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PI: David StuartPresenter: Mathew Bailey

Using Mobile Data Collection to support Dredging Operations

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So you want a App.Sorry, that’s not approved!

In 2011 ERDC was given permission to start a pilot project to investigate the possible uses for emerging smartphone technologies.

The requirement was to maintain disconnection from army networks and follow all security procedures as closely as possible.

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Citrine•Dell cluster•240 processors

Virtual Machine Manager

Machine’s OS

CPU CPU CPU

Testbed Architecture50 Phones

Web ServiceSQL Server Database

Mobile Security Testbed

Systems Layer

CPU Layer

Application Layer

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Mobile Data Collection Architecture

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Mobile Apps for Disaster Response

Blue Roof and Rapid Temporary Repair MissionIn 2010 ERDC was tasked by HQ EOC to develop an innovative solution for replacing clipboards with an interactive near-real time system for data tracking. From the homeowner request for assistance all the way to the final inspection of repairs the data is 100% digital with no paper forms.

Mobile Information Collection Application (MICA)In 2011 ERDC was tasked by HQ Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to develop an innovative solution for replacing current manual system with an interactive near-real time system for data collection of flood fighting activities. Current processes are antiquated and sector leaders asked for help to develop a better way.

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USACE Data Collection – The Problem

•Field Personnel are dispatched with clipboards, notebooks, cameras, GPS, field cell phones and paper forms – Over $500 worth of equipment

•Cameras are used to take pictures, GPS is used to capture coordinates to be written down on paper forms. If the item needs to be elevated in priority they call command center

•Evenings are spent typing in the data to Enterprise system from paper forms, getting pictures off camera and matching them up to paper forms records in SharePoint

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USACE Data Collection – Approach

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Flood Fight 2011

In the end, over 8000 points were collected. Points as far north as Jackson, TN, down to Houma, LA

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So how does this apply to Dredging?

• The need for data collection is universal.• New mobile phones and tablets are

powerful, integrated devices.• The cost savings in both equipment and

man power can be substantial.• The Portland district approached us

about an app for collecting water quality data.

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The first Dredging App: WQMonitor

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Building WQMonitor

• Built on existing MICA software used for flood fight.

• Custom Android tablet GUI.• Includes:

• Mapping• Timer• Pictures• Custom form

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The Data

• Each point collected allows for attributes specific to WQ.

• Fields auto-filled based on previous points.

• GPS automatically stored.• Data is stored locally. No

network collection is needed for collection.

• When network is available, syncing pushes data to server.

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Data Storage and visualization

• Backend uses same storage facilities as other MICA apps.

• Existing portal allows visualization of all points collected.

• Planned export capabilities to supply data in desktop usable formats.

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Questions ?