SurveyCapture

Installation and Operational Notes

SurveyCapture is designed for real-time wildlife survey data capture using a Pocket PC
(PPC) or Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) with an integrated GPS or a separate
Bluetooth GPS.

Typical Pocket PC and Bluetooth GPS

System Requirements
® ® ®
o Pocket PC, Windows Mobile 2003 , Windows Mobile 5 or Windows Mobile 6
Pocket PC device
o Integrated GPS or a standalone Bluetooth GPS with standard NMEA 0183 data
output
o SD card (1 or 2GB) - recommended

Installation and Program Activation

®
Microsoft .NET CF 2.0 is required and must be installed first before SurveyCapture is
installed (www.microsoft.com/downloads). This is only necessary when earlier
versions of Windows Mobile® are installed on the PPC.

SurveyCapture © 2008. Petri Viljoen. All rights reserved.

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The PPC’s Explorer can be used to install SurveyCapture. Click on the file
SurveyCapture.cab to install the program. After the program installation has been
completed two files will be available on the PPC (\My Device\Program
Files\SurveyCapture):
SurveyCapture.exe
codes.ini

When first used SurveyCapture will prompt for a license code. Enter the supplied
license code. Failing to enter a correct license code will cause SurveyCapture to exit.

The reference file codes.ini should be edited with a text editor to suit specific survey
requirements (specific keywords), and to set the active GPS port.
[COM port]
; set GPS COM port.
COM=6

The three GPS setup lines should remain at the top of the codes.ini file.

The Bluetooth GPS should be paired with the PPC before attempting to adjust any
Bluetooth or GPS settings. Typically Port 8 is used for the GPS port on WM 5 PPC
devices, and Port 6 for WM 6 PPC devices. It is important to ensure that the GPS port
is correctly specified in SurveyCapture’s codes.ini file.

The port setting could vary between different PPC devices. Please check the GPS
settings using the PPC’s External GPS utility (located under Settings ⇒ System; also
see Appendix I). The default External GPS settings should generally work (see
Appendix I).

A separate, simple GPS program or utility could be used to test the GPS’s operation if
required. The freeware program Turbo GPS (www.turboirc.com/ppc/) is ideal for this
purpose.

Please note: It is most important all other programs used with the Bluetooth port
should be properly closed before SurveyCapture is activated.

It is recommended that the PPC’s backlight settings should be adjusted to ensure that
the device’s screen does not turn off during data capture (see Appendix I).

Please ensure that the PPC is always turned off at the end of each session to avoid
draining the battery and loosing data and important PPC settings.

Please note: Always first turn the GPS Bluetooth GPS on and wait for the device to
complete the satellite acquisition process before activating SurveyCapture.

SurveyCapture © 2009. Petri Viljoen. All rights reserved.

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Data Codes
The reference file codes.ini (\My Device\Program Files\SurveyCapture\) should be
edited to include required observation codes, for example:

Any alphanumeric text can be used and

therefore any observation can be entered
even if a code has not been specified in the
codes.ini file. This allows for complete
flexibility, particularly if unexpected species
or other variables are encountered during a
survey.

The codes.ini file can be edited on the PPC

via a laptop/desktop PC and ActiveSync
and connected USB cable, or edited on a
laptop/desktop PC and later copied to the
\My Device\Program Files\SurveyCapture\
folder on the PPC. Always keep a copy of
the codes.ini file on the PPC’s SD card and
on a laptop/desktop PC in case a backup is
needed.

Program Use and Data Format

SurveyCapture allows the following data entries:

o Species
o Total
o L (left)
o R (right)
o I (inside sample strip)
o O (outside sample strip)

Comments can be entered in both the Species and Total data areas. L, R, I and O are
optional data entries and can be omitted if not required. Comments or other notes
entered will also be georeferenced in the CSV data output file.

SurveyCapture © 2009. Petri Viljoen. All rights reserved.

