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Tree Inventory PDA Utilities: An Introduction Data Collection Two options: Paper forms Pocket PC Paper-based Inventory UFORE, STRATUM, MCTI, SDAP Final analysis & reporting depends on quality field data Manual data entry into i-Tree Database Format Paper Advantages Low up-front cost
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Tree Inventory PDA Utilities: An Introduction
Data Collection • Two options: • Paper forms • Pocket PC
Paper-based Inventory • UFORE, STRATUM, MCTI, SDAP • Final analysis & reporting depends on quality field data
Paper Advantages • Low up-front cost • No technical training • No batteries • Paper doesn’t break when you drop it
Paper Disadvantages • Error-prone • Decipherment • QA harder • Can be slower in field • Much slower in office
PDA-based Inventory Utilities • Created keeping in mind users who have little familiarity with field data collection • For project managers who want to minimize time-consuming data entry, QA/QC and database formatting
PDA-based Inventory • Application compatible • UFORE, STRATUM/MCTI, SDAP • Push button data transfer • Two Interfaces • Desktop • Pocket PC
PDA to Desktop Data Transfer UFORE
PDA to Desktop Data Transfer STRATUM/MCTI
PDA to Desktop Data Transfer SDAP
PDA Advantages • Fast data collection • Low error rate • No data entry required • Data transfer automated
PDA Disadvantages • Up-front equipment expense • Training required • Require maintenance/care • Charging batteries • Units not protected from elements • Water, Dust, etc.
Demonstration: • Desktop Configuration • PDA synchronization • Using the PDA Utility
Choosing a PDA • Compatible only with Pocket PCs • Alternative OS (Palm, BlackBerry, Psion, PocketLinux, etc.) are not compatible. • Windows Mobile 2002 or 2003 operating systems (OS). • Mobile 5.0 operating systems • Other considerations • Weatherized models • Back-up media slot • Protective slip covers or carrying cases • High capacity batteries • Cost ($200-400 or more)
In-Field QA/QC • Hot Check – one team member or someone dedicated to QA/QC checks 3% of ongoing data collection • Cold Check – data re-measured by the QA/QC specialist, who meets with and compares data with the team • Blind Check – a sample unit is re-measured by another team or QA/QC specialist. Data is compared, but without the presence of the initial team.
DATA TRANSFER QA/QC • Set up a system for nightly transfer that works for your volunteers or project • Scan the data for errors each night • Reset and import from next PDA