How to Use ODK Collect with Surdatics
A complete step-by-step guide to setting up ODK Collect for offline data collection and syncing with your Surdatics account.
Step-by-Step Setup Guide
Follow these steps to start collecting data with ODK Collect and Surdatics
Install ODK Collect
Download ODK Collect for free from the Google Play Store on any Android device.
- Open Google Play Store on your Android device
- Search for "ODK Collect"
- Install the app (it's completely free)
- Grant necessary permissions when prompted
Configure ODK Collect
Connect ODK Collect to your Surdatics account using your project credentials.
- Open ODK Collect and tap the menu icon (three dots)
- Select "Project Settings" or "General Settings"
- Tap "Server" to configure connection
- Enter your Surdatics server URL (provided in your dashboard)
- Enter your username and password from Surdatics
- Tap "Save" to confirm the settings
Download Your Survey Forms
Fetch the survey forms you created in Surdatics directly to your device.
- On the ODK Collect home screen, tap "Get Blank Form"
- Wait for the app to connect to Surdatics
- Select the forms you want to download
- Tap "Get Selected" to download them
- Forms are now available offline on your device
Collect Data in the Field
Fill out surveys anywhere — even without internet connection.
- Tap "Fill Blank Form" on the home screen
- Select the survey you want to complete
- Answer questions by swiping or tapping "Next"
- Capture photos, GPS coordinates, or audio as needed
- When done, tap "Save Form and Exit"
- Data is stored locally until you sync
Sync Data to Surdatics
Upload completed surveys when you have internet connectivity.
- Ensure you have an internet connection (WiFi or mobile data)
- On the home screen, tap "Send Finalized Form"
- Select the forms you want to upload
- Tap "Send Selected" to sync to Surdatics
- View your data in the Surdatics dashboard for analysis
Need More Help?
Check out the official ODK documentation or contact our support team for assistance setting up your data collection workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about using ODK Collect with Surdatics
What devices support ODK Collect?
ODK Collect runs on Android devices (phones and tablets) running Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher. It is not available for iOS devices.
Can I collect data without internet?
Yes! ODK Collect is designed for offline data collection. Download your forms while connected, then collect data anywhere. Sync when you return to connectivity.
Where do I find my Surdatics server URL?
Log in to your Surdatics dashboard, navigate to Project Settings, and look for "ODK Server URL". You'll also find your username and password there.
What types of data can I collect?
ODK Collect supports text, numbers, dates, GPS coordinates, photos, audio recordings, video, barcodes, signatures, and more. Design your forms in Surdatics to include any of these field types.
How do I update a form that's already on my device?
Go to "Get Blank Form", select the updated form, and download it again. The new version will replace the old one. Already-collected data won't be affected.
Is my data secure?
Yes. Data is encrypted on your device and during transmission to Surdatics. Your Surdatics account credentials are required to access any collected data.
Ready to Start Collecting Data?
Sign up for Surdatics to create your first survey and deploy it to ODK Collect.