Global Mapper Mobile is looking for Beta Testers
We are excited to announce the upcoming release of Global Mapper Mobile for iPhone and iPad! This mobile application offers tools to use in the field for data collection, GPS tracking, template-based attribute collection, and camera integration. Data is transferred to the new mobile app via iTunes and the new Global Mapper Mobile Package format, exportable directly from Global Mapper 17.1
Global Mapper Mobile features include:
- Display of raster and vector data
- GPS positioning
- Manual point, line, or area data entry
- GPS-based point, line, or area data entry
- Automatic tracking of points, lines or areas
- Data review capabilities
- Template-based data collection
If you are interested in participating in the closed Beta process please e-mail beta@bluemarblegeo.com and we will add you to our list. In your request please include your full name, and email address, your invitation will be bound to your email. Participants must have an iPhone or iPad with iOS 9.0 or later. An onboard GPS is necessary for location based tracking and data creation. For iPad devices without and onboard GPS, data can still be viewed and edited manually. Beta participation is enabled through the Apple TestFlight app for iOS.
We are looking forward to your feedback during the beta period.
Comments
Thanks for the feedback. The current version has a Quick Start document that should show up the first time you run the app, and can be viewed any time after from the Info ("circle i") button, just below and to the right of the package file list. We're currently working on the more in-depth help document which will be on-line and accessible from the app.
Dusty,
We hope to release this month.
the first gmmp-file works normally, but the second gaves me an error-alert, what happend ?
Unfortunately that error message doesn't give me enough information to say for sure what the problem is. We are updating the app frequently, so make sure you are using the latest version. Build 27 is currently available to external beta testers, and build 29 is pending Apple review and should be available soon. If you still see the error with build 29, please send the gmmp file to beta@bluemarblegeo.com, ATTN: Peter, and I would be happy to take a look at it.
I tried figure out how to make a template for specific field to add to the data, but was unable to figure it out. Conversly I have used GISCloud's MDC and it was a snap to make and use a data collection template, maybe it is worth looking at.
Dave
Thank you for your feedback. We are still considering various licensing models, and being able to use the app where internet connectivity spotty is a issue we will be addressing. We are also investigating the use of external GPS units.
Edit:
I have made a change in the license validation that will allow you to use the app when you cannot get an internet connection. That will be in the next released build, v 1.0.0.30 or later.
Sorry, we don't have a firm date on when an Android version will be available, but it is definitely in our plans. It will be after the iOS version has been out for a while. Watch this forum for an announcement.
1) We'll double check the accuracy of GPS positions. How far off are the points?
2) To save your work, tap the "<" button on top left of main screen to show file menu. Then tap the button on left or bottom toolbar to show export options. You may Save, Save As (different file name), or Email.
3) To transfer the data to your desktop, you may Email (step 2), or use iTunes to copy files from device to desktop. If you use iTunes, select your device (top left icon), Apps, then scroll all the way down to File Sharing, select Global Mapper Mobile, then right click on the file you would like to transfer.
If you would like to be a beta tester for iOS, send an email to beta@bluemarblegeo.com and Rayna would be happy to get you set up. However, beta testing will be ending soon. We just received word from Apple that the app has passed their review. We'll probably be making a few more last minute tweaks and release soon. Work on the Android version will be starting right away. Stay tuned for updates.
Hi tjhb,
Look for an announcement in the next few days. You may still sign up as a beta tester. We're thinking we may offer beta updates through that channel, similar to the GM desktop daily updates.
Other software that I have tested; e.g., Javad Mobile Tools for Android, routinely will update itself on Android devices automatically whenever a new release gets pushed out. In that instance (JMT for Android), the initial license had to first be purchased ($20) through the Google Play Store. After that, it's largely been clear sailing, though Google got overly fussy using the artwork I developed for the app. Such automated delivery systems are preferred as opposed to the user having to randomly go, look for and then manually download something, install it, etc.
What / how will licensing be handled? Will my license for Global Mapper (desktop) require buying a separate license for Global Mapper Mobile for Android? Or will a desktop license be extended to mobile devices?
For this first release anyway, the mobile app will be free and will not require any sort of licensing. However, it will only import/export data in Global Mapper Mobile Package (*.gmmp) format. These files can only be generated with a licensed version of Global Mapper desktop. (A basic gmmp is included so that people can try out the various features of the app, but not export anything based on that file.) Once created, the gmmp can be placed on your mobile device(s), field data added, and then exported back to the desktop app for further analysis and integration with other data. At some point, as more powerful features are added to the mobile app, and to the desktop side for processing mobile data, we will be changing the licensing policy. We're still working on exactly what that will look like and what we will be charging for it.
The GPS receiver in my tablet and phone will do in a pinch, but will, or can GMM already, connect with external GPS receivers via Bluetooth?