Several weeks ago I posted:
> 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.
Responses included (thanks!):
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I'd recommend a PDA, like the Trimble Juno or the old Garmin IQues.
They can run ArcPad and are specifically made for use out-of-doors,
so you avoid problems with reading the screen, touchpads, etc..
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I know it's not an electronic alternative but have you considered
using a dive slate or something similar to record data? They are
easier to cope with than paper, it is harder to enter the wrong data
accidentally, and it won't crash and dump all of your data.
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Some time ago, I got this on a forwarded ECOLOG discussion:
<http://www.wec.ufl.edu/faculty/brunae/AppList.php>http://www.wec.ufl.edu/faculty/brunae/AppList.php
Hope this helps.
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I'd like to tell you about an app that the developer and I worked out
together - and it is configurable by the user. My idea was to make a
data entry program for my iPod touch and he had an app that almost
worked. I wrote, and gave suggestions and he developed. Now the app
is configurable and could be used for a wide variety of types of
field data. The app is:
Forms (customizable)
<http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/forms-customizable/id503870383?mt=8>http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/forms-customizable/id503870383?mt=8
and was written by:
Sreedhar
And you can find it in iTunes. It is reasonably priced, especially
considering that it so flexible.
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We are currently using https://www.isurveysoft.com/ app for
recreation surveys in the field...using ipad. You can use the basic
ipad that is not 3G. If you got an otter box cover that would help
for protection. The isurveysoft software can be set up to
automatically upload the data when you are near wireless internet for
later download in spreadsheet form. This might be an inexpensive
solution...where you can set up the survey as a data input form. You
do have to pay for the "surveys" but I think we are paying education
based fees. Presumably for stuff requiring formulas, the math could
be done once the "survey"data was downloaded as long as data was
input in a way that puts values in different columns?
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I was a water sampler for the state and we used Dell ruggedized laptops.
They are not very rugged despite the name and had continuous problems with
chargers breaking, low battery life and the computers just shutting off
randomly. Avoid Dell.
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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/>http://www.apple.com/ipodtouch/)
with a GPS cradle ($85
<http://www.gpscradle.dualav.com/>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>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>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>http://www.ddhsoftware.com/handbase_iPhone.html
)
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We use the panasonic tough book in the field on a daily basis. They are a
lot more expensive than a tablet, but they do over much greater scope in
what they can do. We run Esri ArcEditor 10 on ours and map whilst in the
field as well as just entering data, being water/shock/dust proof does also
mean you really dont have to worry about them in the field. The one i'm
currently using has been in the field with me nearly every day for the past
2 years in weather from torrential downpours/snow/sleet to +30 temps and
hasnt played up on me once.
Having the ability to enter data directly into an electronic format makes
life a lot quicker and easier without having to worry about transcribing it
all when you get home.
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I have a kindle fire and I use quick office pro but I haven't use it
in the field. I would say that you can use it but it is not as good
as excel in a normal computer. Probably there are better apps that
you can use.
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thought I'd chime in on this topic. I've always gone with paper data
entry first, then re-typing later, however, I've had several students
who would directly enter data into PC's or other electronic devices.
It seems really convenient, but I no longer let students do this. One
of them lost all of their data for several days of work when their
editing program inexplicably crashed before the data had been saved.
It wasn't a catastrophic data loss, but there was no record anywhere
we could turn to, so the work had to be completely repeated. That
incident occurred while the student was typing data into a PC
spreadsheet on a lab bench while doing microscope work, I bet that
this type of incident is even more likely to happen in the field.
I think its safest to enter data on a write in the rain type notebook
in pencil, and then transfer later!
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We do all our field data collection on PDAs actually - you don't
really need a tablet for such simple things as spreadsheets. They're
much cheaper, run longer, and withstand a lot of rough usage (at
least, the HP ipaqs I've relied on) so long as they have some skin or case.
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We've been doing morphological and flowering phenol in field w iPad
since last summer's storms and tornados in Indiana last May including
refining Apps and accessories for misty weather etc.
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The @work apps from apple for ipad (Pages for documents, Numbers for
spreadsheets, and Keynotes for presentations) are fantastic
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I used 2 ipads last summer to collect data in the field. I used
Filemaker to create a database that ran on both ipads to enter the
data directly in, then downloaded each database onto my laptop each
evening. If you make them 3G, then you could even do this on a cloud
server. I suggest an otterbox cover, which protects them from rain to
some extent and the hazards of the field. I found them to be
wonderfully useful and a great alternative to paper - it saved me
tons of time and the possibility of entry error.
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In my experience (Android tablet using an excel spreadsheet) these are the
major issues that should be considered:
1) glare / screen contrast - the glare screen accessories don't really
work that well in an outdoor setting, especially in full to partial sun.
2) touchscreen compatibility with stylus - some tablets don't allow you to
use a stylus. If you have any sort of insect repellent or sunscreen on your
fingertips your screen will suffer (not sure if the glare screens will
protect from chemicals). Also, touchscreens don't work well while wearing
gloves- though there are special gloves on the market for this reason.
3) on screen keyboard - when you bring up the keyboard it will cover the
majority of your spreadsheet which may or may not be an issue depending on
the size of your spreadsheet's row height.
4) ruggedness - it's probably worth the money to buy ruggedized tablets
because the are designed to protect against field elements (humidity, dust,
rain, etc)
These are just some of the things I would consider when choosing among
tablets if you decide to replace tried-and-true paper datasheets.
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i have heard of the use of PDAs for data entry long ago... just doing
a google search i found this webpage... i guess there are many others
like this...
http://www.doforms.com/
one advantage with PDAs was the entrance of GPS data.. but now any
cellphone has GPS...
about the touch screen... all depends if you have all your data entry
preprogramed... i guess.. but using a stylus would be better..
i have used a Garmin to enter GPS and data and as all mentioned the
sun is a problem... you need some kind of cover to be able to read it...
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I've used my smartphone intensively for data collecting. I strongly
discourage you to use a tablet for a simple reason, it is very heavy!
I also discourage you to use an on-screen keyboard to introduce the data
into the spreadsheet, it gets messy easily and lacks precision. Instead,
I suggest you get a smartphone with large screen and a hard keyboard. I
used an HTC Touch Pro but it is quite outdated already. I've heard a lot
of good things about the Motorola Droid 4:
http://www.gottabemobile.com/2012/02/10/droid-4-review-incredible-keyboard-awesome-speeds/
Phones are cheaper than tablets, they are lighter, they can have a real
keyboard, they can load and edit spreadsheets, they are more resistant,
and if they break, you still can afford to buy another one. As for
saving your data, it is just as easy (or more) than a tablet.
