Fantastic Fields: Field Data Collection the Smart Way

Still scribbling notes on paper in the field? That’s like bringing a flip phone to a smartphone party. Pen-and-paper data collection isn’t just slow—it’s error-prone, eats up precious time, and turns transcription into a soul-crushing chore. It’s time to level up. 🚀 In this course, you’ll learn how to ditch the clipboard and supercharge your fieldwork with QField—an open-source tool that syncs seamlessly between your phone or tablet (iOS or Android) and your desktop. With smart attributes, streamlined workflows, and drone, aerial, or satellite basemaps, you’ll be capturing accurate data in the field and reporting it faster than ever—no coding required. Save time, cut costs, and boost data quality—all while making your field surveys feel a lot less 1995.
clock icon 4.5 hours
information icon Paid

This hands-on course takes you step by step through building smart, seamless mobile data collection workflows with QField and QGIS. By the end, you’ll be ready to leave paper surveys behind and confidently capture, sync, and analyse field data like a pro—whether you’re offline in the middle of nowhere or connected to the cloud.

Here’s what you’ll learn across the four parts:

Part 1 – Build Your Smart Attribute Table

  • Create dropdown menus, auto-fill fields, and photo capture tools for structured data collection
  • Set up vector layers, attributes, and smart design layouts with tabs, value maps, visibility control, and constraints
  • Automate time/date, configure photos, and use attribute-based symbols
  • Save and reuse styles across projects, duplicate layers, and pick up time-saving tips & tricks

Part 2 – Take It to the Field (Cable Method)

  • Package and transfer your project from desktop to device (Android/iOS) via cable—ideal for remote, offline areas
  • Install and configure QSync, set parameters, and prep your device for smooth file transfers
  • Import projects into QField, capture field data directly on your device, and sync it back to your computer for reporting

Part 3 – Take It to the Field (Cloud Method)

  • Set up and use QField Cloud for seamless online project syncing
  • Create and manage QField Cloud projects, push and sync field data in real time, and integrate it directly back into QGIS
  • Understand key workflows: Sync vs Push, managing project folders, and resolving common issues
  • Explore QField Cloud’s website and app features for faster collaboration and analysis

Part 4 – Master the QField App in the Field

  • Explore built-in tools like measuring, azimuths, compass alignment, GPS cursor locking, and in-field editing
  • Run through the dropdown menus for editing, searching, and entering coordinates
  • Learn how to realign maps, set destinations, search layers or fields, and revert to current GPS location
  • Boost your efficiency with field-tested shortcuts, tips & tricks

This course is the latest from GeoWing Academy and takes GeoWing participants through an all new classroom! 

Paid, external course

This course is FREE for the first 15 people to register for the course using the code #FantasticFields. Thereafter the course cost is USD$100-00 so get in there first!! And, there is something special waiting for all participants of this course at the end of Part 4 :)

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