Laura LaBarge
- @LauraLaBarge
- | She/Her/Hers
Hi all, I know something similar was asked a year ago but I'd like some advice on free applications or software for collecting data in the field on an Android device (for eventual export as csv). I've used Cybertracker in the past and it was great but recently found that they were introducing a pricing model. The great thing about cybertracker was that buttons were large so that an observer can easily record something about an animal while mainly staying focused on the subject through binoculars. I've looked into a few other systems but none of them seem to have the same features. I'm willing to invest a bit of time in this but want something free. Does anyone have experience with anything similar to Cybertracker? I'm wondering if KoboToolbox might fill the gap. Data is collected daily and then uploaded to a server at the end of the day. Proofsafe seems to have some expense attached to it (and I'm not in charge so paying isn't even my call).
7 December 2024 12:02am
I know a lot of folks that use KoboToolBox and like it (though I myself have not used it).
Survey123 is another option I know people have used (especially for geospatial data as it's an arcgis app - but free and not limited to only those data). I've heard of people using ODK Collect too. Again I don't have personal experience using these but just some that I've heard others using!
12 December 2024 1:34am
Have you considered looking at SMART Desktop / SMART connect. Also do if you looking for something an open / free alternative for Cybertracker, look at EarthRanger. Both are available for free for conservation projects.
12 December 2024 7:23am
Id love to learn a bit more about your use case! I know this doesnt really solve your problem yet, but my team has a project on the backburner to help teams capture and sync offline data from the field.
The idea being you have an admin panel where you can create a structured form for your team to fill out in the field.
Then when they are back online all of the data can be merged together.
I know that we wont be solving your problem anytime soon if you cared to share a bit more about your use case that would be helpful to us!
What kind of observations are you making?
To be more helpful - you could take a look at Android ODK. Supposedly its open source but then the paid tier is very expensive and very scalable.
However, the team is responsive online, if you reach out and explain your work they might make a special arrangement for you...
17 December 2024 4:32pm
I used Epicollect5 often, easy to use and simple interface.
Carly Batist