ArcPad users are able to customize ArcPad and build focused applications using ArcPad Application Builder. Developers can build focused applications within the desktop environment and deploy them on numerous ArcPad devices in their organization.
You can use the QuickProject tool to create a "ready-to-use" data capture project. QuickProject enables you to take ArcPad into the field, with or without pre-existing data, and quickly start capturing data into new shapefiles. When you choose New QuickProject, with only two screen taps you can create ArcPad map, point, polyline, and polygon shapefiles with custom input forms and editable category values which can then be changed dynamically in the field.
In addition, a collection of ArcPad templates is available as a starting point for creating your own ArcPad project. The templates highlight specific applications of ArcPad technology to solve industry problems. These templates vary from tools to applets to forms, all of which illustrate the practical benefits of ArcPad.
Using the ArcPad Data Manager extension for ArcGIS Desktop included with ArcView, ArcEditor, and ArcInfo, you can check out feature classes including relationships from a multiuser or a personal/file geodatabase for use in ArcPad. Using these same tools, data and any changes can be checked back in to the geodatabase.
ArcPad does not require a GPS. Creating features can be accomplished with the tap on a map. A GPS is recommended for more accurate location information.
ESRI does not publish a list of supported GPS receivers for ArcPad. However, ArcPad supports the following protocols for communicating with GPS receivers:
National Marine Electronics Association. (NMEA) 0183, version 2.0
ArcPad 7.0 includes drivers for the following connected digital cameras (support for additional connected cameras can be provided via custom camera modules):
Cameras integrated into some of the HP® iPAQ® Windows Mobile device models. These include the HP iPAQ rx3700® and hx6300® series devices.
On PCs, ArcPad includes a driver for cameras which interface via the standard Windows Multimedia API (MCI). These cameras usually connect to the PC via a USB cable, and typically include PCcam and Webcam cameras which are capable of taking still photos-although some standard digital cameras can also operate as a Webcam. There are a number of Webcam cameras available from various vendors. Creative Labs and Logitech® are two of the more well-known vendors of Webcams.
Cameras integrated into Windows Mobile 5 devices and use the standard Windows Mobile 5 camera API.
ArcPad is software that is designed to run on mobile computers in much the same way as traditional desktop software. Using ArcPad you can save and store data on the device's internal memory or removable storage. If a wireless connection is available, ArcPad can take advantage of built-in tools for accessing data from ArcIMS and the Geography Network.
Because these technologies both run on handheld devices under the same Windows mobile environment and support some of the same functionality, they are often confused. Both of these technologies boost mobile productivity and are used to support GIS professionals and their field efforts. However, they are built with different code bases and are different in their deployment and application.
ArcPad is an efficient GIS solution for mobile applications and field data collection; it provides dozens of tools for mapping, query, field editing and analysis. It operates entirely in a disconnected environment where users download information from ArcGIS Desktop, take information out into the field, and upon return upload the edits and collected data to the desktop. ArcPad can also be customized for specific field tasks or projects.
By contrast, ArcGIS Mobile is used to build and deploy custom mobile applications and is installed as a part of ArcGIS Server. ArcGIS Mobile is designed to support specific field workflows. Work done in the field can be published and made instantly available to the entire organization. ArcGIS Mobile is considered an enterprise application because it synchronizes directly with an enterprise server.
ArcGIS Mobile is used to develop focused applications. It is also a platform for real-time tracking where users can build an application that tracks the location of mobile workers from a central server environment (e.g., to create and share a common operating picture). One can easily imagine how an organization with many field workers may wish to track the workers’ locations as well as to receive input and observations from their field activities.
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