HGIS® GPS Mapping SoftwareHelp File

Version 9.51 March 21, 2010

(C) Copyright 1997-2010 StarPal Inc.All Rights Reserved

HGIS® is a Registered Trademark of StarPal Inc.

http://www.starpal.com

INDEX

GETTING STARTED

Install on Windows Vista or XPInstall on Windows MobileHGIS RegistrationHGIS License Levels

FILEProject ...Layer ...Custom Layer ...

Sample Grid ...Sample Target ...Contour ...Image Point ...

Text Layer ...Template ...SensorTrack ...Print ...Exit ...

EDITMAP

Layer PropertiesView Entire Layer ...Attributes ...Info ...Style ...Defaults ...

ADVAdvanced ...Join ...Screen Coord ...

GPSStart GPS ...(Stop GPS ...)GPS Navigation ...GPS Altitude ...GPS Settings ...GPS Misc Info ...GPS Backtrack ...

HELPShow Start Menu ...(Hide Start Menu ...)Show Keyboard ...(Hide Keyboard ...)Help ...My Profile ...About ...

APPENDIXBAR CODE SCANNERS

GETTING STARTEDPrevious versions of HGIS can be downloaded by users with older computers and older unlock codes. Use the following links todownload the previous version of HGIS.HGIS Version 9 (this version) For users running PocketPC 2003 2nd edition, Windowss CE.net 4.1 or later, Windows Mobile 5, 6, or 7, orWindows Vista, XP, or "7" and unlock codes ending in -xKxxx or laterHGIS Version 8.2x For users with PocketPC 2003, Windows CE 3.0, Windows NT, and users having unlock codes ending in -xFxxx,-xGxxx, -xHxxx

Install on Windows Vista, XP, or Windows 7Run the file "HGIS Setup9.exe" on Windows computer. The same file is used for all license levels. Installation will not interfere withprevious installation of HGIS(V8). To remove older HGIS version 7.xx, delete the file HGIS.exe (the default location is Programs\HGIS\), and delete the ICON on the Windows Start menu (the ICON for older versions of HGIS is called "HGIS + SensorTrack")

Install on Windows Mobile(Pocket PC 2003 Second Edition, Windows CE.net 4.x, Windows Mobile 5, Windows Mobile 6 Classic, and later)The names "Pocket PC", "Windows CE.Net", and "Windows Mobile" are marketing terms, each referring to multiple prducts. The actualversion of Windows CE Operating System is most important. Go to Start...Settings...System...About... to view the O.S. Version (orHelp...About... in HGIS). The major releases of Windows CE were 4.1, 4.2, 5.1, and 5.2. (4.0 and 5.00 were replaced by Microsoft due tobugs) Windows Mobile 5.0 refers to Windows CE 5.1, while Windows Mobile 6.x refers to Windows CE 5.2. Displays of 240x240 pixelsor larger should work with HGIS. Windows Mobile Cell phones with screens smaller than 240x240 will not work with HGIS.

Copy the file "HGIS CE9.cab" to your handheld computer and run it. (Copy the file, do not run the file on your Desktop/Laptop, you willget an error message.) Some desktops will display this file as a folder, just copy the folder to the handheld (it will appear as a file again)Running the file on the handheld will install HGIS to the handheld. The same EXE file is used for all licenses and Windows versions. Thisinstallation will not interfere with previous versions of HGIS. HGIS V8 and V9 will require different activation codes, but will notinterefere with each other. Note: you can only run one copy of HGIS on a Handheld at a time, even if multiple versions are installed.

HGIS Activation

EASY STEPS TO ACTIVATE HGIS:1) Enter the Unlock Code the first time you run HGIS after installation.2) HGIS will display a unique Machine ID (or Handheld ID) code for the computer.3) Enter both codes at http://www.starpal.com and get the Activation Code for that computer.4) Enter the Activation Code.5) If running an older Windows CE Computer (before Windows Mobile 5) run the Backup Utility that came with the computer (SeeIMPORTANT below). RUNNING HGIS DEMOTo run the Demo, select one of the demo options. The demo will run for one hour and allows various options. The demo includes a GPSSimulator so you don't need a GPS to learn HGIS. You may run the demo multiple times, to become comfortable with the functions ofHGIS.

IMPORTANT FOR WINDOWS CE VERSION 4: After activating HGIS on a Handheld computer, please take the time to backup yoursystem to the internal flash memory. Most Handhelds have the Backup utility already installed (the name may vary but will say somethinglike "Backup/Restore"). If you leave the handheld unplugged over the winter and the battery goes dead (which it will do), you can use theRestore function to restore full functionality to the computer. You will not have to re-activate HGIS. You will be ready to start mapping.If you cannot locate your Backup Utility, you can download a demo version of a highly recommended backup utility (one was shipped

with many Windows CE Version 4 handhelds) at: http://www.spritesoftware.com/products/sprite-backup/pocket-pc-edition

NOTES FOR WINDOWS CE VERSION 5 and later: You may see an error message that says "This application was designed for aprevious version of Windows", this is OK. This is because HGIS is designed to work with multiple Windows versions. If you have a choice

of Portrait or Landscape, choose Portrait. (Problems have been reported with some computers running Windows Mobile 5.1 inLandscape mode, but this does not seem to be an HGIS bug.)

HGIS License LevelsHGIS GPS BASICHGIS GPS BASIC allows GPS data collection of Points, Lines, Field Boundaries, and Swaths using your GPS receiver. You can enterfield notes (Attributes) with the keyboard or from Pick Lists created in the office. HGIS GPS Basic can create Templates; Grids for soilsampling; or navigate to sample locations. You can open and save files in MapInfo (MIF) and ArcView (SHP) and exchange files withMicrosoft Excel (DBF) and any software that uses one of these file formats. Under a one user license, you may install one Desktop /Laptop computer (Windows Vista, XP, or 2000) plus one Handheld Computer ( Pocket PC 2003 2nd edition, Windows Mobile, orWindows CE 4.1 or higher). One HGIS license may not be used on multiple computers at the same time.

HGIS GPS PLUS ( Edit, Image, and Print) HGIS GPS PLUS (with Edit, Image, and Print) allows all the features of HGIS GPS BASIC plus editing features useful for creating andediting management zones. You can combine, split, move, crop field boundaries or management zones. You can open images (BMP orJPG) as a background to drawing management zones. This license allows printing of finished maps. Under a one user license, you mayinstall one Desktop / Laptop computer (Windows Vista, XP, or 2000) plus one Handheld Computer (Windows CE 4.1 and up). One HGISlicense may not be used on multiple computers at the same time.

FREE HGIS GPS PLUS ( Environmental License)HGIS may be used FREE for Environmental Mapping (Wild Animal Habitat, Invasive Animal and Plant Species on wild habitat, andPollution) in more than 50 countries worldwide (see country list below). To run free, install HGIS normally. Start HGIS and select "Environmental (free)" at the first menu. You do not have to select your country; just tap "Free HGIS", Start GPS, and connect yourGPS. You must run HGIS with a GPS even when not mapping so that HGIS knows your location. You will not be able to map or savefiles until HGIS verifies your location using the GPS. In most other countries, substantial discounts are available for qualified researchprojects to perform Environmental Mapping by recognized institutions (Agriculture is not considered environmental mapping). HGIS Free Countries: Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central AfricanRepublic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea,Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Laos, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali,Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa,Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Tunisia, Vietnam, Uganda, Western Sahara, Zambia, Zimbabwe

HGIS GPS PRO (with SensorTrack tm)With the SensorTrack Data Acquisition, you can collect Real Time Data from RS232 devices. The computer can automatically recordinstrument data along with GPS position directly to a map or file. Many RS232 devices are supported including Penetrometers, ElevationLasers, Laser Rangefinders, Soil Compaction Meters, and Soil Conductivity Sensors SensorTrack can determine the Greatest Circle thatwill fit within a field boundary. This function is useful for determining where to put Irrigation Center Pivots. Under a one user license,you may install one Desktop / Laptop computer (Windows XP, or 2000) plus one Handheld Computer (Windows CE 4.1 and up). OneHGIS license may not be used on multiple computers at the same time.

HGIS LAB PRO (without GPS) HGIS LAB PRO is for perfect for office use to print out maps, do spatial analysis, edit, create management zones, etc. For example,when one office analyst is supporting multiple users in the field. This license is equivalent to HGIS GPS PRO without GPS or SensorTrackfunctionality. With a one user license, you may install one Desktop / Laptop computer (Windows Vista, XP, or 2000).

HGIS DEMOThe HGIS full function demo allows you to try out all functions (some functions will not allow saving files after running). This is a demoof HGIS GPS PRO (which includes all features of all licenses). Start HGIS and click on "One Hour Demo". It will run for one hour at atime, and the demo may be rerun. Please use this time to learn about all the capabilities of HGIS. A one-click help is available from allmenus to go directly to the paragraph in this file that describes that particular menu. Periodically, the Demo will ask you to take a minuteto read a manual section of your choice. This allows you to learn the sections of the HGIS program that you are interested in at your ownpace. Most functions (such as collecting GPS Points, Lines, and Boundaries) will permit you to save files afterwards. However, someadvanced Spatial Analysis functions will allow you to see the results on the screen but not allow saving files.

Map ObjectsHGIS uses four types of objects – Points, Lines, Bounds, and Text. Often, each type of object is placed on a separate layer. SHP Fileshave special limitations: When saving SHP files objects will be separated by object type if multiple object types are on the same layer. Also, SHP files may not contain Text objects. POINTS – A Point is a location on the Earth. Points may contain Longitude, Latitude, and Altitude. You may also collect the Date, Time,accuracy of the GPS Fix, and other information about the Point. Define your own Attributes to create custom Templates for your PointLayers. LINES – A line contains a series of nodes. (A line may also contain a series of lines.) Each node contains a Longitude and Latitude. A linemay also contain the Date, Time, Altitude, accuracy of the GPS Fix at the time the first node was collected. BOUNDS – A boundary contains one or more Rings. When multiple rings form a boundary, any ring may be fully inside another ring(called an Interior Polygon) or fully outside another ring (called an Exterior Polygon). Rings in an object may not cross themselves oreach other; crossing locations are called "Bow-Ties" and create an invalid polygon. The Clean Up menu can automatically fix manybow-tie problems. The Reshape menu is used to fix any Node problems.

TEXT – Text can be manually drawn on your maps. Text is useful for many things. Text may not be saved to SHP files. GRID LAYERS – Grid layers are special layers drawn within field boundaries. Grids may be drawn with Points, Lines (Transects or RunLines), or Bounds. An example would be a checkerboard pattern. Double tap on a Grid Cell to open the Navigation Tool. Otherwise,Grids are the same as one of the other object types.

File TypesHGIS works with many types of Images, Maps, Points, Logs, and Projects. Here are some types of files and sets of files. If a pair of files isspecified, then you need both files in the pair. Some files are optional (SHX and PRJ).

.HGS HGIS Project File - HGIS Project file contains all layers and mapinformation. An HGS file does not contain Images, but contains links toincluded images.When copying HGS files between computers, also copy any includedimages.

.MIF + .MID MIF Map Layer – Use with MapInfo and other software. Maps must be inWGS84-Lat/Lon. One file pair may contain Points, Lines, Bounds, andText.

.SHP+.SHX+

.DBF+.PRJSHP Map Layer – Use with ESRI and other software. Import and Exportin 150 Coordinate Systems. SHP+DBF files are required. Other filesoptional. May contain only one type object. May not contain Text.

.DBF(by itself)

Point Layer – Use with Microsoft Excel, Access, Paradox, dBase andother software. (Do not use Lines or Bounds). Attribute fields forWGS84 Lat / Lon must be called WGS84_LAT and WGS84_LON.

.TXT SensorTrack Data File – May be opened by HGIS or other software. Open file in HGIS if you need to calculate Sub-second interpolation. (If aGPS is reporting once per second and a sensor reporting multiple timesper second, HGIS will calculate the location of each SensorTrack record).

.GRD Grid File created by Grid Layer or Target Layer used for soil sampling.Double tap a grid cell to open the Navigation Tool to guide you to the site.

.DAT Veris DAT file – Use to create Management zones or Contour maps. UsingContour Layer. May be imported, but not exported from HGIS.

.TPL HGIS Template for New Layer From Template. Contains AttributeDefinitions. May also include Attribute Pick List.

.STC HGIS Configuration File contains ports, baud rates, default colors,meters/feet, etc.

ImagesHGIS supports seven types of Images, plus 4 types of Image Geo-Reference. There are two parts to every image. First is the image,second is where to locate the image on the earth; called the "Geo-reference" or the "Image Registration". "World Files" are the mostcommon geo-reference you will find. World files have the same filename as the image but their file extension ends in "W". If you areusing a JPG image server such as Terraserver, try to download the .JGW World File so HGIS will know where to locate your image.

An image can contain Millions (Mega-) or Billions (Giga-) or even Trillions (Terra-) of pixels. A pixel is the smallest square in an imagethat contains a single color from 16 million possible colors. One pixel could be 0.25 meter across, 25 meters across, or any distance. Muchimagery is in the 1-4 meter range. A good digital camera may produce an image of 16 Mega-pixels (16 million) pixels. By comparison,HGIS has been tested with 1.6 Terrapixel Images. An image of 1.6 Terrapixels is equal to 100,000 digital camera photos (the compressedimage file for such a large image is 100 GigaBytes).

HGIS can convert supported image files into ECW or JPEG2000 for easier use on the handheld. For some images (such as SID or GoogleEarth), use the desktop HGIS to open a preview into a very large image, pan to your the desired Area Of Interest(AOI) and save a DOQsized file as a new ECW/JP2 file (called a DOQ view because it equal to one DOQ for 1 meter imagery). When you cannot load a largeimage whole, particularly on a handheld computer; you can open an "On-Screen Detail View" at full 1:1 resolution. A Detail View couldbe perhaps 4 kilometers or 2.5 miles across, large enough to cover a single field. With On-Screen Detail Views, when you move to anotherfield, reopen the image file to refresh your Detail View.

