A new Workshop on Comparing Field Data Collection Apps
I conducted a workshop on comparing field data collection apps--ArcGIS Field Maps, ArcGIS Survey123, and ArcGIS QuickCapture, and wanted to share the content beyond those who could participate in the session, to the wider community. I created the content for the Society for Conservation GIS conference attendees; thus, many examples are environmentally focused, but I hope this resource is helpful beyond that community. Furthermore, while the resource was created with an audience that extended beyond educators and students, I believe many of the examples will resonate with the education community. I wish to thank my Esri colleagues who responded to my questions and provided me with content and resources.
The slides for the workshop are shared in this link.
The goals for this workshop are to understand the capabilities of each of the Esri ArcGIS mobile field data collection tools, be able to determine which tool is best to meet specific goals, and to gain confidence in using the tools. The workshop begins with an overview of the ArcGIS platform and where these tools fit in, the interconnected nature of these tools, and then examines several key ways to bring in field data - using the photos with locations tools, using a spreadsheet, and using non-GIS apps such as those from the citizen science community.
Next, a comprehensive comparison is offered of the map-centric nature of Field Maps, the form-centric nature of Survey123, and the button-centric nature of QuickCapture. The specific capabilities of each is then investigated, including geofencing, calculated expressions, the ability to attach higher-resolution GPS equipment, syncing and verifying, geotriggers and if-then branching, and more. Considerable attention is paid to who can edit, who can add, and then who can see the results of your field data. A hands-on component of the workshop asks participants to create a simple survey about walkability in their community, and then to make a map of the results in ArcGIS Online, a dashboard, and then a story map. Tutorials, learning pathways, videos, and documentation are then discussed so that the workshop participants can keep learning and growing in the use of these tools.
Since each app can capture location, create points, lines, and polygons, add photographs, and works online or offline, how can you determine what the "best" app is? The "best" app is the one that best meets your need for field data and your organization's goals. Next, the workshop examines key things to do with your data once you've gathered it--map it, analyze it spatially, and communicate the results via instant apps, dashboards, story maps, and other ways.
The entire presentation was recorded and resides here in video form, in four parts:
Part 1 - 28:05 - Introduction, Goals, and ArcGIS Field Maps.
Part 2 - 29:34 - ArcGIS Field Maps and Quick Capture.
Part 3 - 25:14 - ArcGIS Field Maps and Survey123.
Part 4 - 23:50 - Survey123 and resources to keep learning.
Field Apps, selected graphics from the workshop materials.
I hope this resource is valuable and I look forward to reading your comments!