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Dynamic display of current latitude, longitude,

time and ground velocity

The 4 most recent data entries displayed

“Soft keyboard”

Data entry sequence

1. 1st variable (ie species): alphanumeric characters (combining information from the Code
Reference File)
2. 2nd variable (number): alphanumeric (1-3)
3. 3rd variable: single character
4. 4th variable: single character

Screen display
1. Coordinates (most recent from GPS, also to confirm that the GPS is operational and that
the GPS data stream is functional), plus ground velocity (km/hr)
2. The 4 most recent data entries are displayed
3. Prompt for 1st variable (alphanumeric entry)
4. Prompt for 2nd variable (alphanumeric entry)
5. Prompt for 3rd variable (one of 2 choices)
6. Prompt for 4th variable (one of 2 choices)
7. Enter button

SurveyCapture © 2009. Petri Viljoen. All rights reserved.

 5

Data files are saved in CSV format which can therefore be opened as a spreadsheet.

The recommended data folder on the

PPC is \My Device\My Documents\
(this is the default data folder).

Data files can be copied to a laptop or

desktop computer using Microsoft
ActiveSync (supplied with the PPC or
available as a download from the
Microsoft website) and USB cable, or
via a Bluetooth or IR connection.

Column A: Date
Column B: Time
Column C: Latitude
Column D: Longitude
Column E: Ground velocity (km/hr)
Column F: Species (or remarks, or any alphanumeric data typed)
Column G: Number observed
Column H: Side (if no side specified value = 0)
Column I: Inside/Outside counting strip (if I/O not specified value = 0; default inside counting strip)
Column J: Altitude (height above sea level)

SurveyCapture © 2009. Petri Viljoen. All rights reserved.

 6

Data Recovery
In the event of a system crash or any other system or program error the active data file
will be saved as temp.csv (most likely in the folder \My Device\My Documents\). This
file can later be opened as a spreadsheet without any loss of entered data.

Data Backup
A reliable data backup program, such as SPB Backup (www.spritesoftware.com), is
highly recommended. Ideally the backup program should create self-extracting
compressed executable files of all programs, program settings and data files on the
SD card. It is suggested that a complete system backup should be made immediately
after each data collecting or survey session.

SurveyCapture © 2009. Petri Viljoen. All rights reserved.


Troubleshooting
Symptom
COM Port / GPS error
message at SurveyCapture
startup
General SurveyCapture
failure at startup
SurveyCapture fails to
acquire satellites
“Soft keyboard” is not
visible when SurveyCapture
starts
SurveyCapture © 2009. Petri Viljoen. All rights reserved.
7
The most likely problems are the result
of incorrect Bluetooth and/or GPS
settings.
Suggested Solution
1. Check that the Bluetooth GPS is switched on and functioning properly.
2. Check that the PPC’s Bluetooth radio is switched on.
3. Check that the correct COM Port has been specified in the codes.ini
file.
4. Ensure that all other programs using the Bluetooth port and/or GPS
programs are properly closed.
5. Do a PPC system reset if the problem persists.
1. Ensure that the codes.ini file contains no duplicate entries (eg species
codes).
2. The codes.ini file should be in the correct folder (\My Device\Program
Files\SurveyCapture\)
1. Ensure that the Bluetooth GPS has been fully paired with the PPC.
2. Use the PPC’s Bluetooth manager to manually activate the Bluetooth
connection with the GPS before starting SurveyCapture.
Touch in the “Total” field with the stylus. The soft keyboard will activate.
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Program Enquiries
For more information please contact:

Petri Viljoen
PO Box 3124, White River 1240, South Africa

Email: surveycapture@mweb.co.za
Mobile: +27 (0)82 3380896

SurveyCapture
Concept Design & Development: Petri Viljoen
PO Box 3124, White River 1240, South Africa
Mobile: +27 (0)82 3380896; Email: surveycapture@mweb.co.za

