Love it!
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.
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.
Good for casual observers
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.
• 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.
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Sweet app
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.
Bird Sightings
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!
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!
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Great app.
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
Ecological Wizardry!
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!
Fantastic app for field ecologists
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!
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Great app!
Nice and easy to use. Good work!
Great app
Quick and easy to use meaning it's used more often. Best option I have found for data collection in the field.