Entering records

To enter your observations, click on the + sign at the bottom right corner (3) (see image Submitting records). A menu will open with all possible options linked to your account (see image Different options to submit records). We will present here the basic functions, advanced tools will be described under Protocols and Projects. Use the shortcuts on the top right corner (1) for a direct access to directly in the field and with a detailed list. Scroll down the refresh arrow (2) to refresh records. It is especially useful when browsing records Around me.

Directly in the field (+)

Use this option to enter casual observations in real time. You can access it from the main menu or from the shortcut on the top right corner of the screen.

Step 1: Place

Indicate the position of the observed individual by moving the map to match the red marker.

To know how to navigate the map, see wiki section Mobile interface > Navigating the map. A grey smiley indicates the GPS did not detect your position. Use the "aim" icon (1) to activate the GPS on demand and wait for the yellow smiley before continuing. Your GPS precision is indicated on the top left of the map when the smiley is yellow. When done, click on Next.

Note: You can use the "list" icon on the left to see a list of all your previous records (see image below).

Step 2: Species

According to the parameters selected in preferences, there are different possibilities to enter the species name:

• Choose by search: Choose the taxonomic group from the top horizontal panel and start typing the species name. A list will appear underneath from which to choose the correct species. See image Display of species by species.
  

• Choose by group, family, species: Start by selecting the taxonomic group, then the family and finally the species. See image Display of species by group, family, species.
  

• Shortcuts: Use the shortcuts on top (see image Shortcuts) to enter the species faster, or create new shortcuts if needed. Visit wiki section Mobile interface > Shortcuts to know more about shortcuts and how to create them.
  

Note: you can modify your preferences by going to Menu > Preferences > Personalisation > Display of species (see image Display of species).

Step 3: Number of individuals

Enter the number of individuals first and choose the accuracy of the count.

Choose between:

Not counted (an x will appear) no need to enter a number

1: approximate number of individuals

2: exact number of individuals

3: equal or minimum number of individuals

(see image Entering number of individuals).

If you did not see any individual and you want to signal it, enter exact number 0 (0 and click =).

If you need to add new individuals as you count them, click on Start a counter and keep adding or subtracting individuals (see image Start a counter) until all are counted or you need to move to another species. Click Close to end the count and continue entering the observation.

 

Step 4 (non mandatory fields): Additional information

Add more information or modify existing one on this record.

Click on any icon to enter (or modify) information in the selected icon, and click Save when done to continue entering records. If you do not need to add or amend information, click Save directly to skip this section.

Sections available depend on the type of list, or protocol, and on the country. Visit wiki section Mobile interface > Submitting records > Additional information panel for full details on all available modules.

Step 5 (last step): Ending the record

When you finish entering an observation, click Save. A green line on top will appear for some seconds to indicate the data is saved (number 1 in image below). You will be taken to Step 1: Place to enter new records.
To access the list of data already entered, click on the List button on the left of Next button (number 2 in image below). Click on any of the records to see details and/or edit (see Editing records).

Records saved.

 

Later

Enter casual observations after they occur.

Step 1: Date / Time

Since you may be entering your observation after it occurred, entering a time is optional. Check Enter time to enter the time or leave it unchecked if you do not want to enter a time. Click on the date button to modify date and when date and time (optional) are correct, click Save to move to next step.

Entering date and time.

Enter date: Click on the default (current) date button to open a clickable calendar and choose the appropriate day.

Enter time:

• Tick Enter time.
  
• Click on the default (current) time to open a clickable clock (see image Entering date and time).
  
• Select first the hour, then the minutes, and finally the seconds. Or click on the corresponding part of the digital clock on top to indicate if you are adjusting hour, minutes or seconds. The parameter you are adjusting shows in bold in the digital clock (see image below). Exact seconds may be important for some taxa, for protocols, or in lists.
  
• Click OK to save and continue.
  

Entering time.

Step 2: Place

Place the red marker on the location where the observation took place (as described in wiki section Mobile interface > Submitting records > Directly in the field > Step 1: Place).

Step 3: Species

Enter species as described in wiki section Mobile interface > Submitting records > Directly in the field > Step 2: Species.

