So you like the Mobile Map template and you want to deploy it, but you are not sure what type of device you should use.  To start off, the template is configured for use on a Windows Tablet PCs, so we will be discussing this platform.  It leverages passive or touch, data entry methods that maximize user productivity and operates in an occasionally connected (synchronized via LAN or wirelessly) network environment.  Most Tablet PCs on the market today have the storage and processing capabilities to run the ArcGIS Mobile application and store its related map cache, but Water Utilities should consider the following when selecting an appropriate Tablet PC and deploying mobile devices:

·        Environment – Ruggedized devices with an outdoor or reflective screen should be used when the device will be directly exposed to moisture, extreme temperatures, sunlight and other environmental factors.   Hardened devices with indoor/outdoor displays can be used in more consistent climates or a sheltered environment, like a vehicle or truck.    If your water utility staff isn’t going to be standing over a hydrant in bad weather with a tablet PC in their hand; or if the risk of dropping the Tablet PC in a valve chamber is low, you may be able use hardened devices that are generally less expensive than their fully ruggedized counterparts. Form – The size, weight, screen display and versatility (form factor) of the device affect usability.  There are two Tablet PC styles: slate and convertible. The slate style is typically a smaller and more portable device, but generally has limited data entry and computing capabilities.  The convertible style is more suitable for a wider range of computing needs because it has a keyboard and can be used like a traditional laptop computer; but generally it is a larger device which is heavier for field staff to use.

·        Network Connectivity – Network connectivity needs are a direct reflection of the water utility’s business needs and the software application strategy employed to meet those needs.  Utility’s that wish to provide frequent information updates (real-time, or near real-time) to field staff can leverage Thin Client or Smart Client software applications in conjunction with wireless network (3G or WLAN) connectivity.  Thin Client applications only require an internet browser be loaded on the device and all of the processing is done on web servers.  But Thin Client applications require network connectivity (wireless or LAN) be available at all times and may not be suited for water utilities that work in more remote areas, or areas that do not have commercially available 3G networks. Smart Client applications, like the Mobile Mapping Template, are better suited for applications that only need network connectivity occasionally.  Smart Client applications load a runtime on the Tablet PC and only communicate with web servers when field staff need to synchronize information.  This synchronization can occur when field staff is in the office connected to a LAN or wirelessly when staff is in the field.  Most Tablet PCs on the market today support LAN connections and commercially available 3G network cards.

·       Security and Manageability – Field devices should be secured to prevent the loss of water distribution network information during data transmission, or through the loss of the device itself. Thin Client and Smart Client software applications minimize the security risks because they do not store information on the Tablet PC, or if they do, it is encrypted on the hard drive.  In addition, the growing use of field devices will require a water utility to employ a management strategy (software and data distribution, security policies, etc.) to minimize costs.

In closing, water utilities should pilot the mobile templates with a limited number of field staff prior to full deployment.  The pilot will ensure long-term success and should be used to evaluate a variety of Tablet PC devices, the Mobile Mapping Template, and current organizational workflows and policies.  If the water utility is implementing real-time, or near real-time information access, the pilot should also be used to evaluate commercially available wireless networks.   The water utility should assess each available commercial provider, in a variety of locations within the geographic service area to determine which commercial provider may be most appropriate.

We hope this gives you some insight into the factors you should consider when selecting a field computer.  We’d be interested in hearing what devices you’ve used to implement field mapping application and why you selected them.

Thanks

The ArcGIS Water Team