# Sightings > Field data collection app for natural history observations with location recording. (iPhone/iPad app by Stewart Macdonald.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sightings/id539447284 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Stewart Macdonald](https://appshunter.io/developer/539447287) - Category: Utilities - Price: Free - Rating: 4.89/5 from 9 App Store ratings · 9 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 8.0 · 3 MB - Languages: Dutch, English, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and 3 more - Released: 2012-07-25 - Data updated: 2026-08-28 - Monetization: paid - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sightings/id539447284/reviews.md ## What is Sightings? Sightings is a field data collection app that makes it easy to record location data for natural history observations. You’re out in the bush. You see a night parrot. You add a record in Sightings, start typing ‘nigh…’, select ‘night parrot’ from the auto-complete list, and you have a permanent record of the date, time and location of your sighting. Sightings comes preloaded with the common and scientific names of all Australian tetrapods (birds, mammals, reptiles, frogs), plus most Australian butterflies and dragonflies. You can also upload additional names if your taxon of interest is missing. Sightings can be used to record the location of anything, not just animals. You can then email the list of records to yourself, or connect your iPhone to your computer and download a CSV/GPX file through iTunes. Important notes: Your records are not shared with anyone else or uploaded to the Internet - only you have access to them. This app requires GPS hardware for effective use. iPod touch and the original iPhone don't provide the level of accuracy required for obtaining precise locations. The GPS hardware works separately to the phone communication hardware, so you can still use this app to record locations even if you don't have phone reception. Warning: Continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life. ## Key features - Record location data for observations - Auto-complete species suggestions - Preloaded Australian fauna names - Upload custom species names - Email record lists - Download data as CSV/GPX ## Recent user reviews (9 of 9) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sightings/id539447284/reviews.md ### 5/5 — Love it! *2019-01-13* I was looking for a way to collect & map tree species, & Sightings has fitted the bill perfectly. I can upload lists of species names for easy selection, record their location with just 1 or 2 taps, and even download all my data records so I can import them into Google maps! Just brilliant. ### 4/5 — Good for casual observers *2013-08-17* I have been using 'Tap Forms DB' to do something similar but I think I will use this little DB for a number of reasons. • It is simpler in a number of ways. • The database structure is straight forward. You are either in a record or viewing the records list and there is a simple, sensible set of fields for each record. Most other DB functions are hidden in the background or settings. • The auto-list feature for the species field works well. I think the decision not to include sub-species is probably the correct one*. • The preloaded species lists mean I don't have to do it myself and so far the taxonomy seems to be good*. • The auto location field means there are two less taps to make for each record. (I could never get this to work in 'Tap Forms DB'). • The 'Accuracy' field combined with the 'get another location fix' button is a great way to check and correct problems with the original location fix (if any). The notes field is useful in lieu of being able to add other fields. Suggestions for development I would like to see a certain amount of user configurability in this App. The photo and dead/alive toggle fields will be useful to some people but some other similar fields might also be useful. For example a record type (seen, heard, trapped, signs, etc.) field would be useful for people who have to make returns to certain databases that require such fields. To this end it would also be nice to have Census of Australian Vertebrate Species (CAVS) codes included with the records. Even if they are not displayed, it would be nice if they could be output in the CSV. Distance and bearing fields would also be useful for certain observations, particularly birds, where some species can be identified from substantial distances and might be in a completely different habitat. If it is possible to implement the toggle fields vertically rather than horizontally, it might save screen space and help those of us with fat fingers. I would like to see a 'Site' field. An observer could use a site field to keep their records together without having to compare or categorise the continuous variables of co-ordinates or dates. If the default entry for 'Site' could be the closest previously named site, that would be a bonus. Sites names should also be selectable from a pick list of previously entered site names. I think there might be scope to add subspecies once a species has been selected without impinging on the simplicity and elegance of the current selection interface. It would need to be implemented via a relational table in the SQLite DB. It would make it easier for the user to distinguish relevant subspecies without having to add to the species field or to the notes field. A list