FieldSeeker GIS FAQs

FieldSeeker v3, December 2022

General
What is the cross-platform mobile application?

It’s mobile data collection and field operations software that includes Larviciding (including Storm Drain
Treatments), Surveillance, and Service Request tools (Adulticiding / ULV spray collection tools are a
separate software, the FieldSeeker Windows ULV Adulticiding Extension). The “cross-platform” part
means it runs as a native app on supported iOS, Android, and Windows 10/11 devices. CPMA includes
site visit inspection and treatment, treatment calculator, on-truck inventory, service requests, traps,
landing counts, samples, miscellaneous activities, search, measurement, attachments, proposed
treatment areas, restricted areas, directions, storm drain treatment, QA activity, and Field Scouting.

What is the JavaScript Web application?

It’s Web-based office software that includes office workflows for Larviciding (including Storm Drain
Treatments), Surveillance, and Service Request (Office ULV software is a separate software, the
FieldSeeker Windows ULV Adulticiding Extension software). Office workflows include configuration,
data review, search / filter / query, data export, offline map area creation, map data editing, reporting,
lab data entry, and service request entry.
Do I have to buy different modules?
No. Larviciding, Storm Drain Treatments, Surveillance, and Service Request workflows are all included in
the Core application. The FieldSeeker Windows ULV is a separate software application, licensed
separately.
Do I need ArcGIS Server?

No. Data and services are hosted in ArcGIS Online. This can potentially save a lot of infrastructure costs
for ArcGIS Server licensing, Microsoft licensing (for Windows Server and SQL Server), server hardware
costs, IT overhead costs, etc. Frontier will provide total support for the FieldSeeker / ArcGIS Online
cloud-based system.

Do I need ArcGIS Online?

Yes. User authentication is managed using ArcGIS Online named users. An ArcGIS Online Creator, Field
Worker, or Editor user annual subscription is required for each FieldSeeker office and mobile user. New
ArcGIS Online user subscriptions can be purchased from Frontier Precision along with FieldSeeker.
Renewals are handled by Esri. Partial year subscriptions are not available.

How many credits will I consume using ArcGIS Online with FieldSeeker?
FieldSeeker doesn’t use any credit-consuming ArcGIS Online services such as geo-enrichment, routing,
or batch geocoding. A minimal amount of credits will be used to store feature service data (Esri
documentation says this is 2.4 credits per 10 MB stored per month).

Do I need ArcMap?
No. ArcGIS Desktop actually includes ArcMap, ArcCatalog, ArcGIS Pro, and one ArcGIS Online Level 2
annual subscription so you may choose to continue Esri maintenance for your Desktop license so that
you can continue using it for other uses in your organization, or so that you can continue to have access
to ArcGIS Pro and the ArcGIS Online Level 2 annual subscription. But ArcGIS Desktop will no longer be
required for the new FieldSeeker software solutions (except during deployment, in which case Frontier
will use its own licenses). ArcGIS Desktop annual maintenance may be cheaper than purchasing new
annual ArcGIS Online subscriptions.
Will the new FieldSeeker use ArcGIS Pro?

Frontier Precision uses ArcGIS Pro for deploying FieldSeeker GIS, but Pro is not required for use of
FieldSeeker. ArcGIS Pro is part of Esri’s Enterprise GIS ecosystem. It works directly with portals (such
as an ArcGIS Online hosted portal) and hosted feature services in ways that ArcMap could not. Pro has
replaced ArcMap, so there will likely still be a place for it in your organization for uses outside of the
main FieldSeeker workflows. Pro is not a requirement for FieldSeeker though. ArcGIS Desktop licenses
current on maintenance include one entitlement to ArcGIS Pro at no additional cost.

Do I need to have ArcGIS Pro?

No.

Why does FieldSeeker GIS for Mosquito Control use the Esri ArcGIS platform?

