Collector for ArcGIS

What do you like best?

Easy to train non-GIS competent members of staff up on its use. I find it very easy to set up templates for surveys through ArcGIS Online which can be reused

The collector app does a job that open source can't fill. We tried looking for free alternatives but the reliability of the collector app/ the arc package was a massive plus. If features are created in ArcGIS Online and distributed to the app, the process can be seamless.

What do you dislike?

There are currently two apps on Android for the collector app. The one which I would advise our consultants to use is the beta app, this really shouldn't be the case anymore.

Collector app is fantastic but you are trapped within ESRI's bubble

Can become costly for a small business when factoring in field worker licenses for use of the app

Recommendations to others considering the product:

Use the beta app on Android, we don't use apple products within this company so unfortunately can't comment.

If you are continually doing the same style of surveys then make sure your templates on AGOL are set up correctly. This will make your life vastly easier.

Train users of the app in the office before sending them out on site.

What problems are you solving with the product? What benefits have you realized?

Collecting visual tree assessment data, British standard 5837 surveys, ecological surveys which can then be hosted on ArcGIS online to be displayed to clients seamlessly. Currently also experimenting using SWEET for phase 1 ecology surveys, whilst strictly not Collector the principles are the same.