# What is Epicollect5

[**Epicollect5**](https://five.epicollect.net/) is a mobile & web application for free and easy data collection developed by the [**CGPS Team**](https://www.pathogensurveillance.net/our-software/) based at the [**Oxford University Big Data Institute**](https://www.bdi.ox.ac.uk/)**.**

It provides both web and mobile applications for the generation of forms (questionnaires) and freely hosted project websites for data collection.

Projects are created by using the web application at [**five.epicollect.net**](https://five.epicollect.net) ([**see how to create a project**](https://docs.epicollect.net/web-application/create-a-project)) and then downloaded to the device to perform the data collection ([**see how to add a project to the mobile app**](https://docs.epicollect.net/mobile-application/add-projects)).

Data are collected (including GPS and media) using multiple devices and all data can be viewed on a central server (via map, tables, and charts).

Data can be exported in CSV and JSON format

The mobile app is currently available for both Android (10+) and iOS (15+)

{% hint style="info" %}
Please note that the supported versions of our application may change over time due to requirements imposed by Google and Apple. These requirements may include updates to the minimum API levels for Android or iOS versions supported by Apple devices.

As a result, older versions of our application may become incompatible with the latest operating systems or may no longer receive updates and support. To ensure the best experience and access to the latest features and security enhancements, we recommend regularly updating to the latest version of the application available on the respective app stores.
{% endhint %}

**Epicollect5 is 100% free to use without any limits(\*)**. You can create as many projects and upload as many entries as you wish.

Epicollect5 is financially supported by the [**Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance**](https://www.pathogensurveillance.net/) and we implement open-source technologies to provide the service for free.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Please note that Epicollect5 is developed by a small team of Oxford University researchers, not by a commercial tech company, and is provided as a free service on an “as-is” basis, without any guarantees.\
For mission-critical projects where occasional disruptions, bugs, performance limitations, or missing features could pose significant challenges, we recommend considering alternatives such as [KoboToolbox](https://www.kobotoolbox.org/), [ODK](https://getodk.org/), or [Google Forms](https://workspace.google.com/products/forms/), which may better suit your needs.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
(\*) We kindly remind you of our fair usage policy, which remains in effect.

For instance, uploading 500 videos, each at 500MB, would consume a total of 250GB of storage space.

While there are no restrictions preventing you from doing so, it's essential to note that our resources are finite, and Epicollect5 is not designed as a free storage solution
{% endhint %}

## Ready? Go ahead and [create your first project!](https://docs.epicollect.net/web-application/create-a-project)

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCbkEoP5dvg>" %}


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.epicollect.net/readme.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.