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Welcome to the Vital Signs On-line User Guide. The Guide includes useful information about using the VS program and peripheral scientific equipment. You will also find troubleshooting information, including helpful tips and tricks for using Vital Signs.
We have assembled a sophisticated, yet easy-to-use system of software and hardware technology. Vital Signs has 3 main technology components: (1) Handheld computing devices and software that allow you to efficiently collect data in the field, (2) PC-based vetting software that allows you to examine, evaluate, and send data to a shared database, and (3) a web-based, interactive map that allows you to view Vital Signs records collected throughout the Gulf of Maine watershed.
The Vital Signs field tools consist of a handheld computer and peripheral data collection devices. From the handheld computer, the Vital Signs software guides the user (scientist and layperson alike) through a series of observation and data collection protocols. Users are encouraged to make observations in the field and to record findings on their handheld computers.
Our customized Palm IIIc handheld computer kits integrate satellite-based GPS receivers, digital imaging, and water quality probes for measuring temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and salinity. Our customized Zire 72 handheld computer kits include an internal digital camera, wireless GPS receiver, and may also include water quality probes for measuring temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and salinity. All information and instructions are embedded within the software, allowing swift, on-demand help as required.
Once back in the classroom, lab, office, or home, field data records are easily downloaded from handheld computer to a personal computer by a standard synchronization process. Our web-based vetting software allows the user to easily examine and evaluate all data. Selected data records can be transferred to a shared database from this vetting program. Data submitted to this central database are then viewable in their exact geographic location and context on the program’s interactive, publicly accessible website: http://www.gmamapping.org/vital_signs/viewer.htm. Visitors to the website can see maps of the participating communities, see where observations were made, and access all data records. This database serves as an important record of the health and condition of the Gulf of Maine region.
We have developed, tested, and prototyped Vital Signs on the Palm IIIc in collaboration with educators and students at 6 schools in Maine and 2 natural science education centers in New Hampshire. These Vital Signs schools and centers continue to collect and share valuable water quality information in the Gulf of Maine watershed. Future Vital Signs applications using the Zire 72 platform may include invasive species surveys, habitat and land use identification, records of phenological changes, etc. throughout our watershed.
Vital Signs has been consistently praised by teachers who recognize the power of handheld computers to engage their students and by scientists who see how our tools enable students and citizens to gather scientific data.
Vital Signs Components / Site Map
(1) Handheld: Collecting Data
- Finding Your Location
- Taking Images
- Using Probes
- Taking Notes
- Tips & Tricks
(2) PC: Evaluating Data
- Palm IIIc Vetting Program
- Zire 72 Vetting Program
- Creating a Quality Data Record
- Tips & Tricks
(3) Web: Viewing Data
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