Step 4: Number of individuals

Enter the number of individuals as described in wiki section Mobile interface > Submitting records > Directly in the field > Step 3: Number of individuals. Note in this option one cannot Start a count as in other options.

Step 5 (non mandatory): Additional information

Enter any other additional information as described in wiki section Mobile interface > Submitting records > Directly in the field Step 4: Additional information.

Step 6 (last step): Ending the record

When you finish entering an observation, click Save and you will be taken to Step 1: Date/Time to allow you to enter other data later. A green line shows on top to prove data is saved, then automatically disappears.

 

With a detailed list

Select this option to create a list in the field in real time. You can access it from the menu or from the quick key at the top right corner of the screen.

Step 1: Starting a list

The 3 options below are optional. To go directly to the list, click Next.

1. Enter a comment about this list if appropriate. You can still comment individually every record.

2. Select Record the trace if you want to record your track. The default option is set in Main menu > Preferences > Personalization > Keeping the trace. Visit wiki section Mobile interface > Getting started > Preferences > Personalization > Keeping the trace to know more.

3. Select Hide all records from the public if you want it to be the default option while creating this list. You can change it later for individual observations you want to share anyway. Administrators will still have access to your records once submitted. Note: If in Preferences you chose to hide records, all your records, including lists are hidden automatically.

4. Click Next to start entering your data.

Starting a list in the field.

Note from that moment an intermittent red dot will appear at the top of your screen indicating the list is running. All records you enter are considered to be part of this list. The taxonomic group of the first record you enter will determine the taxonomic group of the list. If you enter a new taxonomic group, you will be warned and it will still be recorded though not as part of the list. You can see for how long the list is running along with the red dot. Use the keys on the right of the screen to pause or stop the list (see image below). Pause the list to enter other records alongside it, either from the same or different taxa.

Step 2: Place

Place red marker at the observation's position by moving the map. By clicking on the aim icon (see image), the marker will automatically position at your GPS location and center it.

Note, "with a detailed list" requires you to indicate the exact position of the observation. Therefore, using the "aim" icon is useful to know where you are and for observations that are on your same spot, for example plants or some insects.

Click Next when done.

Note: The show/hide summary of observation (1 on image below) allows you to see other records of the list or to hide them. It allows too to select one of those records to modify or delete it.

To know how to navigate the map, go to wiki section How to navigate the map.

Selecting location on a list.

1. Show / hide summary of observations.
2. Select own position.

Step 3: Species

Enter species as described in wiki section Mobile interface > Submitting records > Directly in the field > Step 2: Species.

Step 4: Number of individuals

Enter number of individuals as described in wiki section Mobile interface > Submitting records > Directly in the field > Number of individuals.

Step 5: Additional information

Enter any other additional information as described in wiki section Mobile interface > Submitting records > Directly in the field > Step 4 (non mandatory fields): Additional information.

 

Ending the list

Click the stop button on the top to end the list and confirm (see image).

Ending list in the field.

Adjust starting time and ending time if necessary, for example if you forgot to stop the list when you finished recording (see image below). Otherwise, since it is a real time list, starting and ending time will be automatically detected by starting and ending the list. Add any comment if necessary, and indicate if is a partial list (not all species detected were recorded) or if it is a complete list (all species seen or heard were recorded). A complete list does not refer to species present but to species detected.

Adjusting list time.

When displaying data, observations belonging to a partial list are represented with a hollow green square, and those belonging to a complete list are indicate by a full green square. See wiki section Various > Symbols cheatsheet for more information.

 

With a simple list

Allows creating simplified lists in real time or that took place in the past.

You may not enter precisely each record, but you enter the records at your position (real time) or one point (observation entered in the past) the record gets a new precision marker called “unprecise” and the observation pressure is recorded.

Step 1: Date / Time

By default the app shows the current date and time, which can be used as such to record a real time list.

If your observations happened in the past,

• click on the date to modify it by selecting from the expandable calendar
  
• click on the time to select the starting time of the list and select from the expandable clock as in Mobile interface > Submitting records > Later > Step 1: Date / Time.
  

Add a comment if necessary and indicate if you want to hide the records from the public and/or record your trace. Administrators will still see them once they are synchronised.
Visit wiki section Mobile interface > Getting started > Preferences > Personalization > Keeping the trace to know more about recording your trace.

When done, click Next.

