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complete a full collection . Outside GPS data collection contractors can conduct a County- <br /> wide data collection project in a much shorter amount of time . The proper use of GPS <br /> equipment can be complex in nature . Therefore , care should be taken before tasking <br /> untrained internal personnel with GPS data collection . <br /> An important consideration when collecting infrastructure GIS data layers is determining the <br /> accuracy level at which to collect data . The collection and maintenance of high accuracy <br /> data can be a complex and costly endeavor . It is recommended that the department work <br /> ,m with the recommended GIS Director to determine if survey-grade accuracy is required for <br /> the department ' s geo-spatial data . <br /> If it is determined that high-accuracy data are required , the department will need to <br /> allocate the appropriate staff and financial resources for the collection and maintenance of <br /> this data . In addition , the Department will need to develop precise and detailed data <br /> - standards should survey-grade accuracy be deemed necessary . <br /> It should be noted that lesser accuracy levels may be adequate for the department ' s GIS <br /> needs , depending on the type of mapping and analysis that will be performed by <br /> department staff. <br /> Below are some considerations that should be noted when determining the need for survey- <br /> grade geo-spatial data : <br /> Consumer GPS units cost $200-300 per unit, whereas survey grade GPS units cost as <br /> much as $ 15 ,000 - $20 ,000 per unit <br /> • It is important to determine real-time corrections versus office post-processing <br /> options ; it is optimal to have both real-time differential corrections and office <br /> processing for raw satellite data <br /> • Costs incurred beyond the initial purchase should be considered as well . Equipment <br /> costs may be much less than the actual cost of data collection <br /> Training and data processing time can be extensive for survey-grade data collection <br /> • Landscape conditions may affect data collection ; it may not be possible to collect <br /> GPS data in some locations <br /> • GPS data collection budgets should reflect how frequently new data sets will be <br /> collected <br /> 72 <br /> GIS Needs Assessment and Implementation Plan Chapter 1 — Departmental GIS Needs Assessment <br />