As GIS Specialist for the Town of Bethlehem over the last two years, Jason Baum has the exclusive responsibility of creating and maintaining the Geographic Information System.
Located on the banks of the Hudson River in upstate New York, the town spans over forty two suburban and rural square miles and has a population of 32,000 people.
By using a Fujitsu Stylistic ST5000 and enclosing it in a rugged OtterBox 4600 Tablet PC case, Baum added longevity to the tablet while staying under budget.
“It was less expensive to get a Fujitsu Stylistic and OtterBox than a purpose built rugged tablet,” explains Baum. “We also have the flexibility of using the Fujitsu outside the case by simply removing it, employing the keyboard and external DVD.”
For the last eight months, the OtterBox solution has provided Baum and his co-worker Mike Kaulfuss the ultimate safeguard against the elements.
“We can be confident that the computer is well protected, and we can take it anywhere,” says Baum, “The response has been very positive.”
The team uses the OtterBox 4600 to protect the tablet while gathering field data.
“We use [the OtterBox and Fujitsu system] for entering Stormwater data into an Access database, in order to comply with Federal Stormwater Discharge regulations, commonly called MS4 regulations,” said Baum. “We also use it to access GIS data in the field, in combination with a Bluetooth Trimble GPS unit.”
The solution provides more economical and efficient data collection as well as extra security against replacements and repairs.
“We can send one staff person out to collect data instead of two, and enter the data and photos directly into the computer in the field to save time. It has certainly saved the tablet numerous times from damage, as we have dropped it onto rocks, mud and water,” explains Baum.
“By adding a high-bandwidth wireless card and a VPN client,” Baum continued, “we also have access to all the GIS data and scanned engineering drawings on the network at Town hall everywhere we go.”
When asked if he’d recommend the case to others, it was simple:
“Without reservations,” said Baum. “It works as advertised and is easy to use. It has surpassed our expectations.”
Source: Otterbox