Programming: HawkStone Online Commercial Developments

Route 21 Corporate Park Irene Ext, Gauteng, South Africa.
Tel: +27 (0)12 345 9260; Email: info@hawk-stone.com

Supported by: ConservationAir

www.conservationair.org

SurveyCapture is subject to copyright by Petri Viljoen and is provided 'as is', without implicit warranties. If
you install and use this software, you use at your own risk. SurveyCapture cannot be decompiled,
disassembled, copied, modified, distributed on optical media, the Internet, or by any other means. No
part of the SurveyCapture program, including the functionality and data handling concepts, may be
copied or reproduced in any form. The license is a single user license and only allows the use of
SurveyCapture on one Pocket PC (PPC)or PDA.

References
Viljoen, P.C. & Retief, P.F. 1994. The use of the Global Positioning System for real-time data collecting during ecological aerial
surveys in the Kruger National Park, South Africa. Koedoe 37, 149-157.

Viljoen, P.C. & Retief, P.F. 1994. The use of GPS for real-time data collecting during aerial surveys in the Kruger National Park,
South Africa. Southern African GPS User Group Newsletter 10, 2-4.

Hunting, D. 1994. ADC helps preserve wildlife. ID Systems 14 (11), 26-33 (review of an earlier version of the data capture
program).

June 2009

SurveyCapture © 2009. Petri Viljoen. All rights reserved.

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Appendix I. Typical Settings for the HP iPAQ 114 Classic

Handheld

The following typical settings are suggested for the HP iPAQ 114 Classic Handheld®.
Similar settings could also be used for other PPCs using Windows Mobile 6® as the
operating system.

Power Settings
a. Start ⇒ Settings ⇒ System ⇒ Power ⇒ Advanced ⇒ "Turn off device if not used for"; unchecked
b. Start ⇒ Settings ⇒ System ⇒ Power ⇒ Advanced ⇒ backlight ⇒ "turn off backlight if device is not
used for"; unchecked

Data Input
a. Start ⇒ Settings ⇒ Personal ⇒ Input ⇒ Word Completion ⇒ "Suggest words when entering text";
unchecked
b. Start ⇒ Settings ⇒ Personal ⇒ Input ⇒ Word Completion ⇒ "Enable Auto Correct"; unchecked

Bluetooth Radio Activation

Start ⇒ Settings ⇒ Connections ⇒ Wireless Manager - Bluetooth On

General Bluetooth Settings

a. Start ⇒ Settings -> Connections ⇒ Bluetooth ⇒ Accessibility ⇒ "Allow other devices to connect";
checked
b. Start ⇒ Settings ⇒ Connections ⇒ Bluetooth ⇒ Accessibility ⇒ "All devices"; checked

Bluetooth Connection ("Pairing")

Ensure that the Bluetooth GPS is turned on and that the Bluetooth connection is active (about 6
seconds for the Bluetooth self-test to be completed - the Bluetooth LED light will start flashing).

a. Start ⇒ Settings ⇒ Connections ⇒ Bluetooth ⇒ General ⇒ Bluetooth Manager ⇒ Active

Connections ⇒ New ⇒ "Explore a Bluetooth device"
Wait until the Bluetooth device has been discovered, then tap with stylus on the Bluetooth device,
followed by a stylus tap on "SPP slave"
"Use a secure, encrypted connection"; unchecked ⇒ Next ⇒ Finish ⇒ My Shortcuts
Tap and hold stylus on Bluetooth device for a second, select Connect

b. Start ⇒ Settings ⇒ System ⇒ External GPS ⇒ select COM6

GPS satellite acquisition time is usually about 36 seconds (the GPS LED light will start flashing when
the satellite acquisition is completed).

Please Note: Only the supplied HP USB cable can be used to charge the HP iPAQ
PPC. Other USB cables, such as the one typically supplied with the
Bluetooth GPS, will not charge the PPC.

