- What is ODK Collect?
ODK Collect is a replacement for paper forms with support for geo-locations, images, textual answers and other multimedia. Thus it allows us to collect data using the most common device of the 21st century—smartphones. - What is this App used for?
ODK Collect is used as part of the project: ‘Mapping Invasive Alien Plants’ being collaboratively executed by ATREE and Keystone Foundation with grant support from National Geographic Society. This pilot effort aims to create an atlas of invasive alien plant species. - Is the App secured and safe for my device?
The App is currently managed by a subsidiary of Google and is secure. By permitting the App to use your phone’s features (e.g. location or camera), you can simplify the process of collecting data using ODK Collect. - Does the App require too much storage space?
The App is very light, and the overall storage size depends on the type of form that is downloaded. An average user doesn't need more than 200 MB even if the App is used for quite a long time. You can save space by sending completed forms to connected servers which will automatically delete the local copies of these forms. - Do I need prior training for using the App?
The App can be used to collect data after attending a simple training program or after viewing the tutorials present on this project dashboard. - How do I participate in this mapping?
Anyone with the ODK Collect App can participate in the mapping by attending a training programme or viewing the tutorials. - How frequently should I collect data?
This depends on you! Some users collect data whenever they visit a new location in the landscape and note an invasive species. Others might plan on going on a special weekend field trip to map their vicinity. Some might do both! - Do I need constant internet connectivity while using the App?
You don't need internet connectivity while using the App. The internet is required at two stages, at the beginning to set up the App, and then only when you need to send the data stored on your phone to the server. - Do I need to travel to places to find data?
You can document data from wherever you are--the backyard of your house, from streets in the neighbourhood or from any other areas that you are able to access, including forests, fields or along highways. - I have doubts while entering data; what should I do?
You can watch the tutorial again at any time by visiting the project dashboard- miap.atree.org. If doubts persist, you can email us at miap-support@googlegroups.com. - How do I make sure I’m identifying the right plant?
The data collection form includes several images to help identify the invasive species that are being currently mapped. We will also use your geolocation and species picture you take to verify the identity of the species you observe. - Why should I need to create a username before I start filling the forms?
Creating a username will help you keep track of the data that you have collected on the project dashboard. You will be able to search the dashboard using your username. We recommend choosing a username that is non-random and easy for you to recall. You will also be able to view all users contributing data by clicking on individual points in the invasive species location maps on the dashboard. - Where do the data from the App go when I send the form?
The data you collect will be sent to an ATREE server, where it will be analysed for creating the atlas of invasive alien plant species for the Nilgiris. - Can I view or download the data I collected?
All the data you have collected and sent to the server will be available for viewing on maps, or for downloading from the project dashboard. While you download the data, please mention to us the purpose of downloading. This information is helpful for us to understand the ways in which this data could be useful. - Is there any restriction to use the data from the project dashboard?
All the data of this project is covered under the Creative Commons License CC-BY-NC-SA. This license lets you remix, adapt, and build upon our work non-commercially, as long as you credit us and license your new creations under the identical terms.
