Entering records
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TIP FOR BEGINNERS:
If you are not yet familiarised with the application, enter records as directly in the field. This is the easier option. As you familiarise with the application, move to other options. Lists are the more useful way to enter data for conservation purposes.
- Basics steps for entering data:
1:Choose the way you want to enter data > 2:choose place > 3:select species > 4:select number> 5:skip or fill in the non mandatory fields > 6:save > 7: enter next data
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.
Contents
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1 Directly in the field (+)
- 1.1 Step 1: Place
1.2 Step 2: Species
1.3 Step 3: Number of individuals
1.4 Step 4 (non mandatory fields): Additional information
- 1.4.1 Comments
1.4.2 Details (Age and Sex)
1.4.3 Atlas code
1.4.4 Hidden record
1.4.5 Media
1.4.6 Mortality / injuries
1.4.7 Direction
1.4.8 Ring
1.4.9 Extra protocol
(Additional information with icons)
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2 Later
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.
1 Directly in the field (+)
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1.1 Step 1: Place
1.2 Step 2: Species
1.3 Step 3: Number of individuals
1.4 Step 4 (non mandatory fields): Additional information
- 1.4.1 Comments
1.4.2 Details (Age and Sex)
1.4.3 Atlas code
1.4.4 Hidden record
1.4.5 Media
1.4.6 Mortality / injuries
1.4.7 Direction
1.4.8 Ring
1.4.9 Extra protocol
(Additional information with icons)
Step 1: Place
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REMEMBER:
Smiley = Observer's position
Red marker = Data position
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: egal 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 =).
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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.
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Step 4 (non mandatory fields): Additional information
Here you can add more information about this record or skip it and directly click on "save" to end and be able to enter new data.
1.4 Additional information
- 1.4.1 Comments
1.4.2 Details (Age and Sex)
1.4.3 Atlas code
1.4.4 Hidden record
1.4.5 Media
1.4.6 Mortality / injuries
1.4.7 Direction
1.4.8 Ring
1.4.9 Extra protocol
(Additional information quick access)
Icons will appear in yellow when they contain any information you filled in.
See in the table below correspondence of icons.
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.
To validate your record you will have to Save later. |
[Top to Comments]
[Top to Additional information]
[Back to Directly in the field]
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]
[Top to Additional information]
[Back to Directly in the field]
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).
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Go to Menu > Preferences > Atlas code to change the code you use.
[Top to Atlas code]
[Top to Additional information]
[Back to Directly in the field]
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]
[Top to Additional information]
[Back to Directly in the field]
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
- 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 oon the longest side before being uploaded.
- Sound files must be maximum 16 MB to upload.
NOTE:
- The date of the observation must match the date the file was created.
- Pictures will be automatically resized to a maximum size of 3072 pixels before being sent.
- Sound files should be maximum 16 MB to upload.
- Add a photo
- 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.
- Use the key icon to hide the image while keeping the record visible.
- If you hide the record, the image is automatically hidden.
- Record a sound
- 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]
[Top to Additional information]
[Back to Directly in the field]
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.
[Top to Mortality / injuries]
[Top to Additional information]
[Back to Directly in the field]
Direction
Click on the compass to indicate flight direction (in the example below, the user clicked on SE).
[Top to Direction]
[Top to Additional information]
[Back to Directly in the field]
Ring
- 1. Select the type of marking by checking the corresponding cell, and
- 2. type the inscription on the ring.
[Top to Ring]
[Top to Additional information]
[Back to Directly in the field]
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]
[Top to Additional information]
[Back to Directly in the field]
Entering additional information quick access
Some protocols may give you the option to enter additional information with icons when entering species and number of species (see image below).
White background icons = Atlas codes
Blue background icons = Any other additional information fields
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.
- Save to save and continue entering data, or
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. |
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).
Later
Enter casual observations after they occur.
Entering observations directly in the field is faster as date and time are already selected for you. Selecting a location is also faster if using the aim icon: you are already correctly positioned ! Entering observations later is useful when observations are noted on another support, such as a paper notebook, on rainy days, when the phone’s battery is low, or for any other reason you prefer not to use your device in the field. |
Step 1: Date / Time
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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.
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.
- Tick Enter 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).
To learn how to navigate the map, see wiki section Mobile interface > Navigating the map. |
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.
3 With a detailed list
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.
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.
STOP: End the list. The time will stop running. |
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.
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).
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.
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 lists that took place in the past. It also allows entering records in real time, but the record gets a new precision marker called “unprecise”.
4 With a simple list
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4.1 Step 1: Date / Time
4.2 Step 2: Place
4.3 Step 3: Species
4.4 Additional information
4.5 Step 4: Ending the list
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. Visit wiki section Mobile interface > Getting started > Preferences > Personalization > Keeping the trace to know more about recording your trace. Administrators will still see them once they are synchronised. When done, click Next.
