Mobile Data Collection in Lands and Housing: Real-World Case Studies

How Does Mobile Data Collection Work?

Mobile data collection is a modern approach to recording and managing data that works in the following steps:

1. Form Design: Creating Flexible and Dynamic Digital Forms

Survey authoring tools enable field officers to create custom data collection forms for different data types such as text, GPS coordinates, barcodes, images, and voice recordings.

These tools help design, test, and deploy digital data collection forms.

Some mobile tools used in form design include:

1. XLSForms – Excel-based form design standard used by ODK, KoboToolbox, and CommCare.
2. ODK Build – Drag-and-drop form designer for ODK users.
3. Kobo Form Builder – Simplified visual form creator for KoboToolbox.
4. SurveyCTO Designer – Enterprise-grade form-building with conditional logic.
5. Google Forms – Basic web-based form creation tool.
6. Magpi Forms – Mobile-friendly form designer for surveys and data collection.

2. Data Collection Using Mobile Devices

Many mobile data collection tools support multiple functionalities such as barcode scanning, GPS tracking, image capture, voice-to-text input, and digital signatures, among others.

Mobile data collection tools also offer offline functionality, allowing users to capture data without an internet connection and synchronize it later when connectivity is restored.

Some of the tools used to collect data using mobile devices include:

1. ODK Collect – Open-source mobile app for mobile data collection using ODK. ODK Collect can collect data offline.
2. KoboCollect – Mobile app for data collection using KoboToolbox.
3. SurveyCTO Collect – Secure, offline-first data collection platform.
4. Survey123 by Esri – GIS-enabled app for geospatial data collection.
5. CommCare – Mobile case management tool used in health and humanitarian projects.
6. TaroWorks – Salesforce-integrated data collection tool.
7. Magpi+ – Supports multimedia data input.
8. Dimagi CommCare – Supports longitudinal tracking and case management.

A black woman completes an online survey through a digital data collection form. Picture/Courtesy

3. Offline Data Collection in Areas With Limited Internet

Mobile data collection tools enable continued workflow without internet access by storing data offline and automatically syncing it when an internet connection is available.

Some of the mobile tools for offline data collection include:

1. ODK Collect – Stores responses offline and syncs later to a cloud server.
2. KoboCollect – Stores responses offline and syncs later to a cloud server.
3. Magpi+ – Designed for low-bandwidth regions.
4. TaroWorks – Works offline and syncs with Salesforce CRM.
5. CommCare – Enables offline case tracking for healthcare and NGOs.
6. Surveys on Tab – Offline-first solution for market and corporate surveys.

4. Data Synchronization: Uploading & Syncing to the Cloud

Mobile data collection tools automatically upload recorded data to a centralized cloud or physical servers for processing as soon as an internet connection is established.

Some of the mobile tools for data synchronization include:

1. ODK Central – Store and manage synchronized data.
2. ODK Aggregate – Store and manage synchronized data.
3. KoboToolbox Servers – Store and manage synchronized data.
4. Google Sheets API – Auto-syncs data to spreadsheets for easy access.
5. RedCap – Secure data management for research and healthcare projects.
6. ODK Cloud, Microsoft Azure, AWS S3, Digital Ocean, Google Cloud – Secure cloud-based data storage solutions.

Mobile data collection tools automatically upload recorded data to a centralized cloud or physical servers for processing as soon as an internet connection is established. Picture/Courtesy

5. Data Management: Cleaning, Processing, and Storage

During this stage, collected data is cleaned, processed, and organized to facilitate analysis and informed decision-making.

Some of the tools for data management include:

1. Microsoft Excel & Google Sheets – Used for basic data cleaning and filtering.
2. Power BI – Dashboard creation and business intelligence reporting.
3. Python & R – Advanced data processing and analytics.
4. Tableau – Data visualization and storytelling.
5. QGIS – GIS software for geospatial data mapping.
6. Google BigQuery – Cloud-based big data warehousing.

6. Reporting & Action: Analyzing Data for Decision-Making

Processed data enables organizations to generate reports, visualize crucial insights, and make data-driven decisions.

Some of the tools for reporting & action include:

1. Microsoft Power BI – Interactive data visualization and reporting.
2. Google Data Studio – Cloud-based business intelligence platform.
3. Tableau – Advanced analytics and visualization.
4. SPSS & Stata – Statistical tools for complex data analysis.
5. QGIS – GIS mapping and spatial analytics.
6. Looker (Google Cloud) – Data-driven business intelligence platform.

Data analysts sift through complex data to uncover patterns, trends, and insights that drive informed business decisions. Picture/Courtesy

Case Studies Showcasing the Transformative Impact of Mobile Data Collection in Lands and Housing

The following are real-world examples of the transformative impact of mobile and other modern data collection tools in lands and housing:

1. KoBoToolbox for Vulnerability Mapping in Kenya’s Informal Settlements – UN-Habitat

The explosion of informal settlements in Kenya represents a significant urban challenge, characterized by high population density, inadequate infrastructure, and insecure land tenure.

