1

Introduction to ODK
Dr. Caroline Krafft
St. Catherine University
cgkrafft@stkate.edu

Version: January 14, 2018

 2

What is ODK?
• ODK stands for Open Data Kit
• Free, Open Source

• Whole workflow: Allows you to design surveys, field them, and

collect the data

• Main Pros:
• Rich features
• Can program yourself, save the back-and-forth with outside firms

• Main Cons:
• Spotty/cryptic documentation (although a good forum)
• Steep learning curve to master all the features
 3

ODK 1.0 versus 2.0

• ODK is not just one program, it is a suite of tools
• Deploys to Android tablets
• Regularly updated to new versions

• Original 1.0 suite (still being updated):

• ODK Build or XLSForm (converter from Excel) builds survey
• ODK Collect gathers data
• ODK Aggregate collects and exports the data
• Some limitations in functionality, especially in navigation and linking
data (mother to child, household to members)

• ODK 2.0 suite (development ongoing):

• Better navigation, linking data
 4

What’s in ODK 2.0 Suite

1. ODK Application Designer: For designing the survey
• XLSXConverter lets you “write” the survey in Excel, convert

2. ODK Survey: How the data is collected on the tablet

3. ODK Tables: How the data is stored and managed on the
tablet
• Data Access Filters can control fieldwork v. supervisor v. administrator
access
4. ODK Services: Moves data from tablet to server
5. ODK Aggregate: Server and database management
• Aggregate extensions allows bidirectional sync w/tablets
• Can assign different “roles” to enumerator, supervisor, administrator

6. ODK Suitcase: Syncs/downloads data from server

7. ODK Scan: Digitizes paper forms
 5

ODK workflow
“Write” survey in Excel

Use App Designer + XLSXConverter to structure & convert files

Push ODK underlying files on to a tablet (into Survey and Tables)

Push ODK underlying files from tablet on to Aggregate Server

Send fieldworkers out to collect data (using Survey, Tables, syncing)

Download synced data from Aggregate using Suitcase