Digital field data capture: the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland experiences in Greenland

The Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS) is carrying out geological expeditions in Greenland during the short arctic summers. In the past, field diaries together with sample tag books were used to record field
data, observations and information about samples collected. The field notes and the information from the sample tag books were then entered into spreadsheets or digitized after the field work. In order to record field data efficiently and
consistently in a digital format and to reduce field based paper-work, GEUS recently decided to use a digital field data capture system. The system was tested in southern Greenland in the summers of 2008 and 2009 (Schlatter &
Larsen 2010). Positive results were immediate as compared to the traditional method. A system for digital field data capture makes the release of geological data and maps faster. This paper aims to summarize the GEUS experiences
of digital field data capture in Greenland and to describe the data flow from the data captured in the field to the central relational (Oracle®) GEUS master database and the reporting of the field data.