CEC Stay Ahead of the Game

Senior Ecologist, Steve Adams, using Trimble Handheld

1st June, 2007

We recently took delivery of new handheld computer equipment to improve the speed and quality of our service.

Based on the same technology as a car satellite navigation system, the Trimble Geo XT & Recon handheld GIS devices allow ecologists to map and enter information while out on site. This cutting edge equipment enables surveyors to precisely record habitats and species on site, to within sub-metre accuracy - crucial where the precise location of badger setts or endangered species is concerned.

Our clients are already benefiting from this new technology as surveys are completed more quickly and accurately. Investing in this equipment means that time and money is saved as the information can then be downloaded directly to the office network for map production in Arc GIS.

To put the Trimble handhelds through their paces, CEC staff threw them in at to the deep end with a trial on Dartmoor, camping out and undertaking a survey of 2000 hectares of land for Defence Estates. The rugged Trimble equipment is designed for use in all terrains, including dense woodland and valleys and is robust enough to withstand being dropped or exposed to water - making it ideal for this area. Miles away from civilization the equipment was certainly tested to its limits.

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