Mobile analysis of large temporal datasets for exploration and discovery

The increasing power and decreasing size of mobile devices and tablets provide a compelling new platform for mobile field geographic information system (GIS) operations with geospatial datasets. As these data sets become increasingly larger and more dynamic, it introduces the need for real time analysis and data collection in the field. Successful field research in the digital age requires computing power, functionality, and mobility. Location aware mobile computing devices enable new methods of knowledge synthesis by merging physical and virtual data layers. The geospatial dataset in this study is both large in scale and quickly transforms on a daily basis, requiring innovative strategies for effective application. This paper presents the novel combination of mobile tablets, GIS, and geospatial data to direct ground exploration and discovery of cultural heritage sites in Mongolia.