PenTop 1 - University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire · finished project in the field. 2.1 Field Notes File Types Any one working with Field Notes will discover that there are certain

PenTop 1

Interpolation of Real-Time GPS Data into Finished GIS Products

Since the technology race has taken off, scientists, students, and everyday computer users have been

looking for more efficient methods of collecting, storing, and visually representing accurate data. With the

declassification of the military�s Global Positioning Systems (GPS), the ability to collect accurate geographic

data has increased dramatically. Geographers, Cartographers, Navigators, Geologists, with the assistance of

Computer Scientists, have begun to create a science of collecting and representing Geographical information

with computers. Geographers call the study of graphical data collection and representation Geographical

Information Systems (GIS). GIS is used in everyday life to survey land, map roads, and find optimal geographic

locations for dams, bridges, landfills, and homes. Without the ability to accurate collect geographic data, people

working in the GIS field for various companies take a long time to complete a simple GIS project, e.g. mapping

out the agricultural distribution of corn. The advancements today make data collection accurate, efficient, and

fun to do.

The current use of GPS receivers and their collection of data are still being developed. The current setup

requires a student, or Faculty member, to take a number of steps to collect GPS data, organize it, and put it into

a finished product. One must first take a GPS receiver and data logger into the field and store all the GPS data

into the hand held data logger. The data logger must be connected to a specific computer containing the Trimble

PathFinder software. A special key must be placed in between the data logger and the computer so that the data

can be loaded into PathFinder and then exported as a specific file type into a GIS program such as Arc-View

where a finalized GIS product can be created. The steps become redundant and limit the user to a certain GPS

receiver and the associated software package.

With the recent purchase of a Fujitsu Stylistic 1200 Pen Top computer, and a software package called

Field Notes32 by Pen Metrics, all the steps in collecting data and creating a finished product are reduced to

nearly one step. The GPS receiver can be plugged directly into the Pen Top computer and a drawing and a

database containing collected data are created and saved while the user is collecting the data in the field. The

PenTop 2 problem that arose, however, is that no one in this university had yet to figure out how to do it. The goal was to

enable a user of a Pen computer and a Trimble GPS unit to create and maintain a database and layered drawings

associated with the data from the database while in the field. Thus, when the data is finished being collected, a

person would have a complete graphical representation of the data.

The research conducted was to reach this goal and to create a step-by-step procedure and explanation of

how to successfully setup the Pen computer and the GPS receiver and design individual projects. In the future a

student will be able to continue more advanced research into the way FieldNotes scales into larger and more

advanced projects.

The rest of the paper is dedicated towards providing a tutorial and in depth discussion into the program

Field Notes32 itself, how to hook up the Trimble PRO XR receiver to the Pen Top computer, and how to create

a project.

1 � Equipment Overview

1.1 The Fujitsu Pen Top Computer.

The equipment used is a Fujitsu Stylistic 1200 Pen Top computer. The computer is about 13 inches long,

8 inches wide and 3 inches deep (Fujitsu). The computer has a monochrome LCD display that is visible in

sunlight and thus ideal for use outside. All the actions on the computer are controlled through a small electric

pen that acts like a mouse.

1.1.2 Pen Interface

The Fujitsu Pen Top computer acts like any other computer except that the mouse movements and

keyboard input have been replaced by a pen interface. The pen that is used by Fujitsu has a plastic replaceable

tip with a white �barrel� button on the side of the pen. The barrel button emulates the right mouse button on a

mouse. The pen�s tip must be depressed once on the screen to activate the pen before use. Interaction with the

pen is then the same as a mouse. Double clicking is clicking the tip twice and a right click is represented by

holding down the �barrel� button while pressing the tip down. The pen temporarily replaces the keyboard too. If

a file is to be named, the electric pen acts like an ink pen and writes on the screen. A special hand writing

PenTop 3 recognition program interprets the gestures of the pen and attempts to read the writing and print the appropriate

text on the screen. A problem that exists is that the hand writing recognition software works for only one

person. The program must be trained because each user would have a different style of handwriting. So the

person who is going to be using a Pen Top computer must invest 30 minutes to an hour training the handwriting

program to recognize the user�s handwriting (PenMetrics). Training does not always guarantee proper

recognition either because the program may by chance think that an N is a W or a R is a T, just because the

user�s pen strokes changed slightly from training to use.

1.1.3 Port Expander

The Pen Top computer has a port expander which plugs into the bottom of the Pen Top computer. The

port expander contains two serial ports, a monitor port, a printer/parallel port, a PS/2 mouse and keyboard plug-

in and an audio interface. The port expander also has a slot to plug in the external 3 1/2� floppy disk

drive(Fujitsu).

The Pen Top also has two PCMCIA slots on the top of the computer. These slots are used for the modem,

CD-ROM interface, and possibly the zip disk. The zip disk can also be connected through the parallel port on

the port expander (Fujitsu).

1.1.4 Software and Accessories

The Fujitsu Pen Top computer is running Windows 98 Second Edition on a brand new 4.2 Gigabyte

hard drive. There is plenty of space for projects and the hard drive has been partitioned, separated, into two

drives; the C: drive and the D: drive. The processor is a Pentium 166 MHZ processor with 15 Megabytes of

RAM. This is a very small amount of memory and will create problems in the future when the hard drive

becomes full. The university has purchased a harsh environment carrying case for the Pen Top and a special

briefcase for the Pen Top too. The briefcase can hold the computer, the keyboard, 3 extra batteries, a disk drive,

and has room for disks and other utilities a user might need to bring along. The case also holds extra pens and

batteries for the pens (Fujitsu).