 

Step 2: Place

This option is only available if you are entering a list after it occurred. That is, if you changed the time in the previous screen more than 5 minutes from the real one.

Select the position as in Mobile interface > Submitting records > Later > Step 1: Date / Time.

Click Next when done.

 

Step 3: Species

Enter species as described in wiki section Mobile interface > Submitting records > Directly in the field > Species.

For a real time simplified list, it is now possible to enter the same species several times separately. All records are kept with their time and location (see image below).

For a real or delayed simplified list, you can also use symbols + and - to enter number of individuals (see image below).

With that way the localtion is the same for all individuals.

Additional information

You will not be prompted to enter additional information. However, you can add it after entering a record in the list or after finishing the list (see Editing records for more information).

While creating the list, click on a species name and select Edit record to access the additional information menu.
See wiki section Mobile interface > Submitting records > Additional information panel to navigate all sections in the menu.

If only the number of individuals needs to be modified, use the plus and minus signs on the left of the species name to modify the count (see image below). The new number is saved automatically.

Click on the species name and select Delete to delete the record.

If your list occurs in real time, the screen will also show GPS precision (on the top left corner, in green or red) and the number of species already entered (top right corner, see image below). If besides, you are in Africa, it will indicate in the middle the atlas grid number of the African atlas.

 

Step 4: Ending the list

When all records are entered,
1. click on the "stop" icon at the top right corner to finish the list, and confirm (see image).

2. Click on the time button to open an expandable clock and introduce ending time if necessary as explained in wiki section Mobile interface > Submitting records > With a detailed list > Ending the list.
3. Adjust starting time if necessary.
4. Enter/ Modify a comment if necessary.
5. Enter any other required information. It may vary from country to country.
6. Finally, indicate if you recorded all species present or only part of them (see image).

[Top to With a simple list]
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Synchronisation

Once your finish entering your records and add or amend any information, consider synchronizing them. When synchronising, your records become public to other users and available to administrators for verification and planning conservation. If you selected to hide your records from the public, those won’t be visible to other users, but administrators will still see them, verify them and use them for conservation purposes.

To synchronise, click on the reminder at the bottom of the screen, both in your list of observations and on the starting screen and confirm (see image below).

Once your records are synchronised, you can no longer modify them in NaturaList, but you can do so from your local portal. See a list of local portals in the wiki section Various > Local portals and partners. Go to wiki section Web interface > Editing records for more information on how to edit records on the web site.

If no local portal exists for the site (for example in Africa or outside Europe), go to https:data.biolovision.net to make changes.

 

Create an object

Allows to record a nest, a burrow, a birdhouse, or similar encountered on the field, and attach it to an observation. This function is only available to users with special rights.

For more information, visit the wiki section Mobile interface > Create an object.

Create an object

Access it as if entering data, and click Create object (see image below).

Visit wiki section Mobile interface > Create an object > Create object to know how to create an object.

Attach objects to observations

Objects can be associated to observations either before or after synchronisation.

Visit wiki section Mobile interface > Create an object > Attach objects to observations to know how to associate an object to an observation, for example, a nest.

Browse created objects

Objects can be seen in NaturaList and on the local portal.

Visit wiki section Mobile interface > Create an object > Browse objects to see your created objects.

Edit objects

Visit wiki section Mobile interface > Create an object > Edit objects to modify your objects.

Delete objects

Delete your objects directly from NaturaList.

Visit wiki section Mobile interface > Create an object > Delete objects to delete your objects.

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Additional information panel

Several modules allow to enter additional information to the recorded observation. Depending on the list or the protocol used, the additional information panel (see image below) may be opened automatically while entering observations (ie. directly in the field) or may require the user to access it as if editing the record (ie. with a simple list).
Not all modules are available in all countries and lists/protocols.

Expand the table below to see all available modules in the Additional information panel. Yellow icons indicate the module has some information in it (ie. Time or Map in the list below), while white icons indicate the module does not contain any information yet.

