GIS data collection and mapping using Consumer-Grade Mobile ...

GIS data collection and mapping using Consumer-Grade Mobile devices: A Case Study

Zewdalem Shitaye (MSc)

ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA

Regional Conference on the use of Mobile technology in Statistical Process

October 13 – 16, 2015

United Nations Economic Commission for Africa

Presentation TopicsIntroduction1.Background2.Motivation3.Problem and Objectives 4.ScopeFramework and Methodology1.Study Site, Type and Purpose 2.Research Design and Methodology3.Data Source and Representation4.General ConsiderationApplication of Results1.Short-term and Long-term2.Related Works3.Solution Design4.Experimentations, prototype and ResultsSummary1.Conclusion2.Research Limitation and Problem Experienced3.Recommendations

Question and Answer

GIS DATA COLLECTION USING CONSUMER-GRADE MOBILE DEVICES 2

The Use of GIS grew rapidly and is now common place for business, government and academic for many diverse applications.

GIS supports the daily activities of automated mapping and facilities management with the applications for electricity, water, gas, telecommunications, and cable television and other utilities.

GIS capture, edit, store, manipulate, and analyze a variety of geospatial data that are used to create a display such as Internet mapping sites.

GIS professionals are responsible for compiling the data and presenting it in an understandable, visual form like a map or text directions.

In the history of GIS in the olden times geospatial data were collected using manual measurement then Aerial Photography, Satellite imagery and professional grade GIS mapping devices are in use.


Introduction

Background

Introduction

Motivation1) Technological development improve the quality of our lives by

introducing new tools & methods daily in our every walks of life.

2) Mapping in GIS hoped bring a great improvement in human being daily life and national development. With the work we can open the eyes of the community that can help us all.

3) Smartphone device adoption is increasing rapidly and contain highly capable sensing improvements.

4) The “GIS data collection and mapping using Smartphone” is hoped to contribute and add value to speed up community development.

5) The ability to solve spatial problems using geographic analysis is one of the most interesting and remarkable aspects of GIS.

6) GIS helps us integrate all kinds of information about our world and apply sophisticated analytical methods to the data.

7) GIS also lets us convey our results in beautiful maps and graphics to effectively communicate the stories we want to tell.


Location Multimedia Biometrics Tools & Software's

Introduction

Problem Statement


1) The professional-grade GIS mapping devices are too Expensive to be used Frequently and they entail a slow approach to collect geospatial data of our surroundings.

2) Because of this factors, many local as well as global organizations & countries are forced to make decision based on 4 or 5 year’s old geospatial data.

Introduction

Problem StatementCan we use a mobile device, simple applications and workflow to collect geospatial data by involving ordinary citizen and community at large that can be useful for decision makings? So, this leads to the research questions:RQ1. To what extent is it possible to use Consumer-Grade mobile devices with free

mobile apps and easy to follow methodology in collection of geospatial data?

RQ2. Is it possible to collect geospatial data at a Woreda / district administration level using consumer grade mobile devices?

RQ3 How Can we develop simple, user-friendly methodologies for municipal administrators to use such tools for their work?

RQ4 Can UNECA use this options for sub regional offices and countries in Africa for its economic and social development programs ?

Yes, Using simple and affordable GIS application in our Smartphones and Tablet device can create & update nearest to real time GIS data in the field.

[ Discover Open Explore Maps = GIS online /Corporate GIS Server ]


Introduction

ObjectivesGeneral Objective The objective of this research project is proof of concept that Consumer-Grade

mobile devices with simple free apps can be used for collecting geospatial data for certain types of municipal administration.

Specific Objective 1. To demonstrate that simple handheld devices can be used to collect geospatial data

suitable for some decisions. and also to test and propose best design model or approach to collected geospatial data.

