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- Mobile Information Collection Application (MICA) Implementation Plan
Mobile Information Collection Application (MICA) Implementation Plan
Project ID: 7876
Principal Investigator: Jessica Torrey
Research Topic: Condition Assessment
Funded Fiscal Years:
2015
Keywords: tablet computing, infrastructure inspection, emergency management
Research Question
In an FY14 scoping study, we asked the questions:
-Can we bring tablet computers into our field and lab work?
-Can we work with software developers to create Reclamation-specific applications for increased efficiency and functionality?
The answers to both questions proved to be yes! A tool developed by the US Army Corps of Engineers Information Technology Laboratory (USACE-ITL)proved to be ideal for field data collection across a variety of Reclamation departments, as well as tailorable to specific tasks. The research questions for FY15 will be:
-How can we most effectively implement this tool across Reclamation?
-Once data is collected with this tool, how will we export it for analysis, reporting, and long-term storage?
-What will be the best way to fund and disseminate this app going forward?
Need and Benefit
The portability and connectivity advantages of a tablet makes it much more suited for the kinds of lab and field work that will be the primary uses of this device than a laptop. Tablets are small enough and light enough to carry like a paper notebook and have the functionality to also replace a camera, calculator, and laptop. Coupled with cellular connectivity and the functionality and flexibility of MICA, tablets can provide a low-cost, single-platform option for a variety of tasks throughout Reclamation. Through a webinar given by USACE-ITL and demonstration of MICA, many offices within Reclamation have expressed interest in adopting the system in some form or another including: Materials Engineering and Research Laboratory, Dam Safety, Asset Management, Emergency Management and GIS Group, Engineering Geology Group, and the Instrumentation and Inspections Group.
Contributing Partners
Contact the Principal Investigator for information about partners.
Research Products
Bureau of Reclamation Review
The following documents were reviewed by experts in fields relating to this project's study and findings. The results were determined to be achieved using valid means.
Mobile Information Collection Application (MICA) Implementation Plan (final, PDF, 706KB)
By Jessica Torrey
Publication completed on September 30, 2016
Using Tablet Computers for Field and Laboratory Work (final, PDF, 545KB)
By Jessica Torrey
R&D Bulletin completed on July 01, 2017