GPS Auto-Capture for Observations

When you create observations on mobile devices, Kora automatically captures your GPS location. No manual entry, no remembering coordinates, no guessing where you were.

How GPS Auto-Capture Works:

Creating a Field Observation:

1. Open Kora on your mobile device
2. Navigate to Field Observations (from bottom navigation or App Launcher)
3. Tap the "Record" button
4. GPS location captured automatically: Latitude, longitude, and accuracy are recorded the moment you create the observation
5. Your exact location is attached to the observation without any action from you

What Gets Captured:

• Latitude: Your north-south position (e.g., -1.286389)
• Longitude: Your east-west position (e.g., 36.817223)
• Accuracy: How precise the GPS fix is (e.g., accurate to within 5 metres)
• Timestamp: Exact date and time of capture

GPS Accuracy Indicators:

• High accuracy (0-10m): Strong GPS signal, precise location (shown with green indicator)
• Medium accuracy (10-30m): Reasonable GPS signal, good enough for most field work (yellow indicator)
• Low accuracy (30m+): Weak GPS signal, less precise but still useful (orange indicator)

Kora shows you the accuracy level so you know how reliable the location data is.

Why GPS Auto-Capture Matters:

For Wildlife Management:

• Record exact location of wildlife sightings
• Document habitat observations at specific coordinates
• Track animal movement patterns with precise GPS waypoints
• Map conservation territories with field-verified boundaries

For Livestock Management:

• Document where you observed sick animals in large paddocks
• Record location of feeding events across grazing areas
• Verify animals are in correct locations during field checks
• Create movement records with exact pickup and delivery points

For Zoo and Conservation:

• Document enclosure-specific observations with GPS verification
• Record habitat quality assessments at precise monitoring points
• Track field research activities across reserve territories
• Coordinate multi-site conservation programmes with location data

Permissions: When you first use GPS features, your browser or device will ask for location permissions. Grant "Allow" to enable GPS auto-capture. You can revoke permissions later in device settings if needed.

GPS Works Best When:

• You have clear view of sky (GPS satellites need line-of-sight)
• You are outdoors (buildings, tree canopy can reduce accuracy)
• GPS/Location services are enabled on your device
• You wait a few seconds for GPS to acquire signal (initial fix may take 10-30 seconds)

Map Integration: Observations with GPS coordinates automatically appear on maps:

• View all observations plotted at their captured locations
• Filter by date, user, animal, or observation type
• Trace your daily rounds by viewing observation GPS tracks
• Verify you covered all areas during field checks

Quick Field Observation Recording

Field observations are optimised for speed. Capture what matters in under a minute:

Field Observation Workflow:

Step 1: Open Field Observations

• Tap "Field Observations" in bottom navigation
• Or access from App Launcher → Field Observations

Step 2: Create New Observation

• Tap the large FAB (Floating Action Button) with + icon
• GPS automatically captures your current location

Step 3: Optional - Link to Animal or Location

• Animal-linked: Scan QR code or search for animal by name/ID
• Location-linked: Observation attached to your current GPS location
• Both: Link to specific animal at specific GPS coordinates

Step 4: Record Details

• Observation type: Health, Behaviour, Physical, Environmental
• Severity: Low, Medium, High, Critical (for health observations)
• Notes: Brief description of what you observed
• Voice-to-text: Speak your observations instead of typing (where device supports)

Step 5: Photo Documentation (Optional)

• Tap camera icon
• Take photo directly from observation form
• Photo attaches to observation automatically
• Add multiple photos if needed

Step 6: Save

• Tap "Save" button
• Observation is recorded immediately
• Syncs to Kora instantly (visible on desktop immediately)

Time from start to saved observation: 30-60 seconds (depending on how detailed your notes are)

Follow-Up Flags: Mark observations that require follow-up:

• "Requires Veterinary Attention" - Flags for veterinarian review
• "Requires Follow-Up" - General flag for management attention
• "Create Task" - Auto-generates task for specific follow-up action

Flagged observations appear in dashboards and task lists, ensuring nothing gets missed.

