Using GPS tracking in the field when collecting data

GPS tracking enhances field data collection by capturing detailed movement, location, and environmental context, which improves data quality and decision-making. Explore the fundamentals of GPS logging in fieldwork and how Fulcrum’s mobile platform leverages this technology for flexible, real-time data capture.

Key insights

• GPS tracking lets you automatically log your movement in the field without starting a record
• Each photo, video, or note you capture during tracking is geotagged to your current location
• You can use either your phone’s internal GPS or connect a Bluetooth GPS device for better accuracy
• Fulcrum’s GPS tracks include detailed metadata like altitude, speed, and timestamps for each point
• After collecting, you can export GPS tracks and analyze them in tools like Excel or GIS software

GPS data has always played a role in fieldwork, but tracking your actual path — not just individual points — unlocks an entirely different level of visibility. It shows where you were, how you moved, and what happened along the way. With GPS tracking enabled, every note, photo, or observation you capture is grounded in time and space, creating a richer, more reliable dataset without adding steps to your workflow.

This blog explores how GPS tracking fits into real-world field workflows, and how features like survey types, differential corrections, and structured geographic files (including Fulcrum’s GPS tracking update) help crews work faster and get cleaner data.

Choosing the right GPS receiver for your environment

Not all handheld units are created equal. Survey‑grade GPS receivers capture centimeter‑level positions by listening to multiple satellite constellations and applying real‑time differential corrections. Crews working in remote areas can log raw data on device and post‑process later, while urban teams often stream live corrections over cellular networks. Selecting hardware that supports both workflows prevents expensive re‑visits.

Urban cluster. Tall buildings cause multipath, so crews should position antennas clear of metal objects and verify fix quality every 30 seconds.

Rural cluster. Open skies improve signal geometry, but cell coverage gaps mean differential corrections may need to be logged for post‑processing. Flag these records so analysts know a datum transformation step is required before integration.

Plan your GPS data collection workflow

Once the right hardware is in place, the next step is defining how location data gets collected. Teams need a clear, repeatable process, from selecting survey types to deciding what accuracy levels count as acceptable. This is where software makes the difference.

GPS tracking with Fulcrum

Once your workflow is planned, the next step is execution. Fulcrum’s GPS tracking feature makes it easy to capture reliable location data with minimal setup. The following steps walk through how to get started, from app configuration to collecting consistent, high-quality tracks in the field.

Setting up for success: configuring the GPS tracking app

Before heading into the field, make sure you’re running Fulcrum version 5.8.1 or later on iOS, or 5.8.2 or later on Android. You’ll also need to enable Location Services so the app can record accurate GPS data while tracking.

Begin tracking: launch and log

With the GPS tracking app configured, users can initiate the tracking feature by launching the app. As you navigate your environment, Fulcrum’s GPS tracking records your location, speed, and altitude. This serves to create a comprehensive real-time dataset of your movements and activities.

Before anyone leaves the office, define your survey types — reconnaissance, mapping‑grade, or survey‑grade — and document them in a shared checklist. Pair this with a repeatable survey sample listing process so every field team knows how many assets they must capture, what attribute domains to use, and the minimum fix quality to accept. Consistency here saves hours of data scrubbing later.

Collecting rich data in the field

While GPS data provides the backbone for field data collection, the Fulcrum platform also supports the collection of supplementary data types. Users can augment their GPS data with photos, videos, and notes, enriching the dataset with qualitative insights. Tagging this additional data with corresponding GPS coordinates is advised for streamlined analysis later.

Exporting and analyzing your GPS data

Upon completing data collection, the next step involves analysis. Using GIS software, Excel, or other data analysis tools lets users sift through data to identify patterns, trends, and anomalies. Such analysis proves crucial for informed decision-making and strategic planning, yielding actionable insights from empirical field data.

After collection, export your points into a master geographic data file such as GeoPackage, File Geodatabase, or Shapefile. Whichever GPS data format you choose, embed EPSG codes so anyone merging datasets can execute an accurate datum transformation later. Storing spatial and attribute indexes up front keeps large damage‑assessment layers snappy in dashboards.

Ensuring data quality after collection

For better quality control on post data collection practices, remember to:

• Reject points captured without a valid differential correction string.
• Highlight outliers that plot outside the defined project boundary, particularly in dense urban clusters.
• Require photo links for any damage assessments so reviewers can confirm attribute accuracy remotely.

Real-world application of GPS tracking

Once workflows are dialed in, GPS tracking fits easily into everyday and high-pressure scenarios. Here’s one example of how teams apply it in the field.

Disaster response in the field

Disaster response crews use GPS tracking the same way they would for routine inspections. Teams log structural damage using the same receivers and templates already built into their workflows. Predefined severity levels help emergency managers filter results quickly and coordinate next steps with requiring a separate tool or special setup.

Build better workflows with GPS tracking

Accurate field data starts with the right tools and ends with consistent practices. From choosing your GPS receiver to planning surveys, capturing location-rich content, and verifying results, every step matters. Fulcrum’s GPS tracking feature supports the full process — helping teams collect structured, actionable data that holds up to analysis and scrutiny.

Ready to see GPS tracking in action?

Check out our demo videos included here to explore the practical application of Fulcrum’s GPS tracking feature in the field. This visual guide walks you through every step – from configuring the app and starting your tracking to collecting various data types and analyzing your findings. 

And, of course, if you’re ready to talk to one of our experts to learn more about the Fulcrum field inspection and process management platform, we’d love to chat – drop us a line!