PenTop 4 1.2 Trimble GPS Receiver

The GPS receiver used is a Trimble PRO XR with Differential Global Position System (DGPS). A

DGPS receiver is capable of digitally correcting its fix from radio beacons sent out by the National Lighthouse

Organization (Trimble). The unit is extremely accurate and can lock on up to nine satellites to get a signal

fix.(Figure 1)

Figure 1: Receiv ing a GPS Signal. (Trimb le)

Unfortunately, if the antenna does not have a line of sight with the satellites, then the receiver is unable

to get an accurate fix of its position. The actual GPS equipment consists of a hip pack that holds the small black

box receiver and two batteries. There is also a rather large spherical antenna that is about five inches in

diameter. The antenna connects to yellow antenna masts that are connected to the hip pack and the shoulder

strap (Trimble). It is a very inconvenient way to carry the GPS equipment, so an adaptable method that was

developed is to use a backpack.

1.3 Connecting Receiver with Computer

To connect the GPS receiver to the computer a few steps are necessary to get everything working right

the first time. The first step is to make sure the pen is turned on and Windows 98 is running. Taking a closer

PenTop 5 look at the GPS receiver you will notice three inputs. These inputs are labeled Antenna, Port A, and Port B. (See

Figure 2)

Figure 2: The Back Panel of the GPS Receiver. The data and antenna portsAre clearly marked. (Trimble)

Connecting the cables for the GPS unit. (Figure 3)

1. Connect the long black co-axial cable to the round antenna and to the antenna port on the receiver.

(#1 of Figure 3)

2. Plug the cable that says �Data out� into port A on the receiver. (#5 of Figure 3)

3. Connect the yellow, 9-pin, serial cable into the �Data out� (#5 of Figure 3) plug and into serial port

A on the Pen Top computer (The serial port is located on the side opposite the battery pack with the

flip down cover).

4. Connect the long spiraled cable (#8 of Figure 3) with the red dot into the Data Logger (#9 of Figure

3). (Line up the red dots and plug the cable in. The cable connects to the bottom of the Data Logger)

5. Plug the other end of the Data Logger cable into Port B of the GPS receiver (#6 of Figure 3).

The Trimble GPS receiver has been successfully connected to the Pen Top.

PenTop 6

(Trimble)

1.4 Configuring the TSC1 Data Logger

In order to have the receiver communicate successfully with the computer, the receiver must be

configured. This is accomplished through the data logger. Press the green button in the lower left hand corner of

the data logger to turn it on. Once the Data Logger program Asset Surveyor has loaded and the receiver

successfully detects satellites and gives one a reading, a main menu will appear (Trimble).

From the Main Menu of Asset Surveyor on the Data Logger:

1.Select Communication Options.

1.1 Select NMEA/TSIP output options.

1.2 Set Output to NMEA.

1.3 Set Baud Rate to 4800.

1.4 Set Output Interval to 1 second.

PenTop 7 1.5 Select NMEA-1083 Messages (DO NOT Select more than three).

1.5.1 Select GGA or GLL for Geographic Longitude and Latitude.

1.5.2 Select GSV for Satellite Views and PDOP.

2. Select Coordinate System

2.1 Select either Latitude/Longitude or

2.2 Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM). (Selection must match selection in Field Notes)

3. Select Units and Display

3.1 Set Distance (2D) to Meters

3.2 Set Area Square Meters

Once this has been completed, the GPS receiver is correctly configured to output NMEA1083 messages

to the Pen Top computer.

2 � Field Notes32

The GIS software used during the research in Reno is called Field Notes. Field Notes was designed to

create, store, and modify data into a graphical representation and other Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

products. Field Notes is used outside, or in a rugged environment by surveyors, foresters, and other jobs that

require GIS data collection. The user, by the end of this tutorial, will be able to set up a project, create a

database, a database form, and successfully collect and store GPS and other related data �on the fly� to create a

finished project in the field.

2.1 Field Notes File Types

Any one working with Field Notes will discover that there are certain files and file types that must be

dealt with while building or using a project. The basic file types are project files, drawing files, image files,

template files, form files, and the database files. All of these files are essential in creating a finished product

(PenMetrics).

2.1.1 Project File � The project file is the main file that is loaded upon opening a project. The project

file stores the location of other files and certain properties of the project.

PenTop 8 2.1.2 Drawing File �Drawing files are usually generated in computer aided design (CAD) systems such

as Field Notes or AutoCAD. Drawing files use a vector format to store information about line

dimensions, beginning and ending points, and direction. Vectors, including points, lines (and all other

objects) are assembled to create accurate representation of real-world objects. Drawing files also store

data such as text and color, object rotation, line thickness and line styles.

The native form of a drawing file in Field Notes 32 is called a GRD (Graphical Drawing) File.

Drawing files created by users can be saved as DWG or DXF files and then opened in a CAD program.

The reason that Field Notes32 works with GRD files is because Field Notes32 does not support 3-D. It

will store a Z-coordinate, but will only draw the lines on a 2D surface (PenMetrics).