2. To accomplish this by exploring, comparing and selecting, The Consumer-Grade smartphones and A free mobile GIS apps currently available, To be usable, affordable, and accessible by ordinary citizens and empower

community at large.§ To prepare a prototype, on selected study location in one of the Woreda in Addis

Ababa and ECA compound, based on the defined and select model, using a smartphone and free mobile Apps, and recommend the methodology to be used widely by woreda for fast and efficient data collections and decision making.


Framework and Methodology

Study Site, Type and Purpose1) The study area included in this research is in Addis Ababa specifically one office

location (workplace) and a Woreda (Residence).

Workplace: The UNECA Head office in Addis Ababa, located Node on Longitude (38°45'57.94"E) and Latitude (9° 0'52.62"N) estimated total Area covered is 0.7 Km2.

Residence Area: North West of Addis Ababa, Woreda 15 located Node on Longitude (9° 3'44.05"N) and Latitude (38°42'25.28"E) named known as Asko Area the estimated total area covered in 1.25 KM2.

2) The case study investigate and evaluate the use of Consumer-Grade mobile technology and location-based services using affordable, accessible and free mobile apps in the field

3) This study is hoped to be particularly useful to explore and contribute a practical approach using modern technology in the area geospatial data collection approach and impact of new technology used in the study.

4) The research is to enable ordinary citizen to collect geospatial data using simple devices and Apps with easy instruction to be followed.

5) The study will be supported by a Model and Prototype.



Data Sources & Representation1) The research did not need external data sources since most of the data

is being collected by the selected smartphone, mobile Apps and Framework on the targeted field study site.

2) The stated goal of this research was to make the data collection process easier for the user to conduct in the field.

3) GIS data represents real objects (such as roads, land use, elevation, trees, waterways, etc.) with digital data determining the mix. Real objects can be divided into two abstractions: discrete objects (e.g., a house) and continuous fields (such as rainfall amount, or elevations).

4) There are two broad methods used to store data in a GIS for both kinds of abstractions mapping references: raster images and vector. Points, lines, and polygons are the stuff of mapped location attribute references.

5) Data can be collected offline in different standard GIS format, such as shp, kmz, kml, csv, excel sheet format depending on the device and application used.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raster_images

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vector_graphics


Design and MethodologyThe two types of design and methodology evaluated depends on Device and Platform dependency1)Device and Platform Dependent

2)Cross Devices & Cross Platform - (Device & Platform independents)

Workflow which will work in all Devices: Smartphones, Tablets & PhabletsEnvironment: Android, IOS, & MicrosoftProgramming: Android Developer Tools (ADT), Objective-C and

Swift (IOS), C# , Java (windows)



General Consideration1) If accuracy within a 2 - 5 meter range is sufficient for a given

project, the next step is to choose an application to meet particular needs.

2) Geospatial data can be collected on the field offline or online and geospatial data importing and mapping can be web-based using company server or cloud based.

3) Important considerations are the general purpose of the applications, platform of the device, if the app will work without a cell signal (working offline) the cost, and the file formats we wish to import or export.


Application of Results

Expected Output(s)Short-term results 1)Empower the Woreda administration in collecting geospatial data by volunteer individual using Consumer-Grade mobile devices, free apps and easy to follow step-by-step-guide.

2)Enable the Woreda administration to use geospatial data collected in the day-to-day community services by using simple applications and follow up services such as waste collection, tax collections, rents...etc by locating Residential house, shops, health centres, schools, police stations, banks… etc. at Woreda level.

Impact (long-term results)1)Geospatial databases, incrementally updated and accrued are available to support Woreda administration and City Admin in development initiatives.

2)To create a well-informed society about changes in the environment as a result of regular tracking geospatial data for better decision making of changes in community’s surroundings.



Solution DesignCriteria for Selection Consumer-Grade Mobile Devices

§The Mobile devices should be cheaper, affordable and accessible by ordinary citizen in Ethiopia Market.

§The cost of mobile is ranges 1000 to 3000 Ethiopian Birr (ETB).

§The Mobile devices Operating System (OS) can be IOS, Android and Windows based phones. Some IPhone and Android phones are out of this scope because of the cost implication.