Additional information modules
Name	Description
	Atlas code Add a code to indicate breeding stage.
File:Colony.png	Colony
	Comments Add a comment about the observation, and hide or show it to the public.
	Detail Indicate the age and sex of individuals observed.
	Direction Indicate flight direction of individuals recorded.
	Extra protocol Add information about nests.
	Hidden record Choose to hide or show your observation to the public. It is independent from the comment: you can hide the comment and still show the observation.
	Map See the observation's location.
	Media Attach an image or a sound to your record.
	More details
	Mortality Add information about injuries or deaths.
	Number of individuals Enter or modify the number of individuals and the count precision
	Offspring
File:Protocol icon.png	Protocol
File:Ring icon.png	Ring
	Species Change species name.
	Species list Change general information about the list the record belongs to. Click on the clock to change starting and/or ending time, enter/modify the comment, and/or check All species were recorded if all species were recorded.
	Study code Select study code if your observation belong to any of the listed studies.
	Time Change time by clicking on the given time. Check Do not enter to hide record's time.
File:.png

Atlas code

Select an atlas code, or no code. Available atlas codes will depend on the country you chose in Preferences and for your information it is displayed at the bottom of the screen (see image below).

Go to Menu > Preferences > Atlas code to change the code you use.

[Top to Atlas code]
[Top to Additional information panel]

Colony

[Top to Colony]
[Back to Additional information panel]

Comments

Leave a comment in the top section if you want it to be public and associated to your record. Any registered user will see it. Use the lower section if you want to keep your comment private.

Note administrators will still see it. To learn more about administrators, go to wiki section Local portals > Administration.

Click Validate when done.

[Top to Comments]
[Back to Additional information panel]

Details (Age and sex)

According to the taxonomic group you are entering, fields for details differ, see image Examples for non avian groups. Examples and explanations just below apply only to birds.

Enter number of individuals per sex and age class. Type number or use +1 -1 quick keys to quickly change the number. Key Max will count all individuals entered for this species. As data is entered, a list will appear at the bottom. Scroll up and down from the right hand bar to see all entries, or click on cross to delete any entry if necessary (see image below). When done, click Add to enter a new class or finish to end.

[Top to Details]
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Direction

Click on the compass to indicate flight direction (in the example below, the user clicked on SE).

[Top to Direction]
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Extra protocol

Introduce required information about nests (see image below as an example). This section will only appear if you are entering data into a protocol that requieres nest information. Information required may vary depending on the protocol, and may include:

• Intact nests: Type number of intact nests.
  
• Nest location: Click on the yellow band to see options (see image Nest location) and choose the most appropriate.
  
• Number of nests occupied by other species: Type number of nests occupied by other species.
  
• Occupied nests: Type number of occupied nests.
  
• Potencial breeding pairs: Type number of pairs that may be breeding.
  
• Suspected nests: Type number of suspected nests.
  

Remember fields marked with an asterisk are mandatory.

[Top to Extra protocol]
[Back to Additional information panel]

Hidden record

Select/unselect as needed.

A yellow key indicates the record will be hidden to other users, except administrators.

Default option depends on your ‘’’Preferences’’’. Go to Menu > Preferences > Hide record to change it.

Note some records are automatically hidden depending on the country or region your observation takes place in. Observations in countries not covered by any local partner are never automatically hidden. However, any user can hide records if they consider doing so will help protect the individuals, species or habitat.

To see which records will automatically be hidden locally, go to Web interface > Local portals > Species partially hidden.

To learn more about administrators, go to Web interface > Local portals > Administration.

[Top to Hidden record]
[Back to Additional information panel]

Map

Click to see your observation's position.
Click

• Next to Continue, or
  
• "aim icon" to see your position (see image below).
  

Visit wiki section Mobile Interface > Navigating the map to interpret the map if necessary.

[Top to Map]
[Back to Additional information panel]

Media

Attach an image or a sound to your observation, either before or after entering a sighting, from:

• the Additional information panel, or
  
• the main screen.
  

To use the Additional information menu, enter the observation first, and
1. choose Media on the additional information panel (see image below)

It displays all images already attached to this record (see image as an example).

2. choose between

• Upload a file, if you have already taken them and they are stored on your phone's gallery. Pictures must be taken with your phone or inserted afterwards through a local portal. If no local portal exist, it is not currently possible to add a picture through data.biolovision.net.
  
• Add a photo then. If you do, do not forget to accept to upload it.
  
• Record a sound at the moment.
  

To use quick access keys, take the picture or record the sound before entering the observation (see image below).

