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Recent Technologies Available for SCAT Mobile data collection applications and devices • Improvements in mobile devices (smartphones/tablets) with respect to storage/processing, camera quality and GPS compatibilities over recent years make them ideal for SCAT field work • Variety of different applications currently available for mobile devices that can be used for SCAT: general data collection apps or apps developed specifically for SCAT • Collection on one device: Oiling attributes, photographs, GPS data Advantages realized in the Shoreline Cleanup Assessment Technique (SCAT) data workflow using recent technologies ABSTRACT The Shoreline Cleanup Assessment Technique (SCAT) process continues to evolve with every oil spill response utilizing technologies available at the time to provide the most accurate documentation of the extent of oiling. The SCAT data workflow, however, has remained consistent over the past several decades and typically entails collecting data in the field using notebooks, handheld GPS units and digital cameras, transcribing these data onto paper forms, and then manually entering them into a database. While this traditional workflow has proven effective it has limitations which can affect the dissemination of accurate and timely information to decision makers and may unintentionally introduce errors into the data. An improved SCAT data workflow using recent technologies can decrease data processing steps and time requirements while increasing data accuracy in several facets of the process. This workflow involves using a mobile data collection device in the field to capture photographs along with attribute and geospatial data. These data are uploaded to a web‐enabled database where field team members complete and review their data, data managers approve the data, and response personnel can search and review data forms once approved. Field testing of this improved workflow has shown decreased data processing time, a more robust yet streamlined quality assurance and quality control process (QA/QC), and easier access to the data when compared to a traditional SCAT workflow. While the improved workflow entails a shifting of the traditional learning curve and an increased reliance on more modern technology than traditional SCAT workflows, the benefits are significant. Summary • Traditional SCAT workflow is dated, time consuming and prone to errors • Recent technologies allow for an improved workflow which can address these issues • This improved SCAT workflow decreases data processing and errors but also had disadvantages which need to be considered Advantages 1. Mobile applications can control the data entry vocabulary decreasing the chance of data entry errors and also provide real‐time maps and added layers to increase the spatial awareness for the field teams. 2. Multiple data sources (oiling attributes, photographs, spatial data) are collected using one source (mobile devices) decreasing the multiple step required to gather and process all the data, and limiting the chance of the data being disconnected from each other. 3. Fewer processing steps and review of the data by the team members decrease the chance of introduced errors in the workflow. 4. A single, accessible and queryable data repository for personnel in the SCAT program to find and access the most up to date approved data. 5. Overall quicker access to more accurate data. Disadvantages 1. An increased reliance on technology, both in the field and in the command post means additional work to maintain equipment. 2. A learning curve associated with understanding and using mobile devices, mobile applications and web‐enabled databases. 3. Preparing and setting up the workflow for an incident requires more planning and work than providing paper forms to team members. Andrew Graham, Travis Scott, Stephan Gmur Polaris Applied Sciences Inc., 12529 131st Court NE, Kirkland, WA 98034 [email protected] Current SCAT data workflow • Notebooks or paper forms to collect oiling attributes • Handheld GPS for spatial data and digital camera for photographs • Paper SCAT forms completed by hand, then manually entered into a limited access database • Photos and GPS data processed separately then stored in different locations • Data processed by GIS personnel into final SCAT summary products (maps/reports) Improved SCAT data workflow • Use of mobile data collection devices to collect SCAT data including oiling attributes, photographs, GPS data • Upload to web‐enabled database • Data review and approval by team members (field personnel) • Data review and approval by data managers/QAQC personnel • Data published, allowing others in the response and SCAT program to search, access and review final data • Data exports processed by GIS personnel into final SCAT summary products (maps/reports) Web‐enabled database • Server based to allow access from any internet connected device • Multi‐user access, tiered permissions • Single repository for all data types • Ability to search for and access previous SCAT data (forms/photos/GPS) Limitations • Multiple processing/handling steps can introduce errors • Processing and QA/QC performed by different personnel than those who collected the data, increasing the chance for errors and inconsistencies • Data are disconnected and not easily related to each other • Reports/status for specific segments and areas are limited to paper formats and the supporting data and photographs are not easily accessible • Timeliness of data availability delays decision making Schematic showing current SCAT workflow which entails multiple data sources, processing paths, QA/QC handling and different final repositories. Multiple data sources that need to be managed and processed. Schematic showing improved SCAT data workflow which decreases data sources and handling steps. Use of workflow components in the field, during multiple SCAT team exercises, and during SCAT training classes provided detailed feedback and showed key advantages and disadvantages. Examples of a SCAT data collection application showing data entry layout (left), controlled data selection options (center), real‐time map with additional information layers (right). Examples of a SCAT web‐enabled database showing an oiling summary form (left), search options and results (right), map and querying of collected data (center). Field work and exercises using mobile devices and web‐enabled database to explore the new workflow.