FieldSeeker GIS for Mosquito Control is based firmly on the Esri ArcGIS platform. This means that we
maintain the application, and Esri maintains the platform, which can be leveraged to everyone’s benefit.
Consider the following facts about what the ArcGIS platform includes:

• ArcGIS Online
o Ready-to-use maps, apps, and analytics
o Sharing model
o Robust security
o Open data, basemaps, Living Atlas
• Out-of-the-Box Apps
o FieldMaps for ArcGIS (iOS, Android)
o Survey123 for ArcGIS (iOS, Android, Windows 10/11)
o Drone2Map for ArcGIS
o Workforce for ArcGIS
o Operations Dashboard for ArcGIS
o Esri Maps for (Microsoft) Office
o Insights for ArcGIS
o Web App Builder
o Web Application Templates
 o Story Map Templates
• ArcGIS Pro for analysis, cartography, editing, and data management
• Developer APIs (Application Programmer Interface)

In short, the ArcGIS platform is a robust and diverse set of applications, services, tools, and APIs that is
keeping up with advances in Web technology, mobile computing, cloud infrastructure, and service-
oriented architecture. Any solution built on this platform can leverage these strengths.
What kind of things can I use the Esri ArcGIS platform for outside of the FieldSeeker applications?

The ArcGIS platform can be used for things like sharing dynamic maps or Survey123 web form on your
public Website, building dashboards or Web apps (using Web App Builder) that fill specific needs for
specific users inside or outside the organization, sharing maps and results inside or outside the
organization, data collection projects using FieldMaps that are complementary to mosquito control,
door-to-door surveys using Survey123, creating printed map books or posters, doing complex editing,
building models, doing flood analysis, processing drone data, and so on.

What if I have other requirements that aren’t included in FieldSeeker or Windows ULV Adulticiding
Extension software?
During pre-sales conversations, if there are workflows or software features that are not included in
FieldSeeker or Windows ULV, we will call those out and discuss various ways to use the Esri platform to
accommodate them, or various ways they could be implemented in our software as a product
enhancement or a custom software solution. Product enhancements may be added to our product
roadmap to be developed in future releases as part of software maintenance.

During implementation, we make every attempt to accommodate differences in workflows, map layers,
data collection and so on with the allotted 24 hours of implementation assistance. Custom solutions or
Esri platform configurations that are handled through GIS Services will be delivered based on project
management goals and delivery schedules worked out together during the life of the project.

Will I receive implementation assistance?

Yes. As part of the purchase Frontier will provide up to 24 hours of remote FieldSeeker and Esri ArcGIS
Online software installation and implementation services.

What training is available?

As part of the first year annual support and maintenance which is included as part of the purchase,
Frontier Precision provides remote Webinar-style training and unlimited support as needed for the
FieldSeeker system. We also provide self-help resources including user guides, support notes, and other
online resources available at https://support.frontierprecision.com. In-person on-site training can also
be provided for a daily rate charge plus travel expenses; 1-, 2-, or 3- day training formats are available
depending on the size of the groups to be trained and what workflows to cover.

Is annual support and maintenance required?

Yes. The first year annual support and maintenance is included with the purchase of FieldSeeker
software licenses. Starting one year after purchase, support and maintenance for subsequent years will
be billed according to how many concurrent office users (users in the software at one time) and mobile
device users you have.

What is included with FieldSeeker annual support and maintenance?

Frontier will provide unlimited technical support for FieldSeeker and Esri ArcGIS Online as it pertains to
FieldSeeker. Contact us via email at mosquitosupport@frontierprecision.com or see our Support Portal
at https://support.frontierprecision.com. We have a goal of same-day response time Monday – Friday,
8:00a – 6:00p Mountain time, except holidays.
New software releases will also be provided on a regular basis, including enhancements and bug fixes.

Frontier will provide total support for the FieldSeeker / ArcGIS Online cloud-based system. This can
potentially save a lot of infrastructure costs for ArcGIS Server licensing, Microsoft licensing (for Windows
Server and SQL Server), server hardware costs, IT overhead costs, etc. Frontier’s experienced staff
handles the technical aspects, allowing district personnel to focus on mosquito control activities.

What problems does the new system solve?

- Choice of devices (rugged professional Windows 10/11 Juniper Mesa 3 or Mesa Pro,
iPhones/iPads, Android phones/tablets)
- Lower capital costs for devices
- Lower cost of entry
- Multi-use devices (one device for Adulticiding + daytime Larviciding, Surveillance, Service
Request)
- Real-time connectivity – no more data transfer bottleneck or data processing wait time
o Also collect data offline
- Easy deployment through the app stores
- Access the system anywhere you have Internet
- No more need for ArcGIS Desktop in the office
- Navigation available through phone and tablet navigation apps
- Easy training – the software looks the same on all devices
- Frontier’s experienced staff handles the technical aspects
- Automatic updates and managed services

What devices can I use?

