Quick Links: [ Performance Comparison ]
[ Brackets ] [ Purchase links ]Visual Surveying
data collectors
Visual Stakeout and Visual Survey (the camera functions) are
supported only by [ LandStar8 ]
field software. LandStar8 will run well on nearly any modern Android
device. There are a few main specifications that
should influence your data collector choice:
speed, size and weight, brightness, ruggedness, battery life
A few common devices are [ compared ]
below. Speed
For survey processes, all the but slowest devices will be fine.
However, the Visual Survey photogrammetry engine is fully compute
bound. Processing times for the devices listed below vary from
2-seconds of processing for every 1-second of collection to over 30
to 1! If you plan to process Visual Surveys while in the field,
consideration of processing speed is warranted, do not purchase a
slow device. Size and weight
While a large, high resolution screen is great for construction
stakeout, the Tab Active 4 Pro, ORCA 2 and Algiz RT10 tablets are just too large
and too heavy for boundary survey work when traversing through thick
brush and trees. Heavy devices can wear the operator down after a day of range-pole
handling. Brightness
Because all screens can be dimmed, there is no
"too-bright device". Many devices sustain maximum brightness for a
while and then drop the screen brightness as they heat up. Both the
ORCA and Tripltek 9Pro have exceptional sustained brightness, which
can be
maintained indefinitely in extreme heat and direct sunlight without
shutting down. Inexpensive devices like the Samsung Tab 7 are just
far too dim for outdoor use. Ruggedness
While padded cases are available for most devices, they insulate
the tablet and cause premature overheating and
they add significant additional weight to the pole.
Most rugged devices have IP68 or IP67 ratings and should be fine for
survey use. Battery life
Modern devices have sufficient battery capacity to work with
the display at full brightness for at least 5-hours. Because it is
possible to quick charge devices using Type-C charging very quickly,
it is possible to maintain a full data collector battery by charging
during normal breaks.
[ Anker Power Bank, Power IQ
3.0 Portable Charger with 30W, 10,000mAh ]
Cell modem is required
Because the tablet Wi-Fi
connection is used between the Android device and the Visual
receiver, you should only consider using Android devices that have cellular data
modems. Do not
consider a device without a 4G or 5G modem. Device comparison
(Compiled 21 April 2024)
Our suggestions
Value
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Google Pixel 7a (or which ever Google Pixel model is
currently near end of life and on sale. |
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Samsung Tab Active5, 12GB (Unlocked) |
Brightness
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Google Pixel 8 Pro |
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Google Pixel 8 |
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TriplTek 9 Pro |
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ORCA 2 |
Ability to work in extreme hot environments with strong
sunlight
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TriplTek 9 Pro |
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ORCA 2 |
Purchase links
These devices make great LandStar8 data
collection devices.
Other Brackets
For tablets this magnetic holder is adjustable
and works great, even for oversized tablets like the Tab
Active 4. |
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https://a.co/d/6LP1YtI |
For phone sized devices, this pole bracket is fantastic. |
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https://a.co/d/hBW8jCp |
High quality, machined aluminum bracket for tablets. |
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[
Bracket ] |
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