- Free Version: Available for teams of up to 10
- Pricing: Premium plan $24/month (with a free 30-day trial period)
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
Why use SafetyCulture?
SafetyCulture is a multi-purpose inspection app that teams can use when collecting field data for their organization. With this mobile-first platform, you can end the days of using paper for reports and instead bring everything into the digital world, making the data more accessible and easier to interpret. You can use this app to gather tons of field data that are important for streamlining operations while also generating reports based on the data to save time and effort.
Features:
- Automatically back up your data in a cloud-based platform to keep them safe and secure
- Collect data with smart checklist templates to ensure you cover all bases of your data-gathering process on the field
- Gather data and analytics that show various phenomena in their natural state so you have accurate field data sets
- Generate accurate reports in PDF, Excel, Web, and other formats based on the gathered data to save time and effort
- Assign tasks and corrective actions so that hazards and risks are addressed immediately
Why use Caspio?
Caspio allows you to build an online database for your field data without using any code. Instead, it offers a drag-and-drop interface that makes things much easier for research teams. Having an online database makes it much easier to access field data sets, which is why Caspio is one of the top options for field data collectors.
Features:
- Low-code development platform
- Cloud-based
- Unlimited users
- Free Version: Yes
- Pricing: Starts at $150 a month, billed monthly (with a free trial period).
- Platforms supported: Web
Why use Tableau?
Tableau is a business analytics platform ideal for gathering and analyzing field data and with your team. The app makes it much easier to analyze and interpret data while also ensuring that you have accurate and easy-to-understand reports about the data you collected.
Features:
- Visualize data
- Connect multiple data sources
- Gather deep insights into certain data
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Starts at $15 per user a month, billed annually (with a free 14-day trial period)
- Platforms supported: Web, PC
Why use ZAP Data Hub?
The ZAP Data Hub is a massive data management platform that helps you manage and collect data for business intelligence. The app works great for various organizations in different industries, especially with its automated data warehouse.
Features:
- Automated data warehouse
- Connect multiple data sources
- Data analysis
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Custom pricing
- Platforms supported: Web, PC
Why use Dataddo?
It’s important that you get to relay all the field data you gather to teams to be able to make informed business decisions. With Dataddo, you get a platform for doing just that while integrating with other analysis platforms you may use in your processes.
Features:
- Automated data integration
- No-code interface
- Analytics and business intelligence
- Free Version: Yes
- Pricing: Starts at $99 per month, billed annually (with a free 14-day trial period)
- Platforms supported: Web
Why use ArcGIS?
The ArcGIS is specifically designed for field data collection, one that makes mobile work much easier for teams and organizations. The mobile app allows you to formalize and streamline field processes, making it much easier for employees to gather accurate field data.
Features:
- Collect data
- Create maps for various workflows
- Share location with team members
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Custom pricing (with a free 21-day trial period)
- Platforms supported: Web, PC, iOS, Android
Why use QField?
QField is the go-to data collection app for teams that work in the field and need instant access to their tools. The app aims to increase efficiency when gathering field data while allowing you to use various data formats that fit your team’s needs.
Features:
- Custom maps
- Set up forms
- Mobile access
- Free Version: Yes
- Pricing: None for the QField app, but synchronizing data with QFieldCloud starts at $12 a month.
- Platforms supported: iOS, Android
Why use Mergin Maps?
Mergin Maps makes it easier to work with research teams and ensure you can share the data you capture right away. It also has powerful integrations, making it very easy to use this tool with all your other apps.
Features:
- View data and location on the map
- Store and analyze data
- Create survey projects
- Free Version: Yes
- Pricing: Starts at €11.90 (~$12.60) per month on an annual billing (with a free 28-day trial period)
- Platforms supported: Web, iOS, Android
What is a Field Data Collection App?
Field data collection is observing phenomena in their natural settings. Field data is not manipulated at all by the researcher and is supposed to be an accurate description of certain settings and phenomena. A field data collection app is a digital tool designed to help organizations and researchers gather this data. With the right app, it will be much easier to collect accurate and useful data that you’ll need to optimize processes and improve business performance.
Importance
Field data accuracy is crucial for researchers and organizations. It’s important to ensure that the field data you collect and analyze is accurate. That way, you can present your research clearly and make informed decisions based on the facts. That said, actually collecting field data and coordinating with large teams is no easy task.
In fact, field data collection is a very complex task. This is why having an app by your side is very helpful. With the right app, you can easily share data with team members, generate reports, and even ensure that you’re collecting the data according to the protocol and methodology.
Field data collection apps are very important for optimizing workflows and ensuring accuracy in your research. With an app, you won’t spend as much time trying to gather and collate the data. Instead, you can spend your time on the actual research project and interpreting your raw data.
Choosing the Right Field Data Collection App
It can be hard to find the right field data collection app for your needs. After all, the best app for you largely depends on what you’ll use it for and your team’s preferences. So, here’s a quick comparison of all the apps we featured today to make it easier to choose the right option:
| Field Data Collection App | Free Version | Paid Plan | Mobile App |
| SafetyCulture | Yes | $24/user/month* | Yes |
| Caspio | Yes | $150/month** | No |
| Tableau | No | $15/user/month* | No |
| ZAP Data Hub | No | Custom pricing | No |
| Dataddo | Yes | $99/month* | No |
| ArcGIS | No | Custom pricing | Yes |
| QField | Yes | $12/month | Yes |
| Mergin Maps | Yes | €11.90 (~$12.60)/month* | Yes |
* billed annually
** billed monthly
All of the apps featured today are great for collecting field data. So, it’s up to you and the team to determine the best fit for your needs and get started on your new and optimized workflows.
Leon Altomonte