There are many field data collection apps out there, each with their own strengths. How do you decide which one is best suited for your fieldwork needs?
We thoroughly researched the top contenders to help you come up with your own shortlist. We also compiled the most important criteria you should consider when assessing your choices.
In this article, we’ll compare our top 7 choices from the most popular field data collection apps available today, and also give you 7 criteria for evaluating which one will best meet your needs. Ultimately, you’ll walk away with a better understanding of how to pick the best tool—or at least boil it down to a few choices to explore further.
This article is a companion piece to our existing compilation of the top 6
data collection apps.
This article focuses on tools and features more prevalent to field data collection, whereas our other compilation article explores data collection platforms for a broader set of use cases.
Table of Contents
What is a field data collection app?
Firstly, it’s always helpful to level set and make sure we have a common understanding of what is meant by a field data collection app.
Field data collection apps are a particular category of data collection apps: They are tools that organizations use to conduct primary data collection, where surveys and forms are created digitally and then deployed to capture information.
However, there are three important differences worth highlighting between field data collection tools and overall data collection tools:
- Field data collection apps are designed for on-site, in-person data collection in any environment, meaning they must be optimized for offline use.
- This means that all features, functionality, and workflows you can create and run using wifi must also work seamlessly offline. If your questionnaire or forms break without an internet connection, even when they work fine in online environments, that tool isn’t offline-optimized, and it’s not appropriate for on-site data collection.
Our stance
Being offline-optimized goes beyond simply being able to collect data offline and syncing to a server once back online. It means being able to smoothly carry out complex processes on-site and in the field, including those that involve multiple stakeholders.
For example, surveyor assignments can change at the last minute—sometimes when you’re already in the field! Offline-optimized tools will allow you to not only reassign surveyors and cases without needing to return to the office, but also pull up previously collected data during a field visit without needing a connection.
- Field data collection tools always have dedicated mobile apps to support forms that can be deployed for use by in-person data collection teams.
- In other words, these tools are meant to be used on mobile devices like smartphones and tablets by field teams that have to record data on the go. Regular data collection apps, in contrast, may simply have one feature offered by a platform that is actually built for other types of data collection, like online surveys or self-administered questionnaires.
- And finally, because field data collection apps are designed for on-site use, they also incorporate unique features designed for real-world data collection scenarios, like GPS, geospatial and geolocation features, and/or mapping capabilities.
- Some examples of such features include the ability to draw polygons or lines, capture latitude and longitude, and record the GPS location of images, videos, or audio submissions.
There are, of course, more industry or use case-specific distinctions for field data collection apps; however, the three characteristics mentioned above are table stakes when it comes to apps for field data collection.
Next, we’ll get into the seven field data collection apps that you should be aware of when evaluating your choices.
The 7 field data collection apps that should be on your shortlist
We thoroughly researched popular field data collection apps to come up with this list. These top seven field data collection apps are applicable for multiple use cases, provide differentiated features, and offer a variety of pricing tier options.
You’ll find quick details in the table below, and for deep dives into each tool, scroll further down.
All of the tools below offer mobile apps for both Android and iOS.
| Tool | Target use case | Differentiators | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| SurveyCTO |
|
| Starting at $250/mo (unlimited users and devices) |
| ArcGIS Field Maps |
|
| Starting at $700/user/yr, different user types priced separately |
| Device Magic |
|
| Must speak to sales to obtain pricing |
| Fastfield |
|
| Starting at $30/user/mo |
| Fulcrum |
|
| Starting at $55/user/mo |
| GoAudits |
|
| Starting at $12/user/mo |
| Mitti (formerly SafetyCulture) |
|
| Starting at $29/user/mo |
SurveyCTO
Overview: SurveyCTO is a data collection software platform known for multi-mode data collection. In other words, organizations use SurveyCTO to create survey apps in the online form builder or via spreadsheets, deploy the surveys to mobile devices or web links, and start capturing information. Because forms can be deployed in these ways, data collectors can capture information anywhere—in the field using mobile devices when there’s no internet or in office settings using laptops.
How SurveyCTO supports fieldwork: SurveyCTO has many features and capabilities that enable field teams to capture data easily and cleanly.
