I also have to say that Tracklogs/Breadcrumbs / Location Tracking (an ESRI term) is thee most important feature of any software. Only Garmins understand that, which is why were still using Garmin Map76CSx, the best recreational handheld ever invented (combined with DNRGPS).
IMHO, Mapping has gotten over complicated, for many what you mention Alicia, and I think someday, we will return eventually to what many have discovered in other platforms.
Still, being hopeful. I know were all fond of mapping with satellite positioning for sure (and getting outside where its raining, have no power, no internet, mosquitoes everywhere.... You know, the stuff professional surveyors endure.....
cheers.
Original Message:
Sent: 03-10-2025 10:40
From: Alicia Jackson
Subject: Updating from Geo7X
Same here, Tomasz. I will never understand why Trimble didn't start out with the software, firmware & hardware that they had been perfecting for over 20 years (TerraSync, PFO and the Geo's) and update them for use with current mobile device operating systems, satellites, Windows 11, etc. We needed exactly that functionality - if we are doing something with TerraSync, we will still need to do that with whatever replaces TerraSync. (Honestly, we all have our personal smart phones in our pockets - what we need is GPS units. The whole "bring your own device" idea is nice, but it doesn't help us.) We had been using PFO since 1998 and the GeoExplorers since they came out (2002?). We replaced at least 1-2 units every year as newer models became available. It's just odd and disappointing, frankly, for Trimble to opt out of providing for an entire class of users after all these years; they had pretty much perfected the sub-meter handheld unit w/the Geo7X, then they abandoned it (and us)! I really like our reseller, but this may be the 1st year since 1998 that we haven't spent any money with them at all - we just can't keep spending money on "solutions" that don't meet our needs.
We tried ESRI's Field Maps app on a smart device (Handheld Nautiz X6) with the Trimble DA2 on the "Handle," but it just took SO many steps to do something that was simple in TerraSync/PFO. (I do recognize that it may only seem "simple" because I have been doing it for so long.) I also tried TerraFlex for a while, but I could not get used to it. I'm our only biologist who always needs sub-meter accuracy (mapping rare plants), and I'm probably going to use the Geo7x's until they all become bricks! My coworkers typically can get by with 2-5 m accuracy, so they're mainly using smart devices with Avenza Pro for now. I hate for the accuracy of our data to go down after all these years, but that's where we are.
Honestly, it's the tracklog/ bread crumb trail that is the deal-breaker for me: I need my tracklog literally every field day, which is at least 4 days/week, April - November. I know you can export out the coordinates from TerraFlex and plot x/y to get a shapefile, etc., but it is so easy in Pathfinder - I correct my file, export my points & tracklog in the same step, and am done. ESRI has a Mobile Workers extension that I think would work, but it collects a lot more data than we need and, again, requires more office time.
Also, we're surveying for rare species for different clients all over the southeastern US (we're consultants) and aren't likely to find anything at all some days. For small projects, we don't even make background layers - you just charge your Geo7X the night before & throw it in your truck. My coworkers don't even turn their Trimbles on unless they find something (*at which point, they will need sub-meter accuracy*). I have not found a workflow that is the equivalent of keeping 1-2 standard data dictionaries on everyone's devices that are there when/if they need them. (And regardless of where they are, what projection their background files are in, etc.) With TerraFlex or Field Maps, there seems to be so much prep time setting things up before every single project, which will be wasted time/$ if we don't even find anything to mark. (We also don't have SIM cards in the Nautiz units, or cell coverage much of the time.)
We also often need to be hands-free to crash through dense shrubs, swamps, etc. and didn't love the Handle/DA2 combo - I couldn't find any way to stick it in a pocket or pouch and have it continue to track me, stay connected to the device, etc.
That didn't help anyone - sorry!! FYI, the Handheld Nautiz X6's have been good as rugged smart devices, but the app for their RTK expansion/antenna thing has been buggy... And, all of it is being discontinued. :/ Also, our Geo7X's overheat & freeze up on really hot days or when in direct sunlight (while in our hand) for too long. Usually it's on days when humans also shouldn't be out, but alas. ;)
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Alicia Jackson
Original Message:
Sent: 03-04-2025 11:36
From: Tomasz Szabon
Subject: Updating from Geo7X
I used the Geo7x in cm mode for many years and greatly appreciated its durability, long battery life, and the simple Windows CE system. While it's undoubtedly outdated, in my opinion, none of the later devices have matched the quality of the Geo7x.
We had the TDC650 for a while, but I didn't like it at all - no quick-swap battery option, no laser rangefinder, and buggy software. Fortunately, we managed to find a new battery for the Geo7x, and it's still working great. I never had issues with overheating in Ireland, but the screen became unresponsive sometimes when exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods - that was its only real flaw.
I wish Trimble would release a similarly compact device with modern technology, supporting L1, L2, and L5 bands. The DA2 is not a suitable alternative for those who need a compact device and frequently rely on GNSS - t's simply too expensive. At the moment, in my opinion, Trimble offers no reasonable alternative for those in need of a handheld device.
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Tomasz Szabon
Original Message:
Sent: 02-28-2025 06:49
From: Joseph Shepard
Subject: Updating from Geo7X
Hello all,
My company is currently looking to upgrade from our current Geo7X to a newer data collector. I'm looking for opinionated input on the use of the TDC6 and T7 Tablet. I'm sure anything would be better than the current Geo7X that overheats and has a waning battery life. We only collect data points for water and sewer appurtenances, if that helps with any input.
Thanks in advance!
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Joseph Shepard
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