Mobile Observation System for Handheld Field Data

Collection

Lori Scott, Dave Hauver

TDWG Annual ConferenceSeptember 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)

Identify survey site(s)

Load protocol templates from the Observation Template Library and data needed onto handheld data

collection device

Travel to survey site for on-the-ground survey

Collect spatial data using GPS handheld data collection device

Travel to new survey site and repeat data collection processes

OR Travel back to the office

Synchronize data and download to Mobile Observation System

desktop application

Enter any data needed to complete observation records

Run validation and clean data

Transform/export data to an observation database

Record data that are common for all observations during field visit

Repeat, choosing the appropriate template

and/or moving to a different location, and

collecting data until finished at survey site

Select template for protocol

Move to location for collecting data

1) Preparation

2) Data Collection

In the office

3) Data Completion

Collect other attribute data using protocol template field form on handheld data collection device

System WorkflowUsers:

• 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

• 3rd party software used:–Pendragon forms builder–Esri ArcPad

• 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 FoundationThis project is supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. DBI-0547630

TrimbleFor the donation of four JunoTM handheld units for testing

QUESTIONS?

CONTACT INFO:

lori_scott@natureserve.org703-908-1877

http://www.natureserve.org/projects/handheld/