[talk-ph] cheap and reliable field data collection equipment

[maning sambale]

Dear all,

A friend working with an LGU is looking at some field data collection
equipment.  This project will use OSM data as basemap.  For field data
collection, they want a device that can:
 - collect gps tracks so that they can upload traces in OSM
 - use OSM layers
 - collect geotagged photos and related information for their own
internal database
 - data can be saved offline and then "sync" upon returning to the office

They have limited budget therefore a dedicated field GPS along with
its bells and whistles is not the best solution.  Some options I can
think of:

 - data logger and digital cam - photos can be synchronized with gps
tracks, has long battery life suitable for long fieldwork
 - a cheap droid phone - all in one device for fieldnotes,
phototagging and gps tracklogging, limited battery life.  Jim
mentioned a while ago Cherry mobile cosmo [0].  @Jim, based on your
experience, do still suggest we look at this phone?

Other suggestions welcome.

[0] http://technoodling.net/cherry-mobile-cosmo-review/
-- 
cheers,
maning
------------------------------------------------------
"Freedom is still the most radical idea of all" -N.Branden
wiki: http://esambale.wikispaces.com/
blog: http://epsg4253.wordpress.com/
------------------------------------------------------