HGIS is designed to run on Windows XP, Vista, "7", and Windows Mobile "5", "6", and "7" and newer computers. Desktop / LaptopComputers should have an absolute minimum of 1 Gigabyte RAM installed, 2 Gigabytes is recommended; 4-8 Gigabytes can be usefulwith Windows 7. On Windows Mobile, 128 MBytes of RAM is recommended ( older 64 MByte RAM handhelds are not recommendedfor image applications).

Typical satellite (or aerial) images you might download could cover, for example, 2,000 square miles (40 miles X 50 miles) in one image. LandSat 7 images tested in HGIS are up to 100,000 square kilometers (600 miles across one image). Another example underMap...Custom Layer...Image Server... "...Blue Marble.ecw" will download the entire earth in one image (it is only a small image file byimage standards). In summary, HGIS is designed to allow you to view images of almost unlimited detail, and almost unlimited size, onHandheld Computers having only 128 MegaBytes of RAM. HGIS Desktop/Laptop can extract Areas Of Interest(AOI) from images toolarge to be stored on a Memory Card or on the computer, so you can use these images in the field with GPS.

HGIS - Supported Image Types

PopularityEase

of UseTypical

UserCorner

FileWorld

FileGeo-Tag(internal)

Re-Register (save)detail in HGIS?

JPG / JPEG 1 3 Terraserver X X XSID (MrSID) 2 5 NAIP X X X X

JPEG2000 3 2 Open Source X X X XECW 4 1 Imagine X X X XBMP 5 6 Digital Camera X X X

Clipboard 6 7 Google Earth XECWP 7 4 ERDAS X X

From Left to Right - Different views of 1500 square miles of 2 meter imagery.1) Preview (fast) - Whole Gray Scale Preview with reduced detail.

2) Whole (slow) - Whole Image (resampled with less detail if necessary to fit into available RAM)3) DOQ View - Portion of a SID image selected to Save (highlighted).4) Detail View Locator - "On-Screen Detail" only loads one Area Of Interest (AOI) on screen at one time.5) Auto (Normal) - HGIS takes care of View, Resolution, and Image Detail.

Open Image Modes:Auto (Normal) Standard View. HGIS takes care of Resolution and Image Detail. (Redraws may be slow if you pan and zoom a lot.)

On-ScreenDetail (1:1)

Most detailed, always full resolution (1:1). First open map layer, or GPS a field boundary, viewing the Area of Interest.Then open On-Screen Detail. Gives error message if insufficient RAM to open Area of Interest at full resolution - zoom in(example #4 above)

Whole (slow) Open whole image with as much detail as possible. Uses more RAM, so only open 1 image at a time in this mode.Image is rescaled if insufficient RAM is present for full resolution.

Preview (fast) Open a fast Preview Grayscale, leaving out fine detail. Use to find Area of Interest, or set up a SID Save Box.

JPG / JPEG FilesJPG Images are the most common image files. For smaller JPGs (up to 170 MPixel on Desktop, up to 16 MPixel on handheld), "Whole"will open the whole image at full resolution(1:1). To open 1:1 views into larger JPG images, use "On-Screen Detail" view. JPG Images are5-10 times slower than ECW Images on the handheld.Files: Geo-Reference To Open: Save

Geo

JPGNo

Geo-referenceFirst, open layer with known map objects or GPS Collect your Field Boundary.Then open the JPG file. Use Move Layer ... to Geo-Reference the image. Then Save Layer... to save Geo-reference file only (Image is not resaved).

JGC

JPG+JGC

(Corner)Complete

Open file.

JPG+JGW+PRJ

(World +Projection)Complete

Open File. If image is in wrong UTM Zone, delete the PRJ file and follow instructions forJPG+JGW below.

JPG+JGW

(World only)Partial

Open File. HGIS will ask for the Image's UTM Zone and Coordinate System.May not be the same as your UTM zone (sometimes +/- 1). HGIS autosaves PRJ file.If image appears in wrong UTM Zone, delete the added PRJ file, and try again.

(auto-saves:PRJ)

anyabove

Imageis wrong

Image is close (right UTM Zone) but mis-registered. Open Image. Use Move Layer ... toGeo-Reference the image. Then save Geo-reference file only (Image is not resaved).

J2C

BMP FilesBMP files are sometimes high quality lossless images that have never been compressed. When you open a BMP with a World File, HGISwill ask if you want to save it as a "Lossless JP2"; this is a easier format for handhelds. Handhelds (Windows Mobile 6 Classic andearlier) can only open BMP Images of 4-5 MegaPixel maximum. This is a Microsoft limitation on handhelds. Larger BMP Images must beopened on the Desktop/Laptop and resaved as JP2 (preferred) or ECW for use on the handheld. Microsoft limitations for Windows XP is32 MegaPixel for BMP.Files: Geo-Reference To Open: Save As:

BMPNo

Geo-referenceFirst, open layer with known map objects or GPS Collect your Field Boundary.Then open the BMP file. Use Move Layer ... to Geo-Reference the image. Then Save Layer... to save Geo-referenced image.

JP2+J2Cor

ECW+EWCBMP+BPC

(Corner)Complete

Open file. JP2+J2Cor

ECW+EWCBMP+BPW+PRJ

(World +Projection)Complete

Open File, use. If image is in wrong UTM Zone, delete the PRJ file and followinstructions for BMP+BPW below.

JP2or

ECWBMP+BPW

(World only)Partial

Open File. HGIS will ask for the Image's UTM Zone and Coordinate System.May not be the same as your UTM zone (sometimes +/- 1). HGIS saves a PRJ file.If image appears in wrong UTM Zone, delete the added PRJ file, and try again.

JP2or

ECW

.anyabove

Geo-referenceIs Off

Open Image. Use Move Layer ... to Geo-Reference the image.Then save re-registered image.

JP2+J2Cor

ECW+EWC

SID / Mr SID FilesSID files are primarily published by some United States Government Agencies. They are often oversampled and/or overcompressed andcan appear a bit fuzzy, this is normal. HGIS can open SID files on Desktop / Laptop only. Save as ECW or JP2 for use on the handheld. SID files usually have a "World File" built-in, called a "GeoTag". Or they may come with SDW+PRJ Geo-reference files. HGIS hasbeen tested to work with large SID files (previous versions of HGIS were more limited). You may open a Fast Preview or a Whole (slow)view. To re-register SID images, it is recommended that you first resave Areas Of Interest as ECW or JP2 images.Files: Geo-Reference To Open: Save As:

SIDbuilt-inGeoTag

Open SID file Preview. Pan the screen to find your area of interest.Save Area Of Interest (DOQ).

JP2or

ECWSID+SDC

(Corner)Complete

Open SID file Preview. Pan the screen to find your area of interest.Save Area Of Interest (DOQ).

JP2+J2Cor

ECW+EWCSID+SDW+PRJ

(World +Projection)Complete

Open SID File. If image is in wrong UTM Zone, delete the PRJ file and followinstructions for BMP+BPW below.

JP2or

ECWSID+SDW

(World only)Partial

Open File. HGIS will ask for the Image's UTM Zone and Coordinate System.May not be the same as your UTM zone (sometimes +/- 1). HGIS autosaves a PRJ file.If image appears in wrong UTM Zone, delete the added PRJ file, and try again.

JP2or

ECWanyabove

Imageis wrong

Open Image. Save Area Of Interest as JP2 or ECW. Then work with the JP2 or ECW. JP2or

ECW

ECW / JPEG2000 (JP2, J2K, J2X)These are the fastest and easiest images to work with, especially on the handheld. ECW Images are 5-10 times faster than JPG images onthe handheld.Files: Geo-Reference To Open: Save As:

xxxbuilt-inGeoTag

Open Auto. JP2or

ECWxxx+xxC

(Corner)Complete

Open Auto JP2+J2Cor

ECW+EWCxxx+xxW+PRJ

(World +Projection)Complete

Open. If image is in wrong UTM Zone, delete the PRJ file and follow instructions forBMP+BPW below.

JP2or

ECWxxx+xxW

(World only)Partial

Open File. HGIS will ask for the Image's UTM Zone and Coordinate System.May not be the same as your UTM zone (sometimes +/- 1). HGIS autosaves a PRJ file.If image appears in wrong UTM Zone, delete the added PRJ file, and try again.

JP2or

ECWanyabove

Geo-referenceis wrong

Re-register, save Corner File JP2or

ECW

Image Server ...ECWP: Image Web Servers (IWS)Image Web Servers are very fast file servers similar to standard http: and ftp: web servers, except useful for downloading images. TheECWP protocol is supported by ERDAS Inc. An excellent example you can browse for free is an entire state of 1/2 meter imagery in onefile (hosted by Oregon Explorer at "ecwp://imagery.oregonexplorer.info/ecwimages/2005orthoimagery.ecw"). Using HGIS, you canbrowse most imagery available on ECWP: sites. You may have to subscribe for some imagery. In HGIS, the menu File...CustomLayer...Image Server... will list sample ecwp: sites you can browse for free, or you can enter your own URLs of imagery you have found

or purchased elsewhere.

LandSat 7 Image Web ServerHGIS can download LandSat 7 Images for your location. Start your GPS or open a map layer of your location. Then select the "Get FreeLandsat 7 Image" button. The image will be downloaded from the LandSat Server ( ecwp: format) in a only a few seconds (high speedinternet). These images have about 16 meter pixel resolution and 35 meter accuracy (they are not Google Earth, see below), but areinteresting.

Google Earth, Photoshop, or other Desktop Programs which display images (To download images you can see on thescreen, not like Terraserver where you select image files to download.)If you can display an image on the desktop, you can Copy... and Paste... the image into HGIS PLUS or higher. The procedure is describedfor Google Earth but is similar for other Programs and Browsers. Use this procedure when you cannot open the image file directly inHGIS.1) Open HGIS, open a GPS Collected Map Layer, and Pan / Zoom to the Area Of Interest2) Open Google Earth or other desktop Progarm and set it to view the same Area Of Interest (approximately).3) [Google Earth specific] Turn on View...Grid... (see Google Earth Help). Note: The Google Earth Grid is not precise and grid lines canbe off up to 30 meters (100 feet). This is in addition to the errors in image georeference.4) [Google Earth specific] Set Tilt to Zero (Vertical). Squarely align Grid with the edges of your screen - called Orthographic View(Google Earth also supports Oblique Tilted and Rotated Views which are not as easily Geo-referenced.)5) In Google Earth or other Desktop Program, select Edit...Copy Image... to copy the image to the Clipboard. (For Browsers RightClick...Copy Image... Photoshop Edit...Copy... Only use Photoshop if you cannot load the image file directly into HGIS.)6) In HGIS, select Edit...Paste Image... If this menu is not enabled in HGIS, an unrecognizeable image is on the clipboard (try a differentprogram, or different image format, color works better than Grayscale images), or you have an HGIS BASIC license.7) In HGIS, adjust your new image to line up with the Map Layer already open in HGIS. This will geo-reference the image.8) Save the image as an ECW + Corner File in HGIS for future use on the Desktop or on the Handheld (Pay attention to Google or otherImage licensing requirements.)9) HGIS georeferences images with much greater accuracy than Google Earth. You may notice GPS locations in Google Earth are not thesame as other programs. Image accuracy in Google Earth is 30-60 meters (100-200 feet).

Saving ImagesIn some other GIS applications, images will be degraded if they are resaved. After being saved several times (in other GIS applications)image "artifacts" begin to appear (like a fax of a fax of a photocopy of a drawing). You don't have to accept degradation when images areresaved in HGIS. Look for the word "Lossless" when saving in HGIS. This means that the image (whole or view) will NOT degrade whenyou save it, no matter how many times. You can clip out Areas Of Interest, save smaller views. Clip out Areas Of Interest from those,save smaller views. And so on. Send them out to the field; they will be exactly the same pixels as original, even if saved in a differentimage format (for example SID to JPG2000).

1. "Lossless JP2" After opening a BMP image and BPW world file, HGIS will ask if you want to save a Lossless JP2. Select Yes. Youwill get one smaller file (with internal GeoTag), that is easier and faster to use on the Handheld.

2."SID Save Box (Lossless)"On the desktop, HGIS can save Views exracted from the SID Image file in various formats, transferring directly from File to File. Select"SID Save Box" when opening the image to highlight the Area Of Interest. Then Layer...Save As... to save the Area of Interest. The Saveoperation starts a background process from file to file at 1:1 image resolution. View the Status Line for recompression progress. While theimage is being saved, you can do other work in HGIS ( not with the same files). When the recompression is complete, you can exit HGIS. Image recompressions may take 5-20 minutes.

Pixels (W x H)Area in DOQs

(1 meter pixels)Area in DOQs

(4 meter pixels) Notes:Color DOQ

(ECW / JP2)10K x 14K 1 4 Recommended

Grayscale(ECW / JP2)

22K x 22K 3 12 If color isnot important.

Color JPG 32K x 32K 7 28 Slow toopen on

HandheldSuper JPG 65K x 65K 14 56 Slower to

open onHandheld

3. "On-Screen Detail 1:1 (Lossless)" If you open on-screen detail from any image, you can save the 1:1 detail in various image formats. ECW+EWC is recommended or JP2(JPEG2000). JP2 is lossless in HGIS. We use a better compression than is normally used forpublished SID images, so you should not notice any degradation. Do not reload an ECW, or JPG image and resave it multiple times usingthis method (you may reload and resave JP2 images multiple times).

