# Coastal Observer \| SPOTTERON

> Citizen science app for monitoring local weather, water levels, and quality. (iPhone/iPad app by SPOTTERON GmbH.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/coastal-observer-spotteron/id1475663669 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [SPOTTERON GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/1378099707)
- Category: Education, Weather
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.70/5 from 10 App Store ratings · 1 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 12.0 · 62 MB
- Languages: American English, German (Germany)
- Released: 2019-08-17
- Data updated: 2026-06-24
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/coastal-observer-spotteron/id1475663669/reviews.md

## What is Coastal Observer | SPOTTERON?

Climate change will impact where and how humans live. As tides rise and storms intensify, humans will be forced to adapt to the changing environment and increase resiliency by learning more about local impacts of rising tides and intensified storms. The Coastal Observer App encourages citizens to become active in monitoring weather and water locally, and will help researchers build a pathway for a sustainable future.

The citizen scientists may choose from 4 activities:
1) basic environmental observations by sharing how the current setting makes you feel.
2) weather observations to document the current weather and its impacts.
3) water level to document where the water levels are and how this might impact infrastructure, life, or property.
4) water quality to document how our environment is impacted by human practices.

Observing Weather Events
Weather events can have devastating effects on local communities.  Using this application, the observer can make note of stormy conditions and its associated affects.  This information will be documented through photographs and user documentation.

Measuring Water Level
If there is an installed and fixed water level gauge near you, feel free to use that gauge to enter your water level.  For help locating existing gauges, please visit this link.  If there are no installed, fixed gauges, you can report a value from a nearby automated gauge at the time of your observation, or simply take a picture to document the water level visually. NOTE - Never attempt to measure water levels during unsafe conditions or without proper training.  
 
Monitoring Water Quality
Users may use a Secchi Disk to make manual observations of water clarity.  For more information, visit the Secchi Disk Project at www.secchidisk.org
 
Coastal Observer for Schools
Schools can easily include the Coastal Observer App in their curriculum. Educators can utilize the app to teach reading water levels or using a Secchi Disk to increase environmental awareness in students, while also providing the opportunity to express feelings about water and weather events.

The project runs on the SPOTTERON Citizen Science platform for participatory research and awareness building.

## Key features

- Environmental observations
- Weather documentation
- Water level measurement
- Water quality monitoring
- Photo documentation
- Educational curriculum integration

## Recent user reviews (1 of 1)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/coastal-observer-spotteron/id1475663669/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Cool app!

*2019-08-08*

Fun way to record and geolocate changing facets of water. Badges are cool.

## Frequently asked questions about Coastal Observer | SPOTTERON

### How does Coastal Observer help with climate change research?

Coastal Observer collects citizen-submitted data on local weather and water conditions. This information helps researchers understand the impacts of climate change, such as rising tides and intensified storms, to build pathways for a sustainable future.

### What types of observations can I make with Coastal Observer?

You can make basic environmental observations, document current weather and its impacts, record water levels, and monitor water quality. Each observation can include photos and user documentation.

### Can schools use Coastal Observer?

Yes, schools can easily integrate Coastal Observer into their curriculum. Educators can use it to teach about reading water levels, using a Secchi Disk, and to foster environmental awareness and emotional expression related to water and weather events.

### Is Coastal Observer safe to use for water level measurements?

The app advises users to never attempt to measure water levels during unsafe conditions or without proper training. It suggests using installed water level gauges or taking pictures if no gauge is available.

### What is the SPOTTERON platform?

Coastal Observer runs on the SPOTTERON Citizen Science platform. This platform is designed for participatory research and awareness building, facilitating the collection and management of citizen science data.

### What is a Secchi Disk and how is it used in Coastal Observer?

A Secchi Disk is used for manual observations of water clarity. Users can utilize this tool to document water quality within the Coastal Observer app, contributing to environmental monitoring efforts.

### What devices does Coastal Observer support?

Coastal Observer is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices, indicated by its support for iOS platforms.

### How often is Coastal Observer updated?

The app was last updated on December 12, 2025, indicating a recent update. Version 4.3.2 is the latest release, suggesting ongoing development and maintenance.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 4.3.2 — 2025-12-12

* Platform upgrade to SPOTTERON 4.3

* Edit and/or delete your comments

* Bug fixes and improvements

### 3.5.1 — 2025-12-05

* Platform upgrade to SPOTTERON 4.3

* Edit and/or delete your comments

* Bug fixes and improvements

### 3.5.0 — 2022-12-29

* Message Boards: you can now get into conversations with others on their user profiles by posting comments or replying to answers
* Push Notifications for Comment Replies: stay informed by receiving a push message when someone posts a reply to you
* New, improved look of your User Profile and Spot Collection
* New Parental/Guardian Consent System for youth participation
* Bug fixes and improvements

### 3.0.4 — 2021-11-24

* Updated observation input dialogue
* Mention other users in comments by writing @Username. The person mentioned receives a notification in the news feed.
* Make text stand out by writing something in bold or * something * in italics.
* New Data Visualization Interface: heat map view & dot map view of the data.
* New button for easier spot updates and nearby spot suggestions
* Detection of existing metadata (time and place) in photos when uploading them from your photo album for use in the spot.
* Bug fixes and improvements.

### 2.9.2 — 2021-05-13

* New: It’s now possible to add the Water Level Value and Vertical Datum to a fixed gauge
* New blocking feature: you can now block unwanted user-generated content and users you don’t wish to engage with
* New button feature to update Spots more easily 
* Bug fixes and minor language changes

## Apps similar to Coastal Observer | SPOTTERON

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All apps by SPOTTERON GmbH: https://appshunter.io/developer/1378099707

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-24.*