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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
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Mobile Observation System for Handheld Field Data CollectionLori 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: • Createtemplates • Enter, clean up and validate data • Export data to target system Mobile Observation System: • Processes a set of templates to producefieldforms and a stagingdatabase • Synchronizeshandheld data withstagingdatabase • Providescleanup and validation utilities • Exports records to Kestrel or other observation databasesystems
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 • EsriArcPad • 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 • PendragonForms 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
Questions? Contact Info: • lori_scott@natureserve.org 703-908-1877 • http://www.natureserve.org/projects/handheld/