I mentioned in an earlier blog that researchers of the Magellanic penguin in Punta Tombo, Argentina were using a Yuma to collect data. Now that field work is complete, they're now working on data analysis.

This season was a test of electronic data entry in the field. Clay Gravelle a Database Specialist with the University of Washington, put together a very simple Microsoft Access database to collect information. Unfortunately he experienced a slight setback when he arrived in Argentina when his Yuma was stolen and the only copy of the program with it. What would research be without a little adversity, eh? With some ingenuity, the team got another Yuma up and running.

Over the course of the trial, Clay and his team tweaked the database and forms, as they found ways to improve data entry.  Olivia Kane, research scientist on the project, added some tables and forms to allow researchers to collect additional information. The team entered over 3,000 records in about 2 months using 2 Yuma rugged tablet computers. Now, the research team knows it can rely on the Yuma and can take full advantage of the device next research season. They're elated!