Training Course on Mobile GIS Application Development - ArcGIS Collector, Survey123

Module 1: Introduction to Mobile GIS and Field Data Collection

Theory:

What is Mobile GIS? Importance in modern geospatial workflows.

Comparison of traditional data collection vs mobile GIS workflows.

Overview of Esri mobile applications: ArcGIS Collector, Field Maps, Survey123, QuickCapture.

Cloud-based GIS and synchronization with ArcGIS Online/Enterprise.

Methods:

Setting up ArcGIS Online accounts and portal.

Exploring Esri mobile apps ecosystem.

Hands-on Exercise:

Connect mobile device to ArcGIS Online.

Download and test sample mobile GIS surveys.

Module 2: Fundamentals of ArcGIS Online and Data Preparation

Theory:

Web maps, web layers, feature services, and hosted layers.

Preparing data for mobile use (projection, schema, domains, subtypes).

Data management best practices for mobile GIS.

Methods:

Publishing data from ArcGIS Pro to ArcGIS Online.

Configuring hosted feature layers.

Hands-on Exercise:

Publish a shapefile or geodatabase feature class to ArcGIS Online.

Create a simple web map for mobile use.

Module 3: Designing Data Collection Forms in Survey123

Theory:

Survey design principles for mobile data collection.

XLSForm structure: question types, constraints, skip logic.

Integrating multimedia (photos, barcodes, GPS points).

Methods:

Creating surveys in Survey123 Connect.

Configuring rules, calculations, and repeat groups.

Applications: Environmental monitoring, household surveys, health assessments.

Hands-on Exercise:

Build a Survey123 form for community infrastructure mapping.

Publish and test on a mobile device.

Module 4: Mobile Data Collection with ArcGIS Collector (or Field Maps)

Theory:

Collector vs Survey123: When to use each.

Offline mapping and basemap caching.

Real-time GPS integration and accuracy considerations.

Methods:

Configuring Collector maps with symbology, labels, and editable fields.

Enabling attachments (photos, documents).

Hands-on Exercise:

Create a Collector map for road condition surveys.

Capture sample data with attributes and photos.

Module 5: Working Offline and Synchronization

Theory:

Offline GIS principles: tile packages, offline feature layers, sync workflows.

Handling poor connectivity in field environments.

Conflict resolution strategies during sync.

Methods:

Downloading maps for offline use.

Synchronizing data with ArcGIS Online.

Hands-on Exercise:

Configure a Collector project for offline use.

Perform data edits offline and sync once back online.

Module 6: Data Quality Control and Validation

Theory:

Importance of data accuracy and consistency in field collection.

Use of coded value domains, ranges, and conditional logic.

Tracking edits and auditing field contributions.

Methods:

Building validation rules into Survey123 forms.

Using attribute rules in ArcGIS Online/Enterprise.

Hands-on Exercise:

Add validation logic to a survey (e.g., age must be > 18).

Demonstrate error prevention during field entry.

Module 7: Integrating Mobile GIS with Enterprise Systems

Theory:

Linking Survey123 and Collector data with dashboards (ArcGIS Dashboards, Insights).

Automating workflows with ArcGIS Survey123 webhooks (Integromat, Power Automate).

Integration with external databases (PostgreSQL, SQL Server).

Methods:

Configuring real-time dashboards from mobile data.

Hands-on Exercise:

Build a live ArcGIS Dashboard showing survey results by location.

Module 8: Advanced Survey and App Customization

Theory:

Custom branding and themes.

Complex XLSForm expressions (repeats, calculations, relevance).

Integration of web maps in Survey123 forms.

Methods:

Embedding JavaScript expressions in Survey123 forms.

Linking Collector and Survey123 in workflows.

Hands-on Exercise:

Create a household vulnerability survey with logic-based questions and embedded maps.

Module 9: Field Deployment and Device Management

Theory:

Mobile device setup (Android vs iOS).

GPS receivers and accuracy improvements.

Security, authentication, and user management in ArcGIS Online.

Methods:

Assigning roles and permissions to field teams.

Managing large-scale deployments.

Hands-on Exercise:

Configure role-based access for surveyors.

Deploy mobile GIS apps to multiple devices.

Module 10: Capstone Project and Presentation

Project Options (choose one):

Environmental Survey App: Create a mobile survey for water quality monitoring and link to a dashboard.

Urban Infrastructure Mapping App: Build a Collector app for mapping road networks and conditions.

Community Health Survey App: Develop a Survey123 tool for household health assessments and visualize results.

Presentation:

Participants present their mobile GIS solutions.

Peer review and feedback session.