FieldEco FieldEco

Essential Field Tools

GPS, Compass, Weather, and other core field measurement instruments.

Overview

FieldEco’s Essential Tools provide the core field measurements every researcher needs. These tools work offline and use your device’s built-in sensors.

GPS Coordinates

Capture precise location data for your observations.

Features

  • Latitude/Longitude display
  • Accuracy indicator (meters)
  • Altitude reading
  • Coordinate format options

How to Use

  1. Open GPS Coordinates tool
  2. Wait for accuracy indicator to turn green
  3. Tap to capture coordinates
  4. Copy or save as waypoint

Accuracy Tips

  • Wait for accuracy < 15 meters
  • Stand in open areas
  • Avoid buildings and trees
  • Give GPS 30+ seconds to lock

Compass

Digital compass for bearing and direction.

Features

  • Cardinal direction display
  • Degree bearing (0-360°)
  • Magnetic vs True North option
  • Level indicator

How to Use

  1. Hold device flat
  2. Point in direction of interest
  3. Read bearing value
  4. Calibrate if needed (figure-8 motion)

Applications

  • Transect bearings
  • Slope aspect
  • Navigation
  • Photo orientation

Altitude / Elevation

Current elevation above sea level.

Features

  • GPS-based elevation
  • Barometric option (where available)
  • Accuracy indicator

Notes

  • GPS elevation typically ±10-20m
  • Barometric more precise but needs calibration
  • Best for relative comparisons

Weather Dashboard

Real-time weather conditions (requires internet).

Data Displayed

  • Temperature (°C/°F)
  • Humidity (%)
  • Wind speed and direction
  • Atmospheric pressure
  • Conditions description

How to Use

  1. Open Weather Dashboard
  2. Allow location access
  3. View current conditions
  4. Save snapshot to survey

Sunrise/Sunset & Moon

Solar and lunar timing information.

Features

  • Sunrise time
  • Sunset time
  • Civil/Nautical/Astronomical twilight
  • Moon phase
  • Moonrise/Moonset

Applications

  • Plan survey timing
  • Night survey preparation
  • Lunar influence studies
  • Golden hour photography

Timer / Stopwatch

Time observations and survey intervals.

Features

  • Countdown timer
  • Stopwatch with lap times
  • Multiple timers
  • Background operation

Applications

  • Point count intervals
  • Timed surveys
  • Observation duration
  • Survey effort tracking

Flashlight / Red Light

Illumination for night fieldwork.

Features

  • White light (full brightness)
  • Red light (preserves night vision)
  • SOS pattern
  • Screen brightness control

Red Light Benefits

  • Preserves dark adaptation
  • Less disturbance to wildlife
  • Preferred for nocturnal surveys