Mobile Mapper CE w/ same mapping s/w as on PM3?
Posted By Jerry Shearon on 2/3/2006 at 12:12 AM

I have wondered why the mapping software that is on the PM3 cannot be put on the MMCE.

It appears that it is a good fit for those who do not need ArcPad or may not find that Arcpad suits their needs very well.

I wouldn't blame Thales for charging something for the application. After all, a program such as TDS SOLO Field will run on the MMCE and lists for about $1000.00. The fact that end-users are having to buy software from other companies if ArcPad shows me that Thales could reasonable charge something for putting the software on the MMCE. That should provide some incentive for making a version of the mapping software like that on the PM3 available.

I know there are some differences in the CE on the PM3 and MMCE, but they are both WinCE.

I know nothing about the difficulties involved but offering the PM3 mapping software does seem to hold some promise of a solution if the hurdles are not too great.



Re: Mobile Mapper CE w/ same mapping s/w as on PM3?
Posted By J.D. Billings on 2/3/2006 at 12:24 AM

so far we're all smiles ... glad you talked us into the PM3. We are loving it! Considering the bare bones of the MM CE, I would agree whole heartedly with you that the basic capabilities of the PM3 would be a very good "starting point" for a unit designed to be a GIS or survey tool. You would expect it to have basic functionality from the manufacturer, and then be open for 3rd party s/w.

This stuff gets better every generation, which in techno terms is about 3 years :-)




Re: Mobile Mapper CE w/ same mapping s/w as on PM3?
Posted By Jerry Shearon on 2/3/2006 at 12:35 AM

I was trying to edit my post because I realized some of what I intended to say was inadvertently left out but you responded before I posted my edit.

Now you are stuck with my confusion. Sorry 'bout that.


Re: Mobile Mapper CE w/ same mapping s/w as on PM3?
Posted By J.D. Billings on 2/3/2006 at 12:42 AM

what confusion???

I thought you worded it very well. Unless I missed something you were/are wondering why Thales couldn't bundle a basic GIS type data collection package (like that included in the really nice ProMark 3) into the MM CE, which apparantly is a "bare bones platform". Instead of the end users having to depend solely on 3rd party s/w vendors.

Did I misunderstand?

(I have been known to totally misunderstand before - ask my wife)

jd



Re: Mobile Mapper CE w/ same mapping s/w as on PM3?
Posted By J.D. Billings on 2/3/2006 at 9:29 AM

Billy

The PM3 is based on a Windows CE platform, but is a proprietarily (is that a real word?) closed system. wysiwyg

It has the same functionality (+) of the Mobile Mapper Pro (GIS) and the ProMark2 (survey).

It is NOT a replacement for the MM CE as they are two totally different tools.

All I know about the MMCE is what I read from you guys discussions, and the thing that particularly sticks out to me is that it is completely 3rd party software driven.




Re: Mobile Mapper CE w/ same mapping s/w as on PM3?
Posted By Jerry Shearon on 2/3/2006 at 11:29 AM

My point about the Mobile Mapping sofware on the PM3 is that if it runs on that closed system, it shouldn't be too hard to get it on to the MMCE which is an open system.

As I said before (in other words), I am not a computer doctor. I don't even play one on TV.

I have read the generally very positive comments on here about the software on the Mobile Mapper Pro and the PM3 has a WinCE version of that same stuff.

Seems to be a good fit for people who don't want or need ArcPad, but don't want a third party software solution for their mapping applications.


Re: Mobile Mapper CE w/ same mapping s/w as on PM3?
Posted By J.D. Billings on 2/3/2006 at 11:43 AM

Jerry

I think we're all in agreement. I suppose my agreement is only in theory, since I don't have a MM CE. I do like the capabilities of the PM3 (as you said, probably a CE version of the MM Pro s/w). You would think it possible to put the same thing on the MM CE.

Third party involvement always seems to confuse matters anyway. (my opinion)

jd



Re: Mobile Mapper CE w/ same mapping s/w as on PM3?
Posted By Paul H Johnson on 2/3/2006 at 3:03 PM

Just got my MMCE and am totally frustrated. It came loaded with arcpad and I am getting absolutely NO support from anybody. Hayes doesn't know anything about the unit and thales seems to want me to but the support from esri. I am a total newbee in arc-anything except for the two days I've spent trying to cipher the arcpad users manual.
Unit is going back if I dont get some help very soon.


Re: Mobile Mapper CE w/ same mapping s/w as on PM3?
Posted By Sat Al on 2/3/2006 at 4:03 PM

Paul,

Post your questions on both the MMCE and ArcPad. You will get answers.

Sat


Re: Paul Johnson?
Posted By Lawrence Paul Lopresti on 2/3/2006 at 4:15 PM

I had my hands on an MM CE yesterday at the ESRI booth at the NJPLS convention. It was loaded with the a sample project which was the exact same project that I used for ARC GIS training last fall. That made me feel more comfortable. Contact ESRI for training.

At the Carlson booth, Jim Carlson told me that their guru was in France banging out some last minute details. Personally with my Carlson experience v. my Arc Anything experience, I would hold off for the Carlson option. It will not do the same things as Arc Pad but I bet it is what a surveyor wants anyway.

Paul in PA


Re: Mobile Mapper CE w/ same mapping s/w as on PM3?
Posted By Charles Branch on 2/3/2006 at 5:38 PM

If you bought ArcPad with your MMCE, Thales will support both the MMCE and ArcPad. You may call 1-800-229-2400 (and press 1). You may get voice mail but we answer all voice mail messages as soon as possible, typically answering all calls twice a day (between 7 AM and 5 PM, Pacific Time, M-F).

You may also send an email to professionalsupport@thalesnavigation.com. Please provide your contact information, what product you're having a problem with, the serial number, where you bought it and as near a complete explanation of the problem as possible. We ask for these details only because it helps us prepare answers to your questions before we call back so we don't take up so much of your time on the phone.

You do not have to buy ArcPad support from ESRI unless you bought it from them and want support from them. ESRI charges, I believe, $295 for a year's support on ArcPad. This is probably a good value, but that's for you to decide.

If you are new to ArcPad, you can get some basic tips for installation and first use by taking a look at the tech note called "Installing and Using ArcPad on MMCE.pdf" found on ftp.thalesnavigation.com in the \Mobile Mapping\MM CE\Application Notes\ folder.

ArcPad, like all ArcGIS products, is different from most Windows software. This makes it hard sometimes to know where to start. But it's a thin wall keeping you away from effectively using ArcPad. Thales Tech Support will help you with this.

Given that Thales supports dozens of products, there is a limit to the depth of knowledge Tech Support has achieved with ArcPad. But while it is possible to ask a question that we cannot answer right away, our relationship with ESRI allows us to get answers that you would have to pay ESRI to get.

Another source of answers is this message board, as Sat Al has said above. ESRI has set up a similar message board for ArcPad users. ESRI also offers free introductory training from www.esri.com.


Re: Mobile Mapper CE w/ same mapping s/w as on PM3?
Posted By John Francis on 2/3/2006 at 10:38 PM

Something's seemed "different" with tech support the past few months or so.

To me, it's as if they've becomed a little "tight-lipped" about issues.


Re: Dave laferriere
Posted By John Francis on 2/4/2006 at 11:36 AM

hope I spelled your name right.

If you have a way to post those pictures, I would appreciate it.


Thanks, either way


John