QGIS & Mergin Maps Field Data Collection Workflow for NWIFCA
Client Background
The North Western Inshore Fisheries & Conservation Authority (NWIFCA) is responsible for managing sustainable fisheries and conserving marine life along the coast of North Western England and its inshore waters.
The Problem
By training other staff members, it would help to:
Erm… yes, of course I did!
The NWIFCA now has a fully digital, efficient QGIS & Mergin Maps system that eliminates paper-based processes and manual re-entry.
Woo!
It’s turned how the NWIFCA works on its head because it has:
● Reduced human error, data loss and admin
● Streamlined reporting to internal and external authorities
● Integrated seamlessly between field collection and reporting
● Clear documentation and resources for future updates
And it’s future-proofed their investment too.
Want to know how I achieved this?
Then keep on reading…
Images from Margin Maps app
When adding a new feature the workflow automatically populates data like date, time and username to aid data entry in Mergin Maps
Drop down menus for officers to quickly add in the information they need accurately in the field. Depending on the options selected new menus appear for additional data collection.
Entering vessel inspection information to the record with images to capture the whole picture. Officers can add multiple records to a feature with N1 relations.
When adding a new feature the workflow automatically populates data like date, time and username to aid data entry in Mergin Maps
What I Did
- Working systems don’t appear on day one, so to make sure the project was successful from idea to implementation, here was my process:
1. Review & Assessment
First up, I investigated their existing way of working and produced a detailed report outlining improvements.
This covered:
● File structure, naming conventions and backup schedules
● Alignment with NWIFCA’s project goals and workflow logic
● Recommendations for efficiency and scalability
2. Co-Design & Development
To modernise their paper-based process, a project officer within the Science Team developed a digital workflow in QGIS and Mergin Maps that replicated their existing approach. Although this was a decent fix, it had a significant limitation: it only worked within the limits of the employee's experience.
Working alongside the project officer, I mapped out a timeline for development and testing.
Together, we co-designed new form structures in QGIS, which were then tested in Mergin Maps to make sure they worked properly.
3. Automation & Efficiency
I used QGIS expressions to automatically pre-populate fields, reducing manual data entry. And implemented advanced form widgets to improve usability and minimise data entry errors.
4. Collaboration & Testing
Regular online co-working sessions and cloud-based data sharing enabled continuous collaboration, even when external to NWIFCA’s corporate IT system.
And to address any potential issues, I ran four in-person training days at the NWIFCA offices, focusing on troubleshooting and testing the live field trials.
5. Training & Handover
And finally, I created instructional videos and worksheets to embed the new workflow into everyday use, so existing and new staff could learn to use the system confidently.
It’s time to make your GIS workflows better!
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