2.1.2.1 Layers � A drawing file can contain multiple layers. A layer is a �sheet� on a drawing.

Each layer can contain different objects. For example, you could build a project of mapping all the

streets in Eau-Claire. One layer on the drawing file would be the layer streets. Another layer could be a

layer of houses. The reason that this is an important tool is because it enables the user to visually

separate data (PenMetrics).

2.1.3 Database Files � The database files store data that can be displayed on a drawing file. The

database file type that should be used is the Microsoft Database file. Beginners should start with this

type of file because it will enable a user to construct a database independently of Field Notes to test its

integrity. Or upon completion of a project, the raw data can be easily viewed without the need of Field

Notes32 (PenMetrics).

2.1.3.1 Microsoft Database � Microsoft Database files end with the extension (.MDB). The

.MDB database files can be created in Microsoft Access and then opened up in Field Notes32, or

vice versa (PenMetrics, Microsoft).

2.1.3.2 dBase IV � A standard database type not usually used because of the complications in

design.

PenTop 9 2.1.3.3 Oracle (through ODBC) � This type of database file is supported by Field Notes32

through an (Open DataBase Connectivity) over a network. ODBC is supported by the operating

system and must be configured independently (Microsoft).

2.1.4 Image Files � An image file is usually an aerial photo of the area where a person may be working.

The image types supported are .TIF, .JPG, .GIF, .BMP, and .PCX.

2.1.4.1 Registering Images

An image file must be registered to the drawing. This is accomplished by setting any two corners

of the picture (in pixels) to any two points on a drawing. If a user has an aerial photo of the university

and knows the Universe Transverse Mercator coordinates of the photo, the photo�s pixel points, (0,0)

and (800,600) could be set to the UTM coordinates specified with the image file. (0,0) would match up

to (1354215.87,-145623) and (800,600) would match up to (1354165.54, -145543). The idea here is to

register a pixel to a unit of measurement on the drawing (PenMetrics).

2.1.5 Templates � The template is the interface and view of all drawings, databases and other geo-coded

related information. The template also lays heavily into the organization of the data on the screen and

the organization of the tools to manipulate that data with (PenMetrics).

2.1.6 Forms � A Form is the interface between the user and a database. The form is a pictorial data entry

interface that is custom designable and allows entry into specified fields in the database. The form must

be organized so that entry into the database fields flows with ease (PenMetrics).

2.2 Building Projects With Field Notes32

A project is the incorporation of all raw data, graphical data, and tools to manipulate the data into a

single package. In order to successfully create a powerful project, the project�s data must be organized to

allow a user to easily traverse through a directory structure to locate files. By creating a nice directory

structure, not only are the folders easier to navigate, but it also makes storing all the files a much simpler

process.

PenTop 10 2.2.1 Directory Structure

When building a project, a user might need to have more than one database and more than one

drawing. The user may also have several images. In order to simplify the process of finding files, it is

always a good practice to build a sturdy directory structure. A well-built directory structure offers easier

navigation through folders and allows for easier retrieval of the data for transport. A user may want to

have a Projects folder. Inside the projects folder there may be a folder with the project name. Inside that

folder will be an Image folder, a Database folder and a Drawing folder.

(FieldNotes32 Screen Shot)

(See Figure 4) All the data has been separated and is easy to recognize. Each project has a separate

folder. Each drawing and database has separate folders inside the project, enabling the user to easily

locate needed files. There is a project folder, and inside the project folder are all the projects that took

place in Nevada. Each project folder should have its own image, database and drawing folder. Inside

each of the individual type folders would be all the corresponding files.

A bad folder design will have every file in one folder. Instead of separating the files into specific

subdirectories, the files are all sitting in one folder. All the files have the same name except that the file

extension is different. This leads to confusion in file names and types. For example, looking at the figure

PenTop 11 5 below, one will see that all the file types of the Chaos folder are in a single folder. Thus looking at the

right of the image, all the files look like they are the same thing. This becomes confusing to a user and

reduces the amount of organization.

(F ieldNotes 32 ScreenShot)

2.2.2 Creating a Project File

Open Field Notes32 on the Pen Top computer by clicking on the Shortcut to Field Notes32 icon,

which is located in the lower left corner of the desktop. Field Notes will load with the default template

and either the last opened project or an �untitled� project. If it is an untitled project then a default

untitled drawing file will be created too (PenMetrics).

2.2.3 Modifying/Creating a Drawing

The first step in using a new drawing is deciding how many layers will be necessary to support

the particular project. The projects that were researched in Nevada used two layers. The first layer is the

default layer 0, the second was always named GPS solely because that was the type of information

contained in that layer. But in a more complex project, the number of layers may reach more than ten.

One of the most powerful tools involving layers is the ability to separate visual data. Layers can be seen

or hidden based on a little check box (PenMetrics). Thus, if there is a need to store lots of data, but it

clutters the screen too much, the un-important layers can be hidden from view. To begin with, click on

the Map menu near the right hand side of the menu bar and select layers. (See Figure 6 below)

PenTop 12 (FieldNotes32 Screen Shot)

Next, click the New button located at the bottom of the page, and simply type in a name for the layer

and hit ok. The layer has been added to the drawing. (Figure 7)


If a user creates too many layers in a drawing then the idea of separating data has begun to fight itself.

The goal is to create enough layers to handle all the necessary data, but if there are too many layers, then

the user should create another drawing to partition the information even father.

