Trimble TerraFlex Offers Real-Time Data Updates for GIS

January 8, 2015  - By
Image: GPS World
Image: GPS World

Trimble has introduced TerraFlex Advanced, an enhanced edition of its TerraFlex field data capture software, which manages asset collection and update activities for everyday geospatial requirements. Organizations across a variety of industries, including environmental management, utilities and government agencies, can deploy a common workflow for field workers to collect or inspect their assets efficiently using TerraFlex Advanced.

TerraFlex Advanced enables GIS professionals to stay productive by keeping their data and devices up-to-date and organized. It allows users to import existing assets or GIS data into their TerraFlex projects and make real-time updates to the data in the field. The information can be shared across the project organization, so all project members — from the field to office — are working with the most up-to-date data available.

In addition, a new version of the TerraFlex Mobile apps supports Trimble RTX technology-based correction services. Trimble RTX (Real Time eXtended) is a high-accuracy GNSS correction technology that delivers repeatable centimeter-level positioning worldwide to compatible GNSS receivers. GIS professionals now have more flexibility to achieve the accuracy required by their highly mobile workflows in real-time, without being tied to a base station or local VRS network.

With TerraFlex Advanced, users can collect, process and manage geospatial data quickly and efficiently across a fleet of mixed consumer and professional data collection mobile devices and platforms. Local governments who require regular data updates on city assets, utility workers performing frequent inspections on infrastructure, and many other mapping and GIS organizations can update new and existing data while in the field much faster.

“In today’s environment, asset conditions are constantly changing and access to real-time information about these assets is crucial to decision-making and sustainability of those assets,” said Alain Samaha, business area director of GIS and Software for Trimble’s Geospatial Division. “TerraFlex Advanced addresses this growing requirement by ensuring GIS field crews are equipped with current information so they can make informed decisions, avoid costly rework, and plan and schedule resources efficiently for the maintenance of assets.”

Part of the Trimble InSphere cloud-based software platform for the management of geospatial applications, data, and services, TerraFlex Advanced extends the robust project, user and form functionality in the original TerraFlex Basic edition, keeping field crews organized and productive on a variety of devices and in a wide range of environments.

In addition to TerraFlex Advanced software, Trimble also announced new enhancement to its InSphere platform applications — Equipment Manager and Data Manager.

  • Equipment Manager — A software application that enables geospatial enterprises to unify management of all their equipment, Equipment Manager now lets users manage custom equipment types, including non-Trimble devices, accessories, and any other equipment that needs to be managed together with their Trimble mapping and surveying equipment. Additionally, users can stay on top of required updates and keep their field equipment properly maintained with service scheduling and alerts.
  • Data Manager — Data Manager allows users to securely access, search, visualize and share geospatial information. This module now expands support for more data types, including all features from TBC files, image features, and TGO files, enabling users to upload more data into the application to manage, view, search and share with other project stakeholders.
This article is tagged with and posted in GIS News, GNSS/GPS, Mobile Devices

About the Author: Tracy Cozzens

Senior Editor Tracy Cozzens joined GPS World magazine in 2006. She also is editor of GPS World’s newsletters and the sister website Geospatial Solutions. She has worked in government, for non-profits, and in corporate communications, editing a variety of publications for audiences ranging from federal government contractors to teachers.