FieldEco FieldEco

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about using FieldEco.

General Questions

Is FieldEco free?

Yes! FieldEco has a free tier to try the app. The free tier includes:

  • 1 project
  • Checklist survey method
  • Basic field tools
  • Species database
  • CSV export
  • Offline functionality

Premium features (unlimited projects, all survey methods, cloud sync, analysis) are available with Pro and Ultimate plans.

Does FieldEco work offline?

Absolutely. FieldEco is designed offline-first:

  • All data collection works without internet
  • Field tools work without internet
  • Analysis features work without internet
  • GPS uses device sensors (no internet needed)
  • Weather requires internet (only feature that does)

What devices does FieldEco support?

  • Android: Version 8.0 (Oreo) or higher
  • iOS: Version 14.0 or later (iPhone 8+, iPad)

How do I get support?

  • Email: support@fieldeco.app
  • Contact form on our website
  • In-app feedback option
  • Documentation and FAQ

Data & Privacy

Where is my data stored?

By default, all data is stored locally on your device. We don’t have access to your research data unless you:

  • Enable cloud sync (Premium)
  • Explicitly share data with us

Can I export my data?

Yes! Export options include:

  • CSV spreadsheets
  • Excel workbooks (.xlsx)
  • ZIP packages with photos
  • KML for GIS (Premium)

What happens if I delete the app?

Uninstalling the app removes all local data. We recommend:

  • Exporting important data first
  • Enabling cloud backup (Premium)
  • Saving exports to cloud storage

Is my data private?

Yes. We take privacy seriously:

  • Data stored locally by default
  • No analytics on your observations
  • No selling of user data
  • Full data ownership

Features

How many species can I record?

Unlimited! There’s no cap on observations or species within your projects.

Can I use my own species list?

The app includes a comprehensive species database for Indian fauna. You can also:

  • Add custom species entries
  • Search by common or scientific name
  • Create observations for unlisted species

How accurate is the GPS?

GPS accuracy depends on:

  • Your device’s GPS chip
  • Environmental conditions (cloud cover, buildings)
  • Time allowed for satellite lock

Best practices:

  • Wait for accuracy indicator to show <15m
  • Stand in open areas
  • Allow 30+ seconds for best accuracy

Can I add photos to observations?

Yes! You can add up to 5 photos per observation, including:

  • Automatic GPS tagging
  • Timestamp watermarks
  • Export with data packages

Technical Issues

GPS not working?

Try these steps:

  1. Enable Location permissions for FieldEco
  2. Enable device Location Services
  3. Move to an open area
  4. Wait 30+ seconds for lock
  5. Restart the app

App is running slowly?

Performance tips:

  • Close other apps
  • Clear app cache (Settings)
  • Ensure sufficient storage space
  • Update to latest version
  • Restart your device

Data not syncing?

For Premium users:

  1. Check internet connection
  2. Verify you’re logged in
  3. Force sync in Settings
  4. Contact support if issues persist

How do I update the app?

  • Android: Google Play Store → My Apps → Update
  • iOS: App Store → Updates → Update

Account & Subscription

Do I need an account?

An account is optional for basic features but required for:

  • Cloud backup (Premium)
  • Multi-device sync (Premium)
  • Data recovery

How do I delete my account?

  1. Open FieldEco Settings
  2. Tap “Account”
  3. Select “Delete Account”
  4. Confirm deletion

This removes all cloud data. Local data remains on device until app is uninstalled.

Can I transfer data to a new device?

With a free account:

  • Export data and import on new device

With Premium:

  • Sign in on new device
  • Data syncs automatically

Research Use

Can I cite FieldEco in publications?

Yes! We recommend citing:

  • App name: FieldEco
  • Version number (from Settings)
  • Access date
  • Website: fieldeco.app

Is FieldEco suitable for peer-reviewed research?

Yes. FieldEco provides:

  • Standardized methodologies
  • GPS-verified locations
  • Timestamped observations
  • Photo documentation
  • Data export for validation

What survey standards does FieldEco follow?

  • Bird surveys: Based on BBS point count protocols
  • Phenology: USA National Phenology Network standards
  • Mark-recapture: Standard Lincoln-Petersen methodology
  • Diversity: Shannon, Simpson per ecological literature

Still Have Questions?