NEW! Forms for Field Data Collection

XMap FormsA new approach to GIS field data collection

What is XMap Forms?

XMap Forms is a way to view or edit GIS data layers. It enables field data collection and GIS data editing capabilities for XMap licensed users. XMap Forms displays attributes for a selected GIS object in a floating window within XMap or in a dedicated screen on the Earthmate PN-40 GPS receiver. Depending on how the form is created, a form may:

Display the attribute data as read-only
Enable editing of the attribute data
Allow new records to be created

DeLorme anticipates advanced XMap GIS users to find many creative ways to apply XMap Forms as a data extraction and manipulation tool

Note: XMap Forms are sold separately from standard XMap software titles, and require one seat of XMap GIS Enterprise for implementation.

Forms for Desktop, Laptop, or Handheld GPS

A Form is associated with an Openspace GIS layer in an XMap GIS Enterprise database. It can be used to update the information in the layer in real time or it can be transferred to a remote XMap or Earthmate PN-40 user whose edits, additions, or other modifications can be later automatically merged with the original data.

Use with XMap 7 Versions and the PN-Series GPS receivers. Forms can be opened and data can be created or edited in any version of XMap 7, although users of XMap Professional must purchase an XMap Forms license to enable this functionality. Forms can also be uploaded to the Earthmate PN-40 after upgrading the device to the XMap 7 Earthmate Pro firmware. This allows users of the handheld GPS receiver to see all of the attributes associated with existing GIS layers and to modify or gather additional data in the field.

Key Benefits of XMap Forms

XMap Forms are extremely affordable. No other system provides so much field data collection functionality for such a low price
XMap Forms are easy to learn. Automate your field data collection quickly and easily
XMap Forms improve workflow and efficiency. Apply XMap Forms to your business workflow. Improve productivity through the application of advanced laptop- or handheld GPS-based data gathering and transfer
XMap Forms are accurate. Ensure data accuracy by establishing clear limits and requirements for data input ensuring data consistency across your project
XMap Forms are flexible. Embed external form documents, such as spreadsheets, text files or Word documents for report completion and automatic submission
XMap Forms are fast. Picklists, checkboxes and simple text entry ensure that data is updated or collected quickly and easily
XMap Forms expand the functionality of XMap Professional. Previously XMap Professional offered read-only access to GIS layers. With Forms enabled, this low-cost software becomes a powerful data collector
XMap Forms work on multiple platforms. Forms are compatible with any version of XMap 7 in a desktop or laptop computer or with Earthmate PN-40 GPS receiver

XMap Form Creation

In order to develop XMap Forms, the associated GIS data layer must reside in a database that was created using the Enterprise version of XMap although both the Editor and Enterprise versions of the software include the form-creation tools. In other words, if you want to create forms for either XMap or the PN-40, someone in your organization must own a legitimate license for XMap GIS Enterprise.

Powerful New Features

To facilitate the creation of XMap Forms, several powerful new features have been added to the Editor and Enterprise versions of XMap 7:

Improved Field Creation. When creating a new field in a GIS layer, XMap 7 users can choose between a Simple Field, which requires just a name and data type; a Formula Field, which derives new data from existing fields; or a Constraint Field (see below)
Attribute Constraints. GIS administrators can establish rules that govern which attribute values can be assigned to an object when gathering or editing data. This ensures that all collected data adheres to predetermined standards and requirements.

Depending on the data type, constraints can impose a limit on the length of the string or number of characters that can be entered, they can stipulate an acceptable range in a numeric field, or they can offer a predetermined list of actual values to be entered, which will appear as a dropdown list on the form.
Enhanced Document Embedding. External files such as images, spreadsheets, or text files can be assigned to objects on the map using a simple upload process. These files can be opened by anyone who is granted access to the layer and, if appropriate, can be edited and saved in the database.

