The EQuIS Data Gathering Engine (EDGE) is a comprehensive collection of integrated environmental field tools ensuring accurate and complete data collection, using modern software and mobile computing technologies. Within the EQuIS workflow, EDGE can be operated with or without the EQuIS Sample Planning Module (SPM). EDGE can use a blank Electronic Data Deliverable (EDD), an SPM EDD, or a template EDD. A template EDD can be generated by either running the EDGE Field EDD report from EQuIS Professional without selecting an SPM task or by partially entering data into EDGE (such as a list of locations) and saving the incomplete EDD for later use. EDGE can also generate chains of custody (COCs) for laboratory analysis and submit EDDS to the EQuIS database.
EDGE Workflow
Since EDGE has been developed to support a broad range of possible field activities, EDGE should be configured based on the individual needs of each field event. Specific configurations of EDGE can be established and maintained in separate files. Examples of field events requiring EDGE configuration include:
•Monitoring well installation and soil sample collection,
•Groundwater gauging and sampling, and
•Surface water sampling.
Field crews can operate more efficiently and uncertainty with data collection can be minimized by limiting the tabs/forms available to field crews, grouping data, adding data range checks, adding enumerations, and other specifications. This EDGE configuration requires appropriate planning.
The following steps are needed when using EDGE as part of the EQuIS workflow:
1.Determine specific project needs (separate EDGE configurations for different types of field events).
2.Prepare EDGE for field crew (configure EDGE; many possible options).
3.Field crews launch EDGE and check for updates.
4.Populate EDGE with field data.
5.Generate COC for laboratory (if analytical samples collected).
6.Submit field EDD to EQuIS.
To get started, see First-Time EDGE User General Setup.