Entering Point Metadata After Pressing Accept

[Jim Frame]

Is there a way to force J-Field to display a screen that allows changing the tag, code, point name, description and antenna height after the Accept button is pressed? I often find that I'm so focused on plumbing the pole and/or planning my next shot that I forget to change one or more of these (particularly the description or antenna height -- I haven't actually gotten around to using tags or codes yet), and as soon as I press Accept the point is stored and requires subsequent editing. An option to require verification prior to storing would be (is?) a nice feature.

 

[Matt Johnson]

We currently don't an option to do this. This is something we could consider adding if other people feel this would be good.

 

[Jim Frame]

It's worth noting that all of the data collector software I'm familiar with allows entering a point description after the shot is taken, which is the way I've always worked. That allows me to mentally compose the description while I'm taking the shot, rather than having to ponder how to describe it before shooting it.

 

[Matt Johnson]

You can currently can enter/modify point descriptions, names, codes, tags, attributes and page using the white boxes up until the time you press accept. Also you can press back while the point is collecting and modify it in the setup screen while it is collecting I believe.

 

[Shawn Billings]

Jim, after reading your last comment it occurs to me that you are probably not taking advantage of the white box options available to you. You can set a white box for Point Name, Description, Code, Code attributes, and Tag (which I understand you are currently not using). If you don't use these white boxes, then you must go back and forth from prepare to action. Not very productive. However, if you use the white boxes, you can build all of this information while the shot is being performed, right up to the time you press "Accept". So it is actually much more flexible than what you are envisioning (either before or after). With the white boxes, it can be before, during and after.

 

[Jim Frame]

For RTK work I use the T-LS as a functional replacement for a robotic total station and pole-mounted prism. I don't use a bipod - I prefer to steady the pole with an unmounted "helper stick" - so while taking a shot I need to focus on the bubble to ensure an accurate measurement. This precludes manipulating the keypad while the measurement is in progress, so the ability to verify/alter point metadata after pressing Accept would be very useful to me.

 

[Matt Johnson]

We are currently able to enter and edit the point information between the time when we stop data collection and before pressing accept. Have you tried this?

 

[Shawn Billings]

That was my thinking as well. I'm still pondering Jim's request. I want to consider it a bit more.

Jim, if you don't mind, try the white boxes. As Matt said, there is an unlimited amount of time between "stop" and "accept" that allows you to manipulate all of the things you mentioned through the white boxes. If they still don't do all that you need let's pursue this further.

 

[Jim Frame]

The problem with pressing buttons and typing information while data is being recorded is that it's very difficult -- impossible, for me -- to keep the pole plumb while doing so. I need two hands on the pole and my eyes on the bubble in order to maintain plumb. If I were to set up a bipod or tripod I could monkey with the keypad without trouble, but that would slow me down and add unwanted weight to an already hefty pole.

It seems to me that this is a matter of either accommodating a user work style or forcing the user to adapt to a predetermined work style. It may well be that coding an option to allow verification/modification of point metadata after ending the data session isn't feasible, or that there's not enough user demand to render it feasible. Those are questions I can't answer, but I'm surprised that this request hasn't arisen before.

 

[Matt Johnson]

Jim when the Accept/Reject buttons are displayed data is no longer being recoded. I think this is the issue causing confusion here.

 

[Shawn Billings]

Right. Press stop. Edit data. Press accept. No data logging between stop and accept.

 

[Jim Frame]

Okay, the light is coming on. I need to use the white buttons after Stop but before Accept. That sounds like the verify/modify screen that I'm after!

 

[John Evers]

Jim,

Give me a call when you can. Friday morning would be perfect, or anytime this weekend.

John