§The memory can be from 1GB to 8GM which also take SD card for more storage is preferable.

§Which can be easily available in Addis Ababa market if possible to be assembled in Ethiopia

§The screen size can be from 4” to 7” for more data and graphics display.

§Camera with 2 MP and above is preferable



Solution DesignCriteria for Selection Smart Phone GIS Apps

1) Smart phone for light-weight field GIS so long as the app does not expect too much of user.

2) Provides us with imagery or other managed background data;

3) Stores the GIS data on our smart phone itself – not in the cloud;

4) Allows user to easily export data off our phone and into a GIS-ready format or some format that doesn’t require too much finagling to make it GIS-ready.

5) Focuses on being disconnected in the field to minimize cost.

6) Many of today’s mobile GIS applications refer to connectivity. It’s a somewhat obscure way of saying whether or not we have the ability to connect to the internet from the field.



Experimentation


Key features of the Mobile Data Collection Solution Who use GIS? Everyone !EASY: Clear, modern, touch interface.FAST: Ultra-fast and scalable map navigation.RELIABLE: Work in connected (Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G) or offline

mode. INTEGRATED: Real-time upload and download to enterprise

GIS resources. INTELLIGENT: Workflow-driven with built-in data validation.FLEXIBLE: Work seamlessly with ArcGIS, FME, or OGC-

compliant services.MANAGEABLE: Easy to administer & adapt to new

workflows.COST EFFECTIVE: Open Source framework with no per

device licensing.

GIS is used globally by companies of all sizes List of some industries /sectors that benefit from GIS:Local /National GovernmentRetailer/distributorsTransport / Fleet ManagersMarketersMilitary DefenseHealthcareOil and GasAgricultureTelecommunications Utilities

Where can we use GIS? What can we do with GIS

GIS software has been developed for Desktop, Web and

Mobile, so whether it’s needed in the office or in the

field there is a suitable option for all. The software a

company chooses to use depends on its goals and

workflow processes

GIS is a very powerful decision-making tool that has a massive range of apps, whatever our business:Population Census,Resource Management, Logistics / Planning, Transport / Surveying, Demographic studies, Epidemiology / Environment, etc.


To start with GIS GIS software needs of an organization depends on use case, its goals and workflow

processes requirement which is based on the understanding of the problem which is half-way to the solution. Specially using spatial problem approach.

GIS people will always suggest the most appropriate, fit-for-purposes options


Open Source GIS Software’s Commercial GIS software The field of open source GIS software is fast expanding,

with software such as PostGIS, QGIS, GeoServer, OpenLayers and OpenStreetMap now available.

Open source software is freely available to all, often useable across different platforms, and uses volunteer developers who contribute time and effort to regularly release updates and bug fixes.

Commercial software, such as ArcGIS, MapInfo Professional and Oracle Spatial, is widely used across industry and governments for GIS applications.

Google Earth and Google Maps are used more widely by the general public as well as in industry. These are valuable, easy-to-use tools that get everyone involved with maps.

Solving Spatial ProblemsThe ability to solve spatial problems using geographic analysis is one of the most interesting and remarkable aspects of GIS. When taking a spatial problem solving approach, We ask a question or identify a problem, 1.Combine information from different sources, 2.Perform a sequence of spatial operations, and 3.Derive results that help us answer our question or gain new insights into our problem.4.GIS helps us integrate all kinds of information about our world and apply sophisticated analytical methods to the data.


Findings (1/4)1. Identifying, comparing and evaluating the available Free and open source

software’s (FOSS) mobile GIS application currently available.2. Identifying the consumer grade mobile devices which is accessible, affordable

and available in Ethiopia especially in Addis Ababa.3. Comparing and contrasting different makes, OS and brand in terms of values

and performance for specific selected GIS mobile applications.4. Selection of the test site I and identified the Geospatial references in test site

one UNECA compound.5. Data collection and testing is done on certain selected smartphones and

tables. 6. Evaluating and selecting a suitable workflow approaches based on the

preferred Mobile devices and GIS applications to collected data. Both platform dependent and platform independent.

7. Identification of Geospatial references in Woreda 15 in study site II, which will be used for the required day to day Woreda administration activities.

8. Identification and prioritizing the real application at the UNECA compound (study site I) & Woreda administration level (study site II)

9. Preparation of a prototype based on the selected platform independent framework approaches and methodology.




Findings (2/4) Platform & Device Dependent



Findings (3/4) Cross platform and cross devices Solutions

Conceptual diagram based on cross platform and devices solutions


Option 1: ArcGISOption 2: SuperSurv


Findings (4/4) Cross platform and cross devices Solutions



Prototype Geospatial Data Collectionhttp://hilcoe.maps.arcgis.com/home/organization.html

http://hilcoe.maps.arcgis.com/home/organization.html

Summary

Conclusion No doubt, the Smart Phone GIS trend will continue to evolve.

The attraction of using a smart phone – a device most of us carry around with us all the time - to perform GIS field work is tempting.

These trend is removing some of the dependency on expensive GPS units that require even more expensive field GIS software.

Disconnected mobile GIS. It still provides a much-needed and reliable service. The other hand is on the new trapeze - connected mobile GIS.

Connected GIS is ready to use now though not for all situations or users. Until connected mobile GIS truly matures, mobile GIS users will be suspended between the two workflows.


Summary

ConclusionAfter reviewing related empirical studies in the area of mobile technology and GIS applications and community practice in different countries and also considering the technology advancement in Mobile GIS, this research has arrived at the following conclusions:

1.Proof the Concept: It is possible to use Consumer-Grade Mobile devices which is available and affordable by most of the mobile users in our location to collect GIS data for local community development activities at the Woreda level and that can be used by individual and local community without prior basic GIS knowledge.

2.Based on the minimum requirement and functionality for GIS data collections among more than 250 Mobile application on each platform (IOS, Android and Windows ) cross platform and cross devices applications is selected and tested

3.The present study identified some preferred mobile devices which are cheaper, usable, and affordable by most of the local citizen. These devices include Techno Mobile, Semadele, Tana and Oking mobile. Brands like Huawei, IPhone and Samsung Smartphones and Tablets can also be used if it is older models and cheaper in prices.

4.The present study demonstrate and test the result based on selected framework and workflow options in selected research Site I and Site II in coordination with available applications in both sites.


Summary

Limitation & Problem ExperiencedFor ‘Serious’ data collection using a smart phone has some problems at this time such as: The internal GPS chip is capable of neither high nor consistent accuracy. The phone’s battery will drain very quickly with the GPS engaged. Field work often occurs outside of cellular & Wi-Fi range which may disrupt the app. Also, most applications are limited to specific devices and platform

If these issues are not a concern for us then smart phone apps can be a much more affordable way to outfit our field data collection than the traditional ruggedized GPS unit outfitted with field GIS software.


Summary

RecommendationSince the future is Cloud Computing and web based solutions, most of the applications development tend to this directions. The research couldn’t conduct exhaustive study due to the predefined scope, time and resource limitations. Therefore, it is suggests to do more research in the area of:§The research can be extended further by other researcher in Science, Location and Resource-Based GIS data collection approach using the mobile technology framework.§Further research could be done to determine if new software’s and smartphones can be used easily to collect GIS data on the field by the ordinary citizens which will assist for organized community based GIS geospatial data collection. §Based on this initial study objective, community practices can be developed locally.§Considering that hardware and software are getting smaller and less expensive respectively as time passes, there is a possibility for carrying out a better research and test.§Further research is also needed to look into the effectiveness of the actual application used in community development programs at the Woreda administration level based on the geospatial data collected. §The future in this direction is a cloud based GIS data collections. GIS Cloud is a next generation platform for apps that manage location information (SaaS, PaaS and DaaS) that will be affordable and available.


7/3/2015


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