The Trouble with Trimbles

Let's talk about making maps with Trimbles, which is this cool gadget:



Not these little furry guys:

 

So what exactly is a Trimble? In simple terms, it's a mobile GPS unit for data collection in the field. Points, lines, polygons, this GPS bad-boy can do it all. That said, what is the trouble with Trimbles? Two words: satellite reception. If the unit has not established at least 3 satellite connections, you're going to have a bad time. Have no fear though! Like all technology there are usually some tips and tricks to make your Trimble cooperate:

1. Speak to the Trimble softly. Yelling at it out of frustration will get you nowhere. Seriously though, be gently with the Trimble.                                    
2. If the Trimble is not collecting data (such as a linear feature you're trying to record), pop a squat and chill for a little bit. It probably lost satellite reception and is working really hard to establish more satellite connections, because the Trimble really, really wants to help you in your data collection endeavors. 
3. When you're tired of waiting, turn the Trimble unit off and on. Sometimes the Trimble forgets how to be a Trimble and it needs a little restart. 

When your Trimble is happy and decides to work, it can help you collect the data to produce some neat maps, such this one a few classmates and I created for our Field Mapping Techniques course: