If you’ve ever taken on a field data collection project you may have had some questions and concerns about which tools to use. Esri has a number of apps you can use to collect data in the field and they all offer a form to fill in and all connect to ArcGIS. This is where you design your data collection requirements and push it to your enterprise or organization for further analysis and use. Esri has created a useful table that shows a comparison of functionality among Survey123 for ArcGIS, Collector for ArcGIS, and GeoForm.
The following table shows a comparison of functionality among Survey123 for ArcGIS, Collector for ArcGIS, and GeoForm.
Survey 123
Capture data anytime, anywhere with the Survey123 for ArcGIS app. It works on your smartphone, laptop, or desktop as a native app and also in your browser. With Survey 123 users can design Surveys that speed the collection process with predefined questions that use logic and provide easy-to-fill answers, embedded audio and images, and offer multiple languages. Read more about Survey 123
For those interested in more, see this fine article titled, 5 Reasons to Use Survey123 for ArcGIS
Collector for ArcGIS
Collector for ArcGIS allows you to put mapping in the hands of your field workforce to improve the accuracy and currency of your spatial data and make more timely and informed decisions. Collect and update information in the field and log your current location – Use Collector for ArcGIS online or offline and Works on iOS, Android, and Windows and Use a high-accuracy receiver and get up to centimeter accuracy. Read more about Collector
With Collector you’ll be able to:
- Collect and update data using the map or GPS.
- Download maps to your device and work offline.
- Collect points, lines, areas, and related data.
- Fill out easy-to-use, map-driven forms.
- Attach photos to your features.
- Use professional-grade GPS receivers.
- Search for places and features.
- Track and report where you’ve been.
GeoForm
Geoform is a configurable app template for form based data editing of a Feature Service. This application allows users to enter data through a form instead of a map’s pop-up while leveraging the power of the Web Map and editable Feature Services. Note, The web map must contain an editable feature layer to use with the form. This application allows users to enter data through a form instead of a map’s pop-up while leveraging the power of the Web Map and editable Feature Services. This app geo-enables data and workflows by lowering the barrier of entry for completing simple tasks. View the GeoForm application HERE.
This blog post from Esri is an excellent stating point!
Note: There also a number of other, third party mobile collection solutions that enable users to collect data in the field for use in ArcGIS and ArcGIS Online. How are you managing your ArcGIS field data collection projects?
A reminder, once you start collecting and gathering data in the field for your various mobile collection projects, you can use Admin Tools for ArcGIS Online to help manage your data, maps, and groups, providing access to data and software to those users in your organization that need it. Admin Tools (free) is available in the ArcGIS Marketplace and takes only a minute to provision.
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