Using Smartphones as Data Loggers

Trimble are looking at this - at least judging by their currently advertised vacancies for IOS and Android programmers.

I suspect Trimble will look carefully at what they offer on the app market to make sure they don't dent their "healthy" revenue stream from professional survey hardware and software.

They've already locked anyone out of using 3rd party software to connect to the S6.

ps I totally agree with the OP, but with the caveat that there aren't many (any?) current Android or iOS devices that have physical buttons or resistive touchscreens.
The capacitive touchscreens used on current smartphones and tablets can't be operated with gloves on and makes them effectively useless on construction sites in the UK for example where gloves are mandatory. I suppose you could use a specialist stylus. Would still go crazy in the rain though.
I wonder how Trimble's tablet or slate is in this regard?

I am not sure that the GPS receiver in my TSC3 is any better than my phone. I have been using both for rough navigation and haven't noticed much difference in accuracy. About 5-6 metres at best.

Hi,

Have a look at
http://www.geomax-positioning.com/X-PAD-for-Android_1233.htm

I think I prefer a evice with keys and a good readable screen when I'm outside.
I have very little experience with smarthphones, are their screens good outside??

Chr.

“I have very little experience with smarthphones, are their screens good outside??”

I have had three of them and none were any good in direct sunlight. In any event I am still interested in the Survey Software GeoMax has for android. Thanks for the link! B-)

> I have had three of them and none were any good in direct sunlight.

The same can be said for most big boys DC's these days, I would say. Developers do not seem to step outside and ask themselves "can we see the info from the screen in the sun?"

We bought a T41 data collector made by Spectra Precision (Timble) and is the best screen for seeing it in the bright sun. It's no comparison to the Nomad.

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>
> They've already locked anyone out of using 3rd party software to connect to the S6.
>
Aloha, Squowse:
Does that mean one cannot use SurveyPro with S6? Or is that not true because SurveyPro belongs to Trimble?

Should try out this one. Its Crazy that we still squint in direct sunlight to read the screens. Maybe have two modes with one being monochromatic to cater for this?