- Teams can create custom survey apps and use their mobile devices to collect data on the go
- Projects that require a more geospatial-first approach can use geolocation and GPS features to geotag submissions, set up geofencing to trigger actions, draw polygons to map land boundaries, and more
- Data collection in the field also requires different types of data to be collected outside of standard text-based data. SurveyCTO can collect a variety of data types like photos, videos, audio, signatures, barcodes, device sensor metadata, and more
- Fieldwork can involve tens or hundreds of stakeholders, from supervisors to data collectors. With sustainable pricing that supports unlimited users, SurveyCTO allows organizations to involve any stakeholder without pricing repercussions
- Case management lets teams assign data collectors to the right surveys and pull up previously collected data for reference
- Being offline-optimized not only means that teams can collect data offline, but they can carry out full survey workflows offline as well
See how research firm, Laterite, used SurveyCTO to collect geospatial data and map farm boundaries completely offline in the Peruvian Amazon rainforest.
When it makes sense to choose SurveyCTO: Organizations choose SurveyCTO as their field data collection app when:
- They need a tool that allows them to carry out multi-step, complex survey workflows that involve surveyor assignment and accessing past data completely offline without fear of features breaking down
- They need assurance that the tool has top-tier data security measures and practices
- Collecting accurate, high-quality data is essential to their success
- Fieldwork relies on forms for data collection
- They need pricing that doesn’t limit the number of users they can involve
ArcGIS Field Maps
Overview: The ArcGIS platform is an enterprise-grade GIS platform that offers many different tools in their suite. Field Maps is their most relevant solution to field data collection. It is first and foremost a map-centric tool where teams begin by creating a map to center their data collection efforts around, then create a form to specify what kinds of data field workers can collect. Their mobile app allows forms to be deployed onto it for data collection.
How Field Maps supports fieldwork:
- Allows teams to create maps and forms that can be downloaded for field teams to capture data
- Records locations of field workers in real time for immediate tracking
- Allows teams to find and log assets in the field
- Offline-optimized functionality allows teams to record data even in remote areas
When it makes sense to choose Field Maps: Field Maps is map-first by design, making it a great tool for field teams who need to visualize their surroundings in order to collect data. Field Maps is often used by utility companies, engineering teams, and disaster response teams. Their pricing may be more suited for enterprise-grade organizations, but their feature set makes them a great choice for geospatial-first work.
Device Magic
Overview: Device Magic is a data collection tool that allows teams to create checklists and forms for safety, inspection, and quality control initiatives. Teams can deploy forms to their mobile app for data collection in the field.
How Device Magic supports fieldwork:
- Teams create forms in the online builder, then deploy it to Device Magic’s mobile app for field data collection
- Users can submit data while in the field and once connection is restored, submissions sync automatically
- Pins can be placed on maps with directions automatically generated so that field workers can easily navigate to those locations
When it makes sense to choose Device Magic: Device Magic is a great platform for organizations in the safety, inspection, and quality control space. Their feature set is geared towards easy creation of checklists and inspection forms, and their pricing allows for unlimited forms and submissions.
Fastfield
Overview: Fastfield is a data collection tool that allows teams to create forms via their online form builder, then deploy to their mobile app for field workers to use.
How Fastfield supports fieldwork:
- Forms deployed to their mobile app can be used by field teams to capture data offline
- Data from labels, barcodes, and photos are recognized and can autopopulate your forms
- Multiple data types can be collected and photos can even be annotated to log down more information
When it makes sense to choose Fastfield: Fastfield is great for teams who need a field data collection app for inspections and checklists—and also appreciate AI-powered features like the ability to scan labels and autopopulate fields or analyze submissions and automatically recommend next steps.
Fulcrum
Overview: Fulcrum is a platform designed for managing field operations. They offer organizations with safety, compliance, and inspection initiatives a solution that creates forms, has GIS capabilities, and is meant to be a single platform that consolidates multiple point solutions.
How Fulcrum supports fieldwork:
- Create forms and map layers in the digital survey builder that can then be deployed to their mobile app
- Manage asset installation, inspect sites, and conduct disaster recovery efforts
- Supports AI-powered speech-to-form fill and face blurring capabilities
When it makes sense to choose Fulcrum: Fulcrum provides utilities, construction, environmental, and telecom organizations with a centralized platform to manage their field operations. They may be particularly well-suited for large organizations looking to consolidate their tech stack.
GoAudits
Overview: GoAudits is a mobile inspection app for conducting audits. Organizations can create checklists and forms, deploy them to the GoAudits mobile app, and collect inspection data and photos.