Recent Observations List: Field Observation page shows your recent observations:

• What you recorded today
• Yesterday's observations for reference
• Quick access to edit or update observations
• Visual summary of your field activity

Field Observation Examples:

Example 1 - Cattle Health Check:

GPS: -25.746111, 28.188056 (Accuracy: 8m)
Animal: Daisy #A001
Type: Health
Severity: Medium
Notes: Slight limp on right rear leg, favouring when walking. No visible swelling.
Photo: [Image of leg/gait]
Follow-Up: Requires Veterinary Attention
Time to record: 45 seconds

Example 2 - Wildlife Sighting:

GPS: -1.483333, 37.033333 (Accuracy: 12m)
Type: Environmental
Notes: Herd of 8 elephants observed at waterhole. 2 calves present. Habitat condition good.
Photo: [Image of elephant herd]
Follow-Up: None
Time to record: 30 seconds

Example 3 - Zoo Behavioural Observation:

GPS: -33.865143, 151.209900 (Accuracy: 6m)
Animal: Raja (Tiger #T042)
Type: Behaviour
Severity: Low
Notes: Increased pacing near front of enclosure during feeding time. Normal eating behaviour.
Photo: [Video clip of pacing]
Follow-Up: Monitor - create task to observe for 3 more days
Time to record: 55 seconds

QR Code Scanning

QR codes provide instant animal identification. Scan and access records in seconds.

How QR Code Scanning Works:

For Animal Identification:

1. Generate QR codes for animals (from desktop animal records)

2. Print QR codes and attach to:

   • Ear tags (livestock)
   • Enclosure signs (zoo animals, captive wildlife)
   • Management cards (individual animal files)
   • Collar tags (where applicable)

3. In the field, open Kora on mobile

4. Access QR scanner (from animal search, field observations, or dedicated scanner)

5. Point camera at QR code

6. Animal record opens automatically

QR Code Applications:

Livestock Management:

• Scan ear tag QR code to access individual animal record
• Record treatments directly from scanned animal
• Verify animal identity during movements
• Quick health history lookup before administering medication

Zoo and Captive Wildlife:

• Scan enclosure QR code to see all animals in that enclosure
• Access feeding schedules, enrichment plans, health notes
• Record observations for specific animals without searching by name
• Verify correct animal when multiple similar-looking individuals

Veterinarian Access:

• Scan patient QR code during clinical examination
• Access complete medical history instantly
• Record veterinary observations linked to correct animal
• Verify allergy information before administering treatments

Visitor Check-In/Check-Out: QR codes also enable visitor management:

1. Generate location QR codes for entry points
2. Print and display QR codes at gates, reception areas, biosecurity checkpoints
3. Visitors scan QR code with their phone to check in
4. System logs visitor entry, location, and timestamp
5. Scan exit QR code when leaving to complete visit log

Benefits:

• Contactless check-in (biosecurity compliance)
• Automatic visitor logs (who was where, when)
• Risk assessment tracking (have visitors worked with other animals recently?)
• Movement tracking for biosecurity tracing

QR Scanner Features:

• Autofocus: Camera automatically focuses on QR code
• Torch/Flashlight: Enable device flashlight in low light conditions
• Scanner frame: Visual guide shows where to position QR code
• Instant recognition: QR code detected in under 1 second
• Error handling: Clear messages if QR code is damaged or unrecognised

Permissions: QR scanning requires camera access. Grant camera permissions when prompted to enable scanning functionality.

Camera Integration

Mobile devices have built-in cameras. Kora integrates photo capture directly into workflows.

Where Camera Integration Appears:

Observations:

• Tap camera icon within observation form
• Camera launches directly
• Take photo of symptoms, injuries, environmental conditions
• Photo attaches to observation automatically
• Add multiple photos to single observation

Treatment Documentation:

• Before/after photos of treatments
• Wound healing progression
• Physical condition documentation
• Treatment site photos (injection locations, surgical sites)

Inventory Management:

• Product photos for inventory items
• Batch/lot number capture
• Expiration date documentation
• Damaged inventory evidence

Wildlife Sighting Reports:

• Species identification photos
• Population count verification
• Habitat quality documentation
• Evidence of human-wildlife conflict

