What is a field data collection app?

A field data collection app is a mobile or web-based application designed to facilitate the collection, recording and management of field data. These apps are widely used in many industries such as ecology, agriculture, utilities, natural resources or construction. Some of the key features of data collection apps are geolocation, customisable forms, media capture, data validation and management and real-time syncing.

There are many data collection applications on the market which may differ based on user experience, its features or technologies. Here are some of the best tools available on the market:

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Mergin Maps

Mergin Maps is a field data collection tool based on QGIS, developed by Lutra Consulting, a longtime QGIS development and consulting company. The data is collected on the mobile device, and it can be synchronised back to the project in QGIS. Integration with QGIS is making it the obvious first choice for people who want to work in a familiar QGIS interface and collect data in the field at the same time.

The benefit of Mergin Maps is an easy to use interface, making it an ideal field data collection tool for people not familiar with GIS concepts or modern technologies. Mergin Maps offers cloud-based SaaS service or the on-premise deployment for Enterprise or Community editions.

Some of the popular features are:

• Offline use 
• APIs and db sync to automate synchronisation
• Project versioning and history
• External GNSS support
• Intuitive drag and drop forms with a wide range of features

QField

QField is another mobile data collection application that lets users package projects created on the open-source QGIS desktop platform for use with mobile devices. QField synchronisation can be handled between the mobile device and pc/laptop entirely offline by using a USB connection or with a mobile data connection by using the QFieldCloud service. The cloud service has a limited free tier for projects <100mb or can be used for larger projects with subscription plans priced on a per-user basis. 

While using the app, users choose between ‘browsing’ and ‘editing’ modes depending on whether they are just exploring the data or creating new features and collecting data. While using editing mode, users have the ability to carry out actions such as:

• Add and edit features
• Record points, lines or polygons
• Fill out survey forms linked to features on the map
• Split or merge existing features
• Measure features
• Navigate to points

Learn more about the differences between Mergin Maps and QField here.

ArcGIS Field Maps

ArcGIS Field Maps, the successor of Esri's Collector app, is a mobile app that is integrated with the Esri ArcGIS software suite. The app allows users to access Esri maps from their mobile devices. Users have the option to download the ArcGIS Field Maps app for online and offline access to maps or they can access the Field Maps web application for online access to their map projects. 

Field Maps allows users to add and edit features, fill in survey forms and record spatial data on their projects. They can also use a markup feature to draw or take notes on a separate layer in their projects. 

Project managers can divide their projects into areas, allowing users to download portions of the project to work on in offline mode without having to download the entire project. Users can then work on their area of interest and then synchronise their work when they have a data connection.

Another app from Esri, Survey123 is a form-centric data collection tool that can be integrated into your Esri projects. It allows users to create smart forms that can be accessed using the mobile app or website. Survey123 supports geospatial data collection but has fewer spatial functions than Field Maps. However, you can connect your Field Maps project to a Survey123 form for greater flexibility.

Fulcrum App

Fulcrum App is another field data collection tool focused mostly on industrial use cases with a strong tilt towards inspection management. Developed by Spatial Networks, Fulcrum has entered a Commercial Provider Agreement with Esri to build on the Esri technology stack.

With Fulcrum dashboard, you can oversee all activities in the field in real time with search, edit, filter or export capabilities. Fulcrum is built on Google Maps, making it familiar for most of the users. Some advanced features are:

• Drag -and-drop form builder
• Offline data collection
• Multiple export formats in formats like CSV, Excel, KML or Shapefile
• APIs for seamless integration
• Task Assignments

Fulcrum App can be an effective tool for a larger field data collection team, however, the pricing comes at a slightly higher price range than most of its competitors, starting at $15 per month per user in a starter tier.

Locus GIS

Developed by Czech software company Asamm Software, who developed the famous Locus Map, which is a popular mapping and navigation app for outdoor activities,  Locus GIS is a tool for field data collection.

Locus GIS is effectively running on OpenStreetMap, making it more similar to the open source competitors like QField or Mergin Maps. It is mostly known for its user-friendly interface, making it a popular choice for professionals in various industries.

As the basic version with fairly advanced features is free, Locus GIS comes out as the most affordable option, although it lacks an iOS app, making it a hard choice for some.

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