How GoAudits supports fieldwork:
- Automatic calculation of inspection scores based responses in checklists to be displayed in reporting
- Bulk schedule and assign tasks to field workers
- Get notifications for in-progress audits and of when inspections have been completed
When it makes sense to choose GoAudits: For teams who have many inspection-centered workflows, GoAudits provides a specialized tool to plan, conduct, and review audits.
Mitti (formerly SafetyCulture)
Overview: Mitti, formerly SafetyCulture, has shifted from an app solely focused on helping teams conduct safety reviews and inspections to a frontline operations system that includes the ability to provide insurance to organizations as well.
How Mitti supports fieldwork:
- Create and deploy digital checklists for use on- and offline
- Assign tasks and view completion rates in dashboards
- Track workers in dangerous or remote areas to keep an eye on their safety
When it makes sense to choose Mitti: Organizations with workers who are shift-based and operating in the frontlines will benefit from Mitti. Their benefits have since expanded from data collection to helping track workers in the field to monitor their safety, using AI to create training courses in their system, and providing insurance.
Seven criteria to help you choose the right field data collection app for your organization
As you can see, many solutions today offer similar benefits for field or frontline teams. There are some, like Mitti, that tackle user pain points from an all-in-one platform standpoint. Others, like SurveyCTO or DeviceMagic, hone in on field data collection and offer interoperability so that organizations have the ability to choose which platforms they want to use that best fits their processes and budget.
The seven criteria below can help you choose the best solution for your needs—or at least narrow down your choices!
- Complete offline functionality – Field teams need solutions that can reliably support complex workflows offline. If your teams need to run complex projects that involve updating or passing data across forms without always needing to return to the office, look for apps that provide advanced offline functionality.
- Geospatial data necessity – If your workflows involve capturing geospatial data like GPS coordinates or polygons, look for a solution that supports collecting those data types. Some field apps like ArcGIS specialize in GIS functionality for organizations who need to be able to approach data collection map-first. Other field data collection apps like SurveyCTO provide the ability to capture GPS points, geofence, and draw polygons for teams who need a more well-rounded feature set for fieldwork.
- Case or task management – Running field operations often mean managing large teams, each with individual assignments. The larger the team and more remote a location, the more you need a solution that can smoothly manage, update, or assign cases to workers—even when you’re already offline.
- Data quality importance – Data accuracy and cleanliness is an important aspect of any collection effort. Some solutions put more emphasis on data quality features like proactive quality checks or reviewing and correcting incoming submissions. If capturing high-quality data is more of a focal point for your fieldwork efforts, look into tools that clearly mention how they protect data quality on their websites.
- Data security importance – Do your field operations involve collecting sensitive data? Do you need to silo workspaces so that teams can only access certain forms? If those are nonnegotiables to your data collection, look for a field data collection app that is SOC 2 or GDPR compliant or has data security features like end-to-end encryption.
- Pricing – Some apps charge per user, while others charge a flat monthly subscription. Depending on the size of your field teams, a tool that doesn’t charge per user may be more cost effective over the long term.
- Professional services and accessible support – Onboarding or switching to new tools can be a stressful exercise. For larger organizations, look for solutions that also provide professional services to rebuild workflows, train team members, and be available for timely support.
When should you choose SurveyCTO for field data collection?
There are many potential apps that can be a solution for your fieldwork needs, but here’s when SurveyCTO would be the best fit.
The SurveyCTO platform is known for providing a sturdy field app that teams can use to carry out complex workflows onsite without fear of data lags, unreliable performance due to spotty internet, concerns about duplicate or missing data, or being able to track cases or tasks over time.
SurveyCTO’s feature set is designed to support more efficient, accurate field data collection with:
- Case management that facilitates large field data collection projects with longitudinal components or complex workflows
- GPS capture, geolocation, geofencing, and polygon drawing capabilities for on-site data collection that goes beyond questionnaires
- Flexible form creation and advanced survey logic to create whatever forms, surveys, or checklists you need
- Data quality tools that flag suspicious entries before they enter your database
- Complete offline functionality that enables all of the above to operate smoothly without interruptions or lags, regardless of the environment
For large field teams, SurveyCTO’s pricing structure also means that there is no penalty for inviting as many stakeholders as you need, whether they’re office managers or field workers.