4. "Auto", "Whole" or "Preview" Saving these may have some degradation. What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG). Youron-screen view may be resampled. A warning will occur if the image scale is not 1:1; if the image is not at full pixel resolution. Save onlyif you are happy with the detail you see on the screen.

5. "Move Layer ..." Re-registering an Image Layer allows you to save a Corner File which defines the location of the image. Moving aLayer is Lossless. You may use Move Layer... as often as you want and then save the resulting Corner file. Do not resave the imageitself multiple times (with Layer...Save... which could degrade the ECW image).

Technical Note for Advanced UsersIn HGIS, all JPG2000(JP2) images are saved in Lossless compression format. Depending on image detail, compression ratios typically run2 - 5 compared to BMP uncompressed images. HGIS compresses ECW images at ratios of 5-10, significantly better quality than typicalSID or JPG image compression. So even with ECW format, you should not notice any differences for one-time recompression of anyformat into ECW format. ECW compression creates smaller files, saves, and opens a little faster than Lossless JPG2000. Multiplerecompression should NOT be done with ECW images (Clipping Areas of Interest, moves the compression block/tile alignment; whichalters the compression coefficients causing degradation to an image when recompressed multiple times; this does not apply to JPEG2000Lossless images).

Technical Note regarding ECW and ECWP image GeoTagsMost of the time, you don't have to worry about GeoTags (Datums and Projections) with ECW or ECWP. HGIS recognizes more than 200Datums/Projections used in these GeoTags. However you may find some less common GeoTags not supported in HGIS. If you arespecifying imagery, the following Datums and Projections are all recommended for use with HGIS:

DATUM PROJECTION Notes:

"WGS84" "GEODETIC" or DATUM: "NAD83" in North America, or "GDA94" in Australia

"WGS84" "NUTMxx" where xx is your Northern Hemisphere UTM zone

"WGS84" "SUTMxx" where xx is your Southern Hemisphere UTM zone

"EPSG:4326" "EPSG:326xx" where xx is your Northern Hemisphere UTM zone

"EPSG:4326" "EPSG:327xx" where xx is your Southern Hemisphere UTM zone

IF YOUR IMAGE APPEARS IN THE WRONG UTM ZONEThis can happen when there is a World File, but no PRJ file received with the image. You may get an image that was originallyGeoreferenced to the adjacent UTM zone. For example, you are located in UTM Zone 13, you open your image, start your GPS, andHGIS warns that the image is not visible because it is off-screen. This could happen if the image were Georeferenced to UTM Zone 12 inyour World file instead of your current location in Zone 13. When you first opened the image, HGIS asked what UTM Zone to use. If youentered 13, then HGIS created a PRJ file (with the same filename as the image) specifying UTM Zone 13; not UTM Zone 12. SOLUTION:Close the image, delete the .PRJ file, reopen the image; this time enter UTM Zone 12 and HGIS will create the correct PRJ file for theimage. Then in the future, HGIS will not ask, it will use this PRJ file to always open the image in the correct UTM Zone.

ATTRIBUTES

The HGIS Browser contains all the information about an object. The default attributes are shown above. You may add to the above lise,define all your own Attributes, or put Attributes in any order. The default filename is shown at the top "20081124_1106.MIF" indicatesthat the file was created at 11:06 (Greenwich Mean Time) on November, 24th 2008. The attributes are described below.

Field Use Notes:Auto_ID An automatic count of

objects (1, 2, 3, ...)May change the first object Auto_ID to differentstart value (before the 2nd object).

WGS84_LON Longitude Center of rectangle bounding the object.WGS84_LAT Latitude Center of rectangle bounding the objectWGS84_ALT Altitude in Meters Altitude of First Node

WGS84_ALTF Altitude in Feet Altitude of First NodeAREA_HECT Area in HectaresAREA_ACRE Area in AcresDIST_METER Length of line or boundary or Distance to previous Point

DIST_FEET Length of line or boundary or Distance to previous PointGPS_DATE yymmdd Greenwich Mean Time (GMT or Zulu) object startedGPS_TIME hhmmss Greenwich Mean Time (GMT or Zulu) object startedGPS_FIX dsspp [d] Differential = 2, Nondifferential = 1, Nofix = 0

[ss] Number of Satellites (excellent >= 7)[pp] HDOP X 10 (excellent <= 2.0)

REMARK User comment May be Autofilled when used with SensorTrack BUTTONS

Navigation Buttons can open the GPS Navigation Screen, Draw a Point, Select Next Grid Cell, and much more. On Laptops, use FunctionKeys F6, F7, F8, and F9. On Handhelds, use Navigation Buttons: Calendar, Contacts, Message, and Task. User Screens like Open Layer(or Start HGIS) block these buttons while waiting for user input. If a screen is open, nothing will happen when a Button is pressed (closethese screens first). Press the Button you want to use and select operation from the list that appears. Repeat with other Buttons you wantto use. Then these Buttons are ready for use.

Running other programs at the same timeHGIS uses the full screen on the Handheld computer, however it is possible to switch between applications. Go to Help...Show StartMenu... to see the Windows Start Menu. Run the other application normally. To return to HGIS, tap the HGIS ICON in the Start Menu to

resume HGIS. You will return where you left off. If you want to hide the Start Menu and see the HGIS Status line, go to Help...Hide StartMenu... Note: Other applications cannot use the GPS while it is being used by HGIS.

Saving HGIS settingsTo save your HGIS settings for next run, go to Help...My Profile...Save Profile... When HGIS exits, you will be asked if you want to savea settings file. This creates an .STC file which holds most GPS Port, SensorTrack, Draw Style, Foot / Meter, and User Profile settings. Thelocation for the settings file is "C:My Documents\" on a Desktop or Laptop computer; and "\My Documents\" on the Handheld computer. Name your settings file with a meaningful name such as "GridSample.STC". Next time you run HGIS, select the desired settings file onthe Start HGIS screen. Saving settings does not save Maps or Projects (see Project... ).

FILE

Project ... A Project file is a single *.HGS file. The Project file contains all information for all layers in the project, except image layers. By usingProjects, you can have everything together in one place. Project files can contain multiple languages. Project files do NOT depend uponthe locale ( or regional) setting of Windows. Non-English files (MIF and SHP) are limited by the locale determined by the city youentered when you set up Windows. Use Project files when transferring files between computers to avoid the computers being set todifferent languages. (When moving non-English MIF and SHP files between computers, both computers must have the same "locale"language settings.)

Search ...Searches for files of Projects, Maps, or Images. If you have a GPS "X" on the screen or a background map open, use this function tosearch for Project Files (*.HGS). Location based searches only work for Projects. You can also search for all Projects, Maps, or Imageson a drive/folder..

New Project ...Start a new project. This will clear all layers after asking if any modified layers need to be saved. Then start a new project by openingfiles, and/or defining new layers.

Open ...Open an existing project (*.HGS) or a Map Layer. If you don't remember where the project is located, you can use the Project...Searchfunction.

Save Project ...Save the current project. The first time you save, you will be asked where to save the Project file.

Save As ...Saves the current project or map layer to a different location.

Close All ...Close all layers. If the Project has been modified, HGIS will ask if the project should be saved. If you do not save the whole project,HGIS will ask if you want to save any changed layers. Then HGIS will close all layers. You can start another project or open layers.

Layer ...HGIS can display any number of layers. A "Project" consists of layers. Layers may also be opened or saved individually. Layers may beBackground Images, Grid Layers, and Map Layers. Layers may be Opened from Files, Defined, Saved, or Closed. You may also edit theAttribute structure of a layer (to add, delete, or change the Name or structure of an attribute field).

New From Template ...HGIS searches for available Templates at startup. If one template was found, a new empty layer will be created having the same AttributeFields as the Template. If no templates were found, then HGIS asks you to locate the template to use. If more than one template is found,you can select the Template to use. If there was also a Pick List in the template, they will be available (using the Down Arrow for eachattribute) on the Attribute Screen. For additional template functions, please see Template...

Open ...Open a file as a map layer. If a Project is open, the layer will be added to the project. When file sets are opened (such as MIF and MID),they have the same filename and differ only in the file extension.

New Layer …Create a new layer. If a Project is open, the layer will be added to the project. First select the name for the layer, and the object types youwant in this layer. Next select the Object Attributes that you want to be in the layer. Attribute fields may be in any order. SomeAutofilled attributes are predefined; these may be deleted, added to, or replaced. It is recommended to put User entered attributes (suchas WEED_TYPE) first in the list before the Autofilled attribute fields.

Save Layer ...Saves a layer as a file or set of files (See Layer...). If the file has been saved before, it will be resaved to the same location. If the file hasnot been saved yet, HGIS will ask where to save the file and what to name it.

Save As ...Saves a layer as a file or set of files (See Layer...). HGIS will ask where to save the file and what to name it. The layer name will bechanged to the filename of the last save.

Close Layer ...Asks you to choose which layer to close. If the layer has not been changed since it was last saved, HGIS will just close the layer. If thelayer has changed, HGIS will ask you if the layer should be saved.

Structure ...This menu allows you to change the Attribute Structure of a Layer. This can be done to add new attribute fields, or modify an attributefield's name or characteristics (such as changing from numeric to text). When you click OK, it will verify all the data in the layer with thenew structure. If any data is altered by the structure change (for example: if 9.87654 would become 9.8765) there will be a warning thatsomething changed. You can OK the change, then review the data. Use Undo immediately if the structure change is not what youintended.

Template ...A template (.TPL) is used to create new empty layers with a predefined set of attributes. Template files may also contain pick lists ofcommon options. For example, one Attribute in a template might be called CROP; and the pick list for that attribute might include: Corn,Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton. The user does not have to type in Corn every time, he just selects from the pick list dropdown arrow on theAttribute Screen. At startup, templates in \My Documents\ or StorageCard\My Documents\ on a Handheld are automatically located. OnWindows XP, HGIS searches the hard drive's My Documents folder (C:/My Documents/, not Desktop/My Documents). If two templateshave the same picklist heading (for example CROP), but different picklists, then all options from both Templates are available in theCROP Picklist.

Open Template ...This menu is used to locate Template files in folders not searched at startup. The template file will then be available just as if it were foundby HGIS during startup.

New Template ...This menu allows you to define a new Template file. After specifying the Attribute fields, HGIS will ask you where to save the Template. The suggested folder is a folder that HGIS finds a startup. If you select a different folder, HGIS will not find this Template at startup.

Save As ...This menu allows you to change the name of a Template or save it in a different folder.

Close Template ...Use this menu when you want to clean up the list of available Templates. It is used when editing Templates to see only the Templates thatyou are editing right now.

Structure ...This menu allows you to change the Attribute Structure of a Template. This can be done to add new attribute fields, or modify anattribute field's name or characteristics (such as changing from numeric to text). Use Undo immediately if the structure change is not whatyou intended. Save the Template to the \My Documents\ folder (or C:\My Documents folder) so that it will be automatically found nexttime HGIS starts.

Pick List ...This menu allows you to add, edit, or delete items in a Template's pick list. To use a picklist, the Template must contain user filledattributes, for example WEED_TYPE. Select this menu and you will see the first user filled attribute listed (for example WEED_TYPEChar(31) ).You may also select one of the Picklist items as the Default. Picklists will be displayed in the same order as this list (unlesssorted in the browser).

SensorTrack ...SensorTrack tm allows data collection of geophysical data from many sensors along with GPS location information. This uniqueapplication can support data rates up to 250 records per second per port and up to 500 records per second collected from up to 16 RS232sensors simultaneously. For highest data rates, we recommend a fast Pentium Laptop computer and an EdgePort USB to SerialMultiplexer (available in 2, 4, 8, and 16 port). We also recommend using a GPS which will report GPS position 5 times per second (5Hertz). HGIS can linearly interpolate positions between GPS fixes although having GPS position five times per second improves theresults. See the Device Setup screen for a list of the devices supported. Most devices that output human readable text are also supportedusing the CUSTOM setting. After creating and verifying all the settings for all the ports, make sure you use Save Profile to save all yoursettings.

Most modern Bluetooth hardware can support up to seven Bluetooth sensors, although Bluetooth dongles can take some practice toconfigure. You can only have one Bluetooth device on your computer, but one device should support up to 7 connections. Once youhave all your partnerships setup and working, and have HGIS collecting sensor data from all sensors, save your HGIS Profile (STC file). Then next time, it "should" automatically connect to all your devices when you load the Profile. Your specific hardware can vary, someWindows Mobile 6.1 devices only support four Bluetooth Serial connections. We recommend configuring your sensors to match theBluetooth dongle's default configuration wherever possible. You have to learn the specific quirks of your Bluetooth hardware andsoftware stacks.

USB Serial Multiplexers can be used with Windows 7 computers(Windows 7 is recommended). Dual and Quad USB-RS232 multiplexerscan add multiple serial ports to Minis and Netbooks. USB-Serial Adapters are easier to configure than Bluetooth. Warning: USB SerialAdapters running "Prolific" device drivers are NOT recommended, the device drivers that come with these devices are usuallydefective. HGIS will list these devices as "Prolific USB-Serial" devices. Other brands are recommended (one example: MWE814 quadUSB Serial Multiplexer).

