We have been experimenting recently with adapting a Palm Pilot IIIx for the field. Right now we are using Pendragon Forms 3.0 software to build inventory and evaluation templates that are based on, and link to, MS Access.
Our initial results are encouraging, and we would like to know whether anyone out there has experience with PDA's as field data collection devices in tree care.
We would appreciate any information on this.

Reply to post by Jerry Bond, on February 19, 2000 at 11:54:31:

I've been using tthe PalmIII and IIIx for a year and a half. I use a basic database system (JFile) on the Palm, and synchronize with FileMaker databases. I find it very convenient for my purposes, just basic inventories, etc. The Palm is frugal with batteries (2 AA last up to 6 weeks of normal use, and a full day of inventory hardly drains it at all). Easy to slip into a pocket when you need two hands for other work.

This is a very versatile tool, whether you use Macintosh or Windows as your base computer.

Reply to post by Jerry Bond, on February 19, 2000 at 11:54:31:

I developed a database in Access that utilizes the relational structure to provide look-up tables for commonly entered items like species names, tree attributes and so forth... it saves time and standardizes the entries. There are also separate related tables that allow a single tree to have multiple photos and single photos to be related to multiple trees. The first project used paper field data collection forms and all the data were key entered into access. It would have been much quicker to do the data collection on a hand held device and upload it. So that's the plan when another project comes up.

Pendragon indicates that Forms 3.0 will fully support the Access database including the related tables, at least the look up tables. From what I've been able to learn Pocket Access running on Windows CE devices may NOT support the related tables. The CE devices almost all use LithIon batteries which recharge slowly and are expensive to keep a backup.

The one very attractive thing about the CE devices (the handhelds not the palmtops) is the full keyboard.

How are you entering data on the palm? The GoTye keyboard looks OK for office use but a little vulnerable for field work.

Reply to post by Scott Cullen, on February 19, 2000 at 11:54:31:

The GoType keyboard for the Palm is NOT for field use. The Palm sits rather loosly on it, and is not secured down. You need an adequate base to support it comfortably, too. Your lap will do for a short time, in a pinch, but figure on a desk or table to use it very much.

OTH, the Graffiti system is not that bad on the Palm, and there are enhancement software that make it even better than the standard that comes loaded on the units (TealScript, for one) There are also 'virtual keyboards' where you can just tap the key on the screen. Not the best, but not much slower than trying to one-finger a keyboard while balancing the unit, holding three other tools, and reading a D-tape all at once.

When choosing a PDA or similar handheld, first consider what you want it to do. Is this a portable computer you want, or more simply an extension of the desktop that you take with you? The Palm is NOT a laptop or field computer. It is a data recording and retrieval system. What I like most is the functionality and versitility, small size, and low cost. If I drop it, or it gets 'misplaced' by someone, I'm out $250, not a huge chunk of the budget. Do I need fully functional relational databases on it? Absolutely not. That is done on the main computer, when the data is uploaded. But the Palm has plenty of capability (including some relational databases).

Reply to post by Russ Carlson, on February 19, 2000 at 18:03:39:

You've made some very important points Russ. This discussion has remined me of the rule I learned 15-16 years ago when I was developing tree care software... it remains unchanged. The first thing you need to determine is what job you need to do. The next thing is to select or develop software that will do it. Hardware is generally a following decision, select hardware that will support the software that will do the job.

If you have the luxury of more than one software choice or software that is comfortable across platforms you may be able to select among hardware. The low cost and the generic battery feature are indeed real plusses for the Palm.

Having spent some time in the field with data collectors for one of the major providers and having done it both ways myself I can confirm that entering data (paper or digital) AND taking diamter and clinometer readings and maybe taking photos is awkward done alone (and worse in a city envirnoment where you don't dare set anything down and turn your back). Data collection teams can really increase productivity and accuracy, particularly if you're not paying both top end consultant fees.

I'm really kind of suprised that neither Palm nor any of the 3rd party providers have developed a ruggedized, field use keyboard for the Palm, something the device would plug right into rather than being perched precariously on top of, especially since it's so touted for field maintenance uses.

I'm told that the old HP DOS based palmtops have a fircely loyal following even though HP is discontinuing them. They are the standard , for example, linked to surveyor's transits. That slightly bigger screen and full keyboard do add a lot of functionality in data collection.

Scott

Reply to post by Scott, on February 20, 2000 at 20:31:17:

"Wow, that's a neat electric saw! I'll think I'll buy it and then see if I can think up something to build with it."

Always seemed backwards to buy the hardware first, without a plan, yet that's how computer stuff is marketed (and why the ancient myth about not enough software for Macs).