What is the general goal of the feature?
Having relational data from questionnaire on device and on server can simplify greatly data engineers and data scientists duties. Usually, connect whatever software (GIS and statistical software) to relational database, Right now the ODK or KoBoToolbox data client is based on ODK 1 and have multiples limitations, among others, regarding synchronization, programming, relational database support. CSEntry is the oldest CAPI software : come from more than 30 years of software development. And, right now, it have the most advanced functionalities and features know on any CAPI platform. However CSPro ecosystem doesn’t have any dashboard for data management and visualization (map, graph etc. KoBoToolbox is very strong for dashboard, but weak in data collection
What are the most likely user stories for how and when this would be used by someone on your team?
- This will allow users to use several’s existing functions librairies writing in CSPro Language and facilitate task that are impossible to perform right now on ODK. Supporting CSEntry will also facilitate client who support relational database and json format data can allow a direct way to access to raw data during fieldwork. So users can perform live analysis and design script for automatic data processing using whatever languages: SQL, R, CPL (CSPro Programming Language) and Python…*
Can you sketch out graphically how you think this should look/work in practice?
I think that this will no so difficult for you since CSEntry store data on a relational encrypted (implemented through password) schema on device (for the version 7.4 Beta) and and sync to an API: CSWeb using JSON data format. It also sync JSON format data on FTP and Dropbox.And also the code sources of CSWeb are open and can allow to store data directly on PostgreSQL (since you use it).
How useful would this feature be to other users or organizations?
This will allow us to benefit best of two world. The power, flexibility, stability of CSPro and the best thinking dashboard, data management features from KoboToolBox. So the the a more dynamic of users communities from you. Also, benefit rich librairies from CSPro for data collection and processing.
What can you contribute to making this feature a reality?
As a 16 years old user of CSPro and PostgreSQL i can help you understanding CSEntry and allow you the link theses softwares. There’s existing open source code for MySQL, SQL Server who can be adapted to KoBoToolbox: https://github.com/IstatCooperation/CSPro2sql