QR Code Generation (desktop) → Photo Scanning (mobile):

• Desktop generates QR codes
• Print and attach to animals/locations
• Mobile camera scans QR codes for instant access
• Complete loop from generation to field use

Photo Quality and Size:

• Photos automatically compressed for efficient upload
• Acceptable quality maintained for documentation needs
• Suitable for veterinary review, regulatory compliance, evidence documentation
• Originals can be uploaded separately if high resolution needed

Photo Management:

• Photos attached to records (observations, treatments, animals)
• Viewable on both mobile and desktop
• Downloadable for external sharing or printing
• Can be deleted or replaced if necessary

Privacy and Security:

• Photos stored securely within Kora
• Access controlled by user permissions
• No automatic sharing to public galleries or social media
• EXIF data (location, device info) removed for privacy where appropriate

Camera Integration Examples:

Example 1 - Livestock Injury Documentation:

1. Observe cattle with leg wound during field check
2. Create health observation on mobile
3. Tap camera icon in observation form
4. Take photo of wound
5. Add second photo showing full animal for context
6. Save observation with both photos attached
7. Veterinarian reviews photos on desktop, provides treatment guidance remotely

Example 2 - Wildlife Species Confirmation:

1. Spot unfamiliar bird species during wildlife survey
2. Create wildlife sighting observation
3. Take photo of bird for species identification
4. Save observation with GPS coordinates and photo
5. Later, on desktop, confirm species using field guide
6. Update observation with confirmed species name

Example 3 - Zoo Enrichment Activity Documentation:

1. Install new enrichment in primate enclosure
2. Create enrichment observation
3. Take photos of enrichment setup
4. Throughout day, capture photos of animals interacting with enrichment
5. Save all photos attached to enrichment observation
6. Review on desktop to assess enrichment effectiveness

Field Work Integration

These mobile-first features work together:

Complete Field Workflow:

1. Walk to paddock - Use GPS map to navigate to location
2. Scan animal QR code - Instant animal identification
3. Create observation - GPS auto-captured, linked to scanned animal
4. Take photos - Document symptoms or conditions
5. Set follow-up flag - Mark for veterinary review
6. Move to next animal - Repeat process

All done on mobile, all data instantly available on desktop for detailed follow-up.

Cross-Device Continuity:

• GPS coordinates captured on mobile plot on desktop map
• Photos taken on mobile display in desktop animal records
• QR codes generated on desktop work seamlessly with mobile scanner
• Field observations on mobile trigger desktop task assignments
• Treatment plans created on desktop guide mobile treatment recording

Field Work Efficiency: Mobile-first features reduce time from observation to action:

• Traditional workflow: Observe → remember → return to office → enter data → review → plan response (hours to days)
• Kora mobile workflow: Observe → record with GPS and photo → flag for follow-up → response triggered immediately (minutes)

When combined, GPS, QR scanning, and camera integration transform field work. They change it from memory-based note-taking into GPS-verified, photo-documented, instantly accessible animal management.

Tips for Effective Mobile Field Work

GPS:

• Wait for GPS to acquire signal before creating observation (10-30 seconds initially)
• Check GPS accuracy indicator. Aim for under 20m accuracy for precise work
• Clear view of sky improves GPS accuracy
• GPS works even without mobile data (uses satellite signals)

QR Codes:

• Clean QR codes scan faster (wipe mud/dirt off tags)
• Good lighting improves scan speed
• Hold camera steady 10-20cm from QR code
• Enable torch in low light

Camera:

• Take multiple photos if first is not clear
• Include context photo (whole animal) and detail photo (specific concern)
• Good lighting produces clearer photos
• Steady hands reduce blur

Battery Management:

• GPS and camera drain battery faster than normal use
• Carry portable charger for extended field sessions
• Enable power-saving mode when battery low (may reduce GPS accuracy slightly)

Mobile Data:

• Observations sync when you have mobile data or Wi-Fi
• GPS works without data (uses satellites)
• QR scanning works without data (code decoded locally)
• Camera works without data (photos upload when connection available)

Mobile-first field work features make Kora a tool you carry with you, capturing precise, photo-documented, GPS-verified observations wherever your animals are.