Rugged tablets enable mobile RTK for forest inventory management

Handheld’s Algiz tablets streamline surveying tasks in Austrian forests

Challenge

Carry out precise GNSS surveying and mapping of trees in a challenging environment featuring dense foliage and quick-changing weather conditions.

Solution

Combine Handheld’s rugged Algiz 8’’ tablets with mobile RTK receivers and pair the hardware with powerful GIS and topographic software.

Result

Enhanced time management, expanded surveying areas, and optimized long-term spatial analysis for forest health planning.

“I am so happy to have found this tablet! It makes my work so much easier. There is nothing more you could wish for in terms of quality and precision. ”

– DI Günther Bronner, General Manager of Umweltdata GmbH

A customized, mobile RTK solution

Umweltdata, an Austrian forest inventory company, sought a lightweight, rugged, and portable device for RTK GNSS surveying, mapping, and stakeout tasks. After thorough due diligence, they elected to go with Algiz tablets. These rugged 8-inch tablets are designed to withstand repeated drops, scratches, and harsh weather conditions, offering the reliability needed for forest environments. However, finding an affordable, easy-to-carry RTK GNSS module to complete the set proved challenging.

The breakthrough came from Handheld distributor General Laser, who developed a comprehensive RTK mapping kit. This kit combined the Algiz tablet with the GL-RTK-RT8 receiver, creating a mobile RTK system. The kit included everything needed for efficient fieldwork: RTK receiver, mounts, cables, antennas, and a compact transfer case, all tailored for the Algiz tablet and delivered at an affordable price.

Rugged reliability for intensive forest mapping

With an IP67 rating, the Algiz tablet was the ideal choice for forestry mapping, providing robust protection against rain and dust. It’s been tested against the strict MIL-STD-810G standards, ensuring that there’s no need to worry about low temperatures or even dropping the device. The lightweight and compact design allowed forestry workers to navigate dense forests effortlessly. The high-resolution display ensures clear visibility even in bright sunlight, facilitating efficient data collection. The long-lasting battery easily supports intensive field days without interruption.

Enhancing survey accuracy and efficiency

The convenient, ready-to-use setup of the mobile RTK mapping kit empowered Umweltdata to maximize the tablet’s potential, mapping consistently and frequently over extended periods. Integration of the Algiz tablet and RTK GNSS module enhanced the accuracy and efficiency of their operations, enabling precise identification and cataloging of trees in real-time.

Learning how to use the kit proved rather intuitive as forestry workers became proficient in no time, requiring as little as 30 minutes of training. Additionally, the kit’s versatility and the tablet’s advanced features enabled cross-comparison of forestry inventory data using professional GIS and TPAD software such as €asy GIS, TPad, Apglos Survey Wizard, Aplitop, QGIS, and QField.

Umweltdata and General Laser revolutionized the speed and ease with which forest documentation can be performed, generating detailed topographic maps, performing advanced geospatial analysis, and overlaying forest inventory data with satellite imagery and terrain models.

The mobile RTK system leverages the full power of the rugged Algiz tablets, improving both precision and flexibility. The new tool streamlined Umweltdata’s workflow, providing lasting benefits for informed forest management, deeper insights into forest ecosystems, and a competitive edge in the industry.

Rugged tablets enable mobile RTK for forest inventory management

Challenge

Solution

Result

“I am so happy to have found this tablet! It makes my work so much easier. There is nothing more you could wish for in terms of quality and precision. ”

A customized, mobile RTK solution

Rugged reliability for intensive forest mapping

Enhancing survey accuracy and efficiency

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