Can I collect data with a GPS using ArcMap?

[JacquelinePursell]

There are some capabilities that would be great out in the field that ArcMap has (such as an add-in) that I would like to utilize.  We also have loaded up the software as a backup but I haven't tested it yet and not even sure ArcMap itself can hook up to a GPS?  Is this possible?

[DanPatterson_Retired]

esri has other software... you don't need a heavy-weight to collect in the field Use high accuracy GPS—Collector for ArcGIS | ArcGIS 

[JacquelinePursell]

Yes I know that.  We have software we are using to collect data but I want to know if ArcMap can even do that.  My users many many times ask me to load ArcMap on their tablets and tell me it's a backup option but I don't even know if it's possible.  That's what I'm asking.

[BenjaminMittler · Accepted solution]

I think that through the GPS toolbar you can collect data. When in the field we bring a laptop with Arcmap loaded on it, connect it to a gps enabled device via bluetooth and are able to follow our real life position in ArcMap. W do this because navigating backroads with no names is much easier when you have someone looking at your real world position with aerial imagery. The toolbar allows you to stamp your position and have it saved in to .gdb.

[JacquelinePursell]

Thanks!