Data Collection Training

Click 'Start Training' to learn the best practices to follow during data collection

We designed our data collection training to give you an in-depth understanding of how to use DeepWalk's Mobile App in under 25 minutes.

Training Module Summary

The DeepWalk Data Collection Training is linked via the "Start Training" button above and must be completed before the start of the project. The training module summaries are designed to be used as references after the training is complete.

Module 1: Data Collection Workflow

1.   To start, press the 'Continue Without Login' button for offline data collection
2.   Scan the sidewalk until the scanning screen turns green
3.   Monitor your progress via the mapping feature
4.   Connect to Wi-Fi
5.   Login with your credentials for data upload
6.   Press the 'Upload All' button to transfer data; this may take time based on internet speed and data volume
7.   Place phone back on the charger for future use

Module 2: Scanning Basics
Scanning Best Practices
How to Scan

1.   To start a scan, press the circular record button on the screen
2.   Scan the sidewalk
3.   To end the scan, press the square stop button
4.   To accept the scan, press the check mark. To reject the scan due to missing data, press the 'X' button.

The Loop Button
What is it?

The 'Loop' button stops the current scan and automatically starts the next one.

When to use it?

It is best used to speed up the data collection process on simple curb ramps and narrow sidewalk. Before proceeding to scan the sidewalk, wait for the green dots to appear on the screen.

Horizontal iPhone showing a screenshot the scanning screen of DeepWalk's mobile app. The blue record button located on the right of the screen is highlighted by a yellow border and label.Horizontal iPhone with a screenshot of the scanning screen in DeepWalk's mobile app. The blue loop button is located on the top right of the screen and is highlighted by a yellow border and label. The stop button is located on the bottom right of the screen and is highlighted in the same way.
Module 3: Manual Tagging
What is the manual tagging feature?

The manual tagging feature allows you to mark accessibility related features that are not automatically collected by our system.

What types of tags are available?

Vertical displacement, horizontal displacement, driveway, and deterioration

How to Add a Tag

1.   Choose a tag from the selection menu
2.   To place a tag, point the crosshair icon at the desired tag location and press the 'plus' button
3.   If a tag is accidentally place, press the 'Undo' button to remove it
4.   When using the vertical displacement tag, aim the crosshair at the center of the joint and only add 1 tag per joint

A screenshot of DeepWalk's mobile app showing the manual tagging feature window that is highlighted in a yellow border and labelA screenshot of DeepWalk's mobile app highlighting the plus button, undo button, and crosshair icon in yellow borders and labels.
Module 4: Scan Size
How to Separate Scans

Curb ramps and midblock sidewalks should be collected as separate scans.

Curb Ramps

When approaching a curb ramp, stop your current scan and start a new scan. The new scan should capture 3-7 panels from the roadway in each direction.

Midblock Sidewalk

The maximum scan length for midblock sidewalk is 400ft. We recommend collecting 2 scans per midblock sidewalk.

Residential Driveways

Scan across residential driveways as if it is normal sidewalk

Commercial Driveways

Low traffic commercial driveways that do not have stop/yield control should be scanned as if it is normal sidewalk. High traffic driveways with traffic control must be scanned separately.

Top view of corner curb ramp scan with labelled panels
Curb Ramp Scan Capturing 3-7 Panels
View from above of high traffic commercial driveway. In the top left and right corners, there is a top view of the driveway ramp scans for each side of the driveway.
High Traffic Commercial Driveway
Module 5: Curb Ramp Scanning
Curb Ramp Basics

1.   Always scan 2-3 feet of the roadway
2.   Never scan the same spot twice
3.   Minimize overlap in scans by walking in one continuous path

Simple Ramp

When approaching the simple ramp from the sidewalk, walk in one continuous path, stop on the last panel, and scan 2-3 feet into the roadway. Do this while standing on the sidewalk!

When approaching the ramp from the street, start on the grass next to the ramp. Scan the ramp and 2-3 feet of the street then center yourself within the sidewalk and continue scanning.

Parallel Ramp

To properly scan a parallel ramp, walk in one continuous path and at the entry points, scan 2-3 feet of the street.

Mid-Block Ramps

When approaching the mid-block ramp, center yourself as the sidewalk widens, slow down, and turn the phone wider to capture the entire sidewalk and ramp.

Single Ramp Corners

For single ramp corners, start your scan on either side of the sidewalk. When the sidewalk widens, center yourself, slow down, and turn the phone wider to capture the entire sidewalk and ramp.

Plus Sign-Shaped Corners

For plus sign-shaped ramps, step off into the grass as you approach the ramp and center yourself between the curb and the interior edge of the sidewalk.

Top view of a parallel curb ramp scan with pink arrows from the right to the left of the sidewalk marking the path of travel the data collector took
Parallel Ramp
Top view of a single ramp corner with pink arrows going from the left to the right of the sidewalk marking the path of travel of the data collector. In the center of the curb ramp scan, there are three double-ended, yellow arrows marking 2-3 feet of the street.
Single Ramp Corners
Top view of a plus sign-shaped corner ramp that has pink arrows marking the left to right path of travel of the data collector and yellow arrows marking the width of the scan.
Plus Sign-Shaped Ramp
Module 6: Common Scanning Mistakes
Common Mistakes

1.   Walking too fast
2.   Standing in the street
3.   Too many panels in frame
4.   Not scanning the street on ramps
5.   Scanning curb ramp with midblock sidewalk
6.   Short curb ramp scans
7.   Footsteps

Solutions

1.   Walk at half your normal walking speed
2.   Never stand in the street while scanning with DeepWalk
3.   Angle the phone to have 2 entire panels on screen
4.   While standing on the sidewalk, scan 2-3 ft into the street
5.   Separate curb ramp and midblock sidewalk scans
6.   Scan at least 3 panels from the roadway for curb ramps
7.   Do not scan your feet

Module 7: Safety
Safety Precautions

1.   Never stand in the street when scanning with DeepWalk
2.   Always wear a class 2 or 3 high visibility vest
3.   Pay extra attention to avoid collisions with obstacles

A man in a yellow and orange safety vest walks from right to left on a sidewalk.