GPS Support
ArcPad offers integration with an optional GPS or differential global positioning system (DGPS). With an optional GPS attached, ArcPad displays an individual's current position on the map in real time.

GPS data can be recorded as a track log (stored as a point shapefile) or as points (often referred to as waypoints), polygons, and polylines in a shapefile.

ArcPad supports the following data capture options with a GPS receiver:

• Support for point mode digitizing (i.e., the ability to capture explicit points) as well as stream mode digitizing
• Support for position averaging when capturing a point feature or a vertex for a polyline or polygon feature
• Ability to pause the capturing of GPS line or polygon features and resume capturing at a later stage
• Option to set the maximum thresholds for error measurements such as position dilution of precision (PDOP) and estimated position error (EPE)
• Option to activate an alarm when the GPS mode changes (two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and differential GPS) and automatically stop GPS data capture
• Ability to specify minimum position and distance intervals between GPS positions used for data capture of vertices

Rangefinder Support
ArcPad supports rangefinders in order to provide optional input for offset data when capturing or editing features which are located in hard-to-reach or unsafe locations. Rangefinders provide measurements such as distance, bearing, and inclination. Several reference points can be used including the user's current GPS position, a single fixed position, or two fixed positions on a map. Users can also snap one or many fixed reference point(s) to existing features. Developers have the additional option of building custom rangefinder extensions using ArcPad Application Builder.

Digital Camera Support
Support for digital cameras is now integrated with ArcPad. From within ArcPad, you can control the connected camera by previewing the image, then taking the photo. The use of a digital camera with ArcPad allows users to include a visual record as part of the field data collection process. A digital photo can be linked to the actual location where it was taken and associated with descriptive attribute information. These photos become part of the ArcPad project and can be accessed through hyperlinks to features. Photographs are an important record for many field tasks with legal and compliance requirements.