This page handles the process of submitting scouting data for analysis, through three different methods: match, pit, and drive team. But first, some general information.

Answering questions

When you scout data, Devil Scout pulls the current list of questions from our servers to make sure you have the latest updates.

This enables us to change the questions without mandating a full app update.

These questions are organized into several pages, which you can navigate either by tapping the buttons at the bottom, or by swiping left and right. Once ready, you can submit your response using the "Submit" button on the last page.

All questions must be answered in order to submit; however, many question types (such as a counter) permit their default value, and don't require interaction.

Upon submission, your response is uploaded to our servers, and will be processed very soon. The app will redirect you to the appropriate selection page to scout again.

We refresh analysis calculations every 5 minutes; therefore, it might take a few minutes for your submitted data to impact the analysis view.

Each of your submissions is linked to your team and your user account. This is so we can track usage of our app by teams and individuals, and invalidate malicious data from bad actors. In the future, we also plan to add per-user statistics for teams, so they can see how active their members are.

Match scouting

Match scouting is almost universal across FRC, and is the most frequent action within this app. Scouters watch events during matches, and record the actions of a single robot at a time. Typically, teams will have as many scouters watching matches as there are robots (usually 6).

These questions generally measure the real-world abilities of a robot, and are weighted very heavily in analysis.

Before you can answer questions though, you'll need to select a match to scout.

1. Via the main menu, head to the match selection screen by tapping "Scout - Matches".

You actually land on this page right after logging in, to make this process as fast as possible.

2. The list shows the matches at your event, with the next matches at the top of the list. Tap one to select it.

If your list doesn't show any matches, it may be because The Blue Alliance doesn't have your match schedule. Ask your event organizers to upload that information to TBA in order to use Devil Scout.

If needed, you can show completed matches using the button at the bottom of the list. We don't recommend scouting past matches; however, it can be useful to view the event schedule.

3. Tap which robot you want to scout from the dialog that appears.

That's it! Now, answer the scouting questions and submit your response.

Pit scouting

Pit scouting is another very common type of scouting, taking place not on the field, but in pits. Scouters approach other teams' pits, and ask questions to senior members (often the drive team or pit crew). As this method doesn't have a time constraint, teams will usually dedicate fewer resources to this task, but complete it over the course of qualifications (or even practice matches).

These questions are typically less focused on a robot's performance, instead asking about its specifications and the team's strategy.

Before you can answer questions though, you'll need to select a team to scout.

1. Via the main menu, head to the pit selection screen by tapping "Scout - Pits".

2. The list shows the teams at your event, sorted by team number. Tap one to select it.

If your list doesn't show any teams, it may be because The Blue Alliance doesn't have your event's team list. Ask your event organizers to upload that information to TBA in order to use Devil Scout.

That's it! Now, answer the scouting questions and submit your response.

Drive team scouting

Drive team scouting is a new method developed by Team 1559, designed specifically for drive teams rather than normal scouters. After finishing their match, drive teams submit feedback on their alliance partners. Unlike the other methods, the list of questions is shown once per partner (typically twice).

These questions don't ask about the team's robot at all. Instead, they determine how well teams work with their partners, an often-overlooked statistic.

Before you can answer questions though, you'll need to select a match to scout.

1. Via the main menu, head to the pit selection screen by tapping "Scout - Drive Team".

2. The list shows only the matches your team participates in, chronologically. Tap one to select it.

If your list doesn't show any matches, it may be because The Blue Alliance doesn't have your match schedule. Ask your event organizers to upload that information to TBA in order to use Devil Scout.

That's it! Now, answer the scouting questions for each of your partners and submit your response.