Newton and GPS

Introduction

Several years ago, there was a substantial amount of interest expressed over the NewtonTalk email list concerning how to use GPS technology with the (now discontinued) Apple Newton series of PDAs. As most Newton users did not seem to be very familiar with the options available to them, I decided to create this simple Web page as a guide to these issues. Since I created this page back in 2004, it has had over 5000 visits, suggesting that the Newton continues to be a popular platform. My own Newton died a horrible death in 2008. The Newton still works (technically), but the platen glass screen is completely shattered, making it useless as all but a paperweight. Still, I like to think that the fact that it still works demonstrates just how tough and long-lasting these little guys are.

Why Use a Newton?

Well, chances are, if you're reading this you haven't yet given up on the Newt. However, a quick look at the competition is needed so you can make an educated decision about how to spend your money, and if the Newton is the right tool for your task. It is important to realize that the Apple Newton was not originally designed to be used as a GPS system, a rugged data collector, or a navigational tool. Companies such as Digital Ocean (SeaHorse and Tarpon) and Harris (SuperTech 2000), manufactured Newton-clone devices to serve this purpose. In the years since the demise of the Newton, use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Satellites (GPS) have skyrocketed. Most handheld GPS systems function as a miniature database and data-collection device right out of the box. Commercial products (like those of Magellan and Garmin) allow you to create and store 'waypoints' with associated notes. These products will then direct you to that waypoint when you would like to return. This system is excellent for getting back to your favorite fishing spot, a beautiful scenic overlook, or even back home if you happen to get lost. Most commercial GPS systems now offer ways to load topographic maps, and even aerial photographs, as backgrounds on a moving display. If all you really want is a method of finding your way back to a visited location, getting a handheld GPS unit may be your best option.

But what happens when you want to collect complex types of data, with many different options and choices? Waypoints often are not the best choice in these instances. Instead, you may need a data collection device that can communicate with a desktop computer, database, or even a GIS software system. This is function that the Newton, as well as other PDA devices and specially manufactured computers, does extremely well. So why use a Newton, instead of other more modern devices? Many modern PDAs, including the Compaq iPaq, are being marketed as GPS-savvy solutions for busness executives and people on the go. GPS-manufacturers such as Trimble, make rugged data collectors with GPS receivers built in. Panasonic even makes a military grade laptop and PDA for those people who work in very rough environments! So why use technology that is discontinued?

The Newton, unlike modern devices using Windows CE and PocketPC, was built from the beginning to be a single, integrated device. The hardware, software, and data on a Newton, all function together. Many of the programs on a Newton are able to share data with each other, similar to a relational database. Another reason you may want to consider when looking into GPS data collection is screen space. The Newton, unlike Compaq's iPaq, has a large screen that allows you to write anywhere on it. If you're collecting many classes of data, this may be important to you. Handwriting recognition is another factor in choosing th right platform for your task. The Newton's handwriting recognition has long been considered to be the best available. Perhaps this is one of the reasons that Apple, never having sold the technology, recently incorporated the 5-year old Newton handwriting system into their "next-generation" operating system OS X. Unlike Graffitti-based Palm devices, the Newton allows you to write in your own handwriting, without having to learn special characters to input. Over time, the Newton learns your handwriting, and usually within a few weeks it understands almost all of what you're writing. Of course, for most people, the most important aspect to using a data collection device is the cost. As one may expect, the newest technology often has the highest price tag. Sure, Trimble makes the GeoXT, the Recon, and other data collectors. Palm and Compaq make some great PDAs as well. But if you're on a budget, or you are just very frugal, the high price tags for these new items may force you to look elsewhere. Most Newton PDAs sell for 75-200$ US on eBay, or from a resellers throughout the world. Check out the prices for yourself, and see if the Newton may be the right product for you.

Who Has Used The Newton With A GPS?

The Newton has a successful history of use with GPS receivers and data collection. Many of the institutions that used Newtons had incredible foresight, and realized that this little green/black box was the product of the future. While a complete listing of all the institutions who have used the Newton as a data collection device will probably never exist, a few highlights include:

• The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) used (and in some places still uses) Newtons for soil mapping, historical resource conservation, project management, and environmental assessment. A report on the project can be downloaded here.

• The Canadien Geological Survey used Newtons to aid in creating a comprehensive geologic bedrock map of Canada, and published a report on the project.

• The University of Kent, Computer Science Department used Newtons as part of a program called Mobile Computing in a Fieldwork Environment

• The National Park Service's Chihuahuan Desert Lab at Carlsbad Caverns National Park used Newtons and GPS units to educate students about GIS, mapping, and handheld computers. They even have downloadable step by step manuals describing the project

• Rumour has it that even the United States Marine Corps experimented with Apple Newtons in the mid-1990s as part of their DARPA project. Understandably, information on this project and it's associations is difficult to come by, but we may expect full disclosure of it in another 20 years.

If you know of another industry or organization that has used the Newton as part of a fieldwork or data collection program, and you would like to have it listed, please feel free to contact me about it.

