Issue link: https://geospatial.trimble.com/en/resources/i/1397830
SOLUTION With the Big Game looming, project leaders knew they had to act fast. To speed things up, they chose Trimble ® TerraFlex ™ field data capture software, a cloud-based solution for managing and streamlining data collection from a mobile device. "TerraFlex enabled us to quickly and effectively assess the study area," said CommUniverCity Project Coordinator Galadriel Burr. "Once the data was exported into GIS, we were then able to perform data analysis and create maps for the haulers in charge of illegal dumping removal." The city had already identified key "hotspots" as part of a pilot program to reduce illegal dumping, which helped CommUniverCity map out four square miles of potential sites. Project leaders used TerraFlex to create data collection forms with fields for features and conditions such as location of trash (sidewalk, median, fence line); type of trash (shopping cart, furniture, clothing); accessibility; and whether it was electronic or hazardous waste. Training the field workers was quick because TerraFlex is simple to navigate and supports iOS, Android and select tablet devices running Windows ® 7 / Windows 8, which allowed workers to use their personal phones while collecting data. Everything is centralized in a single device so there is no need for GPS, a camera or printed maps. When a user opens a form, TerraFlex marks the location on an internal map. Workers then verify the location, fill in the fields on the form and capture at least one geo-referenced photo. If workers are in spotty communication areas, the application is still fully functional and automatically synchronizes the data as soon as they are online again. For the cleanup campaign, project leaders wanted minimal dropdowns on the form, yet to still have the ability to add fields as needed, which was no problem since TerraFlex templates can be edited and immediately rolled out to workers to ensure continued data integrity. There are no handwritten notes to transcribe so data collection is quick, efficient and accurate. While the city had budgeted up to two workers (one staff, one student) per car and student supervision for the project, thanks to TerraFlex, CommUniverCity needed only two—a driver and a navigator/spotter. To expedite data collection, however, each car had two spotters. Four cars were in the field each day.