MAP IT: The GIS software for field mapping with tablet pc

Map IT is a proper Geographic Information System (GIS) software designed for digital mapping and data capture with tablet pc that ought to be tested and evaluated by field geologists and people who project and use field systems and geologic databases. It can be easily used at different levels of digital knowledge. The digital pen writing on the sunlight readable screen of a rugged tablet pc is similar to the traditional way by which geologists draw lines and other features on a base map and write hand notes on a field book. If the entry level of this software is very simple, going ahead, step by step, Map IT keep its user-friendly interface. Global Positioning System (GPS) connected device allows to capture points (i.e. bedding measurements), lines (i.e. faults and stratigraphic boundaries) and polygons (i.e. landslides, large outcrops) and to georeference any file created by the surveyor via date and time through an intuitive method. Then a slip of yellow paper (Easy Note) can be used to take short notes and link any files (hand notes, recorded sound and/or voice notes, hand sketches, digital photos) by drag-and-drop. After the picture, downloaded from digital camera into the computer, has been linked in Easy Note, a photo display allows to visualize and sketch the photos for outcrop or landscape interpretations and notes. Moreover any kind of software useful for data capturing (i.e. spreadsheets, stereoplots, etc.) can be used to generate files which can be linked to Map IT database. If the mapping project is pre-organized by standardized symbology and conventional ontology for interoperability, the project manager can easily customize forms to be filled by the surveyors to input data directly into the database. However, the field geologist can keep flexibility in unexpected field situations using Easy Note and other digital note and sketch recorder in addition. In case of working with groups of surveyors, the data can be sent via communications technologies (GPRS or UMTS) to a central server with high reduction of time for building a GIS or more simply a real-time cartography, which would be important, for example, when natural or anthropogenic disasters occur. rs occur.