HGIS can automatically log sensor data along with GPS position directly to a map or TXT file. RS-232 devices supported includeElevation Lasers, Laser Rangefinders, Soil Compaction Meters, Soil Conductivity Sensors, Depth Sensors and more. HGIS Professionalincludes Spatial Analysis capabilities with Contouring and color Themes. Using sensors, collect the data using SensorTrack, then createand print the resulting color ranges. You can create Management Zones and enter Prescriptions for each zone using this capability. Seehttp://www.starpal.com for more information about connecting 1-16 additional serial ports to your computer. When collecting sensor data to a map layer (visible on the screen), the maximum rate is one record from each sensor per second. OnlyAttributes defined for that layer will be saved. To collect data faster than one record per second, use File…SensorTrack…Log File… Alog file can collect 30-500 records per second depending upon the computer’s speed. After collecting data (or back in the office), you canopen this log file in HGIS to view your data (File…Layer…Open Layer). You cannot open a log file while collecting data to that file. Forexample, you may collect data at 30 records per second (30 Hz) even though the GPS is reporting your location 5 times per second (5Hz). When you open this log file in HGIS, GPS locations for all records will be calculated based upon available GPS information, soevery data record will receive an “interpolated” GPS fix. Large log files (greater than 1 Mbyte) may take a long time to open onPocketPCs. Use a Desktop or Laptop computer for large files. GEONICS AND DUALEM CONDUCTIVITY SENSORSThe most common sensors connected to HGIS are the GEONICS EM31, EM38, EM61, and the DUALEM 2 and DUALEM 4conductivity meters. The attribute AUX_X0 identifies the instrument. The formats differ for the different sensors. The first field forGEONICS, AUX_X1, is an “Information” byte. Please refer to the GEONICS documentation for various codes, such as, scale, mode,and horizontal / vertical orientation. The Information byte is a value of 0 to 255. The EM31 fields are: X0: “EM31”X1: Info Byte (See GEONICS manual for definition)X2: Quad Phase (scaled data)X3: In Phase PPT (scaled data)X4: Quad Phase (raw data)X5: In Phase (raw data) EM38 Fields are:X0: “EM38”X1: Info Byte (See GEONICS manual for definition)X2: Channel 1 (raw data) EM61 fields are:X0: “EM61”

X1 : Info Byte (See GEONICS manual for definition)X2: Channel 1 (milli-siemens per meter)X3: Channel 2 (milli-siemens per meter)X4: Channel 1 (raw data)X5: Channel 2 (raw data)X6: Voltage DUALEM 2X0: “$PDLM2”X1: TimeX2: Horizontal HCP conductivity (mS/m)X3: HCP in-phase parts-per-thousand (ppt)X4: Perpendicular PRPconductivity, in (mS/m)X5: PRP in-phase, in (ppt) DUALEM 4X0: “$PDLM4”X1: TimeX2: Horizontal HCP conductivity (mS/m)X3: HCP in-phase parts-per-thousand (ppt)X4: Perpendicular PRPconductivity, in (mS/m)X5: PRP in-phase, in (ppt) CUSTOM (Header, Body, <CR>)Custom is the next most common SensorTrack setup used. Almost any RS-232 device that outputs human readable data followed by theCarriage Return <CR> character may be logged using SensorTrack. The maximum length is 240 characters per record. Typical RS-232data from an instrument (a Laser Rangefinder for example) looks like:$LA1KA, 1234.5, F, 067.1, D, T, 003.3, D, ,*45<CR>The logged fields would be:AUX_X0: $LA1KAAUX_X1: 1234.5AUX_X2: FAUX_X3 : 067.1and so on… through AUX_X12The header search string to record the above data format could be any of the following:$LA1KA, $LA?KA $L ?L????, $ LA1K LA A question mark in the header specifies a “don’t care” character. The instrument may output several different kinds of records. Create aheader that matches the record(s) you want, while rejecting the records you don’t want. To capture multiple records per second, use theSub-Second Format below. SensorTrack searches for records which match the header, writes the data to the SensorTrack *.txt file (ordraw to the edit layer). LASER RANGEFINDERRangefinder Lasers that support the Trimble ProXL sentence structure may be used in determining the location of objects several hundredmeters from your GPS location. You can shoot from a helicopter or boat and draw points located on the nearby terrain. Altitude is alsocorrected for objects above or below your GPS location. The Laser MUST be set to Bearing = Degrees True, and the Distance = Feet(See the Laser Manual for information on how to set up the Laser). Then go to File…SensorTrack… Device Setup… to set theparameters for the Laser Rangefinder. If “Add Points To Map” is checked under AutoCollect for this device, then each shot will create one point on the map at the location ofthe object. The Longitude, Latitude, and Altitude will contain the location of the target (not the GPS location). If AUX_Xn attributefields exist in the Edit Layer, you can also record the Range, Bearing, and Pitch of the Laser shot. If “Log Records To File” is checkedunder AutoCollect for the Laser, each shot will be logged to the SensorTrack *.txt file. The *.txt file records actual GPS location, Range,Bearing, and Pitch of each Laser shot. If you use this method, then you must calculate the location of the target manually. To record the horizontal distance between two points (for example the width of a tree canopy); create the Edit Layer with one of theAttribute fields DIST_FEET or DIST_METER. This attribute will automatically be filled with the distance from the previous point to thecurrent point. Shoot the two points, and the attribute of the second point will contain the distance between the two points (This attributefield for the first point will hold the distance to the previous tree). Note: Laser positions are not as accurate as GPS fixes. The range is often significantly more accurate than the bearing. Metal frame

eyeglasses have been shown to throw off the bearing with some Rangefinder Lasers. For improved accuracy, take shots of the target fromseveral different angles. BAR CODE SCANNERSHGIS Professional supports Bar Code Scanners. We recommend DATALOGIC DL6010 although other scanners can be used. Set yourscanner to output 9600 baud, a “$” before each scan, then the Bar Code Scan, followed by a CARRIAGE RETURN (CR) and a LINEFEED (LF). In the SensorTrack device setup, select Bar Code Scanner. Refer to the manual with your Bar Code Scanner on theprocedure to set the above format. SENSORTRACK DATA TRIGGERS METER & SECOND ALWAYSIf SECOND = 2 seconds and METER = 3 meters, then data will be recorded every 2 seconds unless you haven’t traveled 3 meters. When you stop, it stops collecting data. If moving slowly, it collects data every 3 meters. If moving fast, it collects data every 2 seconds. If there is no data, then just the location is logged. METER & SECOND IF ANY DATAThis is the default trigger. It is the same as METER & SECOND ALWAYS except that it only logs when there are sensor records. EVERY FIX ALWAYS Every Fix uses the GPS report rate to log Sensor data. This can be faster or slower than 1 second. For example, a 5 Hertz GPSwill send 5 GPS fixes per second. Each one can be will be logged. Or the GPS may be set to report every 2 seconds, and records will belogged at a 2 second rate to TXT file (1 record per second max to edit layer) EVERY FIX IF ANY DATA This is the same as EVERY FIX ALWAYS except that it only logs when data is present. For example, if the GPS is outputting at 5 Hertz,and the data is coming in at 8 Hertz; this setting will log 5 records per second. ALL (SUB-SECOND FORMAT)Sensors that output faster than one record per second can be logged at a faster rate. The GPS time which each data record is received isrecorded with a resolution of 10 milliseconds (resolution, but not accuracy). Windows CE may be used to collect data up to about 30records per second. Some Laptops have recorded in excess of 100 records per second. After closing the LOG file, useFile…Layer…Open Layer to open the log file. This will automatically interpolate the location of each data record. (The actual GPS fixesremain in the layer, but with blank Sensor Data Attributes.)

Device Setup ...This screen is used to setup all the ports, devices, baud rates, data collection periods, and more. First select the Port to configure, thenselect the Device type (or CUSTOM). Next select the device Baud Rate. Check the box "Connect to Device" to open the port. Thebottom right button allows you to see the data as it is coming in. The top line (called the Banner) of the View Data screen will show thecount of records logged to a TXT file. The left bottom button allows setting the collection periods and determines whether you aredrawing to a map layer or to a TXT file. It is recommended you leave View Data Screens open for each port, then close the Device Setupscreen; and you can then watch the data coming in on all ports all the time, and see the record counts as data gets logged to TXT file. Thisway you know everything is working.

Some users use a Map Layer and the GPS Draw Tool to draw Coverage Maps (using lines or swaths) to show where they have been; whilelogging sensor data to a TXT file. Other users with lower data rates collect sensor data directly to a map layer. When collecting sensordata to a map layer, you can only collect a maximum of one record per second per sensor. After thousands of records (and dependingupon how fast your computer is), collecting sensor data to the map layer and redrawing the screen slows down the computer. However,collecting sensor data to a TXT file can collect millions of records without slowing down the computer.

For devices not listed, choose the CUSTOM setting. Unlisted devices must transmit 8 Bits, No Parity (which most do) and each line mustend in a CARRIAGE RETURN and LINE FEED (CR/LF). CUSTOM allows a custom search string which you can usually leave as '?'. The question mark means any character. Some devices may transmit multiple sentences; so if you only want one sentence type to belogged, enter the first few characters you are looking for in the search string. Or if you want all sentences to be logged, then just use the'?'. Or if all the sentences from the sensor start with a '$' (for example NMEA sentences), then you could enter '$' as the search string. That way, if a garbage sentence came from the device, it would be ignored.

Log File ...The TXT log file collects GPS location along with Sensor data. The size of the file is only limited by the storage device it is being saved

to. After completion of the session, you can open the TXT file in HGIS to interpolate location of sensor data taken between two GPSlocations. The interpolation is done automatically if needed when the file is opened. HGIS does not save TXT files, so if you wantinterpolated TXT as an output file, save the map layer as type DBF and open in Microsoft Access or Excel and from these programs youcan save a TXT file.

To log NMEA sentences from the GPS Port to a log file, a device called GPS Port (NMEA) is provided; however the GPS Status Screenmust be open and only sentences displayed on the GPS Status Screen may be logged.

Remarks ...Remarks are very versatile for many users. They have a variety of uses even without SensorTrack. Record Comments that are going tobe the same for multiple GPS drawn objects. You can record field notes, crop variety, or other comments. The Remarks Attribute is anAutofilled Attribute in map layers. This field is also in TXT Log files. Whenever a record is collected to a TXT file, or a GPS object isdrawn on the screen, the Remark Attribute (if present) is filled in. There is an advanced feature for drawing Left and Right swath points.For example you are planting a different crop variety on the left and right half of your Planter (called Split-Planter). Fill in the left andright Remarks sections with the crop varieties for the left and right halves of the planter. Point objects are drawn in the center of each halfof the planter and the remarks fields are filled in with the variety for that side of the Planter.

Counter InputsThis unique function in HGIS provides the capability to measure low frequencies with high accuracy. For example, you want to determinethe speed of a shaft every second. The shaft is rotating between 100 RPM and 15000 RPM with a magnet mounted on the shaft and amagnetic switch nearby. This function can measure shaft rotation to 4 significant digits every 1 second. For example you might read13.93 Hertz or revolutions per second (equal to 835.8 RPM). This function provides 100 times the resolution of other counters. This inputcan also measure frequency, count events, or monitor the presence of a voltage from a switch or other sensor.

This screen monitors the counter input pins on the listed SensorTrack Serial Port (not the GPS Port). You can monitor up to 3 inputs oneach SensorTrack port listed on this screen. A frequency might come from a load cell with frequency output, or magnetic shaft sensor. Events could come from a Geiger Counter, a corn stalk sensor; or other device not producing a frequency. On/Off could be the positionof a switch, or whether voltage is being applied to a relay, solenoid, etc. "Sample Period" may be set to 1..60 seconds. Frequency ismeasured in hertz averaged over the AutoCollect interval. Events are counted over the AutoCollect interval. The voltage level (On/Off)is sampled at the start of each interval. You usually want the "Sample Period" to be the same as the AutoCollect Interval for that port.

You can measure frequencies from 2 - 250 hertz (100 RPM to 15000 RPM) on a single input. Depending on hardware, the maximum istypically 250-500 transitions per second (hertz) total for all pins monitored. For greatest accuracy, there must not be unrelated hard diskactivity in the background (such as Microsoft Findfast). For highest accuracy, do not run other applications while sampling counterinputs. A one second measurement interval provides about four significant digits (for example: 60.03 hertz). A four to six second intervalprovides about five significant digits (e.g.60.026 hertz). The computer’s internal clock is used for timing. This is a stable time reference,however it may vary slightly from one computer to another (typically +/-0.05%). The accuracy is acceptable for most applications. Forimproved accuracy when measuring frequencies to greater than 3 significant digits using different computers, calibrate each computer'sindividual time reference.

You will need to create a custom cable to bring out these pins for counter applications. The input will read "OFF" if the voltage isbetween 0.0 and +0.4 volts; or a "ON" if the voltage is between +3 and +12 volts. Do not connect the input directly to motors, pumps,solenoids, or other inductive loads without protective circuitry. The inductive input must be clamped at +12 to +15 volts and have aprotective 4.7Kohm resistor in series between the inductive load and the input pin. If used without proper protection, inductive voltagespikes may damage the electronics. It is recommended to always use a 2.2Kohm to 4.7Kohm protective resister in between the sensor andthe input to protect against short circuits and voltage spikes. Pin numbers specified are for Male COM1 on PCI card or USB Male Serialadapters. PCI and many USB cards do have all 3 input pins wired. Test your hardware to determine capability.

Print ...This menu is available for all licenses except HGIS GPS BASIC. First select whether to print everything open, or just the visible screen. Second, select whether you want a title block, enter what you want in the title block, and which corner to put the title block. Third selectthe Printer and Print Parameters (and printer quality including DPI). Some printers will not print images at their highest DPI setting. Ifyou have an image that will not print or prints incorrectly, try reducing the DPI of the printer by one DPI step (for example 1200 to 600).Some older printers will not print images at all. Most newer black and white and color printers should be able to print images. We testwith printers up to 1200x600 DPI

HGIS can print to a PDF file if you install a PDF printer driver (available free on the internet). One free one we have used is calledPDF995, although there are many others available; search for them. PDF printout files are useful to email to people that don't have HGIS.