We recommend the Juniper Mesa 3 or Mesa Pro for Windows devices. iPhone and iPad models that are
current generation or one generation old are also widely used and work well with FieldSeeker. Android
phones and tablets are more variable and should be tested with FieldSeeker before use in production.
All devices require GPS.
- iOS devices – current and previous generation iPhone and iPad
- Android devices – current and previous generation mid to high-end consumer devices such as
Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets, and some rugged devices such as the Juniper CT8X2.
- Windows 10/11 – Juniper Mesa 3, Mesa Pro

Devices not listed are not supported.

Can I use any Windows tablet?
No. A reliable built-in GPS receiver is required for FieldSeeker Core and FieldSeeker ULV Mobile. Many
consumer Windows tablets do not have a built-in GPS (including highly rated tablets such as the
Microsoft Surface tablets), and others that do include GPS have low-quality receivers that don’t function
well in the field. Also, for FieldSeeker ULV Mobile, a built-in 9-pin RS-232 serial port is required, which
most tablets do not have. The Juniper Mesa 3 Mesa Pro are the only supported devices that are
currently listed for FieldSeeker.
Can I use any Android phone or tablet?

No. Most new and highly rated Android phones or tablets will likely meet the minimum specifications
and run the software just fine. But because there is so much variability in Android devices in terms of
hardware components (including GPS, camera, battery, screen, processor, RAM, GPU, storage, etc.) and
OS components (not only Android version but specific sub-components that are included or left out
depending on the manufacturer), it is critical to test devices prior to production use.
Can I use any iOS device?

Yes – well, almost. Any model that is currently for sale that includes GPS (which is built into all phones
and into the Wi-Fi/cellular module of iPads) is supported. We recommend no older than one generation
back for optimum performance.

What is the advantage of the Juniper Mesa tablet?

The Mesa tablets are rugged and built for the field (IP68, heat and cold resistant, high quality scratch
resistant glass, high visibility screen, long life battery etc.), with a proven track record for mosquito
control operations. They have a high-quality uBlox GNSS (GPS) receiver built in, and optionally have a 9-
pin RS-232 serial port for connecting to supported mosquito sprayer equipment. The Mesa can have
both the FieldSeeker Windows ULV software and the FieldSeeker (Core) software installed, and can be
used for night spraying and for daytime field larviciding, surveillance, and service request activities.

Why do I have to use a Windows tablet for ULV / Adulticiding?

The truck spray software requires a 9-pin RS-232 connection to the sprayers. Currently, Windows
tablets are the only platform that fully supports this. There are some 9-pin cable adapters for iOS
devices, but these do not supply a standard RS-232 COM port connection; the cables themselves come
with a developer SDK which has to be incorporated into a specially built mobile application, so there is
both a hardware and software component to this issue or question. We have not yet pursued this
solution with iOS devices.

Can I use the Mesa tablet for both ULV and FieldSeeker Core (the cross-platform mobile application)?

Yes, you can have both programs installed on the Mesa and use the same device for night spraying and
daytime Larviciding, Storm Drain, Surveillance, and Service Request workflows.

Can I add cell capability to the Juniper Mesa?

Yes. Cell capability is available for the Mesa. It can be included at the time of order, or it can be added
as a retrofit to devices you already own.
Do I have to have cell capability on the Juniper Mesa?
No. If you don’t have cell capability, you can still collect all the data while offline, then connect to Wi-Fi
to sync data.

Can I use the GPS in an iPad without a cell plan?

Yes. FieldSeeker requires an iPad with Wi-Fi/cellular capability built in because that’s where the GPS
sensor is located, but you can use GPS even if you don’t have a cell plan or cell coverage.

Can I use a more accurate GPS with a phone or a tablet (for example, for storm drain mapping)?

Yes. You can connect a wireless GPS to your phone or tablet to get sub-meter or better accuracy.

What if I don’t have reliable cell service?

Offline collection is supported. You would download data to the device while connected to the Internet
(via Wi-Fi or cellular), then go offline and continue collecting data. When you have an Internet
connection again, you would go online and sync data to update the system (on both ends, ArcGIS Online
and locally on the device).