By establishing an initial value in a document field, a new version of a standard file or document is automatically created and saved in database each time a new record is created
New Form Builder. Forms can be created from any point, line, or polygon layer, however only a point-based form can be used to create new records in a layer and only a point-based form can be transferred to the PN-40.
During the form-creating process, the data administrator determines how much functionality will be available to the form user. Selections in the Form Builder dialog box include:
- » The compatibility of the form: PN Receiver or XMap
- » The editability of data: read-only, allow edits, or allow the creation of new records
- » Which fields are available in the form
- » Which fields are locked for editing

XMap Form Distribution

Local Use
In its most straightforward mode, an XMap form can be employed to add or update information in a local database or in a connected environment. In such a case, updating the attributes using a form has the same effect as making edits directly to the attribute table in XMap.

Distribution to a Remote User
A more powerful application for the XMap forms technology is to transfer the form and the subsequent data collection and editing functionality to a remote user.

Synchronizing a Form to XMap. The synchronization process automatically delivers select GIS layers and the accompanying forms to remote users over a network. After the synchronization process is complete, the XMap user can disconnect from the network and edit or create data locally in their version of XMap
Sending a Form to an Earthmate PN-40 GPS receiver. A GIS point layer containing a PN-compatible from can be sent directly to a connected PN-40 from the Workspace in XMap�s GIS tab. Alternatively, the layer and the form can be transferred to an SD card, which is then inserted into the PN-40 to enable the forms functionality on the device

Using a Form

XMap Forms have been developed to simplify the data collection and editing functionality for field workers and mobile professionals. Both the XMap and PN versions offer straightforward data entry using picklists, checkboxes, and simple text entry.

Using a Form in XMap.The XMap version of a form appears as a floating window which is accessed by right-clicking on the layer or by selecting the Forms button in the toolbar. New points can be added at the current GPS location, the map center, or manually on the map. After adding a point, the appropriate attributes can be assigned within the form and any embedded documents can be opened, edited, and saved. Existing points, lines, or polygons can be selected on the map after which the current attributes are displayed in the form and can be updated if necessary
Using a Form on a PN-Series GPS Receiver.Before using a form on the PN-40, the transferred layer must be copied from the external SD card to the internal memory of the device. This process is initiated from the Waypoints screen by clicking the Menu button, choosing File� and selecting Open. After choosing the appropriate layer, a list of existing points will be displayed in the Waypoints list. To create a new point at the current location, simply click the Waypoint button on the device and use the form to assign the appropriate attributes

Merging Collected and Edited Data

One of the more remarkable aspects of the XMap Forms functionality is the simplicity with which field-collected or edited records are merged with the original layer. Because the form retains its association with the GIS layer from which it was developed, newly-collected data is automatically added to the layer and modifications to previously existing records are automatically applied to the original data.

Merging Data from XMap. The same synchronization procedure that is employed to transfer GIS data and forms to remote XMap users is also used to integrate field collected data or changes into the original layer. This two-way data synchronization process is initiated by the field worker with a simple click of a button and it ensures that he or she has access to the latest version of the data while automating the transfer of the field data to the master database
Merging Data from the PN-40. On the PN-40, data additions or updates are saved back to the SD card using the same file menu described previously. This saved data is integrated into the host layer using the merge function in the GIS tab in XMap. If a local connection to the PN-40 is not feasible, the SD card containing the saved data can be delivered to the data administrator, who inserts the card into a connected PN-40 to initiate the data transfer process

Licensing for XMap Forms

XMap Forms for a mobile field-force are enabled by XMap 7 GIS Enterprise. Licensed users of XMap GIS Editor or XMap Professional require one seat of XMap GIS Enterprise to establish the central GIS database that can synchronize all data transactions. Licensed XMap 7 GIS Editor users are able to generate forms for their own use without XMap 7 GIS Enterprise.

