Design and Implementation of a Mobile GIS for Field Data Collection

A mobile GIS for field data collection is a system which can facilitate the entire process from indoor preparation, data collection, to data processing. It is a combination of positioning and wireless communication technologies. The paper aims to demonstrate how to design and implement such a mobile GIS. Data of the system consist of three parts: background reference layer, with which spatial reference can be customized, navigation data layer for searching point of interests (POI) and route planning, and field data. Functions of this system include spatial data operation module, navigation module, data collection module, and communication module. .NET Compact Framework is employed to develop the system. Key technologies and skills of application developing are introduced. Additionally, more adjuvant functions are implemented, like path planning, trajectory collection, image collection, and location data sharing.