Will I have turn-by-turn direction functionality?

Yes. FieldSeeker Core (mobile) includes navigation directions to selected features or service requests.
The navigation app of the device (Apple, Google, or Microsoft Maps) will provide the turn-by-turn
directions. FieldSeeker Windows ULV Adulticiding Extension does not include turn-by-turn directions,
though it does have support for line-based spray routes, which display a start and end point and
directional arrows visibly on the map.

What is the storm drain workflow?

FieldSeeker includes three different storm drain treatment collection workflows: a “one a time mode”
which supports a one-button press for marking storm drains treated or dry, or recording a new storm
drain location without a treatment; a “select an area and treat all at once” mode which supports
drawing around a group of storm drains, marking them all as treated, and recording a treatment record
for later reporting; and a “treat from pop-up” option that support recording treatments or marking
other conditions. The storm drain workflow uses GPS to figure out how close you are to existing storm
drains to mark them treated or dry, and to record the location of storm drains.

Windows ULV Adulticiding Extension

What is the Windows ULV Adulticiding Extension?

Windows ULV Adulticiding Extension is office and mobile software for planning, collecting, managing,
and reporting on truck spraying activities. The map-based mobile software runs on Windows 10/11
tablets. It shows the driver their location, what they’ve sprayed so far, nearby restricted areas, and a
high-visibility street map. It records all the information from the sprayer along with the GPS track
second-by-second as the driver does the spraying. It provides configurable warnings. It also records
treatment lines or areas that are sketched in for sprayers that don’t output data. And, it can record a
GPS track even if the sprayer isn’t running, as well as miscellaneous point features as Events.
What is the ULV Office program?

The ULV Office program is a desktop software for planning and reporting. It provides tools for creating
map areas, restricted areas, proposed treatment areas, and routes; configuring program settings
(drivers, sprayers, products, and other picklists); importing and exporting data, and running reports. It
processes field data from the mobile software and packages map data for use by the mobile software.

How does the Windows ULV Adulticiding Extension manage data?

Data is stored in a PostgreSQL database on the desktop or network. The ULV Office program extracts
selected data to a GeoPackage file used by the ULV Mobile software. Basemap information is built by
Frontier and provided during implementation as an .MBTiles file. ULV Mobile syncs data wirelessly from
a network path, using an online storage service (Google Drive or ULV Storage Service), or using a USB
memory device. Mobile data is collected into the GeoPackage file. When the data is synced again, it is
automatically processed into the PostgreSQL database.

What is the field software for Windows ULV?

The field software is built for Windows 10/11. It’s map-based, shows the status of GPS and the sprayer
to the driver, warns them when they’re near restricted areas, shows line-based spray routes, and
collects sprayer data, sketched treatment lines or areas, GPS tracklog, and events.
What is Open GIS?

Open GIS is a broad term for free GIS software and non-proprietary data formats.

What is PostGIS?

PostGIS is an Open GIS data storage format built on PostgreSQL, which is an open database server.

What is a GeoPackage?
GeoPackage is an Open GIS data storage format built on open standards. It’s a standalone database file
similar in concept to SQLite.

What is MBTiles?

MBTiles is an open format for offline tile packages. It’s a way to package up a basemap for use without
an Internet connection.

Why did you use Open GIS?

We wanted our truck spray data collection software to appeal to users without any GIS experience or
infrastructure. We also wanted to keep the cost of entry low.

Does the new software work with Esri at all?

Yes. The ULV Office supports various Esri basemaps and it uses the Esri World Locator service for finding
addresses. It supports integration with Esri ArcGIS Online for restricted areas, proposed treatment
areas, treatment polygons, and spray routes, and it also exports data to shapefile and KML.

Can I manage Restricted Areas with the new software?

Yes, you can create, update, and delete Restricted Areas in the ULV Office program. Each polygon can
have a custom warning for the driver to see. When the driver is within a configured distance of the
area, they will receive a visible and audible warning so that they can shut off the sprayer or do whatever
the warning tells them to do.

Can the new software sync wirelessly?

Yes. The mobile software will sync to a shared folder through Wi-Fi, or it will sync to an online storage
service (Google Drive and ULV Storage Service are supported).
Can the new software sync from the field?

