No signal?
Keep collecting.
On a remote trail or a patchy connection, work still moves. Collect now. Synchronize when you’re ready.
OFFLINE BY DEFAULT ABOUT ODEOpen tools for data
Open tools for data
that has to travel.
Open Data Ensemble (ODE, pronounced like “code”) is a set of open-source tools for collecting and synchronizing field data. They share one public API, so data can move into tools you already use.
People use it in conservation, public health, community work, and research, including places where the signal drops.
THE ENSEMBLEDifferent instruments.
Different instruments.
One ensemble.
Each tool does one job well.
Together they take an observation from the field to understanding.
- COLLECTFormulusThe mobile app. Custom forms and apps, photos, audio, and locations, offline by design.Formulus reference
- SYNCHRONIZESynkronus ServerThe server in the middle. One public API that brings observations and attachments together when a connection returns.Synkronus reference
- RENDERFormplayerThe form renderer used in Formulus and ODE Desktop. JSON Schema, JSON Forms, and the field types you can actually rely on.Formplayer reference
- EXPLOREODE DesktopManage observations locally, build and test your next custom app in the workbench.ODE Desktop reference
- CLISynkronus CLIExport observations, manage users and app bundles, and talk to the same public API from the command line.CLI reference
- MANAGEWeb PortalManage app bundles, users, observations, and exports in the browser.See the portal
WHY THESE TOOLS EXISTBuilt for
Built for
field work.
No signal?
You host
the data.
Self-host your infrastructure and keep a local copy. Data should flow into your work, not get locked inside ours.
OWN YOUR INFRASTRUCTUREOpen source.
Yours to change.
Make a form, build a custom app, or connect tools you already have. The code is public.
NO BLACK BOXES01What is Open Data Ensemble?
ODE is a set of open-source tools for collecting and synchronizing field data. Formulus is the mobile app, Synkronus is the server that connects your devices, and ODE Desktop, the Portal, and the CLI are for managing the work. They share one public API, so data can move into tools you already use.
02Does it really work without internet?
Yes. Formulus is offline-first: forms and custom app bundles run on the device, and observations and attachments are stored locally. You need a connection for initial setup, downloading bundles, and synchronizing, but not for everyday field collection once you’re set up.
03Can I host it myself?
Yes. You can deploy Synkronus on your own infrastructure with Docker and point the ODE clients at that server. You are responsible for the deployment, access controls, backups, and hosting costs. The documentation covers the architecture and setup.
04Can I build my own forms and apps?
Yes. Define forms with JSON Schema and JSON Forms, or build a custom HTML, CSS, and JavaScript app bundle. Formulus stores observations, attachments, and handles synchronization. ODE Desktop includes a workbench for local development.