Exit ...This menu will cause HGIS to exit. If no Project is open, then HGIS will just prompt you to save any layers that have been changed since

previously saved. If a Project is open and has been changed, HGIS will prompt you to save the current project to an HGS file. If youCancel the Save Project, then HGIS will ask if you want to save any layers that have been changed. Then it will exit.

EDIT

Undo (Operation) ...Undo can undo the two most recent edit operations (one at a time). The operation name will be shown, for example "Undo Cut" or "UndoPaste". Undo is not used with GPS data collection. Undo should be used immediately after the editing operation. If you "Cut" followedby "Paste", then you can "Undo Paste" followed by "Undo Cut". The following main menus support Undo/Redo:FILE - Layer...Layer Structure and Template...Template Structure allow Undo and Redo. All other menus under File do not supportUndo and Redo.EDIT - All menus support Undo and Redo.MAP - Undo or Redo are not supported under the Map menu.ADV - All menus support Undo and Redo (except Screen Coord)GPS - Undo or Redo are not supported under GPS menu.

Redo (Operation) ...Redo can redo two most recent undos(one at a time). The operation name will be shown (for example Redo Cut or Redo Paste). Redomust be used immediately after Undo.

Cut ...This function will remove the selected objects from the Edit Layer, and save them for the Paste function. If objects on multiple layers areselected, the function will generate an error (Copy may be used with multiple layers selected). The Cut operation will discard anyprevious objects that were Cut or Copied but not yet pasted.

Copy ...This function will make a copy of all selected objects, and save them for the Paste function. Objects may be on one or more layers. TheCopy operation will discard any previous objects that were Cut or Copied, but not yet pasted. Paste ...This function will paste objects previously Cut or Copied to the current Edit Layer. In typical use, Cut or Copy the objects from a layer,then change the Edit Layer to the desired layer; and use Paste to move the objects to the new Layer. If the Attribute Fields do not match,the Attribute definitions for both of the layers will be shown, and you will be asked if you want to Paste anyway. This can be used tomove the Geographic information to the new layer even when the Attributes do not match. You can then enter necessary Attributeinformation about the objects on the new layer. The option "Paste Anyway" should be used when Attribute fields on the two layers matchup to a point, but one layer may have additional attribute fields.

Delete ...Delete will delete all selected objects on the Edit Layer. If objects are selected that are not on the Edit Layer, an error message will bedisplayed.

More ...Drag Mouse/Stylus ...Drags all selected Objects on the Edit Layer. Allows one drag with the Mouse or Stylus.

Drag Arrow Keys ...Drags all selected Objects on the Edit Layer. Press the Up/Down/Left/Right Arrows to move the selected Objects.

Move Object To ...Moves a selected object to a known location. First, set the Screen Coord tothe coordinate system and format of the coordinates you know the location.Second, select the object to be moved. Then select this menu, enter theknown coordinates of the object.

Convert to Bounds ...(Convert to Line ...) A boundary has area. A line does not have area. Use to convert a fence row(Line) into a field boundary.

Edit Circle ...Change the size of a circle previously drawn. Also used to add/remove the crosshairs from a circle or snap the center to a nearby object.

Reshape ...Used to reshape all selected objects on the Edit Layer. If multiple objects are selected and contain shared nodes, the shared nodes willmove together. This is useful in moving shared boundaries.

MAP

Layer PropertiesThis menu shows or hides the Layer Properties screen which supports many functions. Layers are stacked on top of each other like sheets

of paper on a desk. You can change each layers position in the stack by dragging the layer name up or down in the list (or clicking the '^ 'or 'v' buttons). Double click on a layer to access advanced properties. This gives summary info about a layer such as Total Area andnumber of objects on the layer.There are three checkboxes for each layer (1 for image layers). Only one layer can have Edit checked at a time, as you can only changeone layer at a time. Multiple layers may have View or Select checked.

View Entire Layer ...This menu will ask you to select a layer from the layer list; then zoom the screen to include everything on that layer.

Attributes ...Object Attributes displays the user-defined attributes about a selected object. These attribute fields are defined by the Layer Structure ofthe layer containing the object. AutoFill Attributes such as AUTO_ID, MZONE_ID, WGS84_LON, WGS84_LAT, AREA_HECT,AREA_ACRE can be predefined. Other Attributes can be entered by the user. If a pick list is available from a Template file, select thedown arrow at the right of each Attribute to view the pick list for that attribute.

Info ...

These screens give Information about the currently selected object including the location of the center. For Boundaries and Lines, thecenter of an invisible rectangle drawn around the object is displayed. The format of the info is set in the Screen Coord menu. Beforemoving an object using the “Enter New Coordinates” screen, change the display format to the format in which you know the object'scenter coordinates. Then, enter a new location for the object's center by tapping one of the location buttons and entering the newcoordinates. BOUNDARIES display the Area and length of the perimeter. A boundary can contain multiple “Rings” or “Polygons”; this type of objectis called a “Poly-Polygon”. Rings may be completely interior such as a pond in a field; the interior area is subtracted from the total area.Rings may be exterior; each ring’s area is added. You may have combinations of interior and exterior rings. Rings may not cross eachother. LINES display the total line length and number of segments and nodes. A line may have multiple individual segments; this type of line iscalled a “Poly-Polyline”. Style ...Change the symbol, size, color of the currently selected object or objects.

Defaults ...Choose default Draw Style for future objects. These defaults are saved in the settings file.

Point Style ...Allows you to choose color and symbol for future points.

Line Style ...Allows you to choose color and line style for future lines.

Bounds Style ...Allows you to choose color and border style for future bounds.

Text Style ...Allows you to choose default text and size for future text objects.

Custom Layer ...All functions which create derived layers are under this menu.

Sample Grid ...Many types of grids can be created by HGIS. First select from the list of - Point, Line, Honeycomb, or Box. The size can be (length xwidth) or area (Hectares or Acres). A common size is 2.5 Acres or 1 Hectare. You may also select the approximate number of samples. Atypical number might be 30. Select Next (or OK).

Next, you can enter an angle to align the grid. Or you can set the angle by drawing it on the screen. For example, if you want to draw thegrid along one edge of the field, Check the boxes Tap Start and Snap to nearest Node, then OK. A message will appear telling you whatto do, click OK. Now drag the mouse or stylus from the corner of the field where you want the grid to start along the edge of the field youwant to line up all the way to the next corner. The grid will now be drawn to the new layer.

Grids do not need Attribute layers. They are usually used as Targets when sampling. Although Grids can be saved as MIF or SHP files, itis recommended that you keep them as GRD files unless exporting them to other software. If you draw point grids, it is recommended thatyou use unfilled symbols. Then when you create a Sample Layer, draw sampled points with filled symbols. Then, you can easily seewhere you have sampled and where you still need to visit.

Sample Target ...

A Target Layer is like a soil sampling target layer for Management Zone Sampling. Target Layer will create a new layer and fill it withSoil Sample Targets as shown. First open the layer containing the management zones. Select this menu item, then select the managementzone layer. Then enter the total number of samples desired. The targets will be ideally distributed among all the boundaries in the layer.Particular attention will be paid to keeping the targets away from transitions between boundaries (see above). Thin sections of aManagement Zone are not targeted because these could be less reliable locations to sample. You can let the program choose how to divide the targets or you can review the number of targets selected for each management zone orboundary and adjust the number independently for each boundary.

MANAGEMENT ZONE IDFor each Management Zone Layer, define an Attribute called MZONE_ID which contains the ID number or text specifying themanagement zone (such as "Z1", "Z2", "Z3", etc). Also define the same MZONE_ID attribute on your Soil Sample layer or Template. When collecting points in the field, each sample point drawn will be automatically filled with the cooresponding value from thebackground Management Zone Layer. This feature may be used for Grid Sampling as well and Management Zone sampling. If you desire to move any of the targets, you can use RESHAPE. The target layer is like a Grid Layer, it can be used with the GPSNavigation tool to guide you to each target when soil sampling.

Contour ...

Create contours or management zones. When used with images, first extract and Image Point Layer (below) and use the points to createthe contours.

SPARSE SAMPLED CONTOUR MAPSVery sparse samples may not create accurate contour maps. Whenever possible, distribute samples evenly across the field in bothdirections (such as with a yield map or image). The following graphic shows what happens if your samples are "clustered" (too many timesthe number of samples in one direction as another direction.) Sparse sampling can indicate what is happening in a field. But remember,locations that aren't sampled are only guesses; the better your distribution of samples, the better your guess.

Image To Point ...Creates a new layer contain point objects filling Attributes with pixel values from an image. This layer may then be used by ContourLayer to create management zones. With large images, you can choose the number of points to create. Contouring can be very slow ifmore than 100,000 points are created from an image (25,000 on Windows Mobile).

Text Layer ...Text Layer creates a new layer of Text objects using any Attribute field. Text objects may be resized or moved (using drag functions orShape) around on the map. Text overlays can be much more pleasing when customized using this function. This is different from theLabel function which is just a quick way to view the attribute fields of selected objects ( with the label function, all labels are the samesize and location is automatic).

ADVFor more basic User Profiles, this menu will only have necessary functions such as Menu Items, User Profile, and Save Profile. Foradvanced users, the menu items below are shown.

Join ...This menu provides various functions to combine two (or more) objects. You can add to boundaries together, or split a boundary by a line,etc. All objects to be modified must be on the current Edit Layer. All operations allow Undo. If you don't see what you expect after any ofthese operations, use Undo immediately.

Join Bounds ...

This menu is used to join individual boundaries together into a larger boundary. For example, a swath coverage map can be combined intoa single field boundary. The above map was collected by a John Deere GS 2 GPS (214 swaths). Only the geographic shapes are used inthis operation. Collected Swath boundaries often contain defects such as bow-ties and fold-backs which can usually be eliminated withHGIS Clean Up. First select the boundaries to be joined using MultiSelect. HGIS PLUS can join 2 boundaries at a time. HGIS PRO can join up to 6boundaries at a time. First, you will be asked if you want to run Clean Up. If more than 6 boundaries are selected with HGIS PRO,boundaries will be grouped. If there are any problems joining the clusters, it is easier to manually fix problems between passes (usingReshape). For example, to join up to 600 swathes into one boundary, run this menu item 4 separate times (passes) with the entire layerselected. Check the map after each pass and fix any problems with Reshape before running the next pass. This will be very slow on ahandheld or older desktop / laptop. When joining more than 25 bounds, a 3Ghz or faster computer is recommended (the above map's 214swaths can be combined in 20 minutes with a 3Ghz Pentium). There are two similar interior features in the above map – Slivers caused by GPS drift which you may want to remove, and terraces wherenothing is planted which you may want to keep. To separate all the interior features, use the menu Separate Rings. To restore terraces (10are shown in the field above), select the outer boundary and the internal terraces using MultiSelect; then run Join Bounds again.

Save Outline (Clear Outline) ...This menu displays the shape that will be used to modify another object or objects. The outline may be a Line or a Boundary and may beon any layer. After selecting the first object as an outline; select the object (or objects) to modify. Attributes, Color, or Draw Style of theoutline are not used. Only the outline's geographic shape is used.

Add Outline ...Adds the Outline shape to the currently selected object. Both objects must be of the same type. If both are Lines, then a multi-part Lineis created (also called a Poly-Polyline). If both are Bounds, they may touch along an edge, not touch at all, cross over each other, or onemay be inside the other. If they do not touch, then a multi-part Boundary is created (also called a Poly-Polygon). If they touch or cross,then a single boundary is created (in rare cases where they cross multiple times, a Poly-Polygon will be created). If one boundary is insidethe other, then it is ignored.

Split by Outline ...

HGIS PRO can split a boundary based upon ACRES, HECTARES, or PER CENT as shown in the above figures. HGIS PLUS will do abasic split on a line. The Outline may be either a Line or a Boundary. If the outline is a line, then both ends must be outside allboundaries to be split. One or more boundaries may then be selected for the split operation. Lines may not be split. If you don’t like theresult, use UNDO immediately to reverse the operation. HGIS will find the nearest solution, so 33% and 67% will split at the samelocation.

Erase Inside Outline ...The Outline must be a boundary (to have an inside). One or more boundaries may be selected for the Erase operation. This operationerases all parts of all selected boundaries that are inside the Outline shape.

Erase Outside Outline ...The Target must be a boundary (to have an outside). One or more boundaries may be selected for the Erase operation. This operationerases all parts of all selected boundaries that are outside the Target's shape.

Shared Boundary ...This menu may be used to match the edges of one object with another. First select the object to modify. Then you will be asked to sketchthe boundary on the screen. All objects will be searched for a match. If a close match is found, it will be highlighted, and you will beasked to tap the ends of the matching object to mark the end of the shared section. The edges of the objects will be matched node fornode within the shared section. Illegal end sections can be created if two boundaries overlap before this operation. After this operation,you may need to use Reshape to adjust the ends of the shared section. Illegal sections in a boundary are called "Bow-Ties" ( a boundaryshaped like a bow-tie is illegal because it has two separate inside areas). Boundaries with illegal sections cannot be used for moreadvanced spatial analysis operations.

Advanced ...Menus for the advanced user.

Color Theme ...

Colors the selected objects based on a numeric value in one of the Attribute fields. You can color Points, Lines, or Bounds based onlocation, size, or any other numeric attribute.

Greatest Circle ...

Greatest Circle will estimate the largest circle that will fit inside a field boundary. This can be used to estimate the location of a CenterPivot Irrigation system. You can tell the software to include a fixed length or variable length end-gun or boom. To have more control overwhere the circle is drawn (such as with rectangular fields), use Reshape to adjust one or more boundary nodes to tell the software to stayout of certain parts of the field. For pie-cut (partial circle) systems, sketch(draw a temporary 'construction boundary') where the full circlewould be on the screen, create the Greatest Circle to the construction boundary. Then use one of the editing functions (Erase Outside,Split by Target, or Reshape) to eliminate the part of the circle outside the actual field. (Then delete the construction boundary.)

