GPS Datalogger for Integrity Management

[dbr522]

Before we do indirect assessments on our gas pipelines we like to walk directly over the entire section to be assessed and log all of the information into a spreadsheet. In the past I have carried a pipe locator, gps unit, a laptop, and a can of paint. I put into the computer any changes in the land over the pipe such as pavement, brush that we need to clear, and creeks or rivers. Carrying all of that stuff is kind of bulky but I was able to get all of the information into the computer in one pass.

What I'm looking for is a GPS unit that I can carry with me that will allow me to log all of the information in addition to lat/long/alt. It could be a stand alone unit that I could insert the land information on a touch screen or it could be connected to the computer with USB and allow me to enter the information with a few clicks rather than typing everything in.

I'm just looking for a few product suggestions. I'm trying to figure out a cheap, maybe $250, unit but if we had to shell out $5000 or $8000 for an all-in-one unit that will do everything we might be able to find the cash.

 

[dcasto]

The $5000 garmin we have at work is just a HP/Compaq PDA with the GPS unit wrapped in a fancy yellow padded box.

Most GPS's will connect to a PDA and you can capture Lat and Long. I'd like to see then a spreadsheet with lat long and a code for whats there, Rd for road, Gr for grass, ect. Then a mapping program would display the data associated with the spreadsheet.

So, I don't have a tried solution, but I'd like to see if others have gone this route.

 

[EdStainless]

You have dozens of options. There are GPS/Bluetooth (wireless) units, GPS/USB (wired) units, and even a USB memory stick/GPS unit that records where ever you carry it, and you download the data later.

http://www.geeks.com/products_sc.asp?cat=219

http://www.geeks.com/techtips/2006/portable-gps-reviews.htm

http://www.coolest-gadgets.com/20060405/really-cool-portable-gps-tracker/

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[IRstuff]

You might also consider a tablet PC that you can write on with a stylus, coupled with a Earth-mate type USB GPS that you can tape or attach to the tablet PC. Since the tablet PCs usually allow the display to oriented in the open position, that would simplify the mechanics of entering data and notations.

http://www.mobilintel.com/CF18.html?gclid=CMnvp6e0uogCFQ1kGAodMU8p0Q

http://www.earthmate.com/software/XMap5.asp

http://www.earthmate.com/prod_bluelogger.asp?p=4

TTFN