A smarter solution for dealing with your spatial data in 2022
I am sure, like me, many of you are still taking a notebook with you to the field. Fair enough - a notebook is still the fastest and best way to sketch and write about an outcrop. However, it becomes different when dealing with large exploration programs. [paragraph 1/9]
Having to record thousands of sample ID’s, coordinates and other metadata by hand on sample cards or a notebook, then having to re-enter this data into an excel spreadsheet later is a hazardous process that may result in errors in your final database outputs. Needless to say, a sample without the correct spatial metadata is… a complete waste of time and resources. [2/9]
Appropriate data management techniques can help collect and store field data directly within databases and are therefore crucial to the success of your exploration programs. QField enables data validation on the fly, and you will make your database administrator very happy if you set up your app whilst considering post field validation and database upload processes. Ideally, it is best to get the DBA’s input onboard so you can also make their life easier too. This of course applies to any type of geoscientific data. Even drilling programs and rehab monitoring can be done using such apps. Admittedly, this is not ground-breaking news, so this post is generally aimed at those of you who are not yet using it. It will hopefully demonstrate that you can take this great innovation on board with minimal effort. [3/9]
There are several products available. You have the choice between the licensed ArcGIS apps, and the open-source QField app. I have tried both and despite the Arc suite offering more features, the main field data capture app (Collector for ArcGIS) is very similar to QField and does not offer much more, especially with the release of cloud-based sharing with QField (QField Cloud). The additional features from the Arc suite are mostly for those who want field team management GIS tools. [4/9]
So what is QField?
QFIeld was released in 2019 and is a portable version of QGIS. It is built with the same rendering engine, so everything looks the same across the two platforms. QField enables the digitisation, geometry & attribute editing, and using customisable attribute forms. It also supports camera integration for georeferenced pictures, and of course supports GPS too, which is accurate enough (± 1-10m depending on your device and location). The digitisation capabilities of QField are remarkable as you can edit points, lines, and polygons with extreme ease. Free hand editing enables you to use a stylus or your finger to directly draw the shape you want to digitise. [5/9]
A QGIS plugin called QFieldSync allows you to package your QGIS projects for use within QField. Setting up your QGIS project prior to QField is necessary as you are not able to change any of the settings within QField. You can set up multiple views, pre-designed maps, and pre-selected snapping options for digitisation. Providing you are working with a well set up QGIS workspace, the user experience with QField can be fantastic. [6/9]
How can you use QField in Exploration Geology?
As mentioned above, you can deal with a lot of different types of data using QField. I have personally used it for a variety of tasks we commonly do in the industry:
Geological mapping
Geochemical sampling
Drilling program tracking/monitoring
Site rehabilitation tracking/monitoring
General field navigation
Photo monitoring / field photo database [7/9]
How does it work?
Depending on whether you have mobile data coverage, you can either work offline or online updating a spatial database in real-time as you carry out the work. There are advantages and disadvantages to both workflows. I will discuss these in a future post but in the meantime, I have summarised them below My personal preference is to work offline, where I synchronise new data with existing QGIS workspace at the end of each day. [8/9]
Pros
Streamlined process for data collection makes life easier and reduces errors
No more data entry !
Keeps data organised and secure
Data fits database architecture and so keeps your database administrator happy
Field navigation is much easier with access to high resolution imagery base maps
Enables you to visualise, manipulate, and interpret large datasets normally accessible only in desktop GIS
It is open-source and so free for anyone to use
Cons
Your device can fail and leave you in a messy situation if you are not prepared. Use it, but do not rely on it. Beyond losing your data, you can also get lost in a harsh environment and risk your life. Always bring a conventional compass with you, a sat phone and GPS tracker if needed, and don’t forget to take a waypoint with a good old GPS at your vehicle before going out into the scrub.
Learn more about QField here and click here if you would like help to get you set up with your improved field data collection workflows. Have fun with it and stay safe out there!
Dimitri
Comentarios