IMPORTANT: THIS TOOL MAY ONLY BE USED FOR ESTIMATING A GREATEST CIRCLE. THE PRIMARY ERRORS AREUSUALLY FROM GPS ACCURACY, ALTHOUGH IT ALSO DOES NOT TAKE SLOPE INTO ACCOUNT. THE ACTUALGREATEST CIRCLE AND ITS CENTER MAY VARY FROM THIS ESTIMATION.

Make A Buffer ...This menu may be used to create a buffer boundary around a line (for example a river) or a field boundary. You might want to create akeep-out zone for a field, either inside or outside the boundary. If a boundary is used, this menu will will ask if you want to modify theoriginal boundary, or make a copy of the original boundary and modify the copy. Note: The copy will be drawn on top of the original; useTop (Second Row Button) to determine whether the original or copy is on top. Select Buffer Only to create an inside and outside bufferaround a field boundary (a donut shape).

Separate Rings ... This function separates the individual boundaries of an object having multiple exterior or interior boundaries. It separates the boundariesinto separate objects. The first use will separate all exterior boundaries into individual objects, keeping each interior boundary with itsexterior boundary (The reverse of this is Add Outline). Using this function on an object with only interior boundaries will separate eachinterior boundary into a separate object (The reverse of this operation is Erase Inside Outline).

Clean Up ...This menu smoothes out jagged boundary edges caused by high variability data sets. To fix glitches from a GPS fix, use Shape instead.May be used on shared boundaries or to smooth the edges of management zones.

Show Legend ...Contour Layers drawn with up to 12 colors contain a Legend. This legend is displayed when the contour layer is created. If you closedthe Legend, then this menu will display it again.

Move Layer ...Use this menu with care. Save a backup of your data before using this feature. If for some reason your map is a little off from where itshould be, and you know where it should be; then use Adjust Layer. You can use this with or without GPS to move a layer.

Use GPS ...Use this menu when you are standing on a spot and the map shows the spot somewhere else. Wait on the spot for at least one minute forthe GPS to settle (can be before of after selecting this menu). Select this menu, follow the instructions. When you tap on the location onthe map where the GPS should be, the map will shift; then select OK (or Cancel if the map did not shift in the way you expected). Note,the GPS may have drifted when the map was collected, so correcting the map for one object could move other objects on the map fartheroff. This is why you need a backup of your data.

Drag Layer ...This menu moves a layer to line up with another layer. Use with care, and save a backup of your layer beforehand. After selecting thelayer to move, drag the cursor on the screen to move any object on the layer to a known position. If the screen shifts as expected, pressOK to accept, otherwise Cancel.

Screen Coord ...Users desiring higher accuracy, users with older maps in other coordinate systems, or users wanting to display or enter the location inanother format will use this menu. HGIS can display coordinates in over 150 Coordinate Systems around the world. Coordinate systemsand transforms are published under the authority of the European Petroleum Support Group (EPSG).

Differential GPS Users (GPS greater than $500) – Maps are collected in the Coordinate System of the Differential GPS(or DGPS) BaseStation. HGIS can be set to any Coordinate System and the map will be collected correctly. As long as you use the same DGPS BaseStation, your maps will match. If you change Base Stations, your maps may not align. For example, if you change from WAAS to Beacon(or from one beacon to another beacon) your map will shift. Always use the same DGPS Base Station. For saved data, see saving SHPfiles below.

WAAS or EGNOS GPS less than US$500, and Non-differential GPS users – Maps are collected in the WGS84 Coordinate System. Youcan leave HGIS set to "WGS84 (default). The best obtainable accuracy at this price range is about 3 meters or 10 feet. Poor installationcan reduce the accuracy to 10 meters or 30 feet. Ensure that the GPS has a full view of the sky for best results. If you want to display thelocation in one of the older Coordinate Systems ("Other Systems"), change to see data in the desired Coordinate System. Changing theCoordinate System will not change collected data, it just displays in another Coordinate System.

When saving SHP files, the same Coordinate Systems screen appears. If using one of the "Recommended Systems", no transform isperformed when saving the SHP file. If using a DGPS Base Station, select the Coordinate System that the DGPS Base Station is set to. Ifone of the other Coordinate Systems is selected, then the file is transformed into that Coordinate System. The PRJ file saved with the SHPfile contains the Coordinate System selected. Many GIS applications will open the PRJ file with the SHP file and select the correctCoordinate System.

When opening SHP files, if a valid PRJ file is found, then HGIS will find the Coordinate System. When importing from other GISprograms that do not write PRJ files, HGIS will ask the user to select the correct Coordinate System.

There are four Coordinate System Groups:1) "Recommended Systems" - Newer Coordinate Systems that do not require transforms. When saving SHP files, select the CoordinateSystem of the DGPS Base Station (if one is used). Otherwise, select WGS84 (default).

2) "Australian Systems" – Common Coordinate Systems for Australia. GDA94 is the recommended coordinate system for Australia (notransform). For sub-meter applications and your DGPS Base Station set to GDA94, select GDA94 when saving SHP files.

3) "NAD27 Systems" North American Coordinate Systems based on the 1927 Datum. The most accurate transform for the 48 continentalUnited States is NAD27-NADCON. The other transforms are from the Defense Mapping Agency (DMA), or Institut Cubano diHidrografia (ICH). NAD27 should not be used for new maps; only use NAD27 with previously collected maps.

4) "Other Systems" – These are 3-parameter transforms used to view data in older coordinate systems and older maps. Only use thesewith previously collected maps. Accuracy varies with location. See EPSG Authority for accuracy and usage.

5) "User Local" – Displays meters from a user defined starting location. To set a starting point, select a Point, Line, or Boundary beforeselecting the Screen Coord menu. Then select "User Local" and Meter X Meter. If a Line or Boundary is selected, the lower right cornerof the bounding rectangle is set as (0,0) so all locations are positive. Save SHP files to save your map locations in meters. The user definedstarting point is saved in the PRJ file, so the file may be reused with a GPS at a later date, and the same origin will be used.

You can select Lat/Lon or UTM projections. Lat/Lon is preferred unless you have previously collected UTM maps. When using UTM,you need to know your UTM zone. There are several common formats of displaying Lat/Lon - DMSH(Degree Minute Second.decimalHemisphere); DMH(Degree Minute.decimal Hemisphere); D.D(Decree.decimal). Changing the display format does not change the data,only the screen. If you are entering locations using the Move To menu, set the format of your entry data on Screen Coord menu first.

GPS

HGIS can locate the GPS COM Port, Baud Rate, and GPS Protocol within about 30 seconds in most cases. FIND and START GPS,HGIS will look for, open, start up your GPS and display the GPS Navigation Status. If you are not using SensorTrack RS232 devices, andyou only have a single GPS attached to the computer, (and do not know your COM Port), use this option. However, with computers suchas the Trimble Nomad which can have 2 GPS Receivers (Internal and External), HGIS cannot determine which GPS to use (Use Find GPSor Manual Start GPS if you have multiple GPS receivers).

Start GPS Mode Laptops: Windows MobileManual Start GPS(Select COM Port)

Special GPS configurations. Special GPS configurations.

Find GPS Search COM1 to COM96 for GPS Receivers(lists Available Ports and GPS)

Search COM1 to COM32 for GPS Receivers(lists Available Ports and GPS)

FIND and START GPS Search COM1 to COM96(Opens first GPS found)

Search COM1 to COM32 for a GPS Receiver(Opens first GPS found)

Use Manual Start GPS if you know the COM Port, or need special startup configurations.

GPS Protocols Notes:NMEA (version 2.0 or later) Standard for most GPS Receivers. HGIS uses $GPGGA, $GPRMC, and $GPGSV sentences.

SIRF Used by SIRFStar III GPS Receivers.TSIP Used by many Trimble GPS Receivers. (Try "8O1 9600" baud for older Trimble GPS. )

GARMIN Garmin Proprietary Protocol not supported. Set GPS to NMEA (Garmin USB-18 not switchable.)Other Set GPS to NMEA. Enable $GPGGA(GGA), $GPRMC(RMC), and $GPGSV (GSV) if possible.

Autobaud Baud Rates Supported: 4800, 9600, 19200(19.2k), 38400(38.4k), 57600(57.6k). Select the baud rate if known. HGIS will tryautobaud rates for 45 seconds after opening the GPS port. In HGIS, there is no need to specify the GPS Protocol for the GPS.

USB GPS RECEIVERS: We have tested two slave USB GPS receivers with HGIS. The GlobalSat BU-353 USB works on Laptop USBmaster ports on Windows XP, Vista, and Windows "7". This GPS requires its own USB driver to be installed from the CD that comes withthe GPS. With an premium view of the sky, this GPS has an accuracy of about 3 meters or 10 feet (on the roof, not on the dashboard). The Garmin GPS18-USB is not recommended, as its USB drivers are not reliable. These GPS receivers have a cable end like a computermouse. If your handheld computer has a master port like your desktop/laptop computer, you can also use these slave USB GPS receiverswith your handheld. Note, most handhelds do not have a master USB port.

BLUETOOTH GPS RECEIVERS: Different computers come with different bluetooth firmware and each works differently. There are

several types of "Bluetooth Software Stacks" (Widcom, Broadcom, and Microsoft). Every piece of Bluetooth hardware and softwareseems to work differently, you have to figure out the quirks with your hardware. Windows Mobile 5 and later usually works better.

SIRF GPS RECEIVERS: We recommend "SIRFStar III" GPS receivers (not SIRFStar II or earlier). All SIRFStar III GPS receivers arecapable of both SIRF and NMEA Protocol. A few SIRF GPS receivers have a setting called "Static Navigation" enabled by default. WithStatic Navigation enabled, the SIRF GPS will not report a move until you have moved a certain distance (say 50 meters). If the GPS issending SIRF protocol, HGIS will fix this for you; however if the GPS is sending NMEA protocol and if Static Navigation is enabled, youneed to use a program called SIRFdemo to disable this feature.

TRIMBLE TSIP GPS: Select "8O1 TSIP 9600" or "8N1 NMEA 9600" on the GPS (other baud rates are also acceptable). If you don'tmatch the parity setting with the protocol, older TDS RECON computers(version 4.2.5 and earlier) may freeze up. If you don't match theparity correctly on both ends, HGIS may connect to the GPS and Navigate, but Trimble Remote will not work (check the parity on bothends).

TECHNICAL DETAILS FOR ADVANCED USERS

GPS Setting COM Technical Details:Normal AutoBaud-8N1 Works with most GPS Receivers. Driver supports all HGIS advanced GPS Port featur

Some Ashtech GPS require Normal.(Switchbox, Frequency measurement, etc.)Safe Mode AutoBaud-8N1 Advanced features disabled. May not work with Ashtech GPS, or Switchboxes, and m

Odd Parity (8O1) 9600-8O1 9600 8O1 is used with some older Trimble GPS such as AgGPS132Trimble TSIP Force 9600-8O1 May not work on some handhelds.

232BSS4 Multiplexer 38400-8N1-RTS(multiplexer master port)

Multiplexer programs each port independently.(Connect SIRF, NMEA, or TSIP GPS to Port A, Set Port A to match GPS setting.)

*HGIS automatically detects unstable platforms and switches to Safe Mode as needed usually without user intervention. If Start GPSfreezes or doesn't work with your hardware in Normal Mode, then in the future, select Safe Mode to manually set HGIS to Safe Mode.

Start GPS ...(Stop GPS ...)If you don't know what port the GPS receiver is set to, select the button "Find Traffic". Even if you are not using Bluetooth, a Bluetoothscreen may open during the search; press Cancel to close the Bluetooth screen if not using Bluetooth GPS. If you are using Bluetooth, theBluetooth screen should see and allow you to connect to your Bluetooth GPS. If Find Traffic doesn't find the GPS, then check the GPSPower and cables. Also try "Find Ports" and try each port found.

UNDERSTANDING GPS SERIAL PORT HARDWARE PROBLEMS:Problems with GPS and Computer Serial Ports may be very frustrating and difficult to diagnose. Is the problem with the GPS, yourCables, Power, or with the Computer Hardware? The StarPal MiniTester can help diagnose your GPS Serial Port Hardware Problems. TheStarPal MiniTester may be left in-line to continuously monitor your GPS data transfer and solve problems as they occur in the field (suchas intermittant connectors or power, or cables). The MiniTester works with built-in Serial Ports on Windows Mobile Handhelds andLaptops, as well as the StarPal USB-Serial Adaptor on Windows XP and Vista.

If you don't have a MiniTester handy, go down the check list and verify everything in each column, or use a voltmeter to measure thevoltage on each pin listed in the left column.

PinNumber:

Purpose: Fixing 9-pin Serial Port ProblemsColor of each light on the StarPal MiniTester:

RD (2) GPSData

OFF RED FLICKERS GREENGPS turned On? GPS Navigating? GOOD GPS Frozen

GPS Power? GPS Output Enabled? (if different Reset GPSGPS Data Cable? Check Setup on GPS? from TD)

TD (3) ComputerData

OFF RED FLICKERS GREENHGIS running? GOOD GPS Data Computer Frozen

COM Port Open? Ports Switched Reset ComputerComputer Data

Cable Bad?Needs NULL

MODEM

RTS (7)and

DTR (4)

ComputerReady

OFF RED FLICKERS GREENIf TD = RED Old Version of HGIS Bad cable GOOD

then bad cable, (v7.33 or earlier) wiggle cableor bad port. use NMEA Generic Gets worse?

