Hi

Zac McCormick

@zacmcc

Software Engineer

Field
Data
Collection

Information From the Field Smarter + Faster

sni

Mapping company in Clearwater, FL

florida
We
make software
We
make/use software
fulcrum
pushpin
osm

openstreetmap.org

$$$
✓ Hardware
✓ Hardware
✓ Software
✓ Hardware
✓ Software
✓ Training
✓ Hardware
✓ Software
✓ Training
✓ Q/A
Use consumer hardware!
Field work doesn't require custom hardware.
It's a software problem!

The best part:

We already know how to use them.
apple / google
Bring your own device.
This stuff is still pretty new.
Most software vendors are used to big, complex desktop software.
What makes a good field collection process?

Paper is awesome

Paper is awesome

> it always works

Paper is awesome

> it always works

> anyone can use it

Paper is awesome

> it always works

> anyone can use it

> there is no magic

but...

x  still requires error-prone transcription

but...

x  still requires error-prone transcription

x  delay between collection and Q/A

but...

x  still requires error-prone transcription

x  delay between collection and Q/A

x  no inherent workflow processes

but...

x  still requires error-prone transcription

x  delay between collection and Q/A

x  no inherent workflow processes

x  ceiling of complexity

Software vendors lose sight of the advantages.
We could just make it a desktop app.
apple / google

Surveys should contain the logic

(this is important)

Separation of
concerns

GIS Concerns

> data format

> projections

> data modeling

Field Concerns

> what do I need to do *today*?

> how do I get to my next asset?

> how do I use this clunky piece of software?

Be prepared for change

fast iteration is key

You shouldn't need a database expert to make a survey.

Shorter feedback loop = smoother deployment

Collaboration

share

Near real-time analysis / decision making

share
share

Passive attribution

History

Store everything

Multimedia

camera

Accessories

camera

Thanks!

http://bit.ly/cfgis-field-work