PenTop 13 2.2.3.1 Setting the properties of a drawing file

Before a user can begin to use a drawing file, the properties must be set for that particular drawing. A

user can reach the properties dialog box in one of two ways. A user can click the properties button and

then select the Drawing menu item.(Figure 8)


Another way the user can reach this proper box is to select the File menu in the upper left hand

corner and then select �properties� and then click on Drawing. (Figure 9)

(FieldNotes ScreenShot)

A drawing is designed so that its units can be changed. A unit in a drawing represents one unit of

distance. It is important to understand, however, that the units selected for the drawing must be

consistent throughout every aspect of the project. A unit can be in millimeters, centimeters,

meters, kilometers, inches, feet, yards, miles or international feet (PenMetrics). By selecting

meters, for example, every unit in the drawing and database would be in meters. While editing

drawing properties, it is necessary to understand that the unit of measurement selected is the unit

PenTop 14 of measurement for the text and point size. Again, if one has selected meters for the units and

changes the size of the text in the drawing to 50, the text size is 50 meters for every letter. If a

user then changes the point size in the drawing to 100, and meters is the selected unit of

measurement, each point is 100 meters large in respect to the drawing. It is necessary to develop

a balance between the amount of points and text and the size so that an aesthetically pleasing

GIS product is developed.

2.2.4 Types of Databases in Field Notes32

Databases are the collection and organization of data of similar objects. Databases all have one or more

attributes, (e.g. elevation, surface type, height.). To store data about a collection of similar objects, data fields

are defined to hold the descriptive information about the attributes of each object entered into the database.

Multiple data fields are then joined to form one record containing the attribute information for one object. For

example, you may create records that contain information about schools in a city. Each school would have a

record. Information such as school name, enrollment, street address and mailing address would be fields, or

attributes, in the record.

In GIS, databases manage textual data that are associated with graphical objects or point locations.

Objects such as building or streets that have a distance or length measurement, are best represented on a map by

vectors such as lines, poly-lines, rectangles or other vector shapes. These objects can then be linked to databases

by means of an object link. The object link database contains textual data, often referred to as attributes,

associated with the vector objects. Attributes associated with map objects include numeric and alphanumeric

information such as survey results, elevations and street addresses.

2.2.4.1 A Point Database

A point database is reflective strictly of a single X, Y, and Z point on a map. A point database is

independent of any drawings or layers. Being independent of a drawing or layer means that the data in

the database can be loaded independently of a drawing or loaded into any drawing.

PenTop 15 A good time to use a point database is when a user has objects that actually represent points,

such as telephone poles and random trees. Looking at (Figure 10) one can see that the telephone poles

and trees represent point data from two different point databases. A point database is an excellent

database to use for simple collection of GPS data from roads or long distances. The point database will

store the Z coordinate from the GPS receiver so that the database can be opened in another program and

looked at in 3D. A point database has no graphical objects; they have symbols which are drawn on the

map view according to the (X,Y) coordinate values stored in the database (PenMetrics).


2.2.4.2 Object Database

An object database links database information to an object on the drawing. This type of data

storage is known as �Geo-Coding� (PenMetrics). A Geo-Code is a link that is unique for each graphic

element and the attributes which are contained in the database. Geo-coded objects are represented by

points, lines, poly �lines, polygons, ellipses, rectangles, arcs and text. An object database links itself to

one or more layers on one or more drawings (PenMetrics). This enables standard data to be applied

throughout any project. For example, a user might have a stream in two projects that is the exact same

stream. The object database would contain information such as the width of the stream, the height, the

PenTop 16 speed, the amount of pollution, etc. The map object that represents the data in the object database would

be a poly-line. The map and object database would have to move together. The layer could easily be

copied and the database copied. But without either one of the objects, there would be nothing.

Object databases have two primary differences from point databases. One is that an object

database is always associated with layer(s) of one or many drawings. The second difference is that data

is linked to an object, rather than to a unique x, y point. The object may be a point, since points are

graphical objects, but it may also be any other type of object used in Field Notes32 (PenMetrics).

2.2.4.3 Non-Spatial Database

A non-spatial database is not linked to any drawing and was not explored in this research.

It appears though that this type of database is used to form a database that would maybe link

together a couple of databases by ways of particular fields (PenMetrics).

Figure 11 shows the relationship between the various database types and the databases links. None of

the databases need to have Graphical objects linked to them, but an Object database is inherently linked to a

graphical object because the data the Object database contains is relevant for only one object (PenMetrics).

With an Object database, one can link a single Object to multiple drawings and multiple layers (PenMetrics). A

Point database does not support this functionality. A Point database can be opened in any drawing because the

data stored in the database does not relate to any graphical object, such as a polygon. The data is independent

and any drawing can recognize the data in order to display it. This means that one can take a point database

filled with information from the Rocky Mountains and open it up in a drawing file that was made in Michigan.

A Non-spatial database is used as a link from a parent database to a child database.

PenTop 17

(PenMetrics)

2.2.5 Creating a Database

An empty database is created fairly simply through Field Notes32. The person designing the

project must first have a complete understanding of what needs to be done. This means that the user

must know every piece of data that could possibly need to be recorded for a certain project. If the user

knows everything that needs to be recorded, then database construction may begin. First select from the

File menu the new command; then select database. (Figure 12)


The next step is to select what type of database is necessary. From the drop down combo box, select

Point Database, Object Database or Non-Spatial Database. The box below the Create field is the Type

field which is either going to be Access(.MDB), dBaseIV, or Oracle. In the File Name box, one enters in

the name of the database to be created. If the user selects a database of type Access then the user will

also need to enter in a table name.