Residents of Kenya’s informal settlements, such as Kibera in Nairobi, Owino Uhuru in Mombasa, and Nyalenda in Kisumu, face immense hardship, largely due to severely limited or nonexistent income.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, UN-Habitat initiated a vulnerability mapping project in various informal settlements across Kenya, including Kibera in Nairobi.

Project Details

1. Field data collection was conducted between May 20 and June 10, 2020, focusing on more than 18 facility types, including water and sanitation, health facilities, and community spaces.
2. KoBoToolBox was adopted as a data collection method, to help identify gaps and limitations in service provision, access to services, and support by development partners.
3. Findings from the vulnerability study informed effective responses to COVID-19 and other emergencies.

Challenges Before the Adoption of KoBoToolbox In Informal Settlement Vulnerability Studies

1. Traditional paper-based methods were time-consuming, prone to errors, and required extensive data entry efforts.
2. Manual processes increased the likelihood of inaccuracies, leading to unreliable data for decision-making.
3. The need for physical materials and manual labor made data collection costly and less efficient.

A view of Kibera slums from a city railroad in Nairobi Kenya. Picture/Courtesy

Key Benefits After the Adoption of Mobile Data Collection

1. Mobile data collection streamlined the process, reducing time and labor compared to manual methods.
2. Mobile devices minimized errors associated with manual data entry, resulting in more reliable datasets.
3. Data collected was instantly available for analysis, facilitating timely decision-making and response planning.
4. Reducing the reliance on paper and manual processes led to cost savings, allowing resources to be allocated more effectively.

Source

Informal Settlements’ Vulnerability Mapping in Kenya. Facilities and Partners’ Mapping in Nairobi and Kisumu Settlements – UN-Habitat

2. ODK For Data Collection in a Youth-Led Land Inventory in Juaben-Atia, Ghana – Lands Commission Ghana

Land rights in Ghana are governed by a complex system that blends customary and statutory laws.

Customary land tenure, where land is held by traditional authorities like chiefs and families, remains prevalent, particularly in rural areas.

Local chiefs remain prominent in land matters and highly involved in present-day land use planning, ownership, and land inventory recording.

While reflecting Ghana’s rich cultural heritage, this system also presents challenges related to land disputes, overlapping claims, and the need for clear and secure land registration.

Efforts are ongoing to modernize land administration and improve tenure security, aiming to balance traditional practices with the demands of a developing economy.

Project Details

1. In 2015, a youth-led land inventory was conducted in Juaben-Atia, Ghana, to document individual land rights and improve tenure security.
2. The project streamlined data collection by using mobile applications, specifically ODK Collect, on smartphones, enabling efficient field data capture.
3. ODK enabled the capture of both graphical and attribute data for each land parcel, streamlining the documentation process.

Challenges Before the Adoption of ODK in Ghana’s Land Inventory Exercises

1. The lack of documented land rights left landholders vulnerable to disputes and land grabbing, especially with increasing land values.
2. Professional surveying services were unaffordable for many residents, hindering formal land documentation.

A settlement at Amedzofe in Ghana’s Volta Region. Mobile data collection has helped modernize Ghana’s land administration and improve tenure security. Picture/Courtesy

Key Benefits After the Adoption of Mobile Data Collection

1. Mobile tools like ODK empowered local youth as para-surveyors and built local capacity in land administration.
2. Utilizing affordable tools like smartphones and open-source software reduced the financial burden on the community.
3. Real-time data capture minimized errors associated with manual data entry, ensuring more reliable records.
4. Local landholders gained documented evidence of land rights, enhancing tenure security.
5. Community leaders obtained accurate land records to support better land management and dispute resolution.

Source

Fit-for-Purpose Land Administration from Theory to Practice: Three Demonstrative Case Studies of Local Land Administration Initiatives in Africa – Fit-for-Purpose Land Administration-Providing Secure Land Rights at Scale

3. Drone Technology for Land Use Mapping in Tanzania – Engineers Without Borders (EWB)

Tanzania faces a significant challenge with the scarcity of hospitals and health facilities, particularly in rural areas, leading to limited access to essential healthcare services for a large portion of the population.

Inadequate medical services contribute significantly to maternal deaths across East Africa.

Non-governmental organizations have taken a leading role in addressing this biting scarcity, with Engineers Without Borders (EWB) Norway looking to expand medical facilities in the East African nation.

Project details

1. A significant project was undertaken in 2016 to facilitate the expansion of one of Tanzania’s largest hospitals.
2. The initiative aimed to construct a new hospital extension to enhance medical services and promote community development.
3. To achieve this, accurate and up-to-date land use maps were essential.
4. Engineers Without Borders (EWB) incorporated drone technology to capture high-resolution imagery of the hospital’s property and surrounding areas.
5. This provided a comprehensive overview of the current land use, which was crucial for the effective planning and design of the hospital extension.

