Getting started with barcodes

[JosephZebrowski]

I am preparing for a very large timber cruising project. I am a complete novice to using barcodes with Survey 123.

I need to assign two barcodes to each tree.

I will be provided with boxes of barcode tags that have not been assigned any data other than an ID/tag number. So I need to assign an existing barcode to a record rather than being able to generate a barcode with the record.

I would like to assign the tree data I collect for each tree to the barcode as we mark each tree. I have set up a Survey 123 form with a barcode field, but I think this field is only used to read data from the barcode to populate fields if I read the Survey 123 documentation correctly.

Perhaps, the ID number that comes with the barcode would be read and it will be simpler than I am thinking.

I would appreciate any help in getting started. Thanks!

[abureaux · Accepted solution]

Barcodes are very straight forward. Your description is correct. That is how barcodes work.

The barcode question in S123 opens the device camera. Point camera at bar/qr code and it scans in less than a second. What is returned is whatever is stored within that bar/qr code (e.g., a text string).

Now, typically what you'd do is:

1. Have a S123 form for data collection
2. Go into the field and add meta data about the thing (e.g., tree). You can collect raw data in the field, or load in data from a CSV, Field Apps, or the S123 Inbox. Doesn't really matter.
3. During data collection, you will scan the bar code, and then attach that barcode to the thing (e.g., tree).
4. Submit survey. Done.

Now, when you go back into the field, you can scan that barcode and use pulldata(@layer) to extract info on the thing you tagged.

[JosephZebrowski]

A belated thanks for the response. I now need to head to the field and update records. I cannot use the pulldata function offline. I wonder if I can get this to work by setting up an inbox.

[abureaux]

The Inbox may work. It is a very powerful feature which I make use of whenever I can. But you can't scan a bar/qr code from S123 and open a different Inbox item (if that makes sense).

The best option map be to export the relevant data into a CSV for offline work. After the initial data collection event, you could export data into a CSV so you pulldata from that. Depending on what is stored within that CSV, you may need to update it after each subsequent data collection event.

Another option may be Field Maps. You can download data for offline use. But this is a map-centric approach (i.e., you will select data points from a map), which may not work for you.

Good luck! I hope you find something that works for you.