Hardware is one of the critical elements of an effective Geographic Information System. The Map Collection GIS Services maintains and supports a variety of hardware systems for GIS data collection, maintenance and analysis.

Computer Workstations

The Yale Map Collection GIS Service, located in the Map Collection on the 7th floor in Sterling Memorial library, has three computers for GIS research and cartography. The specifications of the computers are:

• Pentium 4 Processors
• 120 GB Hard Drive
• 1 GB RAM
• 20" monitor
• DVD/CD-RW drives
• Networked to large format printer

Handheld & Mobile Computing

Increasingly, GIS computing has moved into the field where the data is collected. The Map Collection maintains a collecting of various computing systems for the collection of field data. The following systems are not intended for circulation, but have been acquired so that the GIS Services can provide specifications for field data collection systems that we are capable of providing support and instructional materials for.

These systems are specifically intended for the use of ESRI's ArcPad Mobile GIS Software, which allows the collection of field data using geodatabase and shapefile formats directly useable in the ESRI ArcGIS software. The Map Collection currently has experience (and is therefore able to provide effective support for) two mobile GIS systems.

Itronix GoBook Duo-Touch Tablet PC

The Itronix GoBook is a rugged Tablet PC, powerful enough to serve multiple purposes in the field. This machine has excellent portability while also providing ample processing power for running the full suite of ArcGIS and Windows Office software. USB connectivity allows connection of a keyboard, mouse & other input devices when not in the field. We have field tested two of these units in harsh desert environments (sand, dirt and temperatures of up to 135° F) for over two months of archaeological fieldwork, with no hardware-related problems. We ran ArcPad for data collection in the field and ArcGIS/MS Access for subsequent data management in the project lab. It is also possible to acquire these units with factory installed GPS units.

Processing:

• Featuring Intel Pentium M 733 processor at 1.10GHz with 915 GM Express Chipset
• Preloaded with Microsoft® Windows® XP Tablet PC Edition
• End-to-End solutions implementation services by Itronix
• 1280MB DDR SDRAM

Wireless Connectivity:

• Up to 4 wireless networks, including:
  • GPS: 12-channel high-performance GPS
  • 802.11b/g (wireless LAN)
  • Bluetooth, and wireless WAN technologies including as 1xRTT/EVDO
  • GPRS/EDGE and UMTS
  • CRMA upgradable wireless

Ruggedness Features:

• MIL-STD 810F tested for shock, drop and vibration
• 40GB shock-mounted hard drive with optional heater
• Die-cast magnesium case
• Hazardous location certified
• Resistant to water and dust

Ergonomics:

• Dual-Mode: digitizer (active) and touchscreen (passive) modes
• Mid-sized footprint for ease of use
• Optional carry case and straps
• Bright, outdoor viewable display
• Weighs less than 4 lbs

HP Ipaq Pocket PC – Windows-Based Handheld Computer

Under a grant from the Standing Committee on Professional Awareness (SCOPA), The Map Collection has recently acquired an HP IPAQ-based handheld system that will be used to develop instructional materials for the support of GPS/GIS-enabled field data collection, using ESRI's ArcPad, and the specification of hardware systems that The Map Collection GIS Services is capable of supporting. A ruggedized case has been included in the specifications for this system, making it suitable for use in a variety of field environments. During the early Spring of 2007, The Map Collection will be developing support & Yale GIS Workshop materials using this system, with an ArcPad Workshop planned for April. The following table contains links to vendors for the components used to create this system, as well as the cost of those components at the time of purchase. Note that the HP Ipaq 2495 has the Compact Flash slot necessary for installing the GPS unit, and is about $100 cheaper.

HP HX2795B Ipaq Pocket PC � Windows-Based Handheld Computer	$499.99
US Global Sat BC-337 Compact Flash GPS receiver	$111.99
US Global Sat BC-307 CF to PCMCIA Adapter	$8.99
SanDisk 2 GB SD Memory Card	$49.99
OtterBox 1900 PDA Ruggedized Case	$99.95
OtterBox 1900 Tall GPS POD Kit050	$34.95
OtterBox  1900 Screen-Saver Replacement Kit060	$19.95
Total	$825.81

GPS Equipment

Garmin Etrex

The Map Collection has three Garmin Etrex Handheld GPS units available for circulation by special charge. The Etrex is a 12 parallel channel, WAAS/EGNOS-enabled GPS receiver that will run for 22 hours on two AA batteries. The eTrex will store up to 500 user waypoints and 10,000 trackpoints and is widely compatible with most GPS enable software packages including ArcPad, ArcMap, Google Earth and DNR Garmin. The Map Collection also has the Garmin to PC interface cables needed to download and upload data to and from the Garmin Etrex unit.

Printing, Scanning & Reproduction

Colortrac 5480 Enhanced 54" Color Scanner

The Map Collection has a Colortrac 5480 Enhanced 54" color sheet-fed scanner available in the lab. Scans are made by staff only. This scanner is intended for use in reproduction of cartographic materials and is not suitable for use with some fragile materials. The suitability of cartographic materials for scanning with this equipment is left to the discretion of the Map Collection Staff.

Large Format Scanner Specifications:
Model: Colortrac 5480 Enhanced
Optical Resolution: 400 DPI
Interpolated Resolution: 800 DPI
Active Scan Area: 54" X unlimited

Hewlett-Packard DesignJet 800PS

The Map Collection GIS Service provides a large format printing service for patrons. This service is limited to GIS and cartography products. The GIS Service will not print general posters for patrons.

Common products that are printed out on the large format printer include ArcView or ArcGIS Layouts via ArcPress, historic map reproductions (Map Collection also has a scanner), and cartographic products created in various GIS-related software.

Printing is by appointment only. The GIS Specialist at the Map Collection will assist the patron with preparing their layout and will handle the actual print job. Since the printer is networked, in some cases it may be possible to obtain one of the drivers to print from another Yale campus computer if the patron will be printing frequently or is printing a product that is difficult to port. See the GIS Specialist at the Map Collection for more details.

Printer Specifications:
Model: Hewlett-Packard DesignJet 800PS
Resolution: It prints in color at either 300, 600, or 1200 dpi.
Drivers: HP GL2 driver, Adobe Postscript driver, and ArcPress.
Capabilities: Nesting, optimization for line drawing/text or images.
Paper: 42" wide 100 ft roll; heavy or medium paper.

EPSON Expression 836XL

The EPSON Expression 836XL is a flatbed scanner with a 12 X 17 inch document platen, and an optical resolution of 800 DPI. This scanner is used for smaller cartographic scans, as well as items in bound volumes.

Xerox 2515 Oversize Copier

The Map Collection has a Xerox 2515 Oversized photocopy machine capable of making black and white copies of sheet maps up to 36" x 48" in size. Large copies made on the Xerox cost $2.00 each.