SurveyCapture © 2009. Petri Viljoen. All rights reserved.

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Appendix II. Suggested Data Capture Steps

Prior to the Survey Flight

1. Fully charge Pocket PC (PPC) and Bluetooth GPS batteries.
2. Edit the SurveyCapture code.ini file on the laptop/desktop PC for the specific expected
survey variables.
3. Connect the PPC to the laptop/desktop using the HP USB cable and wait for Microsoft
ActiveSync to establish a communication link. Copy the edited code.ini file to the appropriate
folder on the PPC (\My Device\Program Files\SurveyCapture\). For this Windows Explorer
can be used. The existing code.ini file in the program folder should be overwritten with the
latest code.ini file.
4. Ensure that the SD memory card is in the PPC.
5. Test the system (hardware and software) before departing for the survey. Also check that the
PPC and Bluetooth GPS batteries are fully charged.

In the Aircraft (Before Take-off)

1. Place the Bluetooth GPS on the aircraft’s instrument panel, turn the GPS unit on and wait for
the GPS satellite acquisition to be completed (±36 seconds; GPS LED light will start flashing).
2. Turn the PPC on and activate SurveyCapture. Check that a proper GPS link is established
between the PPC and Bluetooth GPS (±10 seconds; GPS data will appear in the
SurveyCapture data capture screen).

Data Capture Phase

1. Continue with data capture process when the survey starts.
2. Enter “x” whenever an incorrect data entry has been made, followed by the correct data entry.
3. Periodically verify that the GPS data received are valid (check if the displayed coordinates at
the top of the SurveyCapture data capture screen are changing as the plane moves).
4. Connect the HP iPAQ 12V charger if the PPC’s battery charge is getting low.

Data File Closure and Data Backup

1. Tap on “done” and enter an appropriate file name when prompted (eg “12 mar 2008 session
1”). Tap on “save” to save the data file. SurveyCapture will automatically close once the data
file has been saved.
2. Activate Sprite Backup and follow the default steps to make a complete backup of the PPC’s
installed programs, settings and data files to the SD memory card. Enter an appropriate file
name for the backup file (eg “12 mar session 1”). Wait for the data backup process to be
completed. The PPC will automatically reboot after completing the backup procedures.
3. Turn the PPC and Bluetooth GPS off.

Data Transfer
1. Connect the PPC to the laptop/desktop using the HP USB cable and wait for Microsoft
ActiveSync to establish a communication link.
2. Locate the SurveyCapture data file in the appropriate folder (the default is \My Device\My
Documents\) and copy the data file (.csv file) across to an appropriate folder on the
laptop/desktop using Windows Explorer.
3. Turn both the PPC and Bluetooth GPS off and then charge the PPC and Bluetooth GPS
batteries in preparation for the next survey session.

SurveyCapture © 2009. Petri Viljoen. All rights reserved.

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Appendix III. Using an External Battery for Back-up Power

(Optional)

12V accessory 12V sealed lead acid

socket battery

HP iPAQ HP iPAQ 114 Bluetooth GPS

Bluetooth GPS
12V charger Classic Handheld 12V charger

A small external 12V battery is ideal for charging the PPC and/or Bluetooth GPS
during survey sessions. For this purpose a sealed lead acid 12V can be used. These
relatively affordable, safe batteries (typically 7.2Ah or 12Ah) are maintenance free and
can be used in any position without any danger of leakage. A fully charged 12V sealed
lead acid battery will provide adequate power to the PPC and Bluetooth GPS for
periods up to 30 hours. Such batteries can be obtained from most motor battery or
electronic supply stores.

An ordinary 12V accessory socket, available from any motor spares store, can be
attached to the battery’s terminals.

The PPC and Bluetooth GPS can be used while connected to an external power
source. A 12V accessory splitter can be attached to charge both devices
simultaneously if required.

SurveyCapture © 2009. Petri Viljoen. All rights reserved.