Author(s):
Benjamin Sleeter* - United States Geological Survey
Abstract:
While technologies like satellite imagery and LIDAR have improved regional data collection, many USGS field researchers rely on manual data entries, sketches and paper map corrections in their field work. Emerging information technologies, such as personal digital assistants (PDA) and Tablet-based personal computers (Tablet PCs), offer the potential to simplify field data collection and database management in USGS research efforts. Using this technology, USGS researchers could potentially devote less time and energy to logistical concerns of fieldwork and data management and, instead, concentrate efforts on data analysis.
To assess the opportunities and needs for mobile computing technology at the USGS, we conducted an internal, web-based survey of bureau scientists who perform research that includes fieldwork. In summer 2005, 144 survey respondents answered 65 questions about fieldwork procedures and conditions, technology and data to support research, and post-fieldwork data processing and management. Results suggest that some mobile technology is already commonplace, such as digital cameras and GPS receivers, while others are not, such as Personal Digital Assistants (PDA) and Tablet personal computers (Tablet PC).
