I have an iphone that I use in the field all the time. I haven't used it for data entry, although that is something I would be interested in exploring. I have heard that LogMeIn can be used to access data files on a PC so that data entry can be done in the field directly into an excel file, although I have not tried it myself. The only catch is that it requires an internet connection (cell service is sufficient, I think) -- I don't have cell reception where I work. A couple nice things about the iphone (an ipad, ipod touch, or any other similar device would work just as well, I imagine) is that the photos are geo-tagged and time stamped, so I can take visual notes and have the exact gps location and time/date recorded, and I can dictate things hands free using the headphones with a mic. the voice memos are synced to my computer nightly.
zak On Thu, May 17, 2012 at 8:21 AM, Lindsay Reynolds <[email protected]>wrote: > Based on several field seasons of success by my colleagues with this set > up, I'm going to implement field data collection on iPod Touches this > summer. iPod Touches are relatively cheap and the functionality for what I > need is good. I think glare might be an issue we will have to deal with. > The package of hardware my colleagues use is an iPod Touch ($200, > http://www.apple.com/ipodtouch/) with a GPS cradle ($85 > http://www.gpscradle.dualav.com/) and they take these into the back > country, charging them on solar chargers ($100 > > http://store.solio.com/Solio-Store/Solar-Chargers/CLASSIC2-Solar-Battery-Charger-S13-AF1RW > ). It all fits into a sturdy Pelican case ($20 > http://www.pelican.com/cases_detail.php?Case=1050 ) > > They also recommend this database application with forms that can be > easily customized: HandDBase ($10 > http://www.ddhsoftware.com/handbase_iPhone.html ) > > -Lindsay > > > > From: > David Inouye <[email protected]> > To: > [email protected] > Date: > 05/16/2012 09:51 AM > Subject: > [ECOLOG-L] Used a tablet for field work? > Sent by: > "Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news" > <[email protected]> > > > > I'd like a way to replace data entry on paper in the field with an > electronic alternative. Ultimately the data end up in a spreadsheet, > but sometimes using formulae (e.g., 3*5 + 4*2 + 6, for numbers of > inflorescences with different numbers of flowers). Has anyone used > something like the Blackberry PlayBook, an Android tablet, Nook, > iPad, etc. with spreadsheet software? Recommendations for or against > particular solutions? > > I have also considered a ruggedized PC and a ruggedized tablet > (Motion F5V), but they are a LOT more expensive than other tablet > options would be. > > David Inouye > -- Zak Gezon PhD Candidate, Dartmouth College 78 College St. Life Sciences Center Biological Sciences Dept. Hanover, NH 03755
