Handy AXF Export Tools in ArcPad 10

For anyone who missed it, an interesting post was added to the ArcPad Team Blog, explaining some new ways that you can export data directly from the AXF file using ArcPad Studio (version 10). These tools allow you to export from a feature class or table to:

• Shapefile
• DBF
• Microsoft Excel
• Adobe PDF

Exports to PDFs can be done in two ways: creating a new document, or appending to an existing document. Further information can be found here.

ArcPad Tips & Tricks #2: Multiple layer definitions

Did you know that the AXF file format supports multiple layer definitions for a single feature class? This works in the same way as Layer files in ArcMap: the layer defines the symbology, which points to a feature class, which stores all of the data (both spatial and attributes). To set this up in ArcPad:

1. Open the AXF in ArcPad studio
2. Expand the Feature Tables node
3. Right click on the table you wish to create the layer definition for, and select "Create New Layer". A new layer definition is added to the Feature Layers node
4. You can rename the layer to whatever you like

And how is this useful I hear you ask. Well, a couple of ideas are:

1. You could create different edit forms for different purposes. For example, you may have a layer for new features that are collected, and one for follow up inspections. You can specify different forms to ensure the correct fields are filled out in each inspection.
2. You can combine the layer definitions with filters to create more complex symbology. For example, you may wish to categorise your roads layer into suburban roads, major roads and highways, and display them at different zoom scales.

GPS Tracklog - Tips and Tricks

In recent times we have had a lot of queries about the GPS Tracklog in ArcPad - how it works, when it gets created, etc. etc. Here is a brief summary of things you should know.

How is it stored?
The GPS tracklog is stored as a point shapefile. Each point contains information such as the time, coordinates and quality estimates. ArcPad represents this shapefile as a line layer, which is what you see in the map when it is turned on.

Where is it stored?
By default, the GPS Tracklog is stored in My Documents. You can alter this from the GPS Tracklog Layer Properties, which can be accessed via the table of contents in the same way as any other layer.

When is the tracklog created?
The GPS tracklog is created when it is needed. If the shapefile is not present and the tracklog is turned on, it will automatically be created.

How do I start tracking?
Select Tracklog from the GPS drop down menu when your GPS is activated.

How do I clear the tracklog?
Stopped for a coffe and need to hide it from the boss? You can clear the Tracklog by clicking the Clear button from the Layer Properties of the Tracklog layer.

Can the tracklog log without showing in my map?
Yes. Open the Table of Contents, and you can toggle the visibility of the tracklog. Behind the scenes, ArcPad will keep logging positions.

What can I do with the tracklog at the end of the day?
As the tracklog is a shapefile, you can copy it off the device and store it back in the office. You could even create a Geodatabase, and store each day's log in there.