ESS is now implementing data collection tools and methodologies based on some of the latest tablet and smartphone technology. With our assistance, rangers and other field workers are now using iPads, iPhones, Android tablets and Smartphones to record details of cultural sites, environmental monitoring locations, flora and fauna observations and conservation and management activities whilst in the field. Once captured these data can be sent to a centralised database (via a 3G connection or wireless network when back in the office) and stored away for future use. The large screens of these devices allows easy typing of names and descriptions, collection of photographs and the recording of GPS locations. Moving maps can be used for easy navigation throughout the landscape. These developments offer a number of advantages over many other data collection tools currently being used and are expected to have a significant impact on cultural and environmental data collection strategies used in future.

ESS has developed a customised Cybertracker solution to allow rangers and traditional owners in the Gawler Ranges to collect cultural heritage related data from the field and transfer that data directly into their Cultural and Ecological Information Management System (CEIMS).

ESS has invested a significant amount of time investigating the functions and practicalities of Cybertracker - field based data collection software. ESS is customising numerous Cybertracker applications to help indigenous groups streamline their data collection practices. Indigenous groups can now use these devices to collect data in the field then automatically transfer that data to their own centralised database. This allows information collected in the field to be shared easily and appropriately with community menbers, researchers and external stakeholders.

In consultation with the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council ESS has recently implemented the Kaartdijin Noongar – Sharing Noongar Culture website. The aim of the website is to share the richness of knowledge, culture and history in order to strengthen community and to promote wider understanding of Noongar people. The website links directly to their cultural database allowing non sensitive photos, videos and oral histories to be shared via the internet. This website is now live and can be viewed at http://www.noongarculture.org.au

The Canning Stock Route Database (CSRD) provides an organised structure for recording site locations, site descriptions, details of rock art motifs, photos, video, audio files and other materials derived from aboriginal cultural heritage surveys. Existing data has been collated formatted and archived into the CSRD which provides a means to deliver the collected materials back to traditional owners, researchers and associated project partners