Yes. If you have an Internet connection in the field, you can sync using Google Drive or ULV Storage
Service.

Will the mobile ULV software work on iPads or Android tablets?

No. Sprayers output data using a 9-pin RS-232 serial connection, so the new software targets Windows
10/11 tablets. Juniper Mesa tablets are available that have high-quality GPS and serial connections built
in.

Can I use my old mobile devices with the new software?

Maybe. The new mobile software only runs on Windows 10/11 devices.

Do I have to have ArcGIS Desktop?

No. ArcGIS Desktop is not required.

What features are included in FieldSeeker Windows ULV?

Windows ULV

Desktop OS Compatibility Windows 10/11

Mobile OS Compatibility Windows 10/11

PostgreSQL (office),
Native Data Format GeoPackage (mobile)

None (ArcGIS Online login

required for sync to ArcGIS
Esri Licensing Required Online)

In-Field Map Display Yes

Auto-Follow Yes

Auto-Rotate Yes

Clarke SmartFlow, London

Fogger, Curtis Dyna-Fog,
Fogger Support
Target / B&G Phoenix, MCES
 Stellar LT/E, Azelis Monitor
4s/AccuFlow 4

Turn Sprayer Off No

Visual Display of Sprayer

On/Off Yes

Visual Display of Treatment

Area in Progress Yes

Zones / Spray Areas Yes

Fog Routes (lines) Yes

No (only "built-in" layers are

Additional Map Layers (e.g. included, except as part of
Parcels, etc.) MBTiles basemap)

Restricted Area Warnings Yes

Draw in Treatment Areas Yes

Record Events (miscellaneous

point features) Yes

Weather Station Integration Yes

Wireless Data Transfer Yes

Storage Service Data Transfer

(Google Drive, ULV Storage
Service) Yes

Concurrent Data Transfer Yes

Multi-user Editing (office) Yes

Print Map Yes (with report)

Export Data Yes (KML, shapefile)

Feature Service Sync Yes

Chemical Use Reports Yes

Assignments Yes

Will I receive implementation assistance?

Yes. As part of the purchase Frontier will provide remote software installation and implementation
services.

What training is available?

As part of the first year annual support and maintenance which is included as part of the purchase,
Frontier Precision provides remote Webinar-style training and unlimited support as needed for the
Windows ULV Adulticiding Extension software. We also provide self-help resources including training
videos, user guides, support notes, and other online resources available at
https://support.frontierprecision.com. In-person on-site training can also be provided for a daily rate
charge plus travel expenses; 1-, 2-, or 3- day training formats are available depending on the size of the
groups to be trained and what workflows to cover.
Is annual support and maintenance required?

Yes. The first year annual support and maintenance is included with the purchase of the new Windows
ULV Adulticiding Extension software licenses. Starting one year after purchase, support and
maintenance for subsequent years will be billed according to how many concurrent office users (users in
the software at one time) and mobile device users you have. Windows ULV Adulticiding Extension
licenses and maintenance are separate from and independent of FieldSeeker Core licenses and
maintenance.
What is included with Windows ULV Adulticiding Extension annual support and maintenance?

Frontier will provide unlimited technical support for FieldSeeker and Esri ArcGIS Online as it pertains to
FieldSeeker. Contact us via email at mosquitosupport@frontierprecision.com or see our Support Portal
at https://support.frontierprecision.com. We have a goal of same-day response time Monday – Friday,
8:00a – 6:00p Mountain time, except holidays.
New software releases will also be provided on a regular basis, including enhancements and bug fixes.
Office and mobile software can be updated automatically.

How do I use Windows ULV with FieldSeeker Larviciding, Surveillance and Service Request (Core)?
The standalone Office ULV software will sync selected data with an ArcGIS Online feature service. What
this means is that after data is collected and processed, you can sync treatment areas or treatment lines
with FieldSeeker, so that you can see the ULV truck spray data along with the rest of your FieldSeeker
data. All the second-by-second spray points will not be synced; those remain in the standalone Office
ULV database. Restricted Areas and Proposed Treatment Areas can also be synced to and from ArcGIS
Online, and Spray Routes created in ArcGIS Online can be pulled into FieldSeeker Windows ULV.