Field Data Collection
The collection of data in the field is a very difficult task. In the "good old days", it was easy enough to use a notebook, and to cobble together a report based on these notes, a few extra recollections and a quick discussion with someone who knew something about taxonomy.
Now, it is possible to collect authoritative and comprehensive data in the field digitally.
Handheld devices - ranging from Global Positioning Systems (GPS) through to tablet PCs - can all be used in the field to collect data. Many of these units are now becoming "ruggedised" or weatherproof, and if they're not, then you can usually pick up external cases to protect your investment in this technology.
Or, if you prefer to go with hardcopies - and many companies still do - then you can stick with this medium - but perhaps you need to optimise the data that you collect?
Collecting data in the field can always be improved. We look at the business processes behind your data collection - why are you collecting this data, and where is it intended to go - and then we look at ways to make your job easier.
Our field data solution consists of:
Analysing your requirements for field data collection and providing advice on what fields you should collect in order to achieve maximum value from a field trip,
Providing hardware to use in the field - such as our Ruggedised PDA units which are available for hire or purchase - which will be completely set up for your requirements when they arrive on-site, including loading particular datasets to use in the mapping task, or developing specific databases to use,
Providing training to you or your field staff in how to use the units - on-site if required,
Providing technical support to you or your staff while they are in the field,
Downloading the data from the units when they are shipped back to us and then providing you with data in your required format (such as various GIS formats, database tables, or spreadsheets and text files)
For more information on some of our field data collection solutions, have a look at our products area, or feel free to contact us via email.