Pricing

To learn more about or purchase XMap Forms please contact Professional Sales at 1-800-293-2389 or email Prosales@DeLorme.com. The following pricelist shows the cost of each version of XMap and the accompanying base map datasets as well as the XMap Professional Forms License:

XMap Forms Licenses
XMap 7 Form Builder (1-5 users)	$1999.95 - Includes XMap 7 GIS Enterprise
XMap 7 Form Builder (6-25 users)	$3999.95 - Includes XMap 7 GIS Enterprise
XMap 7 Form Builder (26-50 users)	$6499.95 - Includes XMap 7 GIS Enterprise
XMap 7 Form Builder (51-100 users)	$8999.95 - Includes XMap 7 GIS Enterprise
XMap 7 Form Builder (101-250 users)	$13,999.95 - Includes XMap 7 GIS Enterprise
Unlimited Seats	Call for Pricing
XMap Support Services	$1000 per day XMap Forms consulting $200 per hour developer fee

To order forms or for more information, call the XMap Team at 1-800-293-2389.

Base Data
XMap USA-Canada Topographic Data 2009	$59.95 per licensed seat
XMap USA-Canada Street Level Data 2010	$39.95 per licensed seat
XMap World Base Map 2010	$9999.95 per licensed seat
DeLorme Map Library Subscription	$29.95 per year – unlimited imagery downloads

To order forms or for more information, call the XMap Team at 1-800-893-2389.

Q: Do I need to buy a forms license to get forms to work in XMap GIS Enterprise?

A: No, an Enterprise user can build and use as many forms as they wish

Q: Do I need to buy a forms license to get forms to work in XMap GIS Editor?

A: No, you can build and use as many forms as you wish but you do need an Enterprise database to create a form, which only can be built with XMap Enterprise

Q: Do I need to buy a forms license to get forms to work in XMap GIS Professional?

A: Yes. To access forms you will need a forms license and access to the XMap Enterprise database containing the forms. XMap Professional cannot create forms. Call DeLorme Professional Services to purchase a form license

Q: How do I get a copy of a form to a remote user?

A: The only method is to use the synchronization functionality within XMap Enterprise. Even though the form is stored inside the Openspace file the XMap Professional user can only import that database into an Enterprise database that contains the license for that user

Q: Will the forms built for XMap work on a PN-40 Earthmate GPS device?

A: No. The XMap forms need to be converted into a different format so if you want the same form on both platforms you will need two separate forms

Q: Can I give my PN form to a PN-40 user who does not have a license? Can I merge their changes back into my XMap database?

A: Yes. You can send them an SD card with the form on it and they will be able to collect data on their PN device without have a forms license. To merge the data back into your database they will need to send you the SD card back with the saved GPX file

Q: Can I limit the available fields in a form and can I lock fields that I don�t want edited?

A: The Forms creation function allows any or all available fields to be added to a form and, if required, selected fields can be locked for editing

Q: Can I delete records using a form?

A; The option to allow deleting is established when the form is created. If enabled, records can be deleted in a desktop form. Deleting records, except those that were created by the user, is not available on the PN-40

Q: Can a form be associated with a line or polygon layer?

A: Yes. However a form that is generated using a line or polygon layer cannot be used to create new objects in the layer, only to add or edit attribute data. Additionally, a polygon or line layer cannot be used to create a PN-compatible form. A form created from a point layer is fully compatible for adding or editing data on either platform

Q: Do database constraints work on a PN?

A: Yes, although certain fields are not compatible with the PN-40 and will not available on the PN-40 version of the form

Q: Will the classification and symbology assigned in XMap be transferred when a form is sent to the PN-40?

A: Yes. It is recommended that you use the Earthmate PN-Series Symbol set when creating a layer to be transferred to the PN-40. This ensures an exact match of the symbol selected in XMap will be displayed on the device

Q: Can I export the data collected in a form to a shapefile using the ESRI extension?

A: No. The creation of a shapefile with the ESRI extension is available with the standard waypoints collected on the PN-40.

Q: Can a form be created using an empty layer?

A: Yes. This is the recommended approach for data collection when no existing records are present in a layer. The structure of the layer (available fields, constraints, symbology, etc) is initially established in XMap without adding any objects to the layer. All field-collected data will ultimately be used to populate the layer

Q: Can a form be synchronized or sent to multiple users simultaneously?

A: Yes. The same form can be assigned to multiple users assuming each has a valid XMap Forms license