TheSwamp

CAD Forums => Vertically Challenged => Topic started by: Matt__W on January 08, 2015, 03:59:01 PM

Title: Mobile devices for field work
Post by: Matt__W on January 08, 2015, 03:59:01 PM
I wanted to get some feedback from users who have more experience with this than I do since I never get out of the office so here goes...

When you're out in the field, what's your device of choice for:

And as a secondary question: What apps, geared towards the AEC community, are you using? Frequently or infrequently. Link it if you can.

Thanks!
Title: Re: Mobile devices for field work
Post by: Krushert on January 09, 2015, 05:59:28 AM
I roll old school. 
Sketch Pad and different colored pens
Camera that takes a boat load of pictures and video.

Though yesterday, I was changing batteries in the camera every 20 minutes do to the freaking cold.   :nerdyembarassed:
Title: Re: Mobile devices for field work
Post by: JohnK on January 09, 2015, 06:02:52 AM
I'm with Krush. Pen and paper.
Title: Re: Mobile devices for field work
Post by: tedg on January 09, 2015, 06:46:50 AM
Quote from: John Kaul (Se7en) on January 09, 2015, 06:02:52 AM
I'm with Krush. Pen and paper.
+1 for me too.. what Krush said.


Also, to add to that,
If you have any type of "existing conditions" drawings that you can print to take with you, it makes it easier to measure and verify dimensions.
At the very least, you don't have to sketch everything, just what's missing, and jot down the field measurements right on the drawing.


11x17's if you can pull it off.

Title: Re: Mobile devices for field work
Post by: mjfarrell on January 09, 2015, 09:05:39 AM
The inability of most existing 'tablet' devices to run any kind of autocad effectively renders them 'pretty toys'.

Now if all you want is to take pictures and attempt some digital 'mark-ups'  sure a tablet can do that.

For all else one is better off with a laptop, at this point in time.
Title: Re: Mobile devices for field work
Post by: alanjt on January 09, 2015, 09:46:28 AM
Nothing beats a rolled up set of plans you can write all over, not worry about dropping, and use as defense against scary looking dogs.
Title: Re: Mobile devices for field work
Post by: Bethrine on January 09, 2015, 09:57:05 AM
I also use pencil and paper but I could also use an android tablet (I like Android because it is highly customizable...not that I know how to do that...but if I needed to I could and Android phones have always been less buggy for me) along with a good picture editing program. Then I could take pictures and "write" directly on them on the tablet with the "pens". We have a good program here for that...let me see if I can locate it.
Title: Re: Mobile devices for field work
Post by: Bethrine on January 09, 2015, 10:10:40 AM
It's actually paint.NET  :blink:  :-D