Device Integration in Self-Deployment

Before You Begin

EarthRanger serves as the central platform where all devices are managed, validated, and visualized. Devices can include animal collars, sensors, radios, aircraft trackers, and environmental monitors used to support real-time monitoring and decision-making.

  • Before starting, use this guide to identify how your devices will connect to EarthRanger.
  • Most device management occurs directly inside EarthRanger Admin.
  • If your device connects through Gundi, setup begins in Gundi and finishes inside EarthRanger Admin, where you’ll manage visibility, groups, and permissions.
     

Integration Paths in EarthRanger

A. Direct EarthRanger Admin Setup

Most integrations are configured directly in EarthRanger Admin, where you connect, organize, and manage all devices that appear on your map.


Through EarthRanger Admin, you can:

  • Create and manage subjects — representing devices, animals, vehicles, or people.
  • Generate authentication tokens — for connecting devices or external systems securely.
  • Organize and customize tracks — adjust icons, colors, and visibility.
  • Access the EarthRanger API — to exchange data or automate processes.


This path applies to:

  • Devices and systems that transmit data directly to EarthRanger (such as Garmin InReach or FIRMS fire alerts).
  • Custom-built integrations and telemetry solutions that don’t rely on Gundi.


Tip: The Admin setup gives you full control over how devices appear and interact within EarthRanger. It’s the foundation of your site’s data flow and visibility.

B. Gundi-Supported Integrations

Some devices connect to EarthRanger through Gundi, a supporting integration service that streamlines data flow from hardware providers into EarthRanger.

Gundi synchronizes information from collars, sensors, and telemetry gateways so EarthRanger can receive location and status updates automatically.


When using this path:

  • Check the All Supported Technologies page in the Gundi Help Center to confirm if your provider is listed.
  • Follow the specific setup guide for your provider in Gundi’s documentation.
  • Once data is flowing, return to EarthRanger Admin to manage devices; creating subjects, assigning groups, and configuring permissions.


Note: Gundi is an integration bridge. Final setup, management, and validation always occur inside EarthRanger Admin.


C. External System Connections

In addition to devices, EarthRanger can connect to external systems that exchange or enhance operational data.
This includes:

  • GIS platforms (e.g., ArcGIS Online or ArcGIS Enterprise) for importing and exporting patrol routes, boundaries, or basemap layers.
  • Telemetry systems that deliver environmental