Open Data Kit (ODK)
The standard for mobile data collection.
Overview
Open Data Kit (ODK) is a free and open-source set of tools which help organizations author, field, and manage mobile data collection solutions. It is widely used for its powerful form design, robust offline data collection capabilities, and strong community support. ODK is a foundational technology for many other data collection platforms.
✨ Key Features
- XLSForm standard for powerful survey authoring
- Android app (ODK Collect) for mobile data collection
- Central server for data aggregation and management
- Advanced survey logic, skip patterns, and validation
- GPS, image, video, and audio capture
- Offline data collection and submission
🎯 Key Differentiators
- Adherence to open standards (XLSForm)
- Large and active developer and user community
- Highly reliable and robust core technology
Unique Value: Provides a free, open-source, and extremely reliable set of tools for powerful mobile data collection, especially in offline environments.
🎯 Use Cases (4)
✅ Best For
- Large-scale household surveys
- Clinical trial data entry
💡 Check With Vendor
Verify these considerations match your specific requirements:
- Complex, longitudinal case management (better suited for CommCare)
- Real-time data visualization dashboards (requires integration)
🏆 Alternatives
ODK is the underlying technology for many others. Compared to platforms like CommCare, it is less focused on case management and more on pure data collection. It is more of a toolkit than an all-in-one platform.
💻 Platforms
✅ Offline Mode Available
🔌 Integrations
🛟 Support Options
- ✓ Email Support
- ✓ Dedicated Support (Available with ODK Cloud paid plans tier)
🔒 Compliance & Security
💰 Pricing
✓ 14-day free trial
Free tier: The software is free. ODK Cloud offers managed hosting with pricing tiers.
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