PenTop 18 After filling the Create, Of Type, Filename, and if applicable, The Table boxes, it is time to enter in the

fields that are going to be needed in the database.

2.2.5.1 Field Types

A row-column combination found in a database is called a field. A column will always

contain the same type while the rows represent the certain records. In Field Notes, there are

several different types of fields that can be used to accomplish the required data storage. The

most common field types used are the Logical, Decimal, Numeric, String, Memo(an extended

string), and Date types (PenMetrics).

Logical- A logical value is a flag, a true false, or on/off value (PenMetrics).

Decimal � A decimal value is a value with decimal points. The amount of decimals can be set

with the decimals tab. The width attribute is the total length of the number including the number

of decimals. In an access database the width and decimal values are pre set. The only way they

can be changed is by designing the database in Microsoft Access and then opening the database

in Field Notes32 (PenMetrics).

Numeric � A numeric value is an integer. There are no decimal points for a numeric value.

Again, in an Access database, the width cannot be changed (PenMetrics).

String � a string value is a set of characters. The string width is adjustable. If a user has an

address field for example, it should be set to a string because it is a combination of letters and

numbers. The width value is the length of the string (PenMetrics).

Date � A date field is strictly what it says, a date. The date field can be represented in three

different ways (PenMetrics).

Memo � The memo value is a very long string. Its default value is 32000 characters which makes

it a field for notes or extra data that did not have a proper field to be entered into (PenMetrics).

After having created the database name and type, the Edit Field Attributes (Figure 13) will appear. Here

a user can specify the fields required for their database.


For example, if a person was working on collecting data about schools, there would be a School Name

field of type String, Number of Children field of type decimal, etc..

To create a field, type in the name of the field, select the type and if available, adjust the width

and decimal settings to suit the users needs. Then click the Add button and the newly created field

should appear. Figure 14 shows some newly created fields for a database containing information about a

school. One can see that the schools address would be stored, the schools name, the number of children

and the schools geographic location.


If a user creates a database and realizes that a field has been forgotten, the database must be

rebuilt from scratch. The rebuild of the database can be avoided by creating the database in Microsoft

PenTop 20 Access. Access allows modification of tables even after they�ve been created. Field Notes32 does not

support this option. If the database is created within Field Notes32 and a field has been forgotten, the

database can be recreated in Field Notes32 from scratch or opened in Access and modified. So it is

extremely important to have all fields properly entered into the database before hitting ok and moving on

to design the form (PenMetrics).

As a user should realize, a database can become extremely large with easily over 30 fields. Thus

when entering the data in the field, there must be a smooth flowing, easily understood, data entry

method. That is why Field Notes32 developed its Form Builder.

2.2.6 Entering Data into a Database

Entering data into a database in the field would be extremely difficult if it wasn�t for an idea of a

Form. A Form is a visual tool enabling a user to easily enter data into the database. The user or a

designer must design the form before being used in the field. A form cannot be created until a database

has been created first.

To design a form, Field Notes32 has provided a Forms Builder. Forms Builder allows the user to

customize a form that is associated with a particular database without using programming languages.

The custom forms developed in Forms Builder allow for quick and accurate data collection in the field

(PenMetrics).

There are two ways to create a form for a database. The first is to use a default form which is

automatically created for each new database. The form is created based on the fields of the database. No

additional developments are needed to create this form. The second way to create a form is to build a

custom form using Form Builder (PenMetrics).

2.2.6.1 Types of Input Fields in a Form

While working with a form, there are multiple types of input fields that are available for

use. The fields used in Forms Builder to actually input the data are the Float, Numeric, Edit,

PenEdit, Check Box, Date, Memo, and Push Button fields (PenMetrics).

PenTop 21 Float Field- A float field contains floating-point values and is associated with a Floating

Point or Integer database field (PenMetrics).

Numeric Field- A numeric field contains an integer(no decimal point) value. This field is

associated with a numeric field type in a database (PenMetrics).

Edit Field- An edit field contains alphanumeric sets of characters and is associated with a

string type in a database (PenMetrics).

PenEdit Field- A pen edit field contains a special text box for entering alphanumeric

strings with a pen. This type is associated with a string field in a database (PenMetrics).

Check Box- A check box reflects a logical value in a database and contains True/False,

Yes/No, and On/Off values (PenMetrics).

Date Field- A data field contains a date value and is associated with a Date type in the

database (PenMetrics).

Memo Button- A memo button triggers a text entry box for editing an extended string of

type memo in a database (PenMetrics).

Push Button- A push button triggers some action (PenMetrics).

Static Image- A static image displays the same image regardless of the record type

(PenMetrics).

Text Label- A text label displays a description for a corresponding field (PenMetrics).

2.2.6.2 Creating a Form

To create a form, from Field Notes 32, select the File menu and then click new-> then select

Form. The Forms Builder should load with nothing in it. From the Forms Builder File menu, select open

and then select the database that is to be worked with. If a form already exists for that particular

database, it will automatically be loaded for that database. If there is not a form for the database then a

pop-up screen will ask if the form should be created using the form wizard.

PenTop 22 For a beginner user, the form wizard supplies a quick and easy method for creating a decent

form. In the research conducted in Nevada, the forms wizard was used to create all necessary forms. The

next few pages will discuss how to create a form using the form wizard.

