Mobile Data Collection with QField and QGIS

Module 1: Introduction to Mobile Data Collection

• Purposes and applications of mobile GIS solutions

• Benefits of digital rather than paper-based data collection

• How QGIS, QField, and mobile devices work together

• Typical workflows from project preparation to evaluation

• Distinguishing online and offline collection processes

• Requirements relating to data, devices, and project organisation

• Capabilities and limitations of mobile data collection

Module 2: Overview of QField and QGIS

• Purpose and essential functions of QField

• Viewing, searching, and navigating maps

• Editing existing features and collecting new ones

• Recording attributes, photographs, and additional information

• Differences between desktop and mobile working environments

• Identifying suitable applications for QField

• Introduction to the interface and basic operation

Module 3: Structuring Geospatial Data in QGIS

• Selecting suitable layers and data sources

• Preparing point, line, and polygon data for collection

• Using GeoPackage and other suitable formats

• Organising layers and tables logically

• Checking coordinate systems and spatial references

• Developing naming and storage structures

• Considering dataset size and performance on mobile devices

Module 4: Attribute Modelling

• Defining required attributes and field types

• Using text, number, date, and Boolean fields

• Defining field names, aliases, and descriptions

• Configuring default values for recurring entries

• Using unique identifiers

• Distinguishing required and optional information

• Preparing the data model for later analysis and reporting

Module 5: Data Import and Export

• Transferring existing geospatial data into suitable project formats

• Importing shapefiles, tables, and other sources

• Checking field structures and data types during conversion

• Exporting data to GeoPackage or other mobile formats

• Reviewing coordinate systems and geometries

• Cleaning and standardising datasets

• Checking exported results for completeness

Module 6: Organising QGIS Projects for QField

• Using project folders and relative paths

• Organising data, images, and other resources

• Configuring layer order and groups

• Removing unnecessary content from mobile projects

• Adapting project settings for field use

• Defining map scale and geographical working area

• Optimising projects for simple operation and fast loading

Module 7: Creating Input Forms for QField

• Distinguishing automatically generated and custom forms

• Building drag-and-drop forms in QGIS

• Organising fields into tabs and groups

• Using clear labels and guidance text

• Matching the input sequence to the working process

• Hiding or protecting technical fields

• Optimising forms for small mobile screens

Module 8: Widgets and Field Types

• Selecting suitable widgets for different data types

• Configuring text, number, and date fields

• Using value maps and value relations

• Applying check boxes and sliders

• Collecting file paths, photographs, and attachments

• Using map and geometry information within forms

• Reducing input errors through appropriate widgets

Module 9: Field Dependencies and Intelligent Forms

• Controlling field visibility with expressions

• Enabling fields based on previous entries

• Configuring conditionally required fields

• Deriving values automatically from other fields

• Setting defaults from project, user, or time information

• Adapting form sections for different feature types

• Guiding users through the collection process

Module 10: Validation Rules and Data Quality

• Defining required fields and input restrictions

• Controlling numerical ranges and permitted values

• Using QGIS expressions for more advanced validation

• Creating clear error messages and guidance

• Preventing incomplete or contradictory entries

• Combining geometric and attribute-based checks

• Testing rules systematically before field deployment

Module 11: Layer and Symbology Configuration

• Simplifying symbols for mobile displays

• Using clearly visible colours, sizes, and outlines

• Distinguishing different feature statuses visually

• Configuring labels for mobile use

• Controlling layer visibility by scale

• Selecting suitable basemaps and reference information

• Adapting map content to the collection task

Module 12: Project Deployment and Offline Use

• Transferring projects and data to mobile devices

• Preparing QField-compatible project structures

• Providing offline data for defined operational areas

• Including basemaps for offline use

• Controlling storage requirements and dataset size

• Testing projects before fieldwork

• Distributing updated project versions safely