Field Notes

The Field Notes Podcast is focused on communicating and exploring all things Field Operations at Esri. We’ll explore a variety of topics that showcase the range and use of mobile GIS technology. The ability to take your data, forms, and maps into the field using a cellphone or tablet has changed the way organizations have approached field workflows—and we want to dive into as many as possible!

Listen on:

  • Apple Podcasts
  • Google Podcasts
  • Podbean App
  • Spotify
  • Amazon Music
  • TuneIn + Alexa
  • iHeartRadio
  • PlayerFM
  • Listen Notes

Episodes

Wednesday Nov 09, 2022

On this episode, we’re joined by Dan Colbert and Jeff Ryan from Trimble. They talk about the value of high-accuracy data collection and share best practices for using GNSS receivers—covering everything from preparing a data collection project to practical tips while working with receivers in the field.
Timestamps
2:57—Difference between GPS and GNSS
4:27—Examples of when high-accuracy data collection is necessary
7:00—Additional value of using GNSS receivers
11:00—What to consider when preparing for GNSS data collection
17:43—Factors that don’t affect high-accuracy
19:46—Best practices while using GNSS receivers in the field
Additional resources
Trimble Positioning
Trimble Catalyst
Prepare for high-accuracy data collection (Field Maps)
Prepare for high-accuracy data collection (Survey123)
Use a high-accuracy receiver (QuickCapture)
Prepare for high-accuracy data collection (AppStudio)

Wednesday Nov 09, 2022

High-accuracy data collection is often a requirement when adding and inspecting assets on a map. While your phone can provide a location accuracy of a few meters, high-accuracy GNSS receivers can ensure submeter, or even centimeter level accuracy when collecting data.
On this Field Snack, we break down the basics of high-accuracy data collection—covering basic definitions and terminology, the ArcGIS data model for GPS metadata, and how GNSS receivers can be paired with Esri field apps.
Additional resources
To the Sea, Safely (ArcWatch article)
Prepare for high-accuracy data collection (Field Maps)
Prepare for high-accuracy data collection (Survey123)
Use a high-accuracy receiver (QuickCapture)
Prepare for high-accuracy data collection (AppStudio)

Wednesday Sep 28, 2022

David Webb is a GIS Solutions Developer for the engineering firm, Meshek & Associates. We first met David at the User Conference, where he stopped by our booth every day to discuss the latest features and capabilities of Esri Field Apps. In David’s role, he is tasked with developing mobile solutions for clients that help integrate modern GIS capabilities into their city workflows. It was a pleasure to sit down with him and talk about his experiences and passion for GIS. Check out the announcement blog post: https://www.esri.com/arcgis-blog/field-notes/from-the-ground-level-streamlining-city-workflows-with-field-apps/

Wednesday Aug 24, 2022

In this episode of Field Notes, we dive into creating and using maps for mobile navigation. We sit down with Katherine Fuller to learn how her team at San Diego Gas and Electric uses mobile map packages (MMPKs), route layers, and custom locators in ArcGIS Navigator to route to assets, view attribute information, and respond to emergencies in the field. 
Additional Resources:
ArcGIS Navigator Overview page
Prepare Navigator (help topic)
Manage hydrant inspections (Learn lesson)
 

Live from San Diego: UC 2022

Wednesday Aug 10, 2022

Wednesday Aug 10, 2022

Another Esri User Conference is in the books, and it was a whirlwind to say the least! It was wonderful spending a week devoted to GIS in sunny San Diego, and it was fantastic talking to so many customers about Esri Field Apps. Hear from some of those voices on the latest episode of Field Notes.
The following are additional resources mentioned in this episode of Field Notes:
Esri User Conference Website
Plenary recordings
What's new in ArcGIS Mobile apps

Wednesday Jul 06, 2022

The Chicago Field Museum partners with the community on a variety of science projects, including an effort to restore the Eastern Monarch Butterfly population (which has declined 80% in the past two decades). We sit down with Mark Johnston and Karen Klinger, GIS analysts for the museum, and discuss how they employ community science to gather data, restore habitats, and raise awareness of conservation issues in Chicago and beyond.
Additional resources
Monarch Community Science Hub
Chicago Wilderness Hub
Field Museum homepage
Rights-of-way as Habitat working group
Rights-of-way as Habitat Geospatial Database
To Save the Monarch Butterfly: Taking Action with Maps

Thursday Jun 30, 2022

Welcome to our first Field Snack: a short form episode that delivers bite-sized information.
On this inaugural episode, we talk about the biggest Esri event of the year: the User Conference (UC). There is so much going on with Field Operations at UC 2022, and we break it all down in this episode. Hear from the presenters themselves, find out about different events taking place throughout the week, and learn how you can share your story with Esri staff (including the hosts of Field Notes).
Additional resources
Esri User Conference (homepage)
Detailed agenda (webpage)
Where to find Field Maps at the 2022 Esri User Conference (blog post)
ArcGIS Survey 123 at the Esri User Conference 2022 (blog post)
ArcGIS QuickCapture at the Esri User Conference 2022 (blog post)
App Builders at the 2022 Esri User Conference (blog post)

Wednesday Jun 01, 2022

In this episode of Field Notes, we sit down with Levi Cecil, GIS Specialist for Portland Public Schools, and discuss how he and his team use floor-aware mapping, ArcGIS Survey123, and ArcGIS Field Maps to prioritize and maintain school sanitation during these unprecedented times.
The following are additional resources relevant to this episode of Field Notes:
Create a floor-aware map in Field Maps (help topic)
Floor-aware map and floor filter quick reference in Field Maps (help topic)
Create surveys in Survey123 (help topic)
For more information about the episode, see the blog post announcement.

Wednesday Apr 27, 2022

Last month we packed up our podcasting gear and traveled to Palm Springs, CA for the Esri Developer Summit. It was a jam-packed week filled with informative tech sessions, inspiring demos, and incredible conversations with Esri customers (some of which you’ll hear on this episode!).  We also met for the first-time in person! Listen to our live experience of the 2022 Dev Summit and hear firsthand from users of Esri Field Operations. 
The following are additional resources mentioned in this episode of Field Notes:
Dev Summit Plenary Sessions (video playlist)
Map Viewer introduces animated flow renderer (blog post)
Field Operations sessions at the 2022 Esri Developer Summit Conference (blog post)
 

Wednesday Apr 20, 2022

Dr. Christine Wacta is an architect and facilitator at the Savannah College of Art and Design. On this episode of Field Notes, Dr. Wacta talks about her personal journey with GIS and the importance of incorporating geography into her architecture class—including using ArcGIS QuickCapture to collect data about the urban environment.

Copyright 2021 All rights reserved.

Podcast Powered By Podbean

Version: 20230822