If you change the time within 5 minutes of the given time, or do not change it at all, your list is considered a real time list and you have the option to record the trace. You will not be able to indicate the position of your observation, and it will be automatically considered to be the same as the position of your GPS. If you change the time more than 5 minutes of the real time, your list is not considered a real time list and the option to record the trace gets unresponsive. You will be able to select the position of your observations on a map, as explained in next sub section Place. |
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. and click Next.
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Step 3: Species
Enter species as described in wiki section Mobile interface > Submitting records > Directly in the field > Species.
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 after each record (see image below) to modify the number if necessary and the precision count. When a precision count is selected, you access the additional information menu. See wiki section Mobile interface > Submitting records > Directly in the field > Step 4 (non mandatory fields): Additional information 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.
Use the cross on the right of the species name to delete the record.
1. Additional information / Edit record
2. Add / Substract individuals
3. Delete entry
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.
1. GPS precision
2. Number of species already entered
Step 4: Ending the list
When all records are entered, click on the "stop" icon at the top right corner to finish the list, and confirm (see image).
Click on the time button to open an expandable clock and introduce ending time as in Mobile interface > Submitting records > With a detailed list > Ending the list. Adjust starting time if necessary. Finally, indicate if you recorded all species present or only part of them (see image).
With a detailed list preselects date and time for you but requires you to enter the position for each record. If the position of the observation is your current position, use the aim icon to be faster. It also allows entering additional information for each record within each entry. With a simple list can also be used in the field. In this case, you need to select date as well as starting and ending time. However, you will not be prompted to enter the position for each observation and the additional information menu will not be automatically displayed for each record. This saves time and reduces the chances of missing some individuals. Use "With a simple list" also in the field in real time if you do not need to get exact positions for each individual or add detailed information (as age, sex, pictures or atlas codes) for most of them. |
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.
Why to synchronise:
- Share your observations with fellow naturalists.
- Participate in conservation initiatives.
- Back up your records online (otherwise you may lose them if your phone crashes).
- Confirm dubious records.
Create object
Allows to record a nest, a burrow, a birdhouse, or similar encountered on the field. This function is only available to users with special rights.
Access it as if entering data, and click Create object (see image below).
Place
Place the pointer at the object position as explained in wiki section Mobile interface > Entering records > Directly in the field > Step 1: Place and click Create object (see image below).
Notice that when you are in the creating object mode, the pointer has a purple blue-circled dot.
Information
Enter object information:
- 1. Name
- 1. Name
- Enter name for the object.
- 2. Comment
- 2. Comment
- Leave a comment if necessary.
- 3. Life span
- 3. Life span
- Indicate if is a short (annual) or long life (perennial) object.
- 4. Height of the object above ground/water
- 4. Height of the object above ground/water
- Choose from the expandable menu the height at which the object is found. Choose - if unknown.
- 5. Picture
- 5. Picture
- Upload a picture of the object by selecting from your phone (5a) or taking a new one (5b). Click the bin icon (encircled, below) to delete an uploaded image.
- Click on object position within the image (arrow, below) to mark the exact position of the object. A hollow red circle will indicate the object.
Click Next when done.
- 6. Orientation
- 6. Orientation
- Select object's orientation by clicking on the white inner circle. A red arrow will indicate the orientation.
- Click on the yellow area of the compass to delete the orientation. If orientation is not important, click Next.
Click Next when done.
- 7. Radius
- 7. Radius
- In case the object is a territory, indicate the radius of the territory using the sliding bar (number 8 in picture below). A red line will indicate its limits.
- Note: when indicating a radius, the option "Artificial" is deactivated.
- 8. Nature
- 8. Nature
- Indicate the nature of the object.
- Choose between Natural, Artificial or a Device. According the nature of the object, next step will be different (see image as an example).
Natural | Icon | Description |
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Nest Optionally, choose from the expandable menu the structure the nest lies on or the type of tree and the tree age. If the nest is not on a tree, choose - on the tree age field. |
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Burrow | ||
Dam | ||
Rock site | ||
Underground site | ||
Territory | ||
Vegetal Optionally choose from the expandable menu the type of forest. |
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Hydrographic Optionally choose from the expandable menu the type of water structure. |
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Other | ||
Artificial | Nesting platform Optionally choose from the expandable menus the taxonomic group it is intended for, the material of construction and its support. |
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Birdhouse Optionally choose from the expandable menus the taxonomic group it is intended for, the material of construction and its support. |
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Building Optionally choose from the expandable menus the type of building and in which part of it lays the object. |
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Infrastructure Optionally choose from the expandable menu the type of structure. |
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Other | ||
Device | N/A |
Click Save to end and save record when done.
Find your created objects in : Menu > Tools > My objects.
Browsing objects
Find your created objects in : Menu > Tools > My objects.
When the object has been synchronised (no phone next to it), click on object and select See history (see image below).
Attach object to observation
1. Open My objects list going to Menu > Tools > My objects.
2. Click on any object from the My objects list to attach it to an observation (see image below).
3. Choose between:
- Add observation: to add an observation related to the object in real time.
- Add an older observation: to add an observation related to the object that occurred in the past.
4. Enter observation normally.
It is possible to add an observation, either in real time or in the past, independently if the object has been synchronised or not.