Upload a file

Direct access to the gallery in your phone. Choose the image or sound to attach to the observation the same way you would select any other file to attach to any platform (e-mail, whatsapp...). Some considerations must be taken into account:

• The date of the observation must match the date the file was created. Some internal adjustments correct for differences in time zone.
  
• Pictures are automatically resized to 3072 pixels on the longest side before being uploaded.
  
• Sound files must be maximum 16 MB to upload.
  

Add a photo

Direct access to the camera in your device. Take a picture normally and select:

• Retry to repeat it, or
  
• OK to upload.
  

See the images as they are attached.

Hide/show the picture only, not the data, to other users by clicking on the corresponding key or delete by clicking on the bin (see image below). You will also be able to edit it at a later stage. When done, add another picture or close "Media" to access other sections or entering the observation.

Record a sound

Press the microphone icon to start recording the sound. It will start recording immediately and the waveform is shown in real time.

Press stop to stop recording, and:

• Crop the waveform, if necessary, after stooping the recording (it is only possible to crop the time axis), or
  
• Validate to access other sections or to enter the observation.
  

It is not currently possible to playback.

[Top to Media]
[Back to Additional information panel]

More details

[More details]
[Back to Additional information panel]

Mortality / injuries

Indicate if your observation corresponds to an injured or dead individual, and select the cause if known. Scroll down All causes to see all options (see image Selecting cause of injury 1). Click on the category to open a panel with all possible causes and enter details (see bottom image Selecting cause of injury 2). When done, click Validate. For quick selection, the icons of the most common causes are on top (see image Selecting cause of injury 1). When you finish entering the cause of death or injury click Save or if necessary, Delete. The entry can be modified later.

Selecting cause of injury 1.

[Top to Mortality / injuries]
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Number of individuals

[Top to Number of individuals]
[Back to Additional information panel]

Offspring

[Top to Offspring]
[Back to Additional information panel]

Protocol

[Top to Protocol]
[Back to Additional information panel]

Ring

1. Select the type of marking by checking the corresponding cell, and

2. type the inscription on the ring.

[Top to Ring]
[Back to Additional information panel]

Species

[Top to Species]
[Back to Additional information panel]

Species list

[Top to Species list]
[Back to Additional information panel]

Study code

[Top to Study code]
[Back to Additional information panel]

Time

[Top to Time]
[Back to Additional information panel]

Entering additional information on mapping protocols

Some protocols may give you the option to enter additional information with icons when entering species and number of species (see image below).

Atlas codes

	Singing, drumming or displaying male present in breeding season in possible nesting habitat.
	Unidentified individual in breeding season in possible nesting habitat.
	Male in breeding season in possible nesting habitat.
	Female in breeding season in possible nesting habitat.
	Pair observed in suitable nesting habitat in breeding season.
	Agitated behaviour or anxiety calls from adults, indicating a nest or young nearby.
	Recently fledged young (nidicolous species) or downy young (nidifugous species) observed.
	Nest-building or excavating of nest-hole observed.
	Adult carrying faecal sac or food.
	Nest containing eggs or young.
	No atlas code.

Flight direction

Flying direction. Press, hold and drag to indicate flying direction. If the individual is moving around without a clear direction, press icon but do not indicate flight direction. It will be represented with concentric circles (ie. single male in image below).This information can be combined with others in the list (see example below), but should be introduced first.

Relationship between individuals

When two similar individuals are recorded nearby (ie. two singing males of the same species), click on both records to open relationship options (see image below).

	Both sightings correspond to the same individual. It is probably the same territory. It is reflected as a green line in the map.
	It is unknown if both records correspond to the same individual/s. It is reflected as an orange line in the map.
	Both records correspond to different individuals. It may define two different territories. It is reflected as a blue line in the map.

Click

Save to save and continue entering data, or

X to close panel and continue entering data without indicating relationship.

To see how it will show in the web site, visit Web interface > Local portals > Protocols > Private territory mapping > Census results > Observations section.

Comments

Comment.Type a comment, or a hidden comment in the corresponding fields and click Save. Visit wiki subsection Mobile interface > Submitting records > Directly in the field > Additional information > Comments for more information.

[Top to Entering additional information on mapping protocols]
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