Case Study: University of Puerto Rico gathers offline community data after Hurricane Maria with SmartSurvey

University of Puerto Rico uses SmartSurvey offline surveys to reach 100% of Juan Asencio households after Hurricane Maria

The University of Puerto Rico (UPR) needed to conduct research in a rural community without electricity or internet following Hurricane Maria. Their challenge was to collect offline survey data on hazardous material use for a community aqueduct project. They contacted the vendor SmartSurvey for a solution using its Enterprise survey software and Offline Survey Tool.

SmartSurvey provided an offline survey tool that enabled researchers to capture data on smartphones or tablets in the field and sync responses when a connection was re-established. The results revealed critical issues: 100% of the community used small batteries, most citizens improperly disposed of them, and many were unaware they used products containing hazardous chemicals. This data collected by SmartSurvey allowed UPR to assess the impact of mismanagement and guide the community on proper use and disposal, aiding the island's recovery.

University of Puerto Rico