Challenges Before the Adoption of Drones in Studying Land Use

1. Traditional surveying methods were slow and inefficient for large-scale mapping.
2. Traditional surveying and mapping required more resources, making it less feasible for a nonprofit organization with budget constraints.
3. Significant changes in land use and infrastructure were unaccounted for, making planning difficult.
4. The last recorded renovation plans were outdated, resulting in incomplete and inaccurate data.

Drone technology enhances land use mapping by providing high-resolution aerial imagery, allowing for accurate and real-time analysis of terrain. Picture/Courtesy

Key Benefits After the Adoption of Drones

1. Drones captured precise aerial imagery, eliminating reliance on outdated maps and documents.
2. Compared to traditional manual surveys, drones significantly reduced the time required for mapping large areas.
3. Drones provided georeferenced images with greater precision, reducing errors associated with manual data collection.
4. The integration of GIS Cloud enabled real-time data sharing and editing, improving teamwork among stakeholders.
5. Accurate, up-to-date land use data allowed for more informed decisions regarding the hospital extension project.

Source

Mapping Land Use With Drones To Help Build A Hospital In Tanzania (Case Study) – GIS Cloud

4. Remote Sensing Technology to Analyze Agricultural Land Transition in the Thiès Region, Senegal

Agricultural land transition refers to the changes in how agricultural land is used over time.

It may involve changes in agricultural practices such as small-holder to large-scale farming, or land being converted to urban areas for housing.

Understanding agricultural land transition is crucial for addressing issues such as food security, environmental sustainability, and rural development.

The Thiès region of Senegal has recorded a notable shift in agricultural land use, with a recorded net transition showing a decrease in agricultural land area.

Project Details

1. A comprehensive study was conducted in Thiès to understand the characteristics of agricultural land transition by integrating remote sensing technology with survey data.
2. This approach aimed to analyze the intensity of agricultural land changes between 2000 and 2020.
3. Remote sensing involves collecting information about an object or area from a distance, without making physical contact.
4. It involves using sensors to detect and measure energy emitted or reflected from the Earth’s surface.
5. Using complementary tools like ArcGIS and ENVI software, researchers processed satellite imagery to assess land cover changes accurately.

Challenges Before Adoption of Remote Sensing Technology

1. Limited access to up-to-date and precise land use data.
2. Reliance on labor-intensive and costly field surveys.
3. Serious difficulties in monitoring large and inaccessible areas.

A small-holder farm in Senegal. Picture/Courtesy

Key Benefits After Adoption of Remote Sensing in Agricultural Land Transition Studies

1. The integration of remote sensing technology enabled precise assessment of land use changes.
2. Local farmers and communities gained insights into land use changes affecting agricultural productivity and sustainability.
3. Policymakers and land managers obtained data-driven evidence to inform land use planning and policy development.
4. Environmental researchers accessed comprehensive datasets for further studies on land transition dynamics and environmental impacts.

Source

Understanding the characteristics of agricultural land transition in Thiès region, Senegal: an integrated analysis combining remote sensing and survey data – Frontiers

Also read: Mobile Data Collection Unlocks Real Estate Efficiency: Practical Case Studies

5. GIS Data Collection Tools in Land Use Planning: Gatundu Town, Kenya

GIS has emerged as a key technology for physical planning in Kenya, having delivered compatibility and coordination in both urban and countryside locations worldwide.

The Kenyan government, therefore, adopted GIS as the tool of choice in land mapping through official legislation such as the Physical and Land Use Planning Act of 2019.

Project Details

1. Following a series of studies on the effectiveness of GIS in land use data collection and planning, Gatundu Town fully integrated GIS in land use planning in 2022.
2. One such study was conducted by the University of Nairobi, exploring the gap in GIS land use planning in the town.
3. This initiative addressed challenges such as uncontrolled development, inadequate infrastructure, and poor sanitation.
4. GIS assisted in recording spatial data on existing land uses, infrastructure, and environmental features.

Challenges Before the Adoption of GIS In Land Use Data Collection and Planning

1. Traditional land use data collection methods and lack of effective planning led to haphazard construction and land use.
2. Residential, commercial, and industrial areas were poorly zoned, causing conflicts and inefficiencies.
3. Insufficient data and proper planning resulted in inefficient land use and strain on local resources.

GIS enables precise land use mapping by analyzing spatial data, helping planners make informed decisions about zoning, development, and resource management. Picture/Courtesy

Key Benefits After the Adoption of GIS Data Collection

1. Spatial data allowed for precise mapping and informed decision-making.
2. Identifying priority areas facilitated better allocation of resources for infrastructure projects.
3. Effective zoning reduced conflicts and promoted harmonious development.

Source

Application of GIS in Physical and Land Use Planning: Case Study: Gatundu Town – The University of Nairobi Digital Repository