For land surveyors, equipment is everything. Every company and every professional has their own way of doing things, and retailers of survey equipment and software have this fact in mind when curating the collections they offer. With so many options, though, choosing the right device for your needs can be frustrating. Here are some tips to help you choose the survey controllers and data collection devices you need to get the job done right:
Hand Held or Tablet Style?
The profile of your data collection device is an important factor to consider when making a choice for your field team. Would you prefer a handheld device or something with a sturdier structure, like a tablet? Factors to consider in making your selection include:
- Portability – How easy will it be for your field professionals to carry these devices on-site?
- Capabilities – What can your device do, and what do you need it to do?
- Magnitude and scope – Will you need your devices to hold, process, transfer and analyze a large amount of data, or are you searching for streamlined models that will keep you focused on one task at a time?
How Much Do Your Devices Need to Do?
While the lines between controllers and handheld data collection devices are increasingly blurred in recent years, there is still a marked difference in some models.
Do you need your devices to have the ruggedness to withstand any elements, potential drops or other physical impact, all while collecting and storing accurate spatial information? You’re likely looking for a streamlined, field-ready handheld data collector. Much like a remote with a hardhat, these task-dedicated devices are ready to take on what you throw at them.
Need more capabilities? Consider a survey controller with smartphone-like technology and transfer capabilities. These devices are almost everything you need for surveying in the palm of your hand, merging hardware and software into one single, seamless device.
Whatever you choose, weigh your options first. Today’s retailers offer a wide array of choices for the modern surveyor; there’s no reason to settle for less than the perfect device for you and your team! Contact Frontier Precision for more information!
