Using BadElf GPS with IOs device

Introduction:

GPS's are very useful devices that are getting more and more useful with advancing technology.  The software that supports GPS units is ever advancing and creating new opportunities for GPS application.  This lab goes through the possible applications of the BadElf GPS and its use with an IOS device.

Methods:

The BadElf GPS is a hand held GPS unit that can be linked to an Apple IOS device via bluetooth.  They make a range of units from survey grade to a version that plugs into the lightning port of an apple device to get about 10ft gps accuracy.

BadElf has a free app that supports a variety of features for their gps units.  For the purposes of this lab, the tracklog feature was demonstrated.  Once paired with their devices, the class headed outside.  Once outside, the bottom button was held down and the tracklog mode was activated.  This enabled the gps unit to start recording data.  The class was then instructed to walk around campus.  After 15-20 minutes the class regrouped and downloaded the tracklogs onto the BadElf App.  This was done by going to the app and simply selecting "Download Tracklogs."  After the tracklogs were downloaded they had to be put into a format that could be put onto a computer.  The app comes with a share feature that does this for the user.  The share button allows the user to send the tracklog as a KML or a GPX with an email.  The KML can be brought into Arcmap and converted into  a layer file.  This layerfile is then exported into a feature class and can be used in the map like the one below.

This is one application that the bad elf can be used for.  There are many other application that can be used with a BadElf gps. Collector and Survey 123 are two applications developed by esri.  Collector is a data collection application that allows for people in the field to collect data onto maps that have been set up.  Survey 123 is a form based application that allows the user to make forms that create features that can be used in collector.  A BadElf gps can be used to collect more accurate data gps data for these applications.

GIS4Mobile, Theodolite, Gaia GPS, and Galileo Offline Maps, are all mapping applications that can be used with the BadElf GPS.  The gps is used to create higher accuracy for the applications.  A phone gps is not very accurate and using the BadElf gps with these applications can get the accuracy to within a foot depending on the unit.

Conclusion:

With software applications being developed everyday, the use of an external gps is getting easier to use and it is able to be used in many more situations.  For a few hundred dollars, anyone can purchase a gps unit that easily connects to a phone and is in sync with a multitude of mapping applications. This will continue to evolve and the uses of gps's with keep growing!