Open Foris Ground is an open-source, map-first data collection web console co-developed by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Google that enables non-technical users to easily create surveys and collect georeferenced field data via an Android app. It supports offline data entry with automatic syncing and provides real-time visualization through a web dashboard, where data can be downloaded in CSV or GeoJSON formats. Ground is designed for non-technical users, making field data collection easy and accessible. It supports sustainability monitoring, restoration, and training data collection. For example, it empowers smallholders to track value chains and drive impact at scale.
Key Features
User-friendly interface optimized for non-technical users.- Map-first approach: All data linked to preloaded or user-defined map features.
- Offline data collection capabilities via the Android app.
- Automatic two-way data synchronization when online.
- Real-time data visualization on the web console.
- Downloadable analysis-ready data (CSV or GeoJSON).
- Open-source nature with all code available on GitHub.
Ground Architecture
& Worklflow
- Survey Planning: Users log into the Ground web console to design new surveys. This involves defining the survey's purpose, scope, and the types of data to be collected.
- Survey Creation: Customizable surveys are created, specifying various data types (text, numbers, coordinates, images, etc.) and validation rules to ensure data quality.
- Map Layer Configuration: Users can upload predefined locations (e.g., plot boundaries) that will be used by field collectors.
- User Management: Project administrators can define roles and permissions for data collectors and other users.
- Publication: Once designed, the survey is published, making it available for download and use on the Android mobile application.
- Survey Download: Field users can access the specific survey on their Android device, by selecting them from the list. Surveys are packaged to include forms, and any necessary preloaded data.
- Offline Capability: The Android app is designed for robust offline use. Data collectors can work in remote areas without an internet connection.
- Map-Based Navigation and Data Entry: Users navigate using the preloaded maps. They can select specific plots or points on the map, or use the device's GPS to identify their current location, and collect all the data required in the survey.
- Media Capture: The app allows for the capture of photos directly linked to data locations, enriching the collected information.
- Data is safe: As data is entered, it remains safe in the app's cache even when running out of battery. - the app applies defined validation rules, providing immediate feedback on errors to improve data quality at the source.
- Two-Way Synchronization: When the Android device regains an internet connection, it automatically synchronizes collected data with the cloud backend. This is a two-way process: new field data is uploaded, and any updates or new assignments from the web console are downloaded to the device.
- Real-time Visualization: Once synchronized, collected field data becomes immediately visible on the Ground web console dashboard, allowing project managers to monitor progress and data quality in real-time.
- Data Export and Analysis: From the web console, users can export the collected data in analysis-ready formats such as CSV or GeoJSON. This allows for further analysis using external tools or integration with other systems.
Key Architectural Components
Cross-Platform Mobile App:
Developed using React Native, Ground runs on Android devices, enabling users to collect georeferenced field data directly in the field - even without internet connectivity.
Modular Survey Engine:
The app integrates with surveys designed in Open Foris Ground, allowing users to define forms with logic, constraints, code lists, and dependencies. Surveys are imported as JSON definitions.
Offline-First Architecture:
Ground stores data locally on the device using a local database (WatermelonDB), ensuring full functionality offline. Data is automatically synced to a central repository once the device is back online.
Data Sync and Integration:
Collected data is automatically uploaded to Ground dashboard and can be xported in standard formats (CSV, GeoJSON) and then integrated into broader workflows.
Map and Geometry Support:
Built-in support for GPS, geometry drawing, and map layers (with Mapbox), enabling accurate spatial data collection and visualisation in the field.
Open Source and Extensible:
Ground’s codebase is open and available for contribution or customisation via GitHub.
