GPS Mapping  is used to locate and map earth features such as power lines, rivers, highways, crops, weeds, pests, or soil types. It can be used to estimate the number of insects in an field, measure the area of a crop, or create a map of sample locations. 

There are difficulties using GPS with desktop GIS applications.  Most desktop applications are large and expensive.  Substantial training is required.  They can layout, format, analyze, view, theme, and print finished maps.  These features are not as useful in the field, they slow down the user and take up memory space and processor power.  Desktop GIS applications are also slower.  Therefore, in addition to increased software cost, they require more expensive hardware, and additional training. 

What we want is a small field package that runs on low cost hardware including the palmtops, handhelds, sub-notebooks, notebooks, and small laptops.  These machines run PocketPC, Windows CE, 9x, ME, XP, or NT.  A package that has only the necessary features and requires little training is desired.  Field users need not be experts with the desktop GIS systems. 

Experience in the field with desktop GIS as well as Handheld Geographic Information Systems (HGIS^®) has shown that HGIS packages are lower in cost and easier to use. 
 

• Draws Points, Lines, Swaths, Boundaries, Circles, and Text 
• Uses low cost PocketPC, Windows CE, 2000, 98, XP, and NT Computers 
• Up to 250 Attributes per object -- Weed Type, Distance, Area, AutoID, etc. 
• Grid Soil Sample targets; Actual sample locations plus Attributes.
  
• Navigate to Soil Sample locations (not for maritime navigation)
  
• Unlimited map layers, New layer creation, Background maps 
• Determine / Find Locations (100+ Coordinate Systems), 
• Calculate Distance or Area
• Combine objects Subtract Ponds and Terraces, Net Area
• Compatible with Desktop Mapping Programs (SHP, or MIF format) 

HGIS^® runs on low cost PocketPC computers or ruggedized computers running Microsoft Windows (CE, 2000, 98, 95, ME, XP, or NT). A field system including a  computer, the StarPal HGIS software, and GPS receiver can be assembled for $1000 - $5000 depending upon accuracy required. 

HGIS files are easily importable onto your desktop computer for backup, analysis, postprocessing and printing. Compatible formats include  ESRI Shape SHP,  MapInfo MIF, JPG, BMP, and DBF.