FieldEco FieldEco

Your First Survey

Complete your first ecological data collection with FieldEco.

Starting a Survey

Once you have a project, you can begin collecting data. This guide walks through creating a simple Checklist survey.

Step 1: Select Your Project

  1. Open the Projects tab
  2. Tap on your project
  3. Tap New Survey or the + button

Step 2: Choose Survey Method

Select Checklist for your first survey. It’s the simplest method and great for learning the app.

Tip: You can explore other methods like Transect, Quadrat, or Point Count later. Each is designed for specific research needs.

Step 3: Setup Screen

Configure your survey settings:

SettingDescription
Survey NameDescriptive name for this survey
Date & TimeAutomatically set, can be adjusted
LocationTap to capture GPS coordinates
Habitat TypeForest, Grassland, Wetland, etc.
WeatherOptional: Temperature, conditions
ObserverYour name/ID

Step 4: Data Collection

After setup, you’ll enter the data collection screen:

  1. Add Observation - Tap the + button
  2. Select Species - Search by common or scientific name
  3. Enter Count - How many individuals observed
  4. Add Details - Notes, life stage, behavior
  5. Take Photo - Optional documentation
  6. Save - Confirm the observation

Step 5: Complete the Survey

When you’ve finished collecting data:

  1. Review your observations
  2. Tap Complete Survey or the checkmark
  3. Add any final notes
  4. Save and exit

Working with Observations

Adding an Observation

  1. Tap + or Add Observation
  2. Search for species by name
  3. Enter count (default is 1)
  4. Optional: Add photos, notes, GPS waypoint
  5. Save

Editing an Observation

  1. Tap on the observation in the list
  2. Modify fields as needed
  3. Save changes

Deleting an Observation

  1. Swipe left on the observation
  2. Tap Delete
  3. Confirm

Tips for Successful Surveys

Before You Go

  • Charge your device fully
  • Enable airplane mode to save battery
  • Download offline maps if needed
  • Test GPS accuracy

In the Field

  • Wait for GPS accuracy < 10m
  • Take photos of uncertain species
  • Add detailed notes
  • Use consistent naming

After the Survey

  • Review all observations
  • Fix any typos or errors
  • Export data for backup
  • Sync to cloud (Premium)

Understanding GPS

FieldEco automatically captures GPS coordinates. Look for:

  • Accuracy indicator - Green = good, Yellow = fair, Red = poor
  • Wait for accuracy < 15 meters for best results
  • Stand in open areas away from buildings/trees

Next Steps

Now that you’ve completed your first survey: