# OpenDataKit: An Open-Source Tool for Mobile Data Collection and Management **URL:** \ **Category:** Data Toolkit\ **Tags:** open-source\ **Created:** [April 8, 2023, 5:31am UTC](https://aikyam.discourse.group/t/opendatakit-an-open-source-tool-for-mobile-data-collection-and-management/530 "2023-04-08T05:31:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![arunabha](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/aikyam.discourse.group/arunabha/32/151_2.png) [@arunabha](https://aikyam.discourse.group/u/arunabha)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2023, 5:31am UTC](https://aikyam.discourse.group/t/opendatakit-an-open-source-tool-for-mobile-data-collection-and-management/530/1 "2023-04-08T05:31:46Z")
> Related [Kobotoolbox - simple, free and powerful field data collection, aggregation and analysis tool for online/offline survey, field work](https://aikyam.discourse.group/t/kobotoolbox-simple-free-and-powerful-field-data-collection-aggregation-and-analysis-tool-for-online-offline-survey-field-work/162) OpenDataKit (ODK) is an open-source tool designed for mobile data collection and management, specifically tailored for social development organizations to gather and analyze data in the field. With its comprehensive features and user-friendly interface, ODK provides an efficient solution for collecting, organizing, and analyzing data even in remote locations. As an open-source platform, ODK can be self-hosted, offering users greater control over their data. Some of the features of OpenDataKit are: 1. Customizable Forms: Create and design data collection forms to suit your organization’s unique needs. 2. Offline Data Collection: Collect data on mobile devices even without an internet connection. 3. Data Management: Store, organize, and manage collected data securely. 4. Data Visualization: Analyze and visualize data using a variety of chart types and filters. 5. Integration: Connect ODK with other tools for data analysis, mapping, and reporting. Features vs. Benefits Table: | Feature | Benefit | | --- | --- | | Customizable Forms | Tailor data collection forms to your organization’s specific requirements. | | Offline Data Collection | Collect data in remote areas without internet connectivity. | | Data Management | Store and organize collected data securely and efficiently. | | Data Visualization | Gain insights from data using powerful visualization tools. | | Integration | Enhance data analysis by connecting ODK with other tools and platforms. | Use Cases for Individuals, Non-Profits, and Social Justice Organizations: 1. Health Surveys: Conduct health assessments in remote communities to inform public health interventions. 2. Environmental Data Collection: Monitor environmental changes and collect data on natural resources. 3. Human Rights Documentation: Collect evidence and document human rights abuses in conflict zones. 4. Disaster Response: Assess damage and gather data on affected populations for relief efforts. 5. Community Development Projects: Track progress and gather feedback on development initiatives. A brief comparison between OpenDataKit (ODK) and [Kobo Toolbox](https://aikyam.discourse.group/t/kobotoolbox-simple-free-and-powerful-field-data-collection-aggregation-and-analysis-tool-for-online-offline-survey-field-work/162) : | Feature | OpenDataKit (ODK) | [Kobo Toolbox](https://aikyam.discourse.group/t/kobotoolbox-simple-free-and-powerful-field-data-collection-aggregation-and-analysis-tool-for-online-offline-survey-field-work/162) | | --- | --- | --- | | Form Builder | Requires XLSForm standard for form creation | Drag-and-drop form builder | | Offline Data Collection | Yes | Yes | | Data Management & Storage | Yes | Yes | | Data Visualization | Yes | Yes | | Analysis | Yes | Yes | | Integrations | Data analysis, mapping, and reporting tools; APIs | ArcGIS, Google Earth, APIs [Mapping, Sharing, and Exporting GPS Data — KoboToolbox documentation](https://support.kobotoolbox.org/export_gps.html) | | Collaboration & Sharing | Not built-in; can be achieved through integrations | Built-in collaboration and sharing options | | Ease of Use | Requires technical knowledge for setup and form creation | User-friendly, simple setup and configuration | | Documentation | Extensive documentation available | Comprehensive help center and user guides | | Pricing | Open-source and free to use,paid version | Open-source and free to use; | | Free server hosting | No | Yes | | Open source | Yes | Yes | | Compatible with other ODK-based tools | Yes | Yes | | Question library | No | Yes | | Integrated data management | No | Yes | | Support for humanitarian use | No | Yes | Cost Benefit Comparison with Other Popular Service Providers: | Provider | Cost | Benefits | | --- | --- | --- | | OpenDataKit | Free (open-source) | Customizable forms, offline data collection, data management, visualization, integration | | Popular Provider 1 | $X per month | Feature list, ease of use, support, cloud storage | | Popular Provider 2 | $Y per month | Feature list, user experience, integrations, collaboration tools | Getting Started with OpenDataKit: 1. Visit the OpenDataKit website ([https://getodk.org/](https://getodk.org/)) and explore the available tools (ODK Collect, ODK Aggregate, ODK Central). 2. Choose the appropriate tool for your needs and follow the provided documentation to set up ODK on your server or device. > If you’re technical, you can self-host it for free on your own server. Start with the [docs](https://docs.getodk.org/getting-started). 1. Design and create data collection forms using ODK tools. 2. Deploy the forms to your team’s mobile devices for data collection in the field. 3. Analyze, visualize, and export collected data for further analysis and reporting. OpenDataKit offers a powerful, user-friendly platform for individuals, non-profits, and social justice organizations looking to collect, manage, and analyze data in the field. To learn more about OpenDataKit and explore its features, visit [https://getodk.org/](https://getodk.org/). Some related posts > > [@Seeking suggestions on Apps/ Websites for Online Surveys](https://aikyam.discourse.group/t/seeking-suggestions-on-apps-websites-for-online-surveys/30): > > Hi, We at Paar are working on an online survey questionnaire that has both close (response choices given by researcher) and open-ended questions (responses can be up to the respondents and longer sentences). We plan on using google forms to send them to the respondents. Are there any other apps, websites that make responding to questionnaires easy? We don’t want people to have to download the form. We are also looking for something that works well on phone as well as the laptop. Thanks. Reg… > [@Software for data collection](https://aikyam.discourse.group/t/software-for-data-collection/112): > > Hey, We are working on a research project which involves collecting data from the vulnerable groups. We’ve been using the pen and paper method for quite sometime now. As the way forward, we are planning to go digital. We did try SurveyMonkey and Google forms but they are not quite handy in a no network zone and find it difficult to enter data when it comes to logical questions. Can you please suggest a software which could help us collect data, use logical questions, store and analyse the data … > [@Tool for Online Survey Questionnaire and analysis and follow up](https://aikyam.discourse.group/t/tool-for-online-survey-questionnaire-and-analysis-and-follow-up/313): > > Hi, We are looking at creating a survey questionnaire for one of our programmes. It is desciged with around 20-25 questions divided into 2-3 sections. Answer types could be text, Long Answer, Numerical, Rating, radio buttons, multiple choice. Target audience is HR/Senior team members of Organisations. Once the survey is complete, we would need to analyse and also maybe follow up with the participating organisations to help them close any gaps. Could you suggest some tools/plans for the same? > [@Kobotoolbox - simple, free and powerful field data collection, aggregation and analysis tool for online/offline survey, field work](https://aikyam.discourse.group/t/kobotoolbox-simple-free-and-powerful-field-data-collection-aggregation-and-analysis-tool-for-online-offline-survey-field-work/162): > > KoBoToolbox is a ready to use suite of tools for simple and robust field data collection, aggregation and analysis. Free and open source. Form Builder Design forms quickly and easily using our intuitive form builder Reuse existing questions and blocks of questions and manage them in the question library Build complex forms with skip logic and validation More than 20 different question types available including location, image, video, rating, matrix, etc. Easily share proj…