Eagle Pipeline GIS Blog

GIS Data Collection, Part 2 of 3

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And we are back! After a brief break for software development, let's return to GIS Data Collection. (Stay tuned, Eagle has cool stuff in the works!) In the last post we took a brief tour of GIS Data Collection methods, discussed the importance of data collection, and how it fits into a GIS implementation. Often GIS Data Collection is ignored in a GIS implementation until the final phases. Although the GIS is a prerequisite for functional GIS Data Collection, it is important to remember our role as data stewards, and our responsibility to ensure that the data can be consumed and generated by its owners.

Previously I mentioned five different ways to approach GIS Data Collection. In this post I cover in more detail three of the five, and their pros and cons.  I will save my two favorites for the last post! There are many different approaches to data collection; these are just a sampling of the most common / efficient methods:

1. Provide a web portal for users to log onto and search for events and submit changes to their attributes.
2. Provide high-accuracy GPS devices for users to review and collect data while in the field.
3. Provide “lite-weight” applications for laptops or tablet computers to view, edit and collect data.
4. Provide simple applications on smart-phones to view, edit and collect data.
5. Provide data editing and collection by leveraging Smart Alignment Sheets.

1. “Provide a web portal for users to log onto and search for events and submit changes to their attributes.”

This method is conceptually pretty straight forward; it provides a simple web interface that allows users to select features or events on a pipeline and edit attributes. Such applications can be easy to roll out, and can either be purchased or created in-house.

• Simple approach requiring minimal infrastructure. The portal can be created with basic web servers on your internal network.
• Website data and domain values derive directly from the database with no risk of synchronization issues with the main GIS.

• Only allows users to type in station location or coordinates - no GPS data.
• Requires users to be connected to the internet and to the internal network via VPN (in most cases).
• No field device, although field access is possible via a laptop with an always-on internet connection.
• No camera integration.

2. “Provide high-accuracy GPS devices for users to review and collect data while in the field.”

This method is significantly more complicated than the first, but is very common. The use of the GPS device helps mitigate some of the issues in option 1 by using the GPS to locate the user.

• Provides “survey-grade” GPS coordinates to accurately locate features and the centerline.
• Some units have built in cameras.
• Can utilize external attachments like range finders to extend data collection.

• Most devices have very small screens that are hard to read in direct sunlight, complicating field use.
• Many devices have intricate interfaces to accommodate the various paper forms being replaced. This can be confusing and can prevent end-user buy in.
• Most devices must maintain a local copy of the data, which must be synchronized with the main database via a desktop computer.
• Most devices function only in a disconnected environment - no live database connections.

3. “Provide “lite-weight” applications for laptops or tablet computers to view, edit and collect data.”

This method relies on existing technology often already in place with field users: laptops and/or tablets. These can be easily used in a truck, out of the sunlight and weather. They can also be connected to a built-in or external GPS unit. The use of “air-cards” allows an always-on internet connection when in cell range.

• Utilizes existing hardware to deliver and extract data from the field.
• Laptop / tablet hardware has more data storage and screen real estate than handheld devices.
• Hardware costs (if not already "sunk") are less than survey-grade GPS units.
• Relies on GPS for user location.

• Devices are often strapped down in the truck, limiting mobility.
• GPS is less accurate than the survey-grade handheld units.
• No built in camera.

Each of these approaches solve different problems, and can help your organization move GIS Data Collection forward in different ways. When deciding what type of system to get started with, think about the problems you are trying to solve. Are you trying to survey your centerline in order to improve the accuracy in the GIS? Are you trying to deliver data to the field for reference and simple data collection? The solution appropriate to your organization depends on the types of problems you face.

Next time we will discuss the fourth and fifth method of GIS Data Collection, The Smart Phone and The Smart Alignment Sheet and how you can leverage it with other technologies to create a complete data collection system.