Select yes when prompted to use the form wizard.(Figure 15)


Type in the name that will appear on the upper left corner of the frame. Select what color the form will

be and then hit next>. The next page determines the number of tabs that will be in the form. The tabs

separate the data entry fields into different pages making it simpler to organize the data entry. (Figure

16)


A form may have as many tabs as needed, but if there are too many, the idea of creating a smooth

flowing data entry design is lost. Generally not more then ten fields should be on a page.

PenTop 23 The next step is naming the tabs and selecting which fields from the database the user would like

to have per page. For the demo database shown in the paper, the Form wizard will display a screen like

Figure 17 except that the fields will be different depending on the database used. The user must select

which fields will be used per page. In the demo form, the first page contains GPS Information and the

second page will contain the rest of the data.


To add a field to the page, select a field from the �Available Fields� List box and then click the single

right arrow key. If the double right arrow key is clicked, all fields from the �Available Fields� will be

added to the form page. If the user would like to add more than one field at a time, hold down the

control button and then select multiple fields and click the single arrow key again. If a field was

accidentally added to the page, it can be removed by selecting the field from the �Fields on this� list box

and click the single left arrow. The double left arrow button will remove all fields currently added to the

page (PenMetrics). Once the correct fields have been added to each page and the names of the pages

have been selected, clicking next will bring up a box that asks the user if it is ok to create the form.

Simply click yes and the user has a form like the one in Figure 18.

PenTop 24


The second page of the form, which contains the Address, Name, Child Count, and memo fields is

represented by figure 19.


Once the form has been created it can now successfully be used in the field. If the

User needs to modify the properties of any of the fields and labels, simply right click on the field and

select properties.

A good modification to make to the first page of the Form would be to add a push button which

will automatically fill all three of the GPS fields. This can be accomplished by selecting the Tools menu,

push button, and then clicking on the form where the button needs to be placed. Then double click on

the button to load the Button Properties dialog box. (Figure 20)


Next change the label, which is the text that appears on the button. Since this is

a button which gets GPS information, select the radio button that says GPS Get Position. (Figure 20)

Then select configure. The configure window allows the user to specify which fields in the database will

have information added to them. (Figure 21)

In order for the database to automatically store an altitude value from a GPS receiver, a field

called either Z, or GPSZ, MUST be added to the database as a decimal type (PenMetrics). Without

having done this, when one goes to create a form and add GPS automation to the form, one will not be

able to store the altitude value from the receiver. As in Figure 21, the X and Y fields will automatically

PenTop 26 be selected, and the Z, or GPSZ field must be manually selected to match the data field that is found in

the newly created database. The finalized form will have a button which has GPS functionality. (Figure

22)


When the user clicks the Get GPS button, assuming the GPS receiver is configured correctly, the three

fields will be automatically populated from the data coming form the GPS receiver. Automatic data

population is a very good idea since it eliminates the possibility of having a typo from the user. It also

increases the speed of the user to correctly enter data into the form.

2.2.7 Creating and Using Templates

The last step before entering the field and collecting data with the completed project is creating a

template. Templates are used to organize Views and Controls into limitless varieties of configurations. A

user can use one Template for viewing data (drawings, databases, and images), one Template for editing

the data, or several Templates for anything in between (PenMetrics). Through the use of templates,

flexibility, adaptability, and usability are all brought to a new level of sophistication.

Before creating a template, it is necessary to understand what all the possible things are that can

be added to a template. It is also necessary to understand that a project may have as many templates as

needed. A template is visible in Field Notes32 by the tabs in the lower left hand of the screen. The name

of the template is on the tab. There are several types of items that can be added to a Template, a View,

Control or List, and a Toolbar (PenMetrics).

PenTop 27 A View can be tiled, cascaded, minimized and maximized. The View must be located in the Field

Notes32 background and it cannot be docked or attached to the top or bottom of the template. A View

can float, which means that one can drag and move the View around. A View provides access to its

properties from the menu bar when it is active. A map View would be active on the current map. A view

is a visual display of a map, a table (from a database), or a form view (to show the form for the currently

active database) (PenMetrics).

A Control can float and dock, must be floating to be resized, and can be located anywhere on the

screen. A control cannot be tiled, cascaded or minimized. A control also provides access to its properties

from a right mouse click on the control (PenMetrics).

A List displays a list of currently loaded drawings, images, layers, and databases. Thus, there are

four types of lists. Each type of list allows an easy method of selecting which image, drawing, layer or

database is active. It is a drop down box that can be put anywhere on the screen (PenMetrics).

A Toolbar provides easy Access to commonly used tools. Toolbars are customizable and allow

quick and easy single push buttons to accomplish common tasks (PenMetrics).

The other things that can be added to a template are a coordinate display, which provides the

(X,Y) coordinates of the current mouse position on the drawing. An active color display allows the

colors of whatever object is active to be adjusted. A text display provides a static label box. It helps label

a control by placing explanatory text close to the appropriate control. Right clicking on the test display

control allows access to its properties. Another useful thing to add to a template is a progress meter,

which gives the user a visual representation that the program is busy and is currently doing something.

Giving a visual representation to a user is a good idea so when a large time-consuming process is

happening, the user does not think that the program has hung and decides to reboot the computer

(PenMetrics).

