 Stratum/MCTI Tree Inventory PDA Utility
The STRATUM/MCTI PDA Utility was designed to facilitate i-Tree users interested in conducting inventories for STRATUM or STRATUM or MCTI projects. For STRATUM, complete or sample inventories are facilitated, while only complete inventories are facilitated for MCTI.
The PDA Utility has two components. One program runs on your Pocket PC and the second program runs on your Desktop PC. The Pocket PC component is used to collect field data and was designed to minimize the amount of direct data input. The Desktop PC component of this Utility allows users to create species lists, choose default or user defined data collection variables, construct parameters specific to sample or complete inventories (see Manual), and send data to STRATUM or MCTI in compatible format for analyses.
At this time, the PDA Utility is only compatible with Pocket PC-formatted PDAs. Microsoft ActiveSync software (provided with your Pocket PC purchase) is used to transfer data between the two PDA Utility components. During the automated ActiveSync session, configuration information flows from the Desktop PC to the Pocket PC, and field tree data flows from the Pocket PC to the Desktop PC.
Setting up an inventory project using the PDA Utility will typically include a single project manager who uses the Desktop PC Configuration component to manage field personnel using the Pocket PC to collecting tree data.
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i-Tree project managers define data collection parameters and configure PDAs for use in the field by using the Desktop PC Configuration component. |
The Pocket PC component of the PDA Utility allows for efficient data collection by utilizing drop-down menus rather than direct data input. All field collected data is stamped with a date and crew ID for tracking and managing data quality.
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Field personnel use the Pocket PC component of the PDA Utility to collect tree data for sample or complete STRATUM and MCTI inventories. |
Choosing a PDA
Only Pocket PCs running Windows Mobile 2002, 2003, or 5.0 are compatible with i-Tree software. PDAs running an alternative OS (Palm, BlackBerry, Psion, PocketLinux, etc.) are not compatible.
When choosing a Pocket PC for use with i-Tree, one should consider price, additional features, and accessories that increase functionality for field data collection:
- Weatherized models can be a great advantage where rain can be expected during the data collection season.
- A back-up media slot facilitates data transfer and protects against lost data.
- Protective slip covers or carrying cases can add extra protection.
- High capacity batteries add extended battery life.
- Screen protectors add longevity where dusty conditions persist.
- Spare stylus avoid unnecessary down time.
Amongst others, PDAs that have been used successfully include Dell Axim (www.dell.com) and IPAQ models from Hewlett-Packard (www.hp.com) and Compaq (www.compaq.com).
Credits/Contact Info
The Tree Inventory PDA Utility was cooperatively developed and funded by the USDA State and Private Forestry's Urban and Community Forestry Program, USDA Forest Service Northeastern Research Station, the Pacific Southwest Research Station, Center for Urban Forest Research, Davey Resource Group, and Bluejay Software Associates. This Utility is in the public domain and available at no cost to all interested individuals and organizations through i-Tree.
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