MobileMapper 6 for Managing Pipeline Assets

The Magellan MobileMapper 6 is a professional handheld GPS/GIS device that is not only low-cost, but user friendly as well. This eight ounce device is very durable and it fits comfortably in the palm of your hand. Even if you were to drop the MobileMapper 6 in dirt or water, it will continue to operate as it should. It accepts up to a 4 GB SD card, which allows you to save a great deal of information. The MobileMapper 6 comes standard with Microsoft Windows Mobile 6, a color touch-screen and has Bluetooth for wireless connectivity. You can easily connect to the GIS application of your choice in order to navigate and communicate wirelessly or to collect GIS/GPS points and maps. It gets up to 10 hours of operation on a set of two AA alkaline batteries, easily changeable in the field.

Gatherco, Inc. has taken advantage of this mobile device and has incorporated it’s capabilities into everyday operations. With a 2-5 meter (about 6-15 feet) accuracy reading, the system was perfect for the pipeline management company. They needed to have at least a ten foot accuracy reading with their 2,400 miles of pipeline and roughly 4,000 producer and customer meters to maintain. Gatherco uses two MobileMapper 6s with ArcPad and one with Mobile Mapping software. They are able to use the camera application to take pictures of meter readings while in the field. In addition to the 2-megapixel camera, it also comes with a built-in microphone to record and replay voice notes to enhance the collected data. Gatherco seems to be pleased with the performance of their new MobileMapper 6s. The copmany plans to load meter reading software in the near future.