CD (1) Switchbox(Red Switch)

OFF RED FLICKERS GREENOK Non-standard, Bad Cable OK

Switch is OFF wiggle cable Switch is ON

CTS (8) Switchbox(Black Switch)

OFF RED FLICKERS GREENOK Non-standard. Bad Cable OK

Switch is OFF wiggle cable Switch is ON

DSR (6) NotUsed

OFF RED FLICKERS GREENOK Non-standard Bad Cable Non-standard

Ground(5)

SignalCommon

Red Light = Negative Voltage with respect to GroundGreen Light = Positive Voltage with respect to Ground

First, if the GPS is sending any data( not necessarily valid Navigation Data), RD should be YELLOW, or filckering Red/Yellow (differentGPS Recievers will display different patterns of flicker, but any difference from the color of TD indicates GPS data.) Check the abovechart for the location of your hardware problem.

Second, confirm the computer is working correctly, and the computer cable is good, TD should be SOLID RED and RTS and DTR SOLIDGREEN.

To test a StarPal Switchbox, connect the switchbox between the MiniTester and GPS and check the above chart while turning switchesON and OFF. (If you connect the Switchbox between the Computer and MiniTester, it will work, but the pin numbers will change.)

GPS Navigation ...This tool is used when you want to go to a selected location such as a soil sample location. You can select a point, circle, square,rectangle, or hexagon and navigate to its center. If you select a line or field bounds, then you will be directed to the center of a rectangleenclosing that object. There are two arrows on the tool. There is a compass dial in the center; if the top of the screen points to the North;then the arrow points to the object. If you are moving, there is also an arrow moving across the top of this screen. This arrow works like alight bar, indicating whether to turn right or left (remember, you must be moving for this arrow to work). The Navigation tool does notguide down a line.

THIS TOOL IS NOT LICENSED TO NAVIGATE AROUND HAZARDS. HGIS IS ONLY LICENSED AS AN AID TO NAVIGATION. KEEP VISUAL TRACK OF ALL HAZARDS AT ALL TIMES. REMEMBER, GPS RECEIVERS ARE NOT 100% RELIABLE.

GPS Altitude ...This screen gives you additional information about your GPS Altitude. Most users only want to know the information in the first box. Thisis the most common value and is called "Altitude" or "Elevation". This is the height above Mean Sea Level(MSL) or Height AboveGeoid(HAG). For most purposes height above MSL and HAG are equal; however they vary a small amount over time (usually less than

1-2 meters). Some scientists want to know a more exact value called the Height Above Ellipsoid (HAE). This is reported in the secondbox. The third box reports the difference of the first two and is referred to scientifically as "N". GPS Auto Collect ...This menu allows you to control how often data is collected from the GPS. A boundary or Line is made up of a series of nodes. When aBoundary, Line, or series of Points is collected, you can choose to collect data based on distance or time (or both). The default is 3seconds and 3 meters. This means that 3 seconds must pass AND you must travel at least 3 meters before it will collect the next node orpoint. So if you stop while collecting a boundary, HGIS will stop collecting data for that boundary until you start moving again (becauseyou haven't moved 3 meters). Spinner Button

The Spinner button in the Second Menu row will show whether you are collecting GPS data, or the reason you are not collecting GPSdata. If it reads Run and spinning (the left button above), GPS data is being collected. To pause collection while you are going around anobstacle, tap the spinner and it will change to User Pause. Tap it again to switch back to Run. On the Handheld Computer, front panel buttons may be used to switch between Run and Pause. Press one of the buttons while HGIS isrunning (with no user screens open), and the selection screen will appear. Select Pause(Resume). There are four front panel buttonswhich may be used for many functions, for example Start New Bounds and Stop/OFF to collect Boundary (see the other selections). Thisreduces the need for the stylus when collecting GPS data.

GPS Settings ...This menu provides options for your GPS.

GPS Check List ...These settings tell HGIS what to do when the GPS moves off-screen. A user may want to always see his entire field. Another user mayalways want to have a closer view of his current location. You may also set an alarm to go off when you are within a certain distance of aselected object.

GPS Offset / Marker ...You can enter offsets from the GPS antenna in this menu. For example, you are driving on one side of a 3 meter ditch but want the GPSBoundary to be on the other side of the ditch. You could also use this menu if your GPS is not mounted in the center of your sprayer orcombine to adjust the drawn location to be at the center of the machine. You can enter front/back offsets to compensate for the time thecrop being harvested takes to get to the yield sensor.

You can use this menu to set a swath width for equipment such as planters, sprayers, or combines. Each boundary will then draw as acoverage swath to show where the machine has covered. Points drawn as swaths will be drawn as two points, one in the center of theleft-half and one in the center of the right-half of the swath. Point Swaths can be used to log split planting logging the crop variety of eachside independently using Remarks. Lines drawn using swaths will show the header or boom position of each sample.

GPS Marker selects the ICON used to display the current location. The ICON marked "image" has a white background and is most visiblewhen using background image layers. The other ICONS have a transparent background.

GPS Alerts ...You can have HGIS alert you when the GPS is not meeting your needs. HGIS will beep if the settings on this screen are not met, howeverHGIS will still collect data. There are "Recommend" and "Default" buttons on this screen. If you don't know what the items on thisscreen are, just use the Recommend and Default buttons. With the "Default" button, HGIS will only alert you if the GPS loses yourlocation. The "Recommend" button will alert you if the GPS becomes worse than about twice that GPS receiver's capabilities.

Add the attribute GPS_FIX to your map layers to record the actual GPS conditions of each object drawn. This attribute has the formatDSSHH where D is the Differential Fix Status, SS is the number of satellites, and HH is the HDOP times 10 (A value of 21135 wouldmean: Fix = 2(Differential), Satellites = 11, and HDOP = 3.5).

Simulate GPS ...(Stop Simulation ...)This menu allows you to simulate a GPS on a desktop or other computer without GPS. This allows you to become familiar with HGISwhile in the comfort of your office instead of the field. A simulated GPS will go around an imaginary field boundary and then makepasses across the field. All the GPS drawing functions are available just like with a real GPS.

Trimble Remote ...This menu allows setting up Trimble GPS receivers running TSIP. In the menu Start GPS, you can use "TSIP Force" to force a TrimbleGPS into TSIP mode. Refer to the manual on your particular Trimble GPS to locate all the settings available for that GPS.Note: When you change the Trimble GPS port that you are using to NMEA, the GPS will stop responding (this is the way the GPSworks). In this case, Stop GPS and restart the GPS port using NMEA.

GPS Misc Info ...Menus to provide additional information about your GPS.

GPS Summary ...This screen will open automatically when you Start GPS. If there is a problem, it tells you where the problem is. For example, if it isstuck at "Connection + Power", check that your GPS is connected and powered up. If everything is working, it will display the Number OfBars to show Satellite Signal Strength.

GPS Bars ...Displays the view of the sky and highlights satellites the GPS is having trouble with. If you have less than 5 bars, you may be able tore-position your GPS to improve accuracy. If something or someone (you?) is blocking the satellite, then the satellite's Dot will changefrom Green to Yellow or Red. Ask yourself if the GPS can "see" each satellite. To obtain highest accuracy with your GPS, you want 8 ormore Green Dots on this screen essentially all the time (5 Bars). A green dot means that the GPS is receiving the highest quality signalfrom that satellite. By counting the number of satellites and each satellite's signal quality, we determine the number of bars.

This graph shows what will happen when satellites are blocked and not directly visible by the GPS (144 hour test). Your accuracy goesfrom 3 meters to 5.5 meters with this specific GPS (Each GPS Receiver will vary in its accuracy, but all display a similar shaped chart astheir satellites are blocked.)

To get accurate GPS positions all the time, locate your GPS with the best view of the whole sky.

GPS Stats ...This menu is used to predict the repeatability of any stationary GPS receiver. This test does not measure absolute accuracy. You canposition the GPS for the best view of the sky or as in a typical application. To test per the manufacturer's specification, the sky must beclear, and the GPS must have a clear view down to 15 degrees above the horizon all the way around. For the typical case, position theGPS in a typical setting (for example: mounted on a vehicle at the location you plan to use, with typical surroundings such as fences, trees,buildings, other vehicles.) The vehicles do not need to be moving during the test as the satellites are always moving and should give similarresults to actual field use. If the GPS is a handheld with built-in antenna that you use while looking at the screen, then your test results willbe much better without your body in the way. If you want to simulate your body for a test, use a non-metal water filled container. Yourresults will vary widely with different surroundings. A full test should run for 24 hours (HGIS will continue the test as long as the programruns).

The industry standard 2DRMS-95% says that 95% of the time you will be within a specified horizontal distance of a calculated centralpoint. (HGIS calculates this by minimizing the RMS error of the best 95% of the samples).

There are several important factors. First is Percent (%) Differential, this is the percentage of the time the GPS had valid differentialcorrections. If you plan to use differential, then this number should be above 99%. If percent differential is less than 99%, then you are

not reliably receiving your differential corrections and may also have problems in the field. If the percent differential falls below 95%,then the test results may be 100% worse. Use the same differential source that you will use in the field. WAAS is notoriously unreliablebecause the WAAS satellite is so low on the horizon. Stationary WAAS tests are usually NOT representative of the percentage of timeyou will receive differential corrections in the field.

The next important factor is the Average Number of Satellites. This value will vary greatly depending on where the GPS is positioned. In an ideal location, a GPS may average 7.0 - 8.0 satellites. A heavily overcast sky may reduce this average by about 1 satellite. Anythingthat blocks part of the sky such as buildings, trees, other antennas or objects mounted on the same vehicle will reduce the average numberof satellites. If the blockage is North or South of the GPS, the results will be worse than if the blockage is East or West. Each count theaverage number of satellites is reduced, makes the results at least 50% worse.

Nearby metal objects (such as buildings or vehicles) cause what is called "Multipath Reflections". Multipath does not reduce the numberof satellites, but makes the 2DRMS-95% reading up to 400% (or more) worse. Mounting the GPS antenna higher in the air will reducemultipath reflections and often increase the view of the sky as well resulting in improved test results.

A test under typical conditions may be 5-10 times (500-1000%) worse than the manufacturer's specification due to the reduced averagenumber of satellites, multipath reflections, and loss of differential. You can use this test with the GPS mounted at various locations on thevehicle to compare results and determine the best location for your GPS. After the test, you can transfer all the sample points to the EditLayer using the Plot button. The sample points may then be exported as a DBF file and imported into Excel for further analysis.

Most GPS receivers do not treat being stationary (static) as a special case and the results of this test may be used to predict "dynamic" or"kinematic" repeatability. A few GPS receivers will detect that they are stationary and use a different algorithm called "pinning". This testwill not predict dynamic repeatability for GPS receivers if pinning is turned on. With some GPS receivers, you can turn off pinning bysetting the GPS to "Air" or "Land". Do NOT set the GPS to "Static" when running this test or the GPS will know it is stationary.

GPS Detail ...This screen displays debug information about your GPS such as the number of fixes received, with and without differential. If the GPSError count is greater than 5 errors, there may be a cable or connection with your GPS.

GPS Average ...This screen allows you to average GPS position fixes over time to plot a more accurate location. To see any improvement requires at least10 minutes. A one hour average can reduce the error by 50-70%. A 24 hour average can reduce the error by 70-80%. To start anaverage, wait on the spot for 1 minute, then select Start Avg. Wait for the time period then press Plot Avg.

Sunrise / Sunset ...This screen will tell you the local Sunrise and Sunset times at your exact location. Check the local time and date to see that these arecorrect (from the computer). The bottom two buttons can automatically update the computer's time and date. If the local time is still notcorrect, check the computer's Daylight Savings Time setting, and "locale" entry (Time Zone).

Declination ...This screen will calculate information about the local Earth's magnetic field. The "True-To-Magnetic" and "Magnetic-To-True" factorsare calculated. This screen also calculates the angle of the magnetic field with the Earth's surface, and the magnetic fields local intensity.As the Earth's magnetic field changes over time HGIS gets the current year from the computer.

GPS Backtrack ...This menu allows you to go back to previous objects to finish GPS Collection. If you stopped collecting a boundary to log a point or drawa line, then you can resume the boundary. If you went the wrong path, you can erase part of the object collected.

Run ... (Pause ...)Start or Pause GPS collection. This is the same as pressing the SPINNER button, or one of the manual keys (On Laptops, keys F6, F7, F8,and F9. On Handhelds, the four Navigation buttons: Calendar, Contacts, Message, and Task) to Start / Stop Collection. Use this featurewhenever you need to go around an obstacle but want your line/bound to draw over the object. Add 1 Step ...Add the current GPS location to the selected object. Use with Pause to add nodes one at a time.

Erase 1 Step ...Erase the last recorded node from the selected object. May be repeated. Use with Pause to backup a few steps. First Pause GPSCollection. Then use this menu to erase 1 or more steps(nodes) from the selected Object.

Erase Back To ...Erase all nodes back to the selected location. Use with Pause. Select the Object to Modify (if not already selected).

Restart Last Bounds ...Reselect the Last Boundary Drawn. Use this when you have stopped GPS collecting a boundary (for lunch, to draw something else) andwant to continue. You may restart the boundary in Run or Pause Mode. To restart an earlier boundary, press OFF and then tap on theboundary you want to Resume.

Restart Last Line ...Reselect the Last Line Drawn. Use this when you have stopped GPS collecting a line and want to continue. You may restart the line inRun or Pause Mode. To restart an earlier line, press OFF and then tap on the line you where to Resume.

