The Trimble DA2 is a fantastic tool to upgrade the location accuracy of your utilities. Pairing this device with Esri’s Field Maps application allows you to collect new features and update existing data in your ArcGIS Online web map. Today, I will give a brief introduction to this device and how it can improve your workflows.
The DA2 uses the Trimble Catalyst subscription which offers a variety of precision levels depending on what price point works best for you. View the pricing for Catalyst subscriptions here. Connecting to a mobile device via Bluetooth allows you to pair the high-accuracy of the device with Field Maps. This workflow allows your work in the field to be seen and accessed directly in the office via ArcGIS.com.
While you update the location of features, you can simultaneously add additional information. Field Maps allows you to snap photos that attach directly to each feature. Attributes are also accessible for you to update immediately upon creation of a new feature. Attributes are completely customizable for each feature layer in your map, allowing you to choose what information is most important for each type of feature collected.
My setup typically starts with creating my feature layers in ArcGIS Pro. During the layer creation, I can select my preferred coordinate system for my data. Following this, I am enabling Z-Values so that I can store the elevation value from the receiver in the data that I collect.
Before sharing the layer to ArcGIS Online there is a geoprocessing tool that I run called “Add GPS Metadata Fields”. This tool adds 22 GNSS fields that track data captured from the DA2 device.
Once I am finished with the data preparation in ArcGIS Pro, I publish the layer to ArcGIS Online. Sharing the layer allows me to bring it into a web map that is accessible through Field Maps.
Once the hosted feature layer is on ArcGIS Online, I can then add that layer along with any others I need into a web map. Under the settings page of the web map, I check the box allowing use in ArcGIS Field Maps
At this point, I am ready to start the collection workflow. The following webinar video covers this whole process in a bit more detail. It also highlights the capabilities of Field Maps Designer and the creation of offline maps for use in the field.
Cloudpoint’s data collection experts are ready to help you get up-to-date GIS data that you can trust. Contact us today for more information!