[OSGeo-Discuss] Mobile GPS data collection...

[Mateusz Loskot]

Bob Basques wrote:
> Mateusz Loskot wrote:
>> Bob Basques wrote:
>> 
>>> I'm more inclined to go with some sort of Web Based Syncing of 
>>> the data collection.
>> 
>> Bob,
>> 
>> Me too, but think that only Web based synced application would 
>> limit its proliferation. I mean, in many countries, you can not 
>> even dream about long-time Internet access in field, for example 
>> when collecting data in forest.
> 
> 
> I talking about Web based even when connected over a landline, why 
> use more than one system. The same would work for a wireless set up 
> as it would for a landline connection. Since the discussion has been 
> centered on the idea of having a WEB server on the portable device as
>  well, let this Web Service (or a component of) handle the syncing 
> process behind the scene , with a simple report being required as an 
> output to the user to let them know that the syncing process has 
> taken place,  All user interaction is through the local Webserver on 
> the portable device, and the syncing process is where the effort is 
> put into.


Bob,

OK, I think I see your idea better. Thanks for clarification.

>> IMHO combined solution of Web based synchronization and local 
>> database would be best.
> 
> Agreed, with some Web Service component (this is I think where the 
> effort should be placed) that handles the data syncing process.

OK.

>>> My first thought was to use a WebServer on the device that 
>>> handles the data collection as a standalone device, and also the
>>>  communications with a main database server.
>> 
>> It depends on how powerful is the device, but I think mobile device
>>  is better to be a client of remote services, than provider.
>> 
> A local (portable service) provider shouldn't be too much of a burden
>  or resource hog, and will provide for much greater control of any 
> development efforts.

I am pretty sure there should be no problem to test this solution.
Have you any recommendation of components/libraries/services we could
use to set up such installation on some PDA and test it?

>>> I would also propose having a auto-tracking map where most, if 
>>> not all, of the input is done via a spatial interface.  This 
>>> seems to be the easiest type of interface to use for such things 
>>> and doesn't add to the training aspects appreciably.
>>> 
>> 
>> 
>> What do you mean as "auto-tracking"?
>> 
> A spatial component where a Mapping system is always tracking while 
> the application is on (no user interaction other than zooming would 
> be required) and the map in the view is always centered on the 
> currently captured GPS coordinates (I'm assuming there will be some 
> sort of GPS component of course) 


OK, it's clear for me. Yes, this is a common feature.

> The idea being to free up the user 
> from having to worry about getting the map to the correct location, 
> and only worry about layer visibility and scale of view (zooming). 

It could be configurable:
- turn on/off "Center to GPS"
- turn on/off "Map Rotation"
etc.

> This map view would be used for the spatial digitizing of the data 
> capture points, I took the photo here (pointed in that direction 
> [drag two points]), the accident occurred here( click map), The Water
>  connection is on this side of the building, right here (click on 
> map), etc.

Yup.

Best regards
-- 
Mateusz Loskot
http://mateusz.loskot.net