PSX-B-18 - Can a Smartphone Be Used for Daily Field Measurements?

Abstract: The popularity of smartphones is undeniable in nearly all facets of society, and their use is worldwide spread, the objective of this abstract is to compare two smartphones and some apps to commercial equipment. The study was performed in Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil using GPS, light, and sound sensors, from two smartphones. There were 5 apps tested for each smartphone sensor, and specific methodology for each one, for GPS was used a known length running track, for light and decibel meters was used commercials equipment. For GPS, there was no statistical difference (P< 0.05) between the type of mobile phone and the app tested and there was also no statistical difference (P< 0.05) for the use or non-use of the internet during the measurements. For the decibel meter, different noise levels were tested, and there was a difference between the levels, which was expected. At each noise level, there were statistical differences (P< 0.05) between smartphone type, internet use, and the apps tested. In this summary, it will not be possible to show all these results. For the light meter, there was a significant difference between the application and the lux level, regardless of the type of smartphone. At 300 lux the applications were the same as the control. At 600 lux only the "Light meter" (My Mobile Tools developer) app had results equal to the control. At 1000 lux measurements, all applications were different from the control. The internet and lux interaction were the same for the averages of the 300 and 600 lux levels, with 1000 lux the use of the internet favored the readings. The use of cell phones can be a cheap and practical alternative for daily measurements on rural properties, to ensure the sustainability of the systems and labor health.