Which division are you and your team entering?Main Division
Idea NameCollaborative Field Data Collection Solution
Team Member Name(s)Oralee Nudson
Christopher Ramey
Michael Hendricks
Amy MacPherson
Idea SummaryAs of 2022, only 21% of Alaska has been geologically mapped at the proper scale. In an effort to grow this critical body of knowledge, teams of geologists with the Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys conduct remote fieldwork using modern digital field data collection devices.
Sharing each individual’s daily field collections with the entire team requires a centralized “geoportal”. The geoportal serves as a data repository and visualization host for collected and processed data; however, this capability requires a stable and reliable internet connection. Our team designed and developed a solution called the “fieldportal” to provide Field Geologists with constant access to the geoportal.
Being built with a rugged and portable design, the fieldportal resolves the issue of no internet connectivity in remote field camps by hosting a wireless local network allowing Field Geologists to collaborate data collected using modern handheld devices. Our fieldportal is a lightweight, durable, and portable computer carried into remote field camps and hosts a local centralized geoportal and local wireless network allowing field staff to upload their data, collaborate, and plan the next day’s effort 24/7 regardless of the weather, geography, and positioning of satellites in their location.
Our fieldportal is powered by a conventional 110V outlet, features no fans or moving parts to eliminate excessive wear and tear on the sensitive electronics while deployed in dusty and silty field camps, and can be paired with a second unit to offer a backup and fault tolerant design.