Mobile Observation System for Handheld Field Data Collection

Mobile Observation System for Handheld Field Data Collection [ ] Lori Scott, Dave Hauver TDWG Annual Conference September 27, 2010 Woods Hole, MA

Outline • Mobile Observation System goals • System overview • Improving field data compatibility across projects with survey templates • Implications for citizen science

Mobile Observation System Goals • Improve field data collection efficiency • Increase mapping accuracy with GPS • Promote interoperability through reusable data structures How similar are the data structures used by two organizations for the same type of observation?

Data Collection Workflow • Three basic steps, supported by corresponding system components: – Preparation (office) – Collection (field) – Finalization (office)

System Workflow Users: • Create templates • Enter, clean up and validate data • Export data to target system Mobile Observation System: • Processes a set of templates to produce field forms and a staging database • Synchronizes handheld data with staging database • Provides cleanup and validation utilities • Exports records to Kestrel or other observation database systems

Desktop Application Suite • Configure projects • Process data collection templates for field work • Clean up and QC field data • Export field data to long-term observation database

Handheld Device • Compatible with Windows mobile hardware • 3 rd party software used: – Pendragon forms builder – Esri Arc. Pad • Captures GPS location

Template Library • Online collaboration tool to define and share data structures • What protocols are used to collect particular types of data? • How have others organized their data collection projects?

Supports Variable Data Models Taxon-based protocols:

Supports Variable Data Models Location-based protocols:

Implications for Citizen Science • Template Library supports a wide array of protocol types • Organized citizen science efforts can find, create and disseminate protocol templates • Use of common data structures improves compatibility across multiple projects • Core system components can be adapted for smart phone devices

Status • Data collection components complete • Field testing in progress • Development in progress for: – Template library interface – Data export tools • Available for wider use next year

System Components - Status Testing in Progress: • • Mobile Config Tool Pendragon Forms Utilities Desktop Editor Validation Utilities In Development: • Observation Template Library • Export Tool

Project Collaborators • Cornell Lab of Ornithology • New York Natural Heritage Program • Washington Natural Heritage Program • University of New Mexico • University of Wyoming

Acknowledgments National Science Foundation This project is supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. DBI-0547630 Trimble For the donation of four Juno. TM handheld units for testing

QUESTIONS? CONTACT INFO: lori_scott@natureserve. org 703 -908 -1877 http: //www. natureserve. org/projects/handheld/