1. Introduction

In the previous topic we have learned how to use data that is available on the internet.

Often, however, you have to collect your own data, because it's not available or too coarse in the online sources. Nowadays you would use an app for that.

After this tutorial you'll be able to:

  • use QGIS to setup a surveying project
  • configure map themes with online and offline layers
  • design the field form
  • synchronise the QGIS project with the Mergin cloud service
  • synchronise the Input app on the mobile phone with the Mergin cloud service
  • use the Input app for surveying
  • synchronise the data collected in the field with the Mergin cloud service and the QGIS project

Input is a simple survey app allowing users to capture data in field. Forms and data preparation can be done in QGIS software and synchronised with the Input app using the Mergin plugin and repository.

Input is not aimed to be a full GIS/mapping application. It is designed with simplicity, ease of use and seamless data synchronisation in mind.

A typical workflow for using Input consists of the following steps:

  • Preparing project: user loads background and survey layers, set up the forms, apply styling to the layers, set up map themes and define the layers to be used for survey purpose.

  • Data/project transfer: once the project set up, users need to transfer data to the device. This can be achieved through Mergin.

  • Working with Input: map navigation, data editing, including filling the forms, viewing existing data and uploading the changes back to Mergin.

In this tutorial the workflow will be demonstrated for field data collection for groundwater studies.