A software application for use in handheld devices to collect school built environment data

•Co-SEA as a app supported by all major mobile device platforms.•Archives photos of the built environment features being measured in the audit.•Can collect and store information without an internet connection.•Audit data can be uploaded to a secure server via a Wi-Fi connection.•Co-SEA can be easily shared and used with other researchers.

To provide details on a downloadable within-school built environment scan application for use on most handheld devices with a camera. The tool was functionally designed with: (1) cross-platform compatibility with the major mobile device platforms; (2) the ability to collect and store information without an internet connection and then have the functionality to upload the data at a later time; and (3) capability to take pictures and have those photos automatically linked to the appropriate observation data within the stored data file. We believe that this simple to use tool advances our ability to consistently, accurately and quickly measure the features of the built environment within a school. Considering it can also be easily shared and used with other researchers, this built environment audit tool may help to harmonize the collection of such data across school-based studies.