Evaluation of low-cost Personal Digital Assistants (PDA) for field data collection and fieldwork leadership by students and staff

Figures & data

Fig. 1A Hewlett Packard HP iPAQ hx2190 Pocket PCs

Fig. 1B Hewlett Packard HP hx4700 Pocket PC

Fig. 1C Hewlett Packard HP hw6516 Pocket PC

Fig. 2 Using HP hx2190 PDA to record field data during river survey in Langdale, Cumbria

Fig. 3 Using HP hx2190 PDA to record field data during river survey in Langdon Brook, Forest of Bowland, Lancashire.

Fig. 4 Using HP hx2190 PDA to record field data during cave survey in Great Douk Pot, Ingleborough, North Yorkshire.

Fig. 5 Questionnaire completed by 21 students following fieldwork with the PDA.

Fig. 6 Students’ opinions of confidence and PDA effectiveness.

Table 1 Students’ Written Comments from Questionnaire

Student Positive Comments (each comment separated by ‘;’): Fairly quick to use; the data are straight onto a spreadsheet ready for analysing; quicker and less chance of collecting incorrect data; less paper to be carried, therefore less lost; when back home the data don’t have to be put into excel because it’s already been done in the field; no wet pieces of paper; will be easy to transfer to PC, legible results; don’t need to write much; saved lots of paper flapping about in the wind; the data were recorded in an easy access format; the PDA doing my calculations and not having to write when hands very cold; quick and easy data input and calculation; allowed better layout of data than in notebook; small, easy to use, works in all weather.

Student Negative Comments (each comment separated by ‘;’): The weather was bad so it was a little fiddly to use in the waterproof case; low battery and working in the rain/snow made it hard to view screen; battery life?; can’t see the screen very well in sunlight; it not being waterproof; only when it snowed, protecting PDA in waterproof bag - hard to see screen and awkward to hold PDA in bag; difficult to read in sunlight and under waterproof cover when raining.

Student Suggestions: Study with a PDA before using in the field, to get used to it, and draw up own prepared worksheet Use them on all fieldtrips; quick and easy to use Let there be more PDAs available for everyone Provide bigger plastic bag for use in wet weather Waterproof case instead of big bag Waterproof case that fits the PDA

Fig. 7 Students’ opinions of using PDAs for field data recording.

Table 2 Staff Evaluation of models HP hw6516 and HP hx4700.

Model	Programs used in ™le™ 2003 2^nd edition or function	Evaluation comments
HP hw6516 [screen 5.5 × 5.5 cm]	MS Active Sync	Synchronised all files, diary, contacts with desktop or lap top computer via a cradle which also charges the PDA
	Outlook Calendar	Synchronisation with Outlook on desktop the most valuable point, so diary and contacts are backed up. Takes some time to get used to. Slower to enter appointments than paper diary; can sync with email to send email appointments
	Contacts	Synchronises with contacts in Outlook on desktop so email contacts and emergency phone numbers are available in the field and backed up
	Task list	Useful for pre-field trip planning as reminders of tasks which need to be undertaken prior to and during field excursions
	Excel	Used fortnightly to record erosion pin survey data very successfully. Good in low light conditions as backlight illuminates screen.
	Word	Used for field notes; records of passwords, room codes etc. Can load copies of field handouts but screen really too small and lots of scrolling needed
	ClearVue PDF	Useful for reading PDF files, journal articles but screen really too small and lots of scrolling needed
	HP Photosmart	Integrated camera useful for field photos but quality too low for most uses
	HP Image zone	OK for viewing photos taken using HP photosmart or photos imported via SD card or Bluetooth
	Windows Media Player	Plays audio or video files in compressed format
	MS Pocket Streets	Free maps downloadable for major UK cities only so limited in that respect. However, zoom function allows location of addresses. Touch roads to find streetname/house numbers
	Mobile phone	Essential piece of field leader’s equipment for emergency use; problem solving and keeping in contact with other members of the party. Hampered by lack of reception in many mountain areas.
	SMS text messaging	Useful for keeping in contact with other members of the party. Hampered by lack of reception in many mountain areas.
	SD card	Extra field storage available with standard and small SD card slots
HP hx4700 [screen 6 × 8.5 cm]	AA Navigator to make in-car satellite navigation system	AA Navigator (£80, 2006 prices) installed from an SD card which stores the street map coverage (UK only). Blue tooth connections with external GPS unit (requires separate charger). Both PDA and GPS unit can be charged via car 12v socket. Frequent problems getting PDA and GPS unit to talk (Bluetooth) but works OK once set up. Verbal instructions or map mode. Enter postcode or find major attractions like rail stations, hotels. Useful for navigating to field sites (??) or possibly for emergencies (nearest hospital, public transport etc). Reliability a little suspect and dependent on keeping batteries charged. Larger screen useful. Screen resolution better than hw6516.