Pole data collection using laser rangefinders with smartphones and tablets

Height sticks and measuring wheels are antiquated tools for pole data collection. Advances in measurement technology now exist that allow for improved productivity in both the field and the office. Part of the equation is the smartphone in every inspector's pocket. It is always ideal when you can utilize hardware that everyone already owns and knows how to use.

When you link a smartphone or tablet with a laser rangefinder for pole inspections and joint-use pole audits, companies can save time, reduce costs and increase the accuracy of the data collected.

Learn more about how you can use the GeoJot+ app running on your mobile device with an LTI laser rangefinder for pole inspections and joint use pole audits.

 

 

Android for Work - Updated

We see that smaller companies like small contractors are comfortable having their employees use their personal phones to collect work data using GeoJot+. However, mid to large size companies and many government agencies seem to be more reluctant and have more security concerns about BYOD.

Android for Work creates a secure Work Profile isolating and protecting data and managing the flow of sensitive work information. Employees can use approved work apps right alongside their personal apps while IT can manage business data on all the Android devices.

It falls out nicely that it is mid to large size companies who would feel it is necessary to have functionality that separates a work profile from a personal profile on a phone or tablet, because it looks like you will need an IT person to get everything set up but it is good to see the mobile OS providers realizing that this issue needs to be addressed. Check out this whitepaper on additional security in Android for Work.

Collecting ADA compliance data on a budget

ADA compliance requirements were originally put into law in 1990 and updated in 2010. However, because the mandate was not coupled with funding, many local governments did not gather compliance documentation until the Justice Department required the initial compliance transition plans by the end of 2012. 

Without funding, cities and counties were left to find their own innovative ways to collect the federally required data without breaking their budgets. Given that everyone has a smartphone and/or tablet these days, local municipalities were looking for simple solutions that could use the hardware that people already own and know how to use. See how these cities used GeoJot+ to solve their problems.

       
• Mishawaka, Indiana - simplifying collection of ADA compliance data

• Huntington, Illinois - using interns to collect data for their traffic sign inventory

Free photo storage and search capabilities for everyone!

Google Photos has arrived. The new service unveiled at the Google developer’s conference last week is likely to be a huge hit. First, it allows you to back up all your photos for free. There is an app for both your computer and your smartphone to further simplify your life. There are a couple details to be aware of - your photos must be under 16mp and they will be just slightly compressed. I think I can live with that for free photo storage.

Not only is the storage free, but Google also provides advanced search functionality for all those photos and videos. It can automatically categorize the photos based on contents and has face recognition functionality.

And why, might you ask, would Google provide all this for free? The same reason they always provide things for free. He who controls the spice controls the universe. There is a great deal of information that can be mined from all of our photos. And while they aren’t discussing how they will eventually monetize the service, you would have to guess that all those photos of your baby will lead to more ads appearing for diapers and the cutest infant clothing. Or if the baby photos were taken in 1999, perhaps the ads will be coming from car companies and universities.

While that can be a little creepy, I suppose if I am getting ads appearing in my searches, I would actually prefer that the ads are for things that are relevant to me. Is this a step in direction of more perfect information or just too much information? I guess we will find out.

I am guessing that none of our government agency clients will be using this service. But it will be interesting to see if any of our non-government customers will take the plunge. I would think for most companies a few hundred dollars a year to store your GPS photos is worth the added privacy.