The ArcPad Team Blog

Unofficial stuff from the team behind the World's leading mobile GIS platform

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Bring your Maplex Labeling into ArcPad

How is this possible? Three words - ArcPad Graphics Layer!

The ArcPad Label Engine is able to create labels for your feature layers, but it does not support the advanced rule-based label placement of the Maplex Label Engine. Adding support for Map Annotation into the ArcPad Graphics Layer in ArcPad 10.0.2 allows users to bring their existing Maplex Labeling into their field projects.

Create and place your labels using the Maplex Label Engine and then convert them to Map Annotation. Map Annotation can then be exported into ArcPad using the ‘Get Data for ArcPad’ wizard (all Map Annotation Groups) or the ‘Export Graphics Layer for ArcPad’ command on the ArcPad Data Manager Toolbar (export each Map Annotation Group separately). Your Map Annotation will now be available to display in ArcPad as a Graphics Layer!

Using this method will support all Maplex Labeling except for spread characters, text formatting tags and curved positions. To incorporate these labels into your ArcPad project, you can use a map tile cache to create a background image of your basemap features and labels. (http://arcpadteam.blogspot.com/2011/03/update-to-creating-local-map-tiles.html).

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Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Custom Datum Transformations




We recently got this question on our facebook page:
I try "GPS Activate" in ArcPad 10.0 Build 55. I get an error saying it has 'no transformation from WGS84 to NAD83_CORS96 found'. I would prefer to use NAD83(CORS96) for my coordinate system as it matches the base station. Is there a download I have not found that will support this transformation for ArcPad 10.0?

This transformation is not supported out of the box with ArcPad, but it is possible to set the parameters up for ArcPad using the Datum Configuration Tool.

This tool has two sections and it must be stressed that the two are not mutually exclusive. The two tabs allow users to:
  • Create new/custom datum transformations and/or
  • Set a default transformation when there are many to choose from.

For more information about the tool we blogged about it HERE and the online ArcPad help is HERE.

We also found a couple of external resources that I think you might find helpful:

Wednesday, February 08, 2012

Designers vs Developers


Over the years, I've identified two distinct types of people who customize ArcPad's out of the box functionality. Designers and Developers.

Designers are integrators who use the Toolbar Editors, Quick Forms and ArcPad Studio to perform customization of toolbars and forms and provide business rules in scripts. Workflow is driven by projects.

Developers are coders who use their learned skills to build beyond out of the box experience for ArcPad. I've seen a variety of solutions with a sophistication ranging from ArcPad Extensions, Interprocess Communications and ActiveX components. Workflow is driven by core business activities such as consultancy or building 3rd party products.

Do you customize ArcPad? Are you a Designer or Developer? Vote Here!!

ArcPad 10.X-Stitch




Check out the new spring collection of ArcPad couture! This stylish little number is practical and elegant.

It’s very ergonomic, has large enough stitching to allow for device breathability and is just pretty cool!