1. Handheld Data Collection Charles E. Vopicka Database Manager Forest Biometrics Research Institute College of Forestry and Conservation University of Montana Missoula, MT 59812

2. Data Collection Analog –Paper Digital –Handheld

3. Data Collection Process Historically: 1.Design procedures 2.Go into field 3.Collect data 4.Return to office 5.Enter data into computer 6.Analyze

4. Data Collection Process 1.Design Procedures 2.Go into field 3.Collect and analyze data –Check for errors in the field –Collect more data 4.Return to the office 5.Print results

5. Handheld Computer Project requirements: create software that Can be used on an “off-the-shelf” handheld Can be easily and directly imported to PC Is user friendly and robust

6. Hardware 1.Long battery life Replaceable batteries 2.Nonvolatile/removable memory 3.Cheap 4.User friendly 5.Compact 6.Resilient to field work

7. Drawbacks Not rugged Volatile memory Minimal software for forestry

8. Benefits $200 pocket PC vs. $1100+ CMT –5.5:1 Expandability Multifunctional

9. Solutions Field hardened cases Removable memory –See coin MFPS-PPC –demo

10. Mobile FPS for Pocket PC MS Visual Basic.net Pocket PC & Windows CE v4+ CSV data Data in - data out Customizable

11. On two occasions I have been asked, 'Pray, Mr. Babbage, if you put into the machine wrong figures, will the right answers come out?' I am not able rightly to apprehend the kind of confusion of ideas that could provoke such a question. Charles Babbage

12. Questions For more information please contact: Chuck Vopicka Forest Biometrics Research Institute College of Forestry and Conservation University of Montana Missoula, MT 59812 406-243-4526 chuck@forestbiometrics.com