Most importantly, be sure to select a phone with a global positioning system (GPS) feature, to enable the collection of the geographic coordinates that identify project/program location

Consider installing Google Device Policy on the mobile devices to allow for remote administration. Purchase local SIM cards with sufficient data, and install on the devices

Preparing for field activity
To ensure successful field activity, be sure to extensively test the form with and without connectivity, and to adequately train data collectors

Choosing a mobile data collection platform
There are a number of mobile data collection platforms that support creating and deploying electronic forms. All platforms for the most part integrate basic functionality, such as forms creation, use of skip logic, embedding audio and images, recording GPS coordinates, etc.; however, platforms vary in ease of use, cost, and features.

Most platforms offer limited free functionality to enable users test its features before purchasing. We carried out an exhaustive evaluation of several options, and decided on using Fastfield Mobile forms for data collection. While Fastfield Mobile forms is not the least expensive option, it offers numerous advantages over other options, most notably, the ability to collect form data in remote locations even without an Internet connection!

iPhone version of the Mobile Activity Management Information System (AMIS) I developed for USAID / Kenya allows for one-touch capture of coordinates.

I do not recommend the use of iPhones, or iPads
for field work!