Course Details

Mobile GIS and Field Data Collection Training Course

Introduction

The traditional methods of collecting spatial data in the field often involve paper maps, notebooks, and manual data entry, which are prone to errors, time-consuming, and inefficient. The advent of Mobile GIS has revolutionized this process, empowering field professionals to capture, manage, and access geographic information directly on their smartphones, tablets, or ruggedized devices. By integrating GPS capabilities with digital maps and smart forms, Mobile GIS enables real-time data collection, immediate validation, and seamless synchronization with central GIS databases. This technology is indispensable across a wide range of industries, including environmental monitoring, urban planning, utilities management, public safety, surveying, and asset inventory. Without proficiency in Mobile GIS and field data collection techniques, organizations risk inaccurate data, delayed information flow, inefficient workflows, and an inability to make timely, location-aware decisions in the field. Many professionals understand the concept but struggle with the practical implementation, app configuration, and data management aspects of deploying a successful mobile GIS solution.

Conversely, mastering Mobile GIS and field data collection empowers professionals to streamline their field operations, enhance data accuracy, reduce operational costs, and improve overall decision-making by bringing GIS directly to the point of work. This specialized skill set is crucial for transforming raw field observations into actionable spatial intelligence, enabling more efficient and effective operations across diverse sectors. Our intensive 5-day "Mobile GIS and Field Data Collection" training course is meticulously designed to equip GIS professionals, field technicians, surveyors, environmental scientists, urban planners, utility workers, public safety personnel, and anyone involved in collecting or managing spatial data in the field with the essential knowledge and practical skills required to confidently utilize mobile GIS applications for efficient, accurate, and real-time data acquisition.

Duration

5 Days

Target Audience

The "Mobile GIS and Field Data Collection" training course is ideal for a broad range of professionals who regularly collect, manage, or utilize spatial data in field environments. This includes:

• GIS Professionals and Analysts: Seeking to expand their skills into mobile data collection workflows.
• Field Technicians and Engineers: Across industries like utilities, environmental monitoring, and civil engineering.
• Surveyors and Mappers: Utilizing GPS-enabled devices for attribute and spatial data collection.
• Environmental Scientists and Conservationists: For field surveys, species tracking, and habitat assessment.
• Urban Planners and Inspectors: For asset inventory, code enforcement, and site assessments.
• Public Safety and Emergency Management Personnel: For incident mapping and rapid damage assessment.
• Researchers and Academics: Conducting field studies in various disciplines.
• Project Managers: Overseeing projects that involve significant field data collection.
• Anyone who needs to collect accurate geospatial data efficiently in the field.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of the "Mobile GIS and Field Data Collection" training course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the fundamental concepts, benefits, and applications of Mobile GIS and field data collection.
• Identify and select appropriate mobile GIS hardware and software solutions for various field tasks.
• Design and configure smart forms for efficient and accurate attribute data capture.
• Perform GPS data collection, manage spatial accuracy, and troubleshoot common field challenges.
• Utilize various mobile GIS applications for mapping, navigation, and data editing in disconnected environments.
• Implement workflows for seamless synchronization of field-collected data with central GIS databases.
• Ensure data quality, integrity, and security in mobile GIS environments.
• Formulate strategies for deploying and managing Mobile GIS solutions within an organization to optimize field operations.

 Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Mobile GIS and Field Data Collection Concepts

• What is Mobile GIS? Evolution, benefits, and applications in various sectors.
• Components of a Mobile GIS system: Hardware (devices), Software (apps), Data, Connectivity.
• The importance of accurate field data collection and its impact on decision-making.
• Overview of common Mobile GIS platforms and applications (e.g., ArcGIS Field Maps, Survey123, QField, Collector for ArcGIS, custom apps).
• Planning a Mobile GIS project: Defining requirements, workflows, and deliverables.

Module 2: Mobile GIS Hardware and GPS Fundamentals

• Types of mobile devices for field use: Smartphones, tablets, ruggedized devices, dedicated GPS units.
• Understanding GPS/GNSS: Principles of satellite positioning, accuracy, and precision.
• Factors affecting GPS accuracy: Satellite availability, atmospheric conditions, multipath, PDOP.
• Improving GPS accuracy: Differential GPS (DGPS), Real-Time Kinematic (RTK), post-processing.
• Best practices for GPS receiver setup and field operation.

Module 3: Designing Smart Forms for Attribute Data Collection

• The importance of well-designed forms for data quality and efficiency.
• Understanding question types: Text, numeric, date, time, choices (dropdowns, radio buttons), photos, signatures.
• Implementing conditional logic, skip patterns, and required fields.
• Utilizing default values, calculations, and auto-populated fields.
• Designing forms for user-friendliness and minimizing field errors.

Module 4: Mobile GIS Applications for Data Capture

• Introduction to popular mobile GIS apps and their functionalities.
• Configuring maps and layers for offline use in the field.
• Capturing point, line, and polygon features with associated attributes.
• Attaching photos, videos, and audio recordings to features.
• Editing existing data and creating new features in the field.

Module 5: Offline Workflows and Data Synchronization

• The necessity of offline capabilities in remote or disconnected environments.
• Preparing maps and data for offline use.
• Collecting data offline and managing local edits.
• Strategies for synchronizing collected data back to the central GIS database.
• Resolving conflicts during synchronization and maintaining data integrity.

Module 6: Advanced Field Data Collection Techniques

• Using external GPS receivers for higher accuracy.
• Integrating mobile GIS with other field instruments (e.g., laser rangefinders).
• Collecting linear measurements and areas in the field.
• Navigation tools: Compass, routing, turn-by-turn directions to assets.
• Introduction to tracking and monitoring mobile assets in real-time.

Module 7: Data Quality, Validation, and Post-Processing

• Implementing data validation rules in forms and GIS.
• Techniques for reviewing and cleaning field-collected data.
• Quality control checks on spatial and attribute accuracy.
• Post-processing GPS data for improved accuracy (where applicable).
• Reporting on data collection progress and quality metrics.

Module 8: Deployment, Management, and Future Trends in Mobile GIS

• Strategies for deploying mobile GIS solutions to field crews.
• Managing users, permissions, and device profiles.
• Troubleshooting common mobile GIS issues in the field and office.
• Integration of Mobile GIS with other enterprise systems (e.g., EAM, CRM).
• Future trends: Augmented Reality (AR) in the field, AI-powered data validation, autonomous data collection.

CERTIFICATION

• Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

• Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

• Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com