Choosing the right field controller is crucial for land surveyors, as it directly impacts productivity and reliability in demanding environments. It is important to assess your requirements, budget, and how environmental conditions will affect your work on site.
Things to consider when choosing your field controller
Weather and environmental conditions
The British weather is unpredictable in the best of time and freezing temperatures can cause field controllers to malfunction and reduce battery life. Then there's the frustration of rain interfering with the touchscreen functionality, making it difficult to input data accurately. Dust on-site during the summer can clog ports and accumulate under buttons, impairing functionality.
Visibility and glare
Direct sunlight can create significant glare on the screen, making it difficult for surveyors to see data displays and maps clearly. Adjusting screen brightness to combat glare can reduce battery life.
Battery Life
Field controllers consume a lot of energy, especially when they’re constantly connecting to GPS, processing data, or using high screen brightness settings. Surveyors often have to carry spare batteries or portable power banks to prevent unexpected downtime.
Connectivity and GPS accuracy
Weak or inconsistent GPS signals because of dense forests, urban canyons or mountainous regions can affect the accuracy of measurements and data collection. Some field controllers rely on cellular networks for data uploads and communication with other team members. When choosing your controller ensure that you check any potential connectivity issues in the area that you work in.
Physical handling challenges
Even though field controllers are designed to be portable, some of them are still relatively bulky or heavy, especially when extra batteries, antennas or other accessories are attached. This can be cumbersome for surveyors who need to carry them around rugged terrain. We offer two different types of controllers the Zenius08, a powerful device with advanced features and the UT12P, an easy-to-use pocket lightweight field controller.
Data security
Surveying frequently occurs in open public spaces, where valuable field equipment is vulnerable to theft. Losing a field controller not only results in downtime and replacement costs but can also mean the loss of important data. With X-PAD 365, however, you can mitigate this risk, as all your data is automatically backed up to the cloud in real-time, ensuring that your work remains safe and accessible, even if the device is lost
Two field controllers for you to consider
Two popular options are the Zenius08 and the UT12P 6" Rugged Android, each offering distinct features to meet specific needs.
Option 1: Zenius08
The Zenius08 is a feature-packed device, designed specifically for surveyors by Hexagon. Running on Android 12 and supporting future OS updates, it offers long-term compatibility and access to essential Google services. With its high-resolution 1920x1200 screen and 500 nits brightness, the Zenius08 is readable in outdoor conditions, even under bright sunlight. Its 8GB RAM and 256GB UFS storage ensure fast data processing and extensive data storage, which is ideal for high-performance tasks.
This device stands out with its advanced connectivity options, including 5G, enhanced Bluetooth range, and dual-band WiFi and cellular usage. For field accuracy, the Zenius08 offers a 4-constellation GNSS module, dual-frequency support, and precise 3D compass sensors. Designed to be durable, it has an IP66/IP68 rating, Gorilla Glass V5, and drop-resistant features, making it reliable in harsh conditions. A 32MP back camera and 8MP front camera provide high-quality photos for photogrammetry, useful in mapping and survey documentation.
Option 2: UT12 6” Rugged Android Handheld
Light weight, pocket size and portable the UT12P is a robust Android device designed for versatility, able to serve as both a rugged smartphone and a compact field controller. With its MIL-STD-810G and IP68 certifications, it’s well-suited for harsh, outdoor conditions, offering strong protection against water, dust, and drops. While it lacks the specialised surveying features of the Zenius08, it is an economical choice that balances ruggedness with essential functionality. The UT12P is ideal for surveyors who prioritise portability and smartphone capabilities in the field while minimising repair costs and downtime.
Need Help Choosing the Right Device?
If you need help or want a demo to determine which controller will suit your needs, please contact us.
Phone: 01342 458461
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