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GIS data collection that starts in the field

Fulcrum turns routine fieldwork into reliable geospatial intelligence, making it easy for non-specialists to support a geographic information system with structured mobile data collection that drives decisions and keeps systems aligned.

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GIS Field Data Collection Empower your field teams with location-aware field data
  • Complement your GIS with rich location data
  • Get next-level visualization with in-app lines and polygons
  • Integrate seamlessly with Esri ArcGIS and others
  • Enable reliable GIS data collection with field maps and offline access anywhere
  • Prevent "dirty data" from entering your GIS platform
  • Support location-first field operations without requiring GIS expertise

What is GIS field data collection?

GIS field data collection is how spatial data gets created.

Crews capture points, lines, and polygons in the field with GPS accuracy, attach photos and attributes, and push those records into a GIS such as Esri ArcGIS.

Fulcrum is the field layer: mobile apps that work offline, enforce your data standards at the point of capture, and sync two ways with your GIS so the map reflects the work while the work is still happening.

Worker using Fulcrum app to do inspection of storm drain - How To Build A Seamless Gis Workflow From Field To Office Feature

From field to GIS while the work is still happening

As field teams shift from clipboards to screens, the ability to collect data in real time has become a competitive differentiator. Instead of collecting data at day’s end and re-keying notes back at the office, technicians now open a purpose-built mobile app connected to a GIS-enabled, cloud-based Field Operations Management platform.  

Using mobile devices, crews scan barcodes, drop GPS pins, and attach photos, instantly streaming geospatial data to supervisors and analysts. The result is fewer transcription errors, automatic time stamps, and a live operational picture that lets managers reroute crews or request additional samples the moment anomalies appear.

For organizations that depend on a geographic information system, this creates a more practical way to connect daily field activity with mobile GIS applications that keep data accurate, timely, and usable.

Simplify Fieldwork With Fulcrum And Arcgis Hero Image - GIS application

GIS data collection software and field tools

Field crews rely on the field maps and mobile GIS applications for fast, error-free data capture:

  • Guided forms keep field data entry consistent like pick-lists, range checks, and on-device validation guard the quality of every point
  • Edits sync to hosted layers the moment a signal returns, enriching corporate spatial data without manual uploads
  • Shared templates standardize field workflows, so technicians record identical field observations even when crews rotate
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Real-time analytics and oversight functionality

Supervisors blend live updates with historical context to track the field data collection progress across field operations in GIS systems:

  • Overlay edits on hi-res satellite imagery to spot gaps or outliers at a glance
  • Compare current readings against archived survey data to flag trends in soil pH and other environmental qualities
  • Color-coded dashboards surface overdue sites, helping dispatch teams close loops before issues escalate
Gis
 

Esri & Fulcrum:
Better together

From streamlined Field Operations Management that incorporates advanced geospatial tools and sensor data to seamless integration with platforms like Esri’s ArcGIS online, explore the simplicity and efficiency of transforming raw field data into actionable insights using the Fulcrum platform.

What is Fulcrum?

Fulcrum is the Field Operations Management platform field organizations use to run, record, and close out their work. Electric, gas, water, and wastewater utilities and the engineering, construction, and inspection firms that serve them run asset management, vegetation management, linear construction, and emergency response and disaster recovery on Fulcrum, capturing an AI-ready record of every job. Almost 3,000 companies use Fulcrum today.

 

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Report And Close Out Clean with exceptional data quality

Data quality

Improve field data quality at its source

Safety

Integrated safety

Incorporate safety into every action

 

Efficient

Field efficiency

Drive team productivity with easy-to-use, robust technology

Resources

Browse through our resources designed to help you get the most out of Fulcrum.

Resource library
Graphic showing Fulcrum-Esri integration - Chart new territory using advanced geospatial tools with Esri integration
Blog
2 mins read

Chart new territory using advanced geospatial tools with Esri integration

Back in November when we announced our definitive Commercial Provider agreement with Esri to build on the Esri technology stack, we asked you to watch this space for updates. So, for those of you who’ve been watching (and even those who’ve maybe stepped away from the Fulcrum Focus to get a cup of coffee or something), we’ve got exciting new features and geospatial tools to share!
Man in hi vis vest and hardhat doing an inspection on a wind turbine using a tablet - Offline Gis Built For The Field Feature - AI in predictive maintenance - geospatial technology
Data Sheet
<5 min read

Field-first offline GIS for teams who work where signals don’t

Connectivity should never dictate productivity. Fulcrum gives your field teams offline GIS tools that keep work moving, no matter how remote the site or how bad the reception. From data capture to geolocation, Fulcrum equips teams to collect, map, and validate accurate records — all without needing a live connection.
Maximizing GIS capabilities with advanced GIS tools and geospatial data feature
Guide
< 10 min read

Maximizing GIS capabilities with advanced geospatial data

Most geospatial data problems begin in the field. When crews rely on tools that don’t match how they work, the result is slow inspections, missing information, and records that GIS teams have to fix. This guide shows how to solve those issues at the source.

