new features over the data
collected in the field

15. Example Data Dictionary in GPS
Pathfinder Office

16. Preparing TerraSync Software for Field
Collection
• GPS Pathfinder Office creates data dictionary
– All target layers created as “feature class(es)”
– Attributes for drop-down menus (data captured,
pole framing types and quantities, streets lights)
• Data dictionary is imported to Trimble unit
– Unlike ArcPad 10.1, no map document file (.apm)
is created
• Data and navigation logged points viewed on Trimble
screen

17. Using TerraSync software in the Field
• Similar to ArcPad 10.1, built-in GPS feature
captures data coordinates for desired feature
class(es) type (points, lines, polygons)
– Creation of data file (.ssf file) for each “session”
– Use provided drop-down menus to record
appropriate attributes
– Keypad available to log any additional information
• No “colorful” map document to track progress

18. Post-Processing using TerraSync
software
• At completion of collection process, Trimble
unit reconnected to GPS Pathfinder Office
– Post-process the data file (.ssf file)
• Data file transferred from Trimble unit into GPS
Pathfinder Office
• Run Differential Correction Wizard & ShapeCorrect
– Export differentially corrected feature class(es)
• Creates feature class(es) for importation into Mapwise

19. Post-Processing Using Mapwise

20. Data Dictionary in Mapwise
• A data dictionary is created inside Mapwise
before importing new feature classes into map
– Only needs to be done one time
– Allows Mapwise to easily read attribute data from
data files created in TerraSync
• Same process as data dictionary created in
GPS Pathfinder Office

21. Example Data Dictionary in Mapwise

22. Example of Features Captured Using
TerraSync software

23. Example of Features Captured Using
TerraSync software

24. Any Questions? 