Developed by IGRE

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Field Data Collection Application for Pocket PC
Developed by IGRE
Eastern Michigan University Summer 2001
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This application was designed to collect
inventory and assessment data on the physical
condition of structures located on residential
and non-residential parcels, in the City of
Flint, Michigan. In addition, assessment data
was also collected on open areas such as vacant
lots and parks, and at the street level for data
about the condition of sidewalks, lighting, and
abandoned vehicles. These data are used in a
parcel level, geographic information system
designed by CEITA, to evaluate where Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds should be
focused to help revitalize local neighborhoods.
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Purpose of Application
Traditionally, field data is collected on paper
forms. Then, the data on the forms is input
manually into a database.
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In previous years, our client used four,
two-sided forms to collect the required property
assessment information, and then had to manually
input these data into their property assessment
database.
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Client Needs
Our client asked CEITA to design a PC-based field
solution to increase the accuracy and efficiency
of data collection and eliminate the need for
office data input. To fill this need, CEITA
recommended a Pocket PC application using
Compaq's IPAQ Pocket PC.
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Pocket PC Solution
The Field Data Collection Application consists of
three functional modules.
1 Field Data Collection Module
Data collection functions for the COMPAQ IPAQ
Pocket PC were developed using Embedded C,
Version 3.0.
2 Import Module for Exchanging Data With
Desktop System
Data Import Tool was developed using Visual C
and runs within the Windows environment (Windows
95 or higher). The data import tool communicates
with the Pocket PC using Remote Application
Program Interface (RAPI).
3 Data Viewer Buttons designed for the ArcView
GIS GUI
Field Data collection results can be viewed
effortlessly using new tool buttons. Viewer
buttons were designed using Avenue scripts.
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Conceptual Design
RAPI
RAPI Remote Application Program Interface
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Database Design
The field data is captured into five data tables.
The Main Table parcel level data was provided by
the City of Flint, Michigan
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Functions developed for Pocket PC
Spatial Data Organizer
Spatial-data are organized in an INI file. Users
can easily add new census tracts to the system.
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Functions developed for Pocket PC
Supports Image Layers
At this time, the following Image formats can be
registered in the Field Data Collection Module.
JPEG BMP GIF TIF
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Functions developed for Pocket PC
User Management
The application allows for the addition of new
field staff.
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Functions developed for Pocket PC
History Management
The application can remember the last parcel (or
street segment) you worked on.
Last Parcel
Last Street Segment
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Functions developed for Pocket PC
Property Type Temporal Management
Forms were designed for residential,
non-residential and open-area parcels and for
street-level assessments.
Time and date of data collection are added to
each database entry automatically.
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Functions developed for Pocket PC
Change Map Extent
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Functions developed for Pocket PC
Get Information from the Map
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Functions developed for Pocket PC
Input Assessment Data for Parcels and Streets
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Functions developed for Pocket PC
Collect data with ease. You can complete most
data items by simply choosing checking
assessment items.
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Functions developed for Pocket PC
Different colors identify different collection
status. You never need to worry about inputting
data for the same parcel twice.
Last Parcel
Finished Parcels
Unfinished Parcels
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A Data Import Tool was developed to
Download Data to DBMS
Download Data to Shapefile.dbf
Backup Data from Pocket PC to Desktop PC
Clear Data from Pocket PC
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Basic Functions of Data Import Tool
Using the Field Data Import Tool, you can import
data from the Pocket PC to your database easily
and view download statistics during the process.
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A Data Viewer was designed within ArcView GIS to
Determine which parcels were surveyed
Determine which street segments were surveyed
Determine the number of parcels with address
issues based on the City Assessors database
Determine the number of parcels with primary
use conflicts based on the City Assessors
database
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Basic Functions of Data Viewer
Capability to visually check the field data and
query any of the attributes captured during the
field data collection.
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Testing, Quality Control and Documentation
Testing and Quality Control was performed during
all stages of development. A Users Guide was
also prepared to train the field staff on the use
and functionality of the application.
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If you would like to discuss the development of
a Handheld PC application for your specific
field data collection needs, please call Mike
Dueweke at IGRE for a requirements
analysis. (734) 487- 8655 gis_dueweke_at_online.emic
h.edu Thank You!