Digital transformation

Diehlux testimonial logo

“It’s hard to overstate the significance of this increased efficiency. We’re seeing time savings of between two and five hours per day, per employee.”

Colin Diehl, CEO and Co-Founder of Diehlux

Colin Diehl, CEO and Co-Founder

DIEHLUX, LLC

Customer story
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Asset management

TREKK logo testimonial block

“We will map the connectivity between different assets using ArcGIS – then by layering in Fulcrum, we’re not just mapping the asset, we’re also collecting all the attributes, the condition, the structure design, the measurements, the big picture, and using this data to deliver a turnkey report that we include in our GIS deliverables.”

TREKK Design Group, LLC

Customer story
TREKK testimonial block image

Flexibility and efficiency

Osmose quote logo

“We needed a level of flexible configurability combined with cloud-based scalability. Fulcrum allows us to perform a greater volume of pole inspections while reporting on our progress in real-time for greater efficiency and shorter project cycles.”

Chuck Musciano, CIO, Osmose

Chuck Musciano, CIO

Osmose

Customer story
Osmose Block Image

Field operations

GeoForce Utilities Testimonial logo

“We use Fulcrum for training, pole inspections, line patrol, just about any type of field operation. We incorporate it into as many places as we can to see what information we can collect from our crews.”

Brian Stroud, VP & GIS Developer, GeoForce Utility Technologies

Brian Stroud, VP & GIS Developer

GeoForce Technologies

Customer story
GeoForce customer testimonial Block Image

Streamline inspections

Great Lake Wellhead testimonial logo

“Rather than sending 100 people a year to do different inspections and tasks at the same site, a crew of two people can do it all at once using Fulcrum.”

Juston Iborg, director of Business Development, Great Lakes Wellhead, Inc.

Juston Iborg, Director of Business Development

Great Lakes Wellhead, Inc.

Customer story
Great Lake Wellhead Customer Block

What is GIS field data collection?

Geographic information system (GIS) field data collection is the process of capturing spatial data at the job site, where field teams record points, lines and polygons with GPS locations, photos and attributes. Each record then loads into a GIS such as Esri ArcGIS, so the map reflects conditions on the ground.

What is the best GIS field data collection app?

The best GIS field data collection app is whichever one matches your GIS and your field conditions. Look for offline capture, two-way sync with ArcGIS or your GIS of record, configurable data validation at the point of entry, and setup you can do without a developer. Fulcrum covers all four and offers a free trial.

Can Fulcrum collect GIS data offline?

Yes, Fulcrum can collect GIS data even when offline. Crews capture points, lines, polygons, photos and attributes with no connectivity, and records sync automatically when coverage returns, with location accuracy preserved.

Can field teams view GIS layers in the Fulcrum mobile app?

Yes, field teams can view GIS layers and field maps in the Fulcrum mobile app, online or offline. Layers from your GIS guide technicians to the right assets, and in-app lines and polygons give crews a clear picture of the work area.

Does Fulcrum offer a free trial for GIS data collection?

Yes, Fulcrum offers a free trial for GIS data collection. You can build an app and start collecting GIS data in about ten minutes, with no credit card required.

Does Fulcrum integrate with Esri ArcGIS?

Yes, Fulcrum can integrate with Esri ArcGIS in two ways. First, GIS layers guide crews in the field. Next, field-captured features load back into your GIS without re-keying or manual export.

How accurate is GIS data collected on a phone?

Device GPS is sufficient for most asset inventory and inspection work. For survey-grade precision, Fulcrum is able to be paired with external GNSS receivers.

Can non-GIS specialists collect GIS data with Fulcrum?

Yes, non-specialists can collect GIS data with Fulcrum. Guided mobile forms walk technicians through each record, so field teams without GIS expertise can capture accurate location data that loads straight into your GIS.

What types of GIS data can Fulcrum capture?

Fulcrum captures points, lines and polygons with GPS accuracy, along with photos, attributes and barcode scans attached to each record. Every record also carries an automatic time stamp, giving GIS and operations teams a clear history of when work happened.

How quickly does field data reach a GIS with Fulcrum?

When using Fulcrum, field data reaches your GIS as soon as the device has a signal. Edits sync to hosted layers automatically, so GIS teams see new records while the work is still happening in the field.