Mobile technologies
Mobile apps can also be useful tools to collect, record and collate fieldwork data.
Mobile apps
Use the list of useful apps below to assist in your fieldwork.
Plant identification
The Trees Near Me NSW app, a project of the Department of Planning and Environment, shows you what plants are growing now, and what used to grow, throughout our state.
iNaturalist helps you identify plants and animals with visually similar suggestions and verification by dedicated contributors. Get connected with a community of over a million scientists and naturalists who can help you learn more about nature! By recording and sharing your observations, you'll create research-quality data for scientists working to better understand and protect nature.
The app uses AR technology in your phone to measure the distance from the tree and the angle to the top of the tree to get an estimate of its height.
(Apple devices only)
BioCollect is an advanced, but simple-to-use data collection tool for biodiversity science. It was developed by the Atlas of Living Australia in collaboration with many organisations to assist users in collecting field data for their own projects as well as to enable new biodiversity data to be easily copied into the ALA where it can be available for others to use in research, policy and management. This allows individual projects to collectively contribute to “big science”.
Animal identification
NSW Field Guide – Australian Museum
Explore and identify the unique and diverse fauna of New South Wales. Field Guide to NSW Fauna is a valuable tool for anyone with an interest in wildlife. Use it in urban, bush and coastal environments to learn more about the animals around you. Browse over 1000 species including birds, mammals, fishes, amphibians, reptiles, insects, arachnids and more.
iNaturalist helps you identify plants and animals with visually similar suggestions and verification by dedicated contributors. Get connected with a community of over a million scientists and naturalists who can help you learn more about nature! By recording and sharing your observations, you'll create research-quality data for scientists working to better understand and protect nature.
Australia's first national frog identification program.
The project focuses on five bird species: Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Australian Brush-turkey, Australian White Ibis, Little Corella, and Long-billed Corella. Their whereabouts, behaviours, communal roosts, and nest sites are of interest to researchers at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, and the University of Sydney.
Record pest animal activity in your local area to protect farms, biodiversity and communities.
The Waterbug App v2.0 allows you to complete a Waterbug Survey so you can add a river health assessment to The National Waterbug Blitz.
BioCollect is an advanced, but simple-to-use data collection tool for biodiversity science. It was developed by the Atlas of Living Australia in collaboration with many organisations to assist users in collecting field data for their own projects as well as to enable new biodiversity data to be easily copied into the ALA where it can be available for others to use in research, policy and management. This allows individual projects to collectively contribute to “big science”.
How healthy is our water? What does the colour indicate? Use this measurement app to contribute measurements, and join the EyeOnWater community.
The Waterbug App v2.0 allows you to complete a Waterbug Survey so you can add a river health assessment to The National Waterbug Blitz.
Spatial data
Epicollect5 is a free and easy-to-use mobile data-gathering platform. It provides both the web and mobile application for the generation of forms (questionnaires) and freely hosted project websites for data collection.
Use Survey123 to capture reliable data from familiar devices while either online or offline. With surveys published to ArcGIS Online or ArcGIS Enterprise, data is securely uploaded to ArcGIS for further analysis.
‘Emergency +’ is a national app developed by Australia’s emergency services and their government industry partners, helping people to call the right number at the right time, anywhere in Australia. Emergency + also includes SES and Police Assistance Line numbers as options, so non-emergency calls are made to the most appropriate number.
Hazards Near Me NSW shows information and warnings about bush fires and floods across NSW, using information directly from emergency services.
AllTrails is a fitness and travel mobile app used in outdoor recreational activities. The service allows users to access a database of trail maps, which includes crowdsourced reviews and images.
Easily track all your outdoor activities and turn them into beautiful stories, including animated 3D videos.
iNaturalist helps you identify plants and animals with visually similar suggestions and verification by dedicated contributors. Get connected with a community of over a million scientists and naturalists who can help you learn more about nature! By recording and sharing your observations, you'll create research-quality data for scientists working to better understand and protect nature.
BioCollect is an advanced, but simple-to-use data collection tool for biodiversity science. It was developed by the Atlas of Living Australia in collaboration with many organisations to assist users in collecting field data for their own projects as well as to enable new biodiversity data to be easily copied into the ALA where it can be available for others to use in research, policy and management. This allows individual projects to collectively contribute to “big science”.
Australia's first national frog identification program.
The project focuses on five bird species: Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Australian Brush-turkey, Australian White Ibis, Little Corella, and Long-billed Corella. Their whereabouts, behaviours, communal roosts, and nest sites are of interest to researchers at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, and the University of Sydney.
Record pest animal activity in your local area to protect farms, biodiversity and communities.
How healthy is our water? What does the colour indicate? Use this measurement app to contribute measurements, and join the EyeOnWater community.
Abiotic factors
A selection of equipment and instruments used to measure and record non-living factors
Biotic factors
A selection of equipment and instruments used to measure and record living factors