Citizen Science - Frequently Asked Questions

Project FAQs

I have been using a different Citizen Science application. What happens to my existing data if I want to switch to WatchSpotter™?

Great Question.
As long as you can export your existing data to a file, we can import it into WatchSpotter™. Including all images. There is no additional charge for importing your data.

Do I have to sign a long-term contract?

No. There are no contracts. WatchSpotter™ uses a subscription model, paid monthly, quarterly, or annually. Because of the quality of the product, features, and cost, we anticipate you will want to use WatchSpotter™ for years to come.

How long does it take for my project to go live with WatchSpotter™?

Because the platform is already created, it’s fast. Your WatchSpotter™ account manager will work with you to set up your project’s platform.

I have an existing project, how do I get started with WatchSpotter™?

Another Great Question!

Give us a call at 772-444-1001 or fill out the form on the contact page. We will assign an account manager to your account and start getting your project ready.

How many Spotters can I have?

There is no limit to the number of Spotters you can have. Your cost does not change if you have 1 Spotter or 10,000!

How can I communicate with the Spotters on my project?

There are multiple ways. You can email them, text them, or send them an in-app message, all from the project admin console.

How does WatchSpotter™ prevent unauthorized photos from being uploaded as spots?

In order for a spot to added:

  1. All Spotters must register with the project admin before they are approved to submit a spot.
  2. Once they submit a spot, the data and photo must be approved prior to the data and photo appearing on the public map.
I have a known Super Spotter. Do I have to approve their spots every time?

No. There is an auto-approved switch that can be turned on/off for any user at any time.

Can I add a Contact Us and/or an "In Case of Emergency" info on the app in case the Spotter sees a sick or injured animal?

Absolutely. The Field Guide has a dynamic editor within WatchSpotter™. Once you save any changes, the mobile app is updated for your Spotters in real-time.

What is Data Visualization?

Data Visualization is a digital method of visually analyzing data. The WatchSpotter maps offer several imagery options for viewing your data.

How can we gather specific data from a Spotter along with their photos?

The WatchSpotter™ platform is designed to ask the user (Spotter) to answer project-specific questions. There is no limit to the number of questions that you can ask. The questions are dynamic and can be updated at any time. The Spotter app is updated in real-time.

What is Data Analytics?

All project data can be reported on, analyzed, and charted. WatchSpotter™ offers dashboards, charts, and graphs to analyze data. Results can be viewed in the project console and exported to Excel or a CSV file.

Citizen Science - Frequently Asked Questions

Spotter Mobile App FAQs

What if there is no cell phone service where the Spotters are? Can we still use WatchSpotter™?

That’s another awesome feature of the WatchSpotter™ app. The app runs in what is called offline mode. You can take photos and enter as much data in as many spots as you need to with no service whatsoever. Once the mobile device has cell or Wi-Fi again, the data will be transmitted automatically. The Spotter does not need to do anything different.

Can I be a Spotter for more than 1 project?

Yes. As a Spotter, you can spot for as many projects as you’d like. You simply go into settings and switch accounts.

How much does it cost to be a Spotter and use the mobile app?

There are no costs to use the mobile app.

Is the app available for iPhone and for Android phones?

Yes. The mobile app can be downloaded from your app store.

Spotter Communications FAQs

How do we communicate with our Spotters?

SpotterChat™ is a fully integrated messaging platform for Citizen Science team collaboration.

Do all my team member need another messaging app as well as the WatchSpotter app?

No. The SpotterChat™ messaging platform is fully integrated and is accessible in the Admin Portal, the Spotter Portal and the WatchSpotter™ mobile app.

Is there any additional cost associated with the messaging platform?

No. SpotterChat™ messaging is built in and included in your subscription regardless of the number of Admins and Spotters.