Taking a break from the SAGA tips and writing about writing to remind you that planting season is fast approaching. While we're all going stir crazy in our offices, take some time to review some data collection tools that may make spring sampling easier on you and your team. I started with some Esri tools,… Continue reading Data Collection Tools Revisited
Tag: sampling
Free Digital Data Collection Tools
Earlier this month I shared some Esri tools (Survey123 and Collector) that work well for field data collection. Today I'm sharing some free alternatives to Esri products. Google Forms is an easy alternative to Survey123. If you go to Google Drive and click the "New" button, you'll have the option to build a new Form,… Continue reading Free Digital Data Collection Tools
Non-digital Data Collection Tools
Back to data collection tools! In general I prefer paperless methods because I don't have to worry about entering the data to a spreadsheet later, fighting all the poor handwriting. It also gives me a little more control over data format and makes tracking locations much easier. That being said, sometimes the old fashioned way… Continue reading Non-digital Data Collection Tools
Collector for ArcGIS
Last week I shared some information about Survey123 and how we use it for data collection. Today I'm going to give you a quick overview of Collector, which is another Esri product. Just like Survey123, the app is free but you'll need to log in with your Esri account credentials. I do not use Collector… Continue reading Collector for ArcGIS
Survey123
Last week I mentioned that we're getting into harvest here in Ohio. In the field, easy-to-use mobile apps are a great replacement for more traditional data sheets because they organize the data and don't require manual data entry after a long day outside. Survey123, produced by Esri, is a personal favorite because it's easy to… Continue reading Survey123
Uploading Coordinates into a Map
Fall semester is here, which means we're juggling classes and planning for harvest. Over the next week or two I'll highlight some tools we use for fall data collection, including Survey 123, Collector for ArcGIS, and Google Forms. My first related post won't introduce any of these apps, but instead will use Google Maps to… Continue reading Uploading Coordinates into a Map
How far apart are half acre grid soil samples?
I take a lot of soil samples on a half acre grid. Since linear measurements are easier to visualize, a lot of people ask me how far apart those samples are. This is also helpful if you're trying to make your own sampling map. An acre equals 43560 square feet. If you want to take… Continue reading How far apart are half acre grid soil samples?
Help me find this place again: how to drop, save, and send pins in Google Maps
Let's say you are scouting a field and notice a tile blowout. You need to communicate the location of this problem to your employer, the field owner, or an employee. While you could say something along the line of "go to Field X at the NE corner of County Road Y and Section Line Road… Continue reading Help me find this place again: how to drop, save, and send pins in Google Maps
Spatially Challenged 