So far, great app
Just started using it, so far the best app I’ve used yet, unfortunately I haven’t seen any whales yet, but by referencing with the app I see that they just haven’t been around when I’m out.
I’ll up date again as I get more familiar with all the app does.
I’ll up date again as I get more familiar with all the app does.
Excellent!
App is a wonderful tool for locating whales and other sea critters.
Heavily relies on free data
Re-posting my review as a current, paying subscriber testing this app firsthand. My old review somehow disappeared.
It is tough to justify the monthly subscription fee when the app relies so heavily on data that is available for free elsewhere. Sighting reports are pulled directly from local, volunteer Facebook groups (e.g., Howe Sound and Sea to Sky wildlife sightings, Sunshine Coast fb group) without offering anything original.
Charging a subscription for data that local community members shared for free is a major red flag - and seeing personal sightings re-posted here without permission to monetize them shouldn't be allowed.
Outside of community posts, the app heavily relies on live AIS tracking of commercial whale-watching boats. It works during peak daytime hours when the tour boats are out, but the second the boats head in for the night, updates are basically nonexistent. I also doubt how useful this app will be once the peak whale-watching season ends and commercial boats aren't on the water anymore.
It is tough to justify the monthly subscription fee when the app relies so heavily on data that is available for free elsewhere. Sighting reports are pulled directly from local, volunteer Facebook groups (e.g., Howe Sound and Sea to Sky wildlife sightings, Sunshine Coast fb group) without offering anything original.
Charging a subscription for data that local community members shared for free is a major red flag - and seeing personal sightings re-posted here without permission to monetize them shouldn't be allowed.
Outside of community posts, the app heavily relies on live AIS tracking of commercial whale-watching boats. It works during peak daytime hours when the tour boats are out, but the second the boats head in for the night, updates are basically nonexistent. I also doubt how useful this app will be once the peak whale-watching season ends and commercial boats aren't on the water anymore.
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Great idea poor UI
What an amazing idea. The data is great but it looks crowded and confusing. Short free trial doesn’t help get you used to it.
Notification limitations
Cool concept and nice use of several data sources, but the ability to filter notifications based n location is very limited, especially in the Seattle/Vashon area. If it were possible to draw custom regions/bounds on the map within which push notifications would be triggered, I would sign back up for a subscription in a heartbeat.
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Response from developer
Thank you for your thoughtful suggestion! Your real feedback helps us significantly in improving the app. The timing is perfect; we are currently working on enhancements to our notification system. These improvements may also include the ability to create custom alert areas on the map. In the meantime, while we continue testing this new feature, we have added the Seattle and Puget Sound area, including Vashon, to our list of notification zones. If you have any additional suggestions to improve Whale Locator, please feel free to email us at contact@whalelocator.com. We would love to have you back when everything is ready. Happy Sightings!