TotalPave Talk #2: Offline Data Collection

Collecting road data without cell service

In this TotalPave Talk, we show how data can be collected offline using TotalPave’s PCI and IRI applications.

This allows road condition surveys to continue even on remote rural roads where cell service may be limited or unavailable.

The quick answer to the question, “Do you need cell service to collect data using TotalPave?” is no.

Why offline collection matters

TotalPave’s offline functionality is designed as a failsafe for road surveys in rural areas or service dead zones.

If your team loses service while collecting data, the survey does not need to stop. The apps are designed to continue saving the required information so the data can be uploaded once an internet connection is available again.

A secondary benefit is that offline collection can also help reduce smartphone data usage. Instead of uploading everything in the field using a mobile data plan, your team can wait until they are back at the office or connected to WiFi.

How offline collection works in the PCI app

The TotalPave PCI app offers automatic and instantaneous calculation and upload when connected to the internet.

However, if you are surveying in an area with spotty service, you can still collect PCI data without an internet connection.

When collecting without service, the sample will indicate that there is no data connection by turning grey. Even though the sample appears grey, the app still saves the information and distress data entered in the field.

Once you re-enter a service area, the saved PCI data will automatically calculate and upload.

This allows you to continue and complete your road survey with all of your data saved, without needing to stop collection or search for service in the field.

How offline collection works in the IRI app

IRI data collection is completely automated and does not require an internet connection during data logging.

The TotalPave IRI app collects accelerometer and GPS data for the IRI calculations. These inputs do not require an internet connection during collection.

That said, if mobile data is available on the smartphone, it is best to leave it enabled because it can help improve GPS accuracy.

Uploading IRI logs after collection

After IRI logs have been collected, the next step is uploading them to the TotalPave web portal. This upload step does require an internet connection.

All IRI data is stored on the device until you choose to upload it.

The logs themselves are fairly small, but automatically uploading them in the field can still use mobile data. There is no need to upload them from the field using a data plan unless you want to.

You can collect all of your IRI data in the field and wait until you are back at home or in the office to upload the logs using WiFi.

A practical setup for remote road surveys

Offline data collection helps make TotalPave practical for road networks that include rural roads, low-service areas, and remote survey locations.

PCI samples can be saved offline and uploaded when service returns. IRI logs can be collected without internet and uploaded later when a connection is available.

This means your team can focus on completing the survey instead of worrying about whether every road has reliable cell coverage.

We hope you enjoyed this TotalPave Talk. Let us know if you have any questions or if you would like to suggest a topic for a future video.