G-BASE trials of SIGMA digital field data capture : feedback and recommendations

One of the aims of SIGMA (System for Integrated Geospatial Mapping) is to evaluate current methods of field data collection and mapping in an attempt to increase efficiency where possible (Jordan et al. 2002). The G-BASE programme is one of several across BGS that was supplied with ‘digital notebooks’ (i.e. PDAs [Personal Digital Assistants] running customised software) and accessories such as GPS (Global Positioning Systems) and digital cameras in order to assess the impacts of digital field data capture on their fieldwork. This report provides feedback to the ongoing SIGMA Toolkit testing programme from the 2004 G-BASE field season. The capture of digital field data and the transfer of data into a desktop database was carried out in two testing phases: firstly within the scope of the G-BASE regional and urban sampling campaign of 2004 in East Anglia and secondly in Keyworth in December 2004. Due to heavy workloads and extremely tight schedules before the field season, an introduction and formal training to operate the HP iPAQ hardware and customised ArcPad software was not held and operators only had a brief overview of the system before commencing their work in the field. Therefore it took longer for G-BASE staff to become familiar with the devices during the 2004 field campaign and so trials under real field sampling conditions were limited. The devices were, however, handed out to experienced volunteer workers who carried out the sampling and digital recording of field observations. To supplement this rather limited testing, a second trial was carried out at BGS Keyworth after the field season to gain additional information about the application of the digital devices. Andreas Scheib carried out trials in Keyworth with support from Paul Turner and Emma Bee. After both field trials were complete, the captured data was successfully transferred into the G-BASE field database.