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 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: 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 3 rd 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 Trimble For the donation of four Juno TM handheld units for testing

QUESTIONS? CONTACT INFO: