A lot of us take modern surveying software for granted. The ease of use and tools available make it possible to do what was only previous possible in office software packages. However, with the discontinuation of Windows Mobile by Microsoft, the surveying industry is going to have to pivot from Windows Mobile. This means that a new operating system is needed to become the industry standard in surveying. Is Android the answer, or is there a better solution out there?
Is Windows Mobile the Right Solution?
What does the Switch to Android Mean?
One of the Last Brand Neutral Software Packages
For years, the surveying industry has relied on the venerable Windows Mobile Operating System and Windows Mobile Device Center (formerly Activesync) as they evolved from Windows CE. As a consequence, for years Windows Mobile has been the defacto surveying choice for survey software providers. Although reliable, Windows Mobile is held back by several limitations. Large, memory intensive jobs can cause speed and stability issues, while connecting the data collectors to Windows 10 and 11 machines becomes increasingly more difficult as Microsoft removes support for devices.
For years, the surveying industry has relied on the venerable Windows Mobile Operating System and Windows Mobile Device Center (formerly Activesync) as they evolved from Windows CE. As a consequence, for years Windows Mobile has been the defacto surveying choice for survey software providers. Although reliable, Windows Mobile is held back by several limitations. Large, memory intensive jobs can cause speed and stability issues, while connecting the data collectors to Windows 10 and 11 machines becomes increasingly more difficult as Microsoft removes support for devices.
As time goes on, your receiver is only going to improve. The more and more satellites that are launched into For years, the surveying industry has relied on the venerable Windows Mobile Operating System and Windows Mobile Device Center (formerly Activesync) as they evolved from Windows CE. As a consequence, for years Windows Mobile has been the defacto surveying choice for survey software providers. Although reliable, Windows Mobile is held back by several limitations. Large, memory intensive jobs can cause speed and stability issues, while connecting the data collectors to Windows 10 and 11 machines becomes increasingly more difficult as Microsoft removes support for devices.
The only other real contender for a mobile handheld operating system, is as mentioned, Google’s Android platform. Android offers a flexible platform that can be run on a variety of hardware, and is incredibly flexible. With Android, you get an operating system that can be easily adapted to many different hardware options. Any existing Android device is now available to use, not just specialized devices specifically designed for the survey market. This helps open competition in the surveying market and drive prices down.
Regarding the GNSS receiver technology, the new Phantom (S631) and Vega (Vector) series of receivers are equipped with the Lyra II chipset, which is capable of tracking all of these signals. When the receiver turns on FieldGenius for Android is one of the first surveying suites, designed from the ground up for Android operating systems. And with Microsoft announcing native compatibility for Android Apps on Windows 11, you get a flexible software package to meet your needs no matter the platform. This also means that popular data collectors like Juniper’s Allegro 2 / Carlson’s Surveyor 2 that have been discontinued on Windows Mobile, you can once again use with Android. Juniper’s Allegro 3 is the exact same data collector form factor you already know, only with a modern operating system and an upgraded processor. Other data collectors like Juniper’s Mesa 3 Android and Archer 3, retain the same rugged build quality but now also run-on Android. And with the announcement of a 10 inch Mesa Pro running Windows 11, you get the flexibility to choose what ever data collector you like, not just one of two or three options.
It is also worth noting the improvements made by adding the other GNSS constellations: GLONASS (Russian), These improvements are all fine and dandy, however, all that really matters is the usability of the software in your day-to-day survey needs. FieldGenius for Android will be very familiar to those that are regular users of the Windows version of FieldGenius. The same core features are there, easy code line-work, industry standard import and export formats, easy CoGo calculations and menu access straight from the Map Screen. You get everything you are used to, just with a new coat of paint.
These improvements are all fine and dandy, however, all that really matters is the usability of the software in your day-to-day survey needs. FieldGenius for Android will be very familiar to those that are regular users of the Windows version of FieldGenius. The same core features are there, easy code line-work, industry standard import and export formats, easy CoGo calculations and menu access straight from the Map Screen. You get everything you are used to, just with a new coat of paint.
Just like in FieldGenius for Windows, FieldGenius for Android is designed around having all your COGO functionality at your fingertips. There is no diving into and out of menus to find your COGO functions. Simply be selecting a line or point, you can perform COGO functions. This means you don’t have to waste a time finding a function you are looking for.
MicroSurvey prides themselves in providing a brand neutral software solution that doesn’t tie you down to a specific manufacturer. That’s why we here at Bench-Mark moved away from Carlson’s SurvCE. We want you to able to use the best equipment for your needs. Within FieldGenius for Android, there are drivers for Hemisphere, CHCNAV, Sokkia, GeoMax, Leica, Pentax, Topcon and many more. This includes legacy models like the Hemisphere S320 and S321, as well as brand new models like the S631. So no matter your equipment, GNSS or Total Station, you can run the equipment you know with FieldGenius Android.
I have only talked about the positives so far of FieldGenius for Android, and it is only fair that I include some of the drawbacks of FieldGenius for Android. As of the time of writing this article in February of 2022, FieldGenius for Android 2.0 recently announced that in addition to their GNSS module, the software package also includes a Total Station module. Although plans are to introduce them shortly, FieldGenius for Android does not currently contain a Roading or a Robotic Total Station module.
Bench Mark Equipment & Supplies is your team to trust with all your surveying equipment. We have been providing high-quality surveying equipment to land surveyors, engineers, construction, airborne and resource professionals since 2002. This helps establish ourselves as the go-to team in Calgary, Canada, and the USA. Plus, we provide a wide selection of equipment, including global navigation satellite systems, RTK GPS equipment, GNSS receivers, and more. We strive to provide the highest level of customer care and service for everyone. To speak to one of our team today, call us at 403-286-0333 or email us at [email protected]
Canada’s #1 supplier of land surveying equipment and instruments.
