SpecifyTouch is a prototype field data entry application for Apple's iPhone and iPod Touch. It is not currently available and is not being actively developed due to low demand and funding. SpecifyTouch, like the Specify WorkBench, was designed for mobile, field data entry. Like the Specify WorkBench it allows researchers to define data entry fields, facilitates field data entry, and then uploads collected field data, georeferences and images into a Specify repository.

SpecifyTouch was created particularly to support biological inventories and surveys, but it could be used for general biological collecting or for observation data. It has features that enable biologists to easily capture data and retrace previous field trips.

How SpecifyTouch integrates with the Specify WorkBench

A Specify user exports a WorkBench (WB) DataSet definition and an optional Taxonomic file that can be used with data acquisition in the field. Like the Specify WB, the DataSet definition is used to select data fields and design the data entry form on the iPhone.

The user goes out into the field and collects specimens or makes observations. The field data, geo-coordinates and any images are stored in a database on the phone.

When a researcher returns from the field, they can use SpecifyTouch to export the data from the phone to a desktop or laptop computer. The Specify WB imports the data which can then be validated and uploaded into primary Specify database.

A Walkthrough of SpecifyTouch on the iPhone/iTouch

The following screen images walk though the current functionality (Feb 2010). They were captured from the iPhone emulator, but the application runs identically on an iPhone/iTouch.

Screen Shots of using the iPhone
	The starting screen when the phone is started. Next, the user clicks on the Specify icon with their finger.
	SpecifyTouch starts and presents the user with several options: Collecting - Displays a list of Collecting Trips Observations - Displays a list of Observation trips Trips - Displays a list of previous Collecting and Observation trips Compass - Shows a compass to aid in terrain navigation. Satellites - Shows a screen with all the active GPS satellites and their signal strengths
	The user clicked on 'Collecting' the collecting trips they have taken. This screen shows that they have taken two collecting trips.
	The user clicked on the 'Great Smoky Mtns' collecting trip. On this screen we see all the actions that can be taken for a trip. Mark Location - Creates a new collecting point by capturing the current Latitude/Longitude and displaying it in a data entry form. Browse - Browse all the collecting points for this trip. Take Photo - Creates a new collecting point by capturing a picture and the current Latitude/Longitude and displaying it in a data entry form. Export - Exports the trip to a CSV file and writes it to the removable SIM card in the phone. The SIM card can be accessed when the phone is attached to a computer via a USB cable or through wireless syncing. EMail - Exports the trip to a CSV file and emails it to the user as an attachment. Map - Shows all the collecting points on a map. Config Trip - Allows the user to configure the trip by adding adding or removing user defined columns. Config Std - Enables the user to choose from a list of standard fields that match the Specify schema
	This is a data entry form dynamically created from the fields the user defined in the 'Configuration' screen. Note that the Latitude and Longitude have been automatically entered directly from the GPS embedded in the phone. The user can now fill in the remaining fields.
	This screen is shown when the user clicks on 'Map.' It shows all the items that have been collected and entered into this trip.
	When the user clicks on the 'Map' icon for the Trip is displays all the collecting points on a map. The user can then click on any of the 'pins' to get more detailed information about that point.