HELP

Show Start Menu ...(Hide Start Menu ...)On Handheld Computers, HGIS uses the whole screen, which provides you with larger more readable maps. If you need the Start Menuto run another application while HGIS is running, use this menu to get to the other application. There are two ways to return to HGIS. IfHGIS is visible on the Start Menu, then click on it. Otherwise, find any ICON for HGIS and click on it. You will return to HGIS rightwhere you left off. The status line at the bottom of the screen will be covered by the start menu. You can re-hide the start menu or not,depending on whether you need the Status Line.

Show Keyboard ...(Hide Keyboard ...)On Handheld computers without a keyboard, this menu will Show (and Hide) the on-screen keyboard. For most consistent operation, theon-screen keyboard should be hidden when HGIS is started (which is its normal state).

Erase Storage Card ...This menu will erase your Storage Card (may not work on all Handhelds). It will also create a \My Documents\ folder on the Storage Cardfor your files.

Help Topics ...Access this file index. This file is also accessible through any menu item.

My Profile ...

Meters / Feet ...This menu can set the displayed units for many values, mainly Status Line and Ruler and Area Tools. This does not change the data infiles in any way. Choose Distance and Area units to be displayed on many screens. For some screens, you can select True / Magneticdirection (but not all). Also access this screen by tapping on the Ruler or Area Tool. Selections are saved with Save Profile.

Add Menus ...Up to 10 menu items may be added to a Profile. If you are using the "Simple" Profile, no menus may be added. With all the other profiles,any menu item may be added (If your license doesn't allow the menu, then it will not operate.)

Open Profile ...This menu allows you to open a Profile from any Folder. Profiles are usually in \C:My Documents\. On the Handheld they are in \MyDocuments\ or \StorageCard\My Documents\. When HGIS starts, you can choose from a list of all Profiles found in these folders. Thismenu can be used to open other Profiles from anywhere else (including Network Folders).

Save Profile ...This menu allows you to save a Settings file. Choose a descriptive name such as "GridSample". This name will be in the list next timeHGIS Starts. This menu only allows saving to folders that HGIS looks in at startup ("C:\My Documents" or "My Documents")

Change Profile ...This item selects the number and type of menu items shown. A user can start out having only a few menus. As you gain experience,change the profile to add a few menus at a time. See the different profiles described below. If you add a menu item that is not licensedunder your current license, it will not be enabled.Point, Line, Bound ... Minimum menu set (about 12 menus). "Point, Line, Bound ..." can Start GPS, collect Point, Line, and Bound object's locations;

Navigate by GPS; Open and Save Projects or Layers. Collect Field Bounds, Roads, Rivers, Navigate to Sample Points, collect GPSlocations; that is all. For users that want to restrict their options. (When this Profile is selected, menus cannot be added as with moreadvanced Profiles.)Basic Mapping ...More menus than above. Basic GPS data collection for use with the HGIS GPS BASIC license. About 30 menus are available. AddMenu Items can add some menus to this profile, up to 10. Soil Sampling ...More menus than above. This profile is best for Grid Sampling, Coverage Swaths, and similar applications. May be used with any HGISLicense. About 40 menu items are available. Add Menu Items can add any additional menu items to this profile, up to 10. Edit Maps, Images ...Display all HGIS PLUS menus (about 60 menus) for editing existing maps and viewing images. Add Menu Items can add up to 10 menusfrom HGIS PRO menu (some advanced features require HGIS PRO license).All Menus ...Display all HGIS PRO menus (130+ menus). Available with HGIS PRO licenses.

About HGIS ...This menu displays current version information about Windows and the HGIS program. It also displays the Windows Version, and someinformation about the Processor and Screen. If licensed, you can view your registration number (unlock code).

APPENDIXBAR CODE SCANNERSBar code scanners can be used with HGIS PLUS or HGIS PRO. Using a scanner with HGIS PRO as a SensorTrack Device is describedunder the SensorTrack section. In addition, a scanner may be used with either HGIS PLUS or HGIS PRO as a "keyboard" device usingthe device driver that comes with each scanner. In this case, when you scan a label, the codes come into HGIS as keystrokes (just likefrom the keyboard). Take care using this method, because if any screens are open besides the main screen in HGIS, the computer willbeep and the keys may be lost. If this happens, close the open screen and scan the label again. This section describes how to use the Scanner as a keyboard device. First read the scanner's manual and learn what the "Preamble" and"Postamble" are, and how to set them. They are sometimes called "Lead-in" and "Lead-out". Install the scanner driver and any othersoftware (such as scanner programming software on your laptop). For example, we want to Label Soil Sample bags so we know whereeach soil sample was taken. In this example, the labels are numbered S1001, S1002, S1003, ...(could be anything). Use barcode format128 or 128B. Create an Editable Layer having an Attribute called SAMPLE Char(31) or call it S Char(31)) in any position in the layer'sAttribute list.

A typical preamble can be 4-10 characters. On the scanner, set the Preamble to match the Attribute Name (1-10 characters). In thisexample:[*SAMPLE: or[*S: (if your scanner only allows a 4 character preamble)

Set the Postamble to]orCR/LF (Carriage Return and/or Line Feed)With most scanners, the Preamble and Postamble only need to be set once, the scanner will remember them.

Go to the location in the field where you are going to take your sample and pick up the scanner and first sample bag (the label says"S1001" in this example). As you scan the Label (the Preamble and Postamble are added to the Label), HGIS sees[*SAMPLE:S1001]HGIS will create a Point at the current GPS location, find the Attribute called "SAMPLE" and fill it with the Label contents "S1001".Verify that HGIS created the point on the screen and that no error message appeared. Go on to the next location.

A scanner may also be used for basic GPS Mapping instead of the stylus. Preamble and postamble is not necessary (although this willwork if the above preamble and postamble are already set into your scanner). Make a page of the following labels, with the text shownprinted below each label[*]Draw Point[~]

Start Line[&]Start Bounds[0] STOP/OFF[+]Add Node (Used when AutoCollect is OFF to add individual nodes to line or boundary)[-]Delete Last Node

More complex tasks can be done using scanning codes next to pictures or text. For example, make a sheet with pictures of a Tree, Rock,and other objects next to the following labels. Set a Preamble for example "[*OBJECT:" and Postamble of "]", '*' is for points, or you canhave all the text on the label (for multiple object types). When the user scans a label, HGIS draws a GPS object and fills the Attributenamed OBJECT(in this case) with the appropriate type of object found.[*OBJECT:Tree] Draw a Point and set Attribute named "Object" = "Tree"[*OBJECT:Rock] Draw a Point and set Attribute named "Object" = "Rock"[*OBJECT:Thistle] Draw a Point and set Attribute named "Object" = "Thistle"[~OBJECT:Road] Starts a Line, set Attribute named "Object" = "Road", follow the road, then scan [0] to stop collecting[&OBJECT:Lake] Starts a Bounds,set Attribute named "Object" = "Lake", go around the field, then scan [0] to stop collecting

SCIENTIFIC NOTATION (example: -1.23456E-8 )Numbers which have an “E” in them are in Scientific Notation. Scientific Notation is a shortcut to display large or small numbers. Thisdoes not affect the stored data. HGIS and other applications handle scientific numbers correctly, so do not worry when importing orexporting files. To read Scientific Notation, look at the numbers to the left and right of the “E”. The left number is called the “mantissa”, and the right iscalled the “Exponent”. The exponent tells the number of places to move the decimal point to write the number normally. If the exponentis negative, then move the decimal point to the left. If the exponent is positive, move the decimal point to the right. Here are the recommended maximums and minimums for Attributes of type Float:Regular Notation Scientific Notation-0.000000012 is the same as -1.2E-80.000000012 is the same as 1.2E-8 -120000000 is the same as -1.2E8120000000 is the same as 1.2E8For larger or smaller numbers, use Attributes of type Decimal.

POINT, LINE, AND BOUNDARY ACCURACYAccuracy can vary widely depending on your GPS model, the GPS installation, and your field (flat, sloped, or hilly). Depending on yourconditions and GPS Model, absolute accuracy as a percent % of reading can vary by 10X or more. These tables tell what you what toconsider to obtain the best results.

Test Conditions:1) Level open field (slope less than 2% across the field).2) GPS Antenna direct view to within 15 degrees of horizon all around.3) User not blocking GPS Antenna with hands, face, or body.4) Distance measured less than 10 miles.5) Elevation less than 10000 feet above sea level.6) Repeatable 19 times out of 20 (95% confidence).7) Line Test Distance: 1/2 mile (805 meter)8) Boundary Test Area: 160 acre (64.75 hectare)

Accuracy (%) PointAccuracy

1/2 mileAccuracy

LinePercent

160 acre Accuracy

BoundaryPercent (%)

LimitingFactor

$$$ RTK DGPS *RTK 0.4 mtr 0.05% 0.16 acre 0.10% Software (HGIS) $$ sub-meter DGPS (open field) 1 meter 2 meter 0.25% 0.8 acre 0.50% Accuracy of DGPS

$ low cost* DGPS (open field) 3 meter 6 meter 0.76% 2.4 acre 1.5% Accuracy of DGPS

Cell Phone GPS (open field) 6 meter 12 meter 1.5% 4.8 acre 3.0% NO Differential

DGPS/GPS antenna in vehicle (dashboard, or on seat) 9 meter 18 meter 2.3% 7.2 acre 4.5% GPS Installation

/ GPS Sky View*RTK accuracy depends on DGPS, typically < 0.1 meter (HGIS accuracy same as RTK DGPS for Points.)*low cost DGPS defined as US$40 to US$600 for GPS alone (not including computer).

Distances over 10 miles (16 kilometers) are calculated with Great Circle Navigation (shortest distance) formula used by pilots and sailors:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great-circle_navigation

HGIS CORNER FILE DEFINITION (Advanced Users Only)HGIS uses an image function called "Rubber Sheet" to define the image outside corners in WGS84 Lat/Lon. These corners are saved withthe image filename and a Corner file extension (extension varies depending on image file type). Corner Files correct more distortion thanWorld files without degrading the image ( resampling image pixels is done by some other GIS applications). HGIS calculates a best fitWorld file and also includes these values in the Corner File (shown below), but does not use these values internally. If you use thesecalculated World file values in a different GIS application that only understands World files, the other application cannot correct fordistortion in the image that rubber sheeting allows. HGIS corrects most projection distortion present in large images (which can exceed0.5% of the image width). Each image has a UTM checkbox in the Layer Properties screen to tell HGIS the type of projection distortion.The UTM checkbox is only needed for images greater than 3 miles (5 km) across and UTM is automatically checked by HGIS when itneeds to be, so it can be ignored by most users. Permission is hereby given to use this corner file definition for any legal purpose, providedthe definition is not altered or extended.

(Acual file is 17 lines long as shown here) (Comment about each line)!! Image Outside Corners, Precise (WGS84) !! Comment-105.5045526 41.0027056 Outside corner of Pixel[0,0]-104.8701256 41.0037368 Outside corner of Pixel[width-1,0]-104.8717008 40.1847240 Outside corner of Pixel[width-1,height-1]-105.4984336 40.1837222 Outside corner of Pixel[0,height-1]PROJECTION:UTM PROJECTION:UTM

(Originally UTM Projected - Barrel Distortion)PROJECTION:GEODETIC(Equirectangular Lat / Lon - Plate Carrée)PROJECTION:PINCUSHION(Oblique Orthographic - Aerial Photo)Blank line (optional)

!! World File, Best Fit(WGS84/NAD83 Zone:13) !! Comment includes UTM Zone. Start <World file>15.9982 All values calculated. May be useful or not..0 HGIS supports zero and non-zero rotation..0 (Some Applications require zero rotation)-16.0124 Usefulness depends on amount of image distortion.457576.01 Use World file values at your own risk.4539171.99 end <\World File>

Blank line (optional)!! Image Size !! CommentX:3335 Y:5682 Image Pixel Size (used in World File calculations)

SID Image LicenseYou are licensed to decompress any size SID image provided you meet the following requirement: [reprinted from www.lizardtech.com -terms of usage]"By downloading a LizardTech software product you are certifying that you are not a national of any country to which the United Statesembargoes goods and that you are not a person on the Table of Denial Orders, the Entity List, or the List of Specially DesignatedNationals." Current United States embargoed countries include (although subject to change at any time) - Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan,and Syria. MrSID was developed in the 1980s by US Los Alamos National Laboratories from a technology called Monte Carlo

Conversion and Representation(MCICR), and was 'transferred' in 1992 to private LizardTech Inc. (consisting of ex- Los Alamosemployees). Today, Lizardtech has about 30 employees and is owned by a Japanese holding company. MrSID restrictions have to dowith Lizardtech's past and continued strange involvements with the US government. MrSID is older and slower than newer competingtechnologies such as ECW and JPEG2000.

ECW JPEG2000 Image License - You are licensed to decompress any size ECW or JPEG2000 image (images up to 1.6 TeraPixel havebeen tested with HGIS). You are also licensed to compress ECW and JPEG2000 images up to 500 MBytes (524,288,000 bytesuncompressed size) under StarPal, Inc's 2006 license with ER Mapper, Inc as governed by the laws of Western Australia, Australia. ERMapper Inc was recently purchased by ERDAS, Inc of Atlanta Georgia, USA (and in turn ERDAS is owned by a Swedish holdingcompany). At the present time, HGIS users worldwide are licensed to use ECW / JPEG2000 images in accordance with your local laws aswell as the laws of Western Australia, Australia. ECW patents cover the fastest technology for image decompression and web imagedistribution(ECWP:). JPEG2000 is the best technology for lossless images ( images that are identical with the source after compressionand decompression); typical compression ratios run about 3-5 for lossless JPEG2000 compression.

Items that appear on customize menu but are not on regular menus. Selecting these items does not change menustructure.Stop / Off ...Set Edit Layer ...Switchbox Setup ...Select Entire Layer ...Label Selection ...Cancel ...