One would in this case be better off with a pencil and notebook. A backup pen and paper is after all, easier to carry than a spare computer and batteries, and is not likely to breakdown quite as readily. This document is designed to stimulate thought concerning two reasonably generic approaches to data capture. A set of Guidelines for GPS data capture has been prepared separately. The other two are 'off-the shelf' approaches that can be very effective for data capture and some aspects of data analysis.
Alternatives are possible.
For example, a statistical package may be used for data entry. This would however be similar in nature to a speadsheet. The Australian Antarctic Data Centre is charged with the task of opening up closed systems . Closed in this context relates to data that has been stored on field data sheets that now reside in the back of filing cabinets. Closed may equally relate to data stored on a sophisticated relational database system that has limited access.