Mobile Data Collection

Font Size: + -

Feedback Print

DEQ has begun conducting mobile inspections using Esri ArcGIS Survey123. The use of this tool for mobile inspection has transformed the collection of compliance data. The digital format of Esri ArcGIS Survey123 allows for significantly increased efficiency across inspections, near-instant delivery of results, and quick compliance resolution.

This webpage provides information concerning mobile inspection use at DEQ, and provides a partial framework for localities and other interested entities to use to kick-start their own mobile data collection efforts.

Mobile Data Collection at DEQ

DEQ has implemented mobile data collection for its Construction Stormwater program, and will be adding additional programs over the next several years.

All Construction Stormwater inspections are now conducted using ArcGIS Survey123, which allows for completion of inspections directly in a digital survey format. DEQ then outputs the compliance findings into a report for delivery to permittees. Below are screenshots of an example inspection survey and photo mapping functionality:

For Localities and Interested Users

DEQ is committed to supporting localities in carrying out their delegated stormwater and erosion and sediment control inspection responsibilities.

As part of this effort, DEQ created and is sharing our new ArcGIS Survey123 mobile stormwater inspection survey tool that is used by DEQ staff for conducting Construction General Permit Level 1 and Level 2 field inspections. The tool reduces the amount of time required for staff to perform inspections and delivery inspection reports of identified noncompliance, and thus ensure faster resolution.

To get started, IT or GIS staff may download the base ArcGIS Survey123 Connect content.

This partial framework is intended to serve as a starting point for localities that wish to implement their own ArcGIS Survey123-based inspection workflows and tailor them to local needs.

If your locality or company is interested in implementing this tool, please share this information with your GIS or IT staff for further assistance.

What DEQ is Providing

DEQ is providing the ArcGIS Survey123 Connect survey package that the agency uses internally for stormwater inspections (Level 1 and 2). This includes:

The ArcGIS Survey123 Connect XLSForm and associated media files
The structure, questions, and logic used in DEQ’s inspection workflow
Documentation within the survey package sufficient for import into ArcGIS Survey123 Connect

Localities may modify the survey to align with their own inspection processes, terminology, and reporting requirements.

Using the Partial Framework

DEQ is providing a ZIP file that contains sample Survey123 surveys used for our CGP workflows. These samples can be opened directly in ArcGIS Survey123 Connect and used as starting points or references when building your own forms.

How to Use the Sample ZIP in ArcGIS Survey123 Connect

Download and extract the ZIP file containing the sample surveys.
Launch ArcGIS Survey123 Connect.
Select Create a New Survey.
Choose From File.
Browse to the extracted folder and select one of the included XLSX survey files.
ArcGIS Survey123 Connect will create a working survey folder and automatically convert the XLSForm into an editable ArcGIS Survey123 project.

You can then customize the survey, review the structure, explore logic and media folders, and publish it to ArcGIS Enterprise as needed.

ArcGIS Survey123 Connect Overview

ArcGIS Survey123 Connect is a desktop application used to create advanced, XLSForm-based surveys. It enables complex logic, custom styling, data validation, and multi-lingual surveys that go beyond web designer capabilities. Connect works by generating XForms, allowing full control over survey design and versioning.

Key Resources & Documentation

Official Documentation: Refer to the ArcGIS Survey123 Connect documentation for detailed guidance on installation, XLSForm design, and publishing.
Samples: Survey123 Connect includes numerous sample surveys that demonstrate advanced features such as calculations, appearance types, and nested repeat groups. These samples can be used as templates or learning tools when designing your own surveys, including CGP-specific forms. How to build Sample Surveys

Key Features of Survey123 Connect

Advanced Logic: Create complex skip logic, nested question groups, calculations, constraints, and data validation rules.
Linked Content: Pre-populate answers dynamically by linking your survey to feature layers, tables or CSVs in your ArcGIS Enterprise Portal. Updates to the source data are automatically reflected each time the survey is opened.
Media Management: Add images, audio files, videos, and other media using the designated media folder within your survey’s workspace.

Support Expectations

Localities are welcome to download and adapt the survey, however, DEQ is unable to provide technical support, troubleshooting, or implementation assistance for local deployments of ArcGIS Enterprise, Posit Connect, reporting systems, or integration components. Localities must rely on their own IT/GIS resources or external consultants to implement and maintain this tool.

Questions regarding the downloadable survey package may be directed to: gis@deq.virginia.gov

Please note that responses will be limited to clarifying the contents of the provided ArcGIS Survey123 connect package.

Technical Considerations

DEQ’s internal implementation of this survey is part of a larger, integrated technical solution that includes automated report generation and distribution via an R-based Posit Connect hosted workflow, Esri ArcGIS enterprise GIS integration, and secure authentication. Localities should be aware that replicating DEQ’s full end-to-end workflow requires a specialized technical environment and several system dependencies.

To fully implement a solution comparable to DEQ’s, including automated inspection report generation, localities would need access to the following software, infrastructure, and technical capabilities:

Required Software, Infrastructure, and Integrations

Posit Connect 2025.12.1 running on RHEL or another Posit-supported Linux OS (VM)
Esri ArcGIS Enterprise 11.5 running on a Windows VM
Esri Enterprise Geodatabase hosted on a Windows VM
Branch versioned feature class within the enterprise geodatabase
ArcGIS Survey123 Connect installation for survey deployment and management
Licensing to support:

Posit Connect
Esri ArcGIS Enterprise
Esri R-ArcGIS Bridge packages

SMTP server for emailing inspection reports
Configured integration between Posit Connect and ArcGIS Enterprise
Authorization and identity management for assigning roles and authenticating users across both environments

Note: DEQ’s solution has not been developed or certified for use with ArcGIS Online, and functionality cannot be guaranteed in that environment.

Reporting

DEQ’s internal workflow includes a custom inspection report generated through a Posit hosted, R-based API triggered by Feature Service webhooks. Due to Commonwealth of Virginia security requirements, DEQ is unable to distribute the R/Posit report code or related automation components.

Localities wishing to generate automated reports will need to develop their own reporting solution or implement an alternative workflow that meets their operational needs.

The ArcGIS Survey123 connect package provided by DEQ does not include any reporting automation or functionality.

To help inform survey reporting, below are example reports that DEQ has developed using R/Posit:

Example Level 1 Survey

Example Level 2 Survey