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