Why Ecologists should stop using paper maps and try one of these tools for field surveys with QGIS
Introduction
Are you still using a pen and paper in the field? Can’t see the point in going digital? Would you like to start using an app to collect survey data but don’t know where to start?
In this article I’m going to look at why you should seriously think about going digital, and point you in the direction of some great tools. It’s easier than you might think.
I view QGIS as the ‘hub’, where you manage, analyse, manipulate and integrate data. And create maps, of course. But often for Ecologists the process of getting data into QGIS begins with field survey. To do that digitally, on a handheld device, you’ll need some accessory tools.
I should confess, it’s been a while since I’ve done any fieldwork. My ID skills are so rusty. But I do have fond memories from my early career. A week radio-tracking Manx shearwater on the Isle of Rum aside was a particular highlight. Typically these days my input to surveys involves setting up web-forms or apps to facilitate survey methodologies. Then processing the data collected to generate insights.
What I’ve found over the years is that everybody has a particular way of going about a survey. Which is why all the tools in this article allow you to set things up just the way you like them.
What’s wrong with pen and paper?
Before we delve into the tech, let's take a moment to look at the reasons for ditching the paper and moving over to digital field survey.
Wasting time
I can’t remember the last time I saw a hand drawn map in a report. Everyone uses GIS. So any data you capture on paper in the field, you will need to capture (digitise) a second time in the office. I have known teams who conduct field surveys on paper in the summer. And literally spend the whole winter typing it up. What a massive waste of time and expertise.
Whilst data captured via an app may require a little tidying back in the office, the effort is nothing compared to entering it all again.
Data transfer errors
There are many errors that can occur during fieldwork. Like incorrect species or habitat ID, data transfer and transcription errors can creep in. Each time data is moved from one system to another there is potential for data loss, corruption, or inaccuracies to occur. When it comes to adding a paper field survey map to GIS these include:
Scanning (at what pixel resolution?)
Georeferencing (to align the scanned map with background data). This will likely introduce positional accuracy errors. Especially for smaller or more remote sites where finding good ‘Ground Control Points’ is more difficult.
Interpreting the map in QGIS to digitise points, lines or polygons. Are you sure you can read your field notes correctly?
Typos. Wouldn’t it be quicker and tidier to pick values from pre-set options and drop-down menus as much as possible?
Data security
Ever lost your field survey notes? Ever got them so wet you can barely read them? OK, there are such things as weather writers. But these things do happen.
Adopting a field survey app will eliminate this kind of data loss because the data can be synced from the cloud as it is captured. Which also means it can be reviewed straight away by colleagues in the office, who can even start on the report the same day, speeding up the delivery to the client.
By now you’re likely convinced of the need to move to digital field data capture. You may not know where to start but don’t fret, let’s take a look at some of the tools to get you up and running.
QGIS-native apps
Go to the QGIS download page, scroll down, and you will see that “The QGIS experience does not stop on the desktop. Various touch optimised apps allow you to take QGIS into the field”. That's right, your QGIS projects can run on a tablet, phone or ipad.
The way the tools below work is that you set up survey forms directly in QGIS, then sync the whole project to the respective app on your mobile device. This allows you to build your QGIS skills without needing to adopt another system. To set up a survey form in QGIS you:
Set up a QGIS project with whatever (background) layers you need.
Add a new map layer (layer > create layer) with the columns you will need to store the survey data.
Set up the form using the drag-and-drop designer (right click layer > properties > attributes form).
Once you have set up your project / form, install one of the plug-ins / apps below, and away you go.
Mergin maps
Mergin maps say they are “the easiest way to take your QGIS projects into the field”. I think that’s probably correct. Syncing your projects and field survey data between QGIS and the app is a cinch, and the design of the app is really user friendly. You can create tidy field data using snapping. The documentation is easy to follow, with lots of screenshots. And there’s a full time support team and an active Slack channel to ask questions.
I’ve used Mergin maps on many client projects, including connecting high accuracy GPS units. The only issue I’ve had is that the sync can be a little slow if there are hundreds of photos. So I’d recommend either using the ‘Selective sync’ or ‘Photo quality’ settings in QGIS Project properties.
Full disclosure: I’ve been so impressed with this tool that I now work closely with the team at Mergin maps. I encourage you to also consider the other tools I include below, maybe one of those will meet your particular needs better.
Qfield & Qfield cloud
Qfield allows you to set up field survey forms and add them to your device. But there is no function to sync the project to the app, or the data you collect back to QGIS. So you’ll need to delve into the documentation and put in the time to set it all up. This is one of the most popular tools. Personally I find it a bit clunky and the documentation could be clearer.
Qfield cloud allows you to use the same functionality as Qfield with the benefit of being able to sync projects to/from QGIS via cloud storage.
Web based apps
The 2 apps featured in this section are web-based systems, where you log-in on a website to set up your survey form. Then you install the app to your phone, tablet or ipad, and, hey presto, your survey forms are right there. Enter the data, sync back to the website, then export to QGIS.
Fulcrum
Fulcrum’s drag-and-drop form designer makes setting up a survey form a breeze, and the app is very intuitive to use when entering data in the field.
While it’s not a native QGIS app, it is incredibly easy to load survey results directly into QGIS using Data shares. In QGIS go to layer > Protocol > GeoJSON to set this up.
I have used Fulcrum successfully on a number of client projects including hedgerow condition assessments, seabird monitoring, and a garden wildlife survey. If you are looking for an easy to use system this is a good place to start. The main limitation is that it only collects point data.
Coreo
Coreo is another web-based form designer. It’s built here in the UK, by a team with a passion for conservation. You can enter data as points, lines or polygons. And the drag and drop designer is very intuitive and sophisticated; you can create some lovely looking forms. Then you add the app to your device to use the forms in the field.
I found the syncing of data to/from the app/website to be very slick. One drawback is that Coreo doesn't support snapping of field survey polygons (to ensure polygons have shared boundaries). This means you’ll need to tidy up in QGIS to remove gaps and overlaps before you can use the data in BNG assessments and such like. Also, there isn’t a way to link to your survey data, so you’ll need to periodically log-in and export your data to QGIS for analysis.
Conclusion
I hope this article has helped explain some of the issues with using paper in the field, and given you the confidence to try going digital. There are some really nice tools out there. My primary recommendation is to use Mergin maps. The fact it integrates directly with QGIS, is so user friendly, feature rich, and well supported, means that all the Ecologists that I have helped in adopting it haven’t looked back. However, it’s great to see so much choice now available and the other three are the best alternatives I’ve tried.
You may feel like you are always playing catch up with new standards, formats, schemas and metrics that seem far removed from your core skill set. Make the leap to digital field survey and your surveys will be quicker, more secure, and more accurate. Go with a QGIS-native app and you can build your mapping skills at the same time, helping you deliver Biodiversity Net Gain and other assessments.
If you’re keen to go digital but think you need a hand, I have a range of QGIS templates to get you started. I love building capacity with clients and also provide online and telephone support, so you can learn with confidence. If you would like to have a chat about templates, support or anything else, give me a shout: https://www.maplango.com/contact. Alternatively, if you would like to read more articles like this (I aim to write one a month) pop your email in to the form below and you’ll be the first to know when they go live.