How to record an encounter with a species not yet in the WildObs wildlife database

WildObs Observer is making good progress, and I have the basics in place & use it myself. Let me walk you through it, and solicit your feedback.

Note: Please let me know (via e-mail or direct Twitter message to @wildobs) if you would be interested in signing up for the beta of this application.

• Step #1: Launch WildObs when you experience a WildLife encounter you’d like to record.
• Step #2: Scroll through the lists of species to select the appropriate one.
• Step #3: Record that encounter (what/where/when) for your records.

See below for screen shots of this application. Please let me have your feedback.

WildObs Observer
Step #1: Start-up WildObs observer (After the splash it shows you your existing encounters)…

Wild Obs Observer (Splash Screen)

WildObs Observer (My Encounters)

Species
Step #2: Select the species (perhaps from your list of favorites, your wishlist or other list or from all.)

WildObs Observer (Favorites)

WildObs Observer (Species)

Record your encounter
Step #3: Confirm your encounter information and save it to WildObs.

WildObs Observer (Record Encounter)

I am working on a project (WildObsObserver) that is an iPhone (or iPod Touch) application for Wildlife Observers. Here is the gist so far:

• Record your wildlife encounter:
  • Select the category (type of critter) from a list: favorites, wish list or all.
  • Current location and current time are determined from the device (if GPS is available.)
  • (eventually) allow an photo to be taken/uploaded. (if available.)
• View what local critters are at a region (park, mountain, other location).

I want this application for me, to allow me to easily record what I see when in the field & perhaps add a fuller description in my own time. It’ll allow me to develop records on my hikes without me having to remember them or write down the place/time, etc.

Please let me know your thoughts on this application, and especially your ideas for improving it.