Handheld Data Collection Charles E. Vopicka Database Manager Forest Biometrics Research Institute...

Handheld Data Handheld Data CollectionCollection

Charles E. VopickaCharles E. VopickaDatabase ManagerDatabase Manager

Forest Biometrics Research InstituteForest Biometrics Research InstituteCollege of Forestry and ConservationCollege of Forestry and Conservation

University of MontanaUniversity of MontanaMissoula, MT 59812Missoula, MT 59812

Data CollectionData Collection

• Analog– Paper

• Digital– Handheld

Data Collection ProcessData Collection Process

Historically:1. Design procedures2. Go into field3. Collect data4. Return to office5. Enter data into computer6. Analyze

Data Collection ProcessData Collection Process

1. Design Procedures2. Go into field3. Collect and analyze data

– Check for errors in the field– Collect more data

4. Return to the office5. Print results

Handheld ComputerHandheld Computer

Project requirements:create software that

• Can be used on an “off-the-shelf” handheld

• Can be easily and directly imported to PC

• Is user friendly and robust

HardwareHardware

1. Long battery life• Replaceable batteries

2. Nonvolatile/removable memory3. Cheap 4. User friendly5. Compact6. Resilient to field work

Drawbacks Drawbacks

• Not rugged• Volatile memory• Minimal software for forestry

BenefitsBenefits

• $200 pocket PC vs. $1100+ CMT– 5.5:1

• Expandability • Multifunctional

SolutionsSolutions

• Field hardened cases• Removable memory

– See coin

• MFPS-PPC– demo

Mobile FPS for Pocket PCMobile FPS for Pocket PC

• MS Visual Basic .net

• Pocket PC & Windows CE v4+

• CSV data• Data in - data out• Customizable

On two occasions I have been asked, 'Pray, Mr. Babbage, if you put into the machine wrong figures, will the right answers come out?' I am not able rightly to apprehend the kind of confusion of ideas that could provoke such a question.

Charles Babbage

QuestionsQuestions

For more information please contact:

Chuck VopickaForest Biometrics Research InstituteCollege of Forestry and Conservation

University of MontanaMissoula, MT 59812

406-243-4526chuck@forestbiometrics.com