Domestic load research data collection using Open Data Kit

Open Data Kit (ODK) is a free and open source set of tools that simplifies the collection of survey based data. During the operations of the NRS Domestic Load Research programme, a number of survey based tasks are executed and is mostly paper based. ODK was piloted for the collection of site audit information for the NRS load research project and the tools used and pilot results obtained are described in this paper. ODK comprises three stages - build, collect and aggregate. During build the survey form is defined in an open format. ODK collect uses the form definition, to dynamically create an interface for collecting data using the mobile devices using the Android operating system. During aggregation the results are exported for use in spreadsheet programmes and GIS applications. The site audit survey process was implemented using ODK and the data collection process was successfully completed for all active 2013 sites. It is currently being deployed for other survey processes of the NRS Domestic Load Research programme. This toolset is recommended for all survey based data collection and could add value during energy audits, customer interviews and device installations.