2.2.7.1 Map View

A map view displays drawings, images, and point databases. A user may use as many map views

as needed in a template. Furthermore, each map view can be independently controlled, either by setting

PenTop 28 the properties of the map views or by using other controls, such as the drawing list, to affect the

operation of the map view. The properties of each map view can be set independently of all other map

views (PenMetrics).

Map views can be linked together so that one map view acts as a magnifying glass for another

map view. This is accomplished by setting one map view to control the panning and magnification, or

zoom , of another map view (PenMetrics).

2.2.7.2 Table View

A table view displays the structure of a database and all the current data stored in the database.

A user may use as many table views as needed in a template and each one can control which database to

display. The properties of each table view can be set independently of all other table views. A table view

allows database records to be modified (PenMetrics).

2.2.7.3 Form View

A form view is used to display forms. A user may use as many form vies as needed in a template

and again, each form view can be independently controlled by setting the proprieties of the form view.

The properties of each form view can set independently of all other form view. A form view has three

modes:

Add Records � This mode is used to enter one or more new records into the database. This mode

is available only for point databases and databases that are not spatially linked (PenMetrics).

Browse Records � This mode is used to view and, if desired, edit one or more selected database

records. This mode works for any type of database (PenMetrics).

Query Records � This mode is used to perform a query by example to select records that match

the query values. A user can query any type of database. Child databases can also be queried if the

database is opened as a non-spatial database (PenMetrics).

A message at the bottom of the form view tells the user which mode and database the view is working

with (PenMetrics).

PenTop 29 2.2.7.4 Drawing List

The drawing list displays a list of the drawings that have been loaded and the drawings which

can be displayed in the attached map view. The drawing list can either be a list box or a drop-down list.

In addition to showing the names of the drawings, the drawing list optionally shows the visibility status,

search status and lock status of each drawing. The drawing list is commonly used to change the active

drawing when a graphical object is to be drawn on the drawing and when a user wishes to close the

drawing. Selecting a drawing from the list of drawings will make that drawing the active drawing.

Selecting/deselecting the check box inside of the list changes the visibility of the associated drawing to

either seen or hidden within the attached map view (PenMetrics).

2.2.7.5 Layer List

The layer list displays a list of the layers in the active drawing that are attached to the map view.

The layer list can either be a list box or a drop-down list. The layer list also optionally shows the

visibility status, line color setting, lock status, and search status of each layer. Selecting a layer from the

list of layers will make that layer the active layer. Selecting/deselecting the check box inside the list

changes the visibility of the layer in the active map view. Selecting the color box pops up the color

palette for selection of a new default layer color. Choosing a color form this palette will change the color

of that layer. Anytime the active drawing is changed, either with the drawing list or some other means,

the layer list will be automatically refreshed with the new data from the drawing (PenMetrics).

2.2.7.6 Database List

The database list displays a list of databases that are open and displayed in the attached map

view. The database list control displays the visibility status, database symbol color, database type and

file name of each database. Selecting a database from this list makes the selected database the active

database (PenMetrics).

2.2.7.7 Image List

The image list displays a list of images that have been loaded and which are attached to the map

view. This list shows the visibility status and name of each image. Selecting an image from this list

PenTop 30 makes that image the active image. An active image can be viewed or hidden in the map view it is

attached to (PenMetrics).

2.2.8 Toolbars

A toolbar is a push-button bar that has images on the buttons. Toolbars allow shortcuts from

menu selections by the single click of a mouse. They also provide a type of learning environment to the

user. A toolbar is an idiom. A designer might have a duck picture on the button that saves the file. Thus

after repeatedly using the save command, the user will associate duck = save. The main types of tool

bars used in Field Notes32 are the Zoom bar, Icon bar, and a Point database bar (PenMetrics).

2.2.8.1 Zoom Bar

The zoom bar provides easy access to the available zoom-related functions and modes for

use with a map view. If the zoom bar is opened, but no map view is open, the zoom bar will be

disabled. The zoom bar will be activated once you open a map view. The table below shows

what zoom functionality is available (PenMetrics).

Zoom Option Description

Zoom In 2X Zooms in by a factor of two

Zoom Out 2X Zooms out by a factor of two

Zoom Extents Zooms to show all visible drawings

Zoom In Rectangle Zooms in to display the region within the

rectangle

Zoom to Selection Zooms in (or out) to display all currently

selected objects

Named Zoom Sets the current extents tot hose of a user-

defined or �default� named zoom

Pan Mode Implements a pan mode for speedy traversal

PenTop 31 of extents

Panning Arrows Four arrows provide one-click panning

2.2.8.2 Icon Bar

The icon bar provides shortcuts to commonly used functions (PenMetrics).

2.2.8.3 Point Database Bar

The Point database bar represents all open point databases. When a user clicks on a

certain button, it activates that database to be the active database (PenMetrics).

2.2.9 Building Templates

A user can either adjust the default template or create a custom one. To modify or create any

template, a user must right click on the lower left hand corner of the screen. At this part of the screen

lies the template tabs. Every tab represents a template. To add or modify any controls or views, right

clicking on the tab will bring up a menu which allows a user to select what view, control, or list is

necessary.

All controls though a template are found by right clicking on the template tab. With the pen

interface, it is crucial to remember that right clicking is accomplished by holding the barrel button in

while clicking the main point on the pen (Fujitsu).