of freshwater fish would be nice so as I don't have to add my own! Over all, I think the App is useful for anyone who has a need to record the locations of fauna in Australia. Tempted to give it 5 stars, but I have to have somewhere to go for the next version. ### 5/5 — Sweet app *2013-07-15* This app makes data collection a breeze. Fantastic way to store incidental records during surveys and very easy to manage exports. Would love to see this app available for other countries. ### 5/5 — Bird Sightings *2012-11-12* Other bird sighting apps only capture bird sightings, but I often see snakes, frogs and lizards as well. Now I have one app to record them all. Auto complete works well and let's you enter any word from the species name (e.g. Type 'Painted' to see 'Australian Painted Snipe' in the list). Good work! ### 5/5 — Great app. *2012-07-28* A really well designed interface means this app will be used more often for field work rather than using the clumsy Trimble for the same task. Highly recommended ### 5/5 — Ecological Wizardry! *2012-07-28* Sightings App is a powerful yet simple way to gather field data. It's an essential part of any ecologist's toolbox, from professionals to amateur naturalists. As a professional field biologist I recommend it highly! ### 5/5 — Fantastic app for field ecologists *2012-07-28* If you are a field ecologist or ecological consultant, this app will save you loads of time enabling you to easily generate species lists from your field data, while the app collects location data for each sighting. The outputs in Csv and gpx format allow the data to be put into your reports or easily mapped in your mapping software. Ug Media, you done well! ### 5/5 — Great app! *2012-07-28* Nice and easy to use. Good work! ### 5/5 — Great app *2012-07-27* Quick and easy to use meaning it's used more often. Best option I have found for data collection in the field. ## Frequently asked questions about Sightings ### What is Sightings used for? Sightings is a field data collection app designed to easily record location data for natural history observations. It allows users to log details such as species, date, time, and precise location. ### Does Sightings have ads? The provided data does not indicate whether Sightings contains advertisements. As a paid application, it is common for such apps to be ad-free. ### What kind of data can I record with Sightings? You can record location data for anything, but it comes preloaded with common and scientific names for Australian tetrapods, butterflies, and dragonflies. You can also upload additional species names. ### How can I export my data from Sightings? You can email your list of records directly from the app. Alternatively, you can connect your iPhone to a computer and download your data as a CSV or GPX file through iTunes. ### Is my data private with Sightings? Yes, your records are private. They are not shared with anyone else or uploaded to the internet, ensuring only you have access to your collected data. ### Does Sightings require an internet connection? No, the GPS hardware works separately from phone communication hardware. You can use Sightings to record locations even if you do not have phone reception. ### What devices is Sightings compatible with? Sightings requires GPS hardware for effective use and is designed for iPhones. Older devices like iPod touch and the original iPhone may not provide the required accuracy for precise locations. ### How often is Sightings updated? The latest version of Sightings is 1.1, which was last updated on September 19, 2017. This indicates a less frequent update schedule. ## Version history (last 1 release) ### 1.1 — 2017-09-19 This update from Apple will improve the functionality of this app. No new features are included. Please make sure you export your data as a backup before you update to the latest version. While we have tested the upgrade process, backing up is always a good idea. Lots of changes! -Now displays three custom fields. By default these are 'Site name', 'Survey method' and 'Distance (to observer)', but you can rename them to whatever your heart desires. -Updated for the latest version of iOS and the larger iPhones. -Sightings are now displayed individually on maps. Map imagery is downloaded on an as-needed basis; automatic downloading can be turned off in Settings. -You can now search your list of sightings, and sort it by date or distance (from your current location). Long-press on the Sort button to get more options. -The app icon will be badged with a red number 1 if the GPS is on when the app is in the background. You may be thinking "Badges? We don't need no stinkin' badges!", but this is to remind you that Sightings is using the GPS hardware and sucking up your precious battery power. -Settings can now be edited from within the app. ## More apps by Stewart Macdonald - [Snakes of Australia](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/snakes-of-australia/id562703346) - [Frogs of Australia](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/frogs-of-australia/id680061595) - [Reptiles and Amphibians of Sweden](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reptiles-and-amphibians-of-sweden/id777495883) - [Distance Sampler](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/distance-sampler/id947811415) All apps by Stewart Macdonald: https://appshunter.io/developer/539447287 --- *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 2026-08-28.*