Field Data Collection Application for the National Coral Reef Monitoring Program

The National Coral Reef Monitoring Program (NCRMP), administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is an integrated monitoring framework that collects long-term biological, climatic, and socioeconomic indicator data to assess the condition of U.S. coral reef ecosystems over time. Every five to seven years, the framework’s socioeconomic component gathers information on human use of coral reef resources, resident demographics, and changes in interactions and dependence on coral reefs across U.S. coral reef jurisdictions. NOAA contracted with ERG to digitize the socioeconomic component of the monitoring program through the development of integrated field data collection survey applications.

To support the socioeconomic component of the survey, which involves door-to-door engagement with local populations, ERG developed a digital solution that integrates survey responses with geospatial data. This solution consists of two coordinated mobile applications built using ESRI Field Maps and ESRI Survey123 and designed to work together seamlessly. After development, ERG documented best practices and trained field staff on effective use of the applications. These tools have since been deployed in Guam and Puerto Rico, enabling field teams to collect survey responses via Survey123 and capture geospatial data through a customized Field Maps form. Over 2,000 surveys have been completed using Survey123, with geospatial data collected through Field Maps. NOAA incorporates the resulting datasets into its ongoing analysis of changes in public attitudes, perceptions, knowledge, and use of U.S. coral reef. ERG continues to refine the applications based on NCRMP requirements, manages the hosted data layers, and conducts regular quality control checks to ensure data consistency and integrity. By continuously improving these tools, ERG supports NOAA’s mission to monitor and understand human interactions with coral reef ecosystems.