How to Convert PDFs to Read On Your Data Collector

A few months back, I discovered something that could be extremely useful to the common land surveyor on the street (or in the woods)- another "Cool New Thing," if you will. What if I told you that there is a way for you to read PDF (Portable Document Format) documents on your data collector without having to load resource hogging software such as Adobe Reader and without having to visit your email to download attachments? Well, that is exactly what i figured! Using free software called eBooktoImages, you can now convert all of your PDF documents into a readable format that fits right into your tiny 230X350 resolution data collector screen. Originally intended to allow you to read your ebooks (Different Types of Ebooks Explained) on an MP3 player, as you will see it can also work for more practical purposes in the surveying or construction field.

Converts text based eBooks into images. For people without MP3 players with text or eBook support, but can view photos, this will convert a book into a series of images. Native support for Sansa e200, or specify sizes for any player.

What does this mean for the surveyor?
You will now be able to read your help files and manuals for those hard to understand total stations and GPS instruments without having to leave the field.
Here's how you do it (as illustrated above):
1) Go to the software download page at merlinsoftware
2) Unzip and install on hard drive. Find a manual or get started guide you wish to be able to read in the field.
3) Select the option for screen resolution that best fits your data collector. Note: When I first began looking into this, i had Carlson Explorers in mind, but this may work with other TDS, Topcon collectors as well. (please leave a comment below to let us know if it works for you.)
4)I find that selecting the .JPG option works best. Optimize the colors of screen and text to the options that you find comfortable.
5)Convert the format and copy the contents to a folder that you can sync with your data collector the next time you you are transferring files from your computer using Microsoft Activesync.

Try it yourself by converting any pdf in our Hardware Brochures or Surveying manuals pages on LSU.

Wow! Now we can say that PDFs truly are portable!

Thoughts

Survey Legend

⚡Survenator⌁ September 1, 2014 at 2:31pm

nice one!
GEO Ambassador

Skip Farrow July 24, 2014 at 10:51pm

website has changed just updating this post..great software! http://www.merlinsoftware.com/ebook/

Welcome to MerlinSoftware.com
Basavaraju s February 15, 2011 at 9:03pm

it is a good artical to know about pdf and converting to data collecter.

This reply was deleted.

Where are you surveying?

Thoughts

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