For more, see GPS, GPS to GeoSync
A data dictionary is a description of the features and attributes relevant to a particular project or job that is loaded into your GPS equipment. It is used in the field to control the collection of features (objects) and Feature Attribute Data (information about those objects). A data dictionary includes a list of features that are collected in the field and, for each feature, a list of attributes (Feature Attribute Data) that describe the feature.
A data dictionary prompts you to enter information; it can also limit what you enter (by providing predefined options) to ensure data integrity and compatibility with your GIS system.
The data dictionaries you create depend on your intended applications. Users can design data dictionaries to suit their needs. You may have a data dictionary that specifies information about building characteristics and lot size, while another user may have a data dictionary that details information about utility lines and services.
To collect GPS data, a data dictionary is needed before fieldwork can begin. A data dictionary is an outline of the features (objects) and attributes (information about those objects) to be collected for a particular project or job to make both data collection and processing faster and easier. Using a data dictionary enables point, line, and polygon features to be created from X,Y,Z positions collected in the field. The information collected in a data dictionary can then exported. The data dictionary is the “brains” of the data collection process, prompting you to enter information or limiting your entry to ensure the collection of accurate data. Before going into the field, features, data types and attributes must be created.
The data dictionary is created and managed with the Pathfinder Office software. Points, lines and polygons are created and attribute types are selected for each feature. GPS parameters such as logging intervals, minimum positions, and feature classifications are all defined when creating/modifying a data dictionary.
Features are the actual points, lines, and polygons, or objects, collected in the field. Attributes are characteristics, or information, about said points, lines, and polygons. For example, a fire hydrant would be a feature mapped as a point. Some attributes collected about the fire hydrant might be: manufacturer, color, number of spouts, etc…
Upon creating a data dictionary, it is uploaded into the GPS equipment and ready for field data collection.