Frequently Asked Questions

What is the link between Project Manager and Data Collector?

Based on a project prepared in Field-Map Project Manager, Field-Map automatically generates a corresponding field application with a notebook-style layout. Because the pages of the notebook are created exactly according to user-defined layers and attribute tables, the user interface on the field computer is clear, intuitive, and efficient. Individual attributes are accessed via edit boxes or combo boxes with drop-down lookup lists.

How is mapping handled in Field-Map?

Mapping is the core functionality of Field-Map. Geographic entities from multiple layers can be created, visualized, and edited. Points and lines are created using coordinates imported directly from external devices. The Poly-Shape tool constructs polygons with full topology from lines originating from one or multiple layers, including centroids with attached attributes. Polygon area and perimeter are calculated automatically.

What mapping tasks can be performed with Field-Map?

Field-Map covers virtually all types of field mapping and field measurement tasks. These range from simple mapping of site conditions to national forest inventories with hundreds of attributes stored in large sets of related tables.
Field-Map projects can be developed quickly and flexibly adjusted during project execution.

How is spatial reference maintained while moving in the field?

A system of temporary reference points established in the field allows users to move freely within the study area without losing the spatial reference of the current measurement point. This approach significantly increases fieldwork efficiency.

What forestry-oriented functions does Field-Map provide?

Trees receive special treatment in Field-Map. Stored as point features, trees can be complemented with diameter-at-breast-height data measured directly using an electronic caliper and visualized as polygons representing tree basal areas. Specialized tools support the measurement of overlapping crown projection polygons. Thanks to laser equipment, tree heights and crown base heights can be measured directly. In addition, vertical profiles of tree crowns and stems can be measured with minimal effort.

Does Field-Map support coordinate system transformations?

A local Cartesian coordinate system based on a local origin defined in or near the study area can be transformed into a selected map projection at any time during project execution.
When working in a map projection, existing vector and raster layers can be used as background maps. Field-Map’s electronic field mapping and pen-mapping tools provide powerful capabilities for creating and editing maps.
Field-Map uses the ESRI ArcGIS projection engine, supporting hundreds of coordinate reference systems.

How are repeated measurements handled?

For repeated measurements, Field-Map provides tools for copying database structures. Existing values can optionally be transferred to selected attribute fields, including conditional transfers. In such cases, transferred values are displayed in italics and become regular values only after approval or re-measurement.

How can I navigate to a specific point in the field?

Field-Map includes a navigation utility that allows users to reach target points with known coordinates using step-by-step traversing. Remaining distance and direction to the target are continuously displayed. Orientation is simplified using intuitive “clockwise” navigation.
Navigation can be performed using either a laser rangefinder or GPS. The laser rangefinder is particularly useful under dense forest canopy.

Is there a data validation tool for error checking?

Potential sources of errors are significantly reduced by using lookup lists, optimized data transfer from measurement devices to the field computer, and direct synchronization with the desktop database. Field-Map also includes a dedicated data validation tool that ensures data consistency, allowing errors to be detected directly in the field.