MobileMapper 6, first impressions

After being working with the MobileMapper Pro, from which we have some satisfaction (not all), this year we will be working with the model developed (0 redesigned) called Magellan MobileMapper 6. Here are the first impressions:

What makes it different from Pro

The main thing is that this already comes with Windows Mobile 6; making it completely changes to the scenario as the previous had their own menu closed to features equipment for data collection purposes.

Having Windows Mobile means, that it has the functionality of a Pocket, supporting commonly used programs as Word, Excel, virtual keyboard, (Brings Office Mobile included) Internet, third-party software such as ArcPad or GIS functionalities such as Mobile Mapping.

It also has included a 2-megapixel camera with touch screen, USB connection, electronic compass, microphone, speaker, LED flashlight, Bluetooth connectivity, among others. It brings as software the Mobile Mapping, in this case, version 2.0. The combination of these features could lead to better results or at least avoid the first trend: that the equipment will become more important than data.

Disadvantages

The post processing accuracy decreased this has to be seen by me. With the Pro was possible to do differential correction and find radial precisions that were between 40 and 80 centimeters, it is assumed that with this it could be 1 to 2 meters so it is still good for low-cost land surveying at a price that goes by $ 2.000 included the post-processing software. Although it looks better for non-cadastre purposes or for combining with other direct methods or indirect ones.

Another disadvantage is that they can not function as a base, but it is possible to do post processing with captured base data with a MobileMapper Pro

The fact that comes with Windows, adds it a number of risks mainly due to misuse, such as increased vulnerability to viruses and reduced battery life. Sure, you have to do more awareness in staff that it is not an instrument for music, videos or be taking topless photographs of the bride. Nor is a PocketPC to go surfing the Internet in areas with wireless access.

It should be weaker than the Pro, but they suggest that support falls from 1 meter above the pavement, so I am not able to prove. Neither comes with SD card, it must be purchased separately unless you negotiate with the seller.

Expectations

Many, I tell you as we implement it in combination with the miserable Garmin Legend for rural use, the Pro MibileMapper and total station for urban use, ah, we also apply photointerpretation where there is coverage talking in Google’s way.

At least the headache of the Pro, which booted from the SD card, may be deleted, because although it was a factory error caused by the Magellan union, the support area always attributed it to viruses.

We must also break the habit of not reading the manual because as input I realize that the off button, if not held for several seconds only suspends the system (or turn off the screen) which will cause the battery pack.

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PS The crisis in Latin America continues, at the pace of not learned lessons from what Hugo Chavez made the last 15 years, and stubbornness that politicians did not last 30.