Bell, P, Shelley, W, Smith, R S, and Tomas, R. 2014. Reusable tools for smartphone apps: innovative activities in the European geological sector. British Geological Survey, OR/14/073.
As well as using apps to deliver information, we also wanted to know if people are using apps to collect information. In general, data collection is a function that was less prevalent than we expected with 75% of respondents stating that no such capability was included in their apps. Some examples exist and we have previously cited a Fieldwork from GEUS as a good example of an app used for professional data capture activities. mySoil from BGS demonstrates how apps can be used to facilitate citizen science data collection. Smartphone technology can be seen as an important tool when such activities involve fieldwork. The BGS case study in Appendix 1: Case Study – Mobile app development techniques and strategies at the British Geological Survey (BGS) demonstrates how the mySoil app has been used to collect over 1500 soil property samples from gardeners and other interested users. Developing an engaged community is key to successful citizen science projects. Sharing approaches to community engagement using such devices may be beneficial. It is essential to provide feedback to the community, showing users the results coming from the information they have collected. A clear plan is required for what data is to be collected, why it is needed and how it will be used. In many cases there is also a need to validate and verify data submissions. This can be time consuming and expensive, particularly for factual observations but it may also be possible to reduce this by engaging (trained) citizens in validation activities. The collected data needs to be well managed. Who owns the data, how will privacy and sensitive data issues be dealt with and if a ‘take-down’/data removal policy is required are all issues that need to be addressed. In addition, the speed of information collection should also be considered alongside trade-offs between obtaining large amounts of low quality data and a smaller quantity of higher quality data. Another outcome of this survey might be to investigate how European Geological Surveys can extend their use of smartphone technology to pursue such activities.