Units and Requirements

So, you want to try connecting your Newton to your GPS reciever? Well, there's a few things you may need to know. Most GPS units will allow you to transmit the satellite data through an optional cord. If your GPS unit does not support data output, you may be out of luck. If your GPS unit does allow you to transmit data, you will need to have software on your Newton that understands that data. Most GPS units will transmit their data in NMEA format, probably the most common format for GPS data at the commercial level. Fortunately, most GPS software available for the Newton will understand NMEA formatted data. Other data formats such as Trimble's proprietary format TSIP are understood by some software packages, but not all.

So, if your GPS unit can transmit its data, and you have software for the Newton that is able to understand GPS output, all you really need is a cable to connect the two. I recommend visiting the GPSY website for an excellent instruction on how to either manufacture your own GPS -> Newton cable, or where to find one for sale.

Newton GPS and GIS Software

A number of GPS software packages have been developed over time. Many of them are discontinued, some of them are available as shareware, some have been abandoned, and others have been publicly released and are available for free. As I am not a software distributer, I cannot provide any of this software to you, nor can I offer technical support for it. If you have questions concerning the operation or availability of the software, I recommend submitting a posting to the NewtonTalk email list. The list is an active community of loyal Newton users who have a great deal of experience with many of these software packages.

Data Collection

• FieldWorker is perhaps the best solution for Newton data collection and GPS survey. Data entry forms can be created either on the Newton, or on the desktop computer with any spreadsheet application. Fieldworker is currently developing software, but does not distribute Newton versions of their software anymore. As of August, 2003, a subscriber to NewtonTalk was working on a request to release this software. If you are interested in obtaining Fieldworker, I would recommend visiting their site and politely requesting the software. Please understand that they will not provide any technical support for this elderly piece of coding. Demonstration versions of this old software package are still available as well if you want to try it out.

• PocketGIS is another company that is still producing software, but has discontinued support and availability of their Newton products. This software is specifically designed for the creation of GIS data in the field, and is much more than most users will need. However, if you need to a GIS environment on your Newton, this product is right for you. PocketGIS supports standard GIS and CAD files (*.shp, *.dxf, etc.).

• MapPad is the direct ancestor of ArcPad (now developed by ESRI, a leader in GIS software development). MapPad originally was developed by a company named RIA in Australia, but was acquired by ESRI in the mid to late 1990s. This software is also no longer available for purchase, but it can be downloaded.

• FieldNote is not really a single software package, but a combination of tools and methods for data collection developed as part of a research project involving multiple disciplines. One of the authors, Mr. Nick Ryan, has agreed to distribute the software and source code under the GNU license agreement. For an excellent description of using the Newton as a data collector, I would strongly recommend visiting his website.

GPS Navigation

As stated above, most handheld commercial GPS units will keep track of waypoints and allow you to view roadmaps, topographic maps, and even aerial photographs. However, if you're still interested in connecting that device to your Newton, these packages will allow you to use the Newton as a navigational device.

• GPSMap is a freeware program that allows you to use GPS data to view your position on a map.Detailed instructions are provided on how to create your own maps for use in the software.

• TeleType GPS is program that allows you to use your Newton for viewing geographic information and your GPS position. The program and much of the original data have been released as freeware.

• GPSView is another freeware package that allows you to display GPS data on the Newton.

Other Software

Lets face it, sometimes you may want to use your handheld GPS unit for navigation, and your Newton for data collection, and you're not terribly interested in letting these two pieces of hardware fraternize. Other Newton packages that may be of use to you include the following:

• FilePad is a comprehensive database package, and supports import and export with FileMaker Pro. This package and its source has been released to the public under the GNU license agreement. It does not currently support GPS communications, but that would be an interesting project for a budding Newton developer.

• PowerForms is a data collection program that allows you to design a data form on the Macintosh, transfer it to the Newton, collect data, and then upload it back to the Mac. While not truly a full-featured database application, this little program has a lot of features that most people will use.

• PocketHouse Map is another small CAD-like program. Although it is directed towards creating house layouts, it can also be used for creating basic schematics.

General Links

This page is not a comprehensive description of either the Newton or GPS and GIS applications. The following links will help to provide you with more information on these subjects.

Newton Software

UNNA.ORG is an evolving collection of Newton software that is generously maintained by an active Newton user. Many of the links available above are direct links to the UNNA archive. If you find yourself enjoying the archive, please donate a few dollars to help maintain it for future users.

Newton Hardware

• eBay is where most people get their Newtons nowadays.

• J & K Sales, Inc. is also an active re-seller of Newtons.

• MacCables has serial cables, and some Newton hardware as well.

GPS Information

Both Garmin and Magellan are makers of GPS units. Garmin has a excellent website that explains GPS technology and the benefits of WAAS technology.

FieldWorker

• FieldWorker maintains a listing of uses of their products in different industries, along with downloadable data-entry forms

• Nick Ryan wrote a very thorough review of the FieldWorker software from an archaeologist's point of view.

• As stated above, NRCS used Newtons with FieldWorker. At one time, Iowa State maintained an archive of information on that program, but they have since removed it. This is about the only thing they have left on-line concerning the project. I had downloaded all of their Newton information at one time, and I have now placed it on my File-Sharing Page for download.

• Scientific Technology Corporation has developed a PC-only tool that uploads information from FieldWorker on the Newton into ArcView 3.X.

All Information on this Page is Intended for Informational Use Only

Last Update: 05/10/2012