eLocust4

eLocust4: Desert Locust data sent via satellite

eLocust4 is a tablet with an antenna

eLocust4 is the new version of the eLocust series that allows national survey and control officers in locust-affected countries to record and transmit data in real-time via satellite from the field to their national locust centres. This data is the basis for the global Desert Locust monitoring and early warning system that is operated by the Desert Locust Information Service (DLIS) at FAO Headquarters in Rome. The data is used to assess the current situation, forecast its developments and warn locust-affected countries and the international donor community of locust invasions and plagues. It constitutes the basis of the preventive control strategy adopted by affected countries and FAO to reduce the frequency, intensity and duration of devastating locust plagues.

eLocust4 hardware - the PN10065 Android tablet

eLocust4 operates on the PN10065, a 10-inch IP-67 rugged tablet, operating on Android. This model was selected for its ruggedness, connectivity, good display under bright outdoor conditions, and long-lasting rechargeable battery. It has built in GPS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, camera and video with USB and HDMI connections, and slots for a micro SD memory and 2 SIM cards. The 10-inch full colour display is touch sensitive to be used with fingers. The tablet is completely sealed so that dust and moisture cannot enter. It is ideal for Desert Locust survey and control operations in the harsh desert under hot, dusty conditions.

The components of eLocust4

eLocust4 is an all-in-one package that consists of a PN10065 Android tablet, a cigarette lighter adapter to power the tablet, an Iridium Edge Solar antenna with its magnetic mounting case, and an orange magnet to deactivate the antenna. A 1.5-metre cable allows the tablet to be charged directly from the vehicle's cigarette lighter socket. The tablet has a long-lasting internal battery, allowing it to be moved and used out of the vehicle.

The eLocust4 Iridium Edge Solar antenna connects to satellite

The Iridium Edge Solar antenna allows data transmission via the Iridium constellation of satellites. The tablet connects to the antenna via Bluetooth, which eliminates the need for a cable connection. The antenna can be placed on the rooftop of the vehicle, secured by two strong magnetic feet. The antenna has a lower profile than that of eLocust3 and offers the advantages of less likely to be knocked off accidentally and can be more readily used in sensitive areas. The antenna can also be placed inside the vehicle on the front dashboard rather than outside (however in this situation the transmission delay might be longer). It generally takes a few minutes to transmit data (depending on the amount of data filled in the report).

The application of eLocust4

The eLocust4 application, a custom Android application developed by CLS (France), allows users to enter New data (report), view data (reports) already saved and sent, take geo-referenced photos and organize them as albums, and manage user settings.

Using eLocust4 in the field

Once the locust officer arrives at the survey or control location, he takes the tablet with him and records information on ecology, locust, control and safety directly in the tablet by tapping his finger on a series of simple forms (or pages) in the eLocust4 software application. The officer can use eLocust4 in English, French or Arabic.

Entering data into eLocust4 - the Report Page

The first page when starting a new eLocust4 report contains general information about the location. With the tablet’s internal GPS module, the latitude/longitude coordinates of the location are automatically determined and entered into the report. The officer can use the GPS to mark out the corner points of any infestations that may need to be treated and the area will be calculated automatically. In this way, the coordinates can be relayed to vehicle drivers or aircraft pilots who might be undertaking the control operations.

Entering data into eLocust4 - the Ecology Pages

Information is entered about the habitat type, soil moisture, vegetation conditions and state, types of vegetation and recent rainfall in the Ecology Pages. There is mandatory data that must be entered in each report while additional details are optional. In this way, eLocust4 can be used both operationally and for basic research purposes.

Entering data into eLocust4 - the Locust Pages

If Desert Locust are present at the location, then the field officer can enter specific details about the type of infestations (hoppers, bands, adults, swarms) and their stage, density, size, colour, behaviour and activity. This page shown above is that for swarms.

Entering data into eLocust4 - the Control Pages

During control operations, important data can be entered concerning details about the sprayer, pesticide and spraying conditions. Later, a team can return to the same area and evaluate the treatment efficacy.

A list of eLocust4 reports that have been saved and sent

Once all the data has been entered, the report is saved and sent by satellite with the single press of a button. Prior to sending, the software checks that data is complete. The details of every report are saved on the tablet and can be accessed from a list. It is possible to filter reports based on a period, the presence of locust, and the fact that a control was done or not.

Taking photos with eLocust4

While at the survey or control location, the field officer can take numerous photos. Comments can be added. The photos are saved on the tablet rather than sent by satellite in order to minimize transmission costs. The photos can be transferred to a PC (with Bluetooth) or sent by e-mail, and uploaded to the CLS Humanav platform where they can be viewed on a map with the corresponding data. There is virtually no limit to the number of photos that can be taken.

A digital library in three languages in the middle of the desert

eLocust4 also contains a large digital library of technical documents, references, user guides, owner manuals, training videos and locust photos to help the field officer during survey and control operations. The PDF formatted documents are available in English, French and Arabic.

eLocust4 data is available at any time from a secure web server

eLocust4 data can be managed, queried and displayed on the Internet via Humanav, a secure access platform operated by CLS. Each country has their own password protected user account where they can display the field data on a series of maps and satellite imagery, including geo-referenced photos that may have been taken at the survey or control location.

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eLocust4: An innovative tool to record and transmit data in real-time via satellite from the field

Locust Watch

eLocust4: Desert Locust data sent via satellite

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See also

eLocust3K

Desert Locust Information Service

Early Warning

MODIS

Google Earth Engine