Constructing a template takes practice and time. A template cannot have too many controls or

views on it because then it will confuse the user. Multiple templates must then be created to organize the

project. To create a new template, simply click on the File menu and select new->, then select template

and create a new template. Then newly created template will be added in place of the default template.

Field Notes will then require one to actually construct the template by adding all the views and controls.

PenTop 32 2.3.0 Using GPS with Field Notes32

In order to use a GPS unit with Field Notes32, a GPS receiver must be added to the program and

configured correctly (PenMetrics). If a GPS receiver has not been set up on the computer, click on the

GPS menu and select activate receiver. (Figure 23)


Select Add receiver, and do not select the check box which says �automatically enable the receiver when this

project is opened.� Clicking on the add receiver button will bring up a screen that allows one to select between

different types of receivers (PenMetrics).

(FieldNotes32Screen Shot.)

While using the Pen Top computer and the Trimble receiver, it is necessary to select the highlighted GPS

receiver and click ok. A user must select the Standard NMEA 0183 GGA receiver because that is the standard

PenTop 33 output of the Trimble receiver (Trimble). Field Notes must be able to decide how to read the data coming from

the receiver. This is done through a Receiver Properties Box. (Figure 25)


The selection made here must have the settings found in figure 25. The visible settings tell Field Notes that the

receiver is located COM Port 1 and the BAUD Rate is 4800 Bits per Second (bps). These settings are the

default configurations in Windows 98 (Microsoft). If a user changes the selection here and expects the receiver

to work, the user must understand that it is necessary to change the Ports(Com/LPT) configuration in the control

panel. When this screen is being displayed, a user does not need to click on the Auto-Detect button because the

ports will be configured correctly.

2.3.0.1 Testing The Receiver

The next step is to test the receiver. If the receiver is configured correctly to output NMEA and currently

has a fix, and the receiver has been added to Field Notes, testing the receiver is a simple process. Click on the

GPS Menu, then select Active Receiver, Connection properties and then select the Diagnostics Tab. If the

receiver is not active, the program will prompt the user to enable the receiver (PenMetrics). Select yes, and a

dialog box that says Diagnostics will appear. (Figure 26)

PenTop 34


In the box that says Incoming Data, a large string that resembles �$GLL1444.2356,78912.65 $GSV8�..� will

be in the box. A new string will be added every second. If this information is visible, then the receiver is

configured correctly (PenMetrics).

2.3.1 Auto Updating A Database with GPS Information

A GPS unit can update a point or object database automatically by adjusting the GPS rules in a template.

The GPS rules specify how the program responds to certain GPS actions. After the user has activated and

selected a live receiver, if applicable, it is necessary to specify how the user wants the program to respond in

changes in the receivers position (PenMetrics).

A user must right click on the template tab in the lower left hand corner of the screen and select GPS

Controls and then select Rules. A new mini dialog box will appear in the upper right hand corner of the Map

View. (Figure 27)

PenTop 35


Right clicking on the Rules toolbar will produce a menu which allows properties to be selected.(Figure 28) This

is the screen where GPS rules are created. A GPS Rule is a command that says when �an event� has happened,

perform �these actions.� A rule can be created so that when the GPS receiver moves 25 meters a point is added

to the drawing and to the active point database. It is also possible to create a rule so that every five seconds a

point is just added to the database (PenMetrics).


PenTop 36 A user must click on the add button which will open up a screen asking for the name of the event that one

wishes to add to the new rule. (Figure 29)


A user must select the check box near the top of the screen that says �Execute the rule when the following

event(s) occur�. This will allow the user to select the event that triggers the rule. There are a few different

events which can be added to a rule. One of the possibilities is when the receiver has moved a certain distance,

or when a certain amount of time has passed a certain action must happen. Once a user decides which event to

use, one needs to select what happens when the newly created event occurs. An event has specific actions

which the event must perform (PenMetrics). Adding specific actions to an event is accomplished through a

dialog box. (Figure 30)

PenTop 37


Any of these selections are allowed to be added to an event. So a certain event can trigger multiple actions. Or

multiple events can trigger a single action. This is where the automation takes place. A user can set up the

project so that every 20 seconds a point is added or when the receiver has moved 25 meters a point is added

(PenMetrics). This allows a large amount of versatility to a project that must be created on the move.

Once a user has successfully created the rule, activating the rule simply requires clicking the check box

in the rules tool bar.

3.0 Summary

By reading the paper, a student or faculty member should be able to take the Fujitsu Stylistic 1200 and

hook it up to a Trimble PRO XR machine to successfully create a GPS project that can be done �on the fly�. A

user should spend a small amount of time experimenting with the program to gain a full understanding of how it

works. The research conducted within this paper was limited to discovering how the GPS unit connects to a

standard computer, and how that can be successfully applied in the field. The research in the paper can be

expanded upon by seeing how the GIS software package FieldNotes will scale in comparison from the small

projects researched in the paper to large-scale projects in the field.

PenTop 38 4.0 References

Fujitsu Personal Systems, Stylistic 1200 User�s Guide , 1997.

Microsoft Corporation, Windows 98SE User�s Manual, 1999.

PenMetrics Inc, Field Notes 32 User�s Manual, 1998. Trimble Navigation Limited, Mapping and GIS Systems Division, Pro XR/XRS Receiver Manual, Revision A, May 1998.

Documents

PenTop 1 - University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire · finished project in the field. 2.1 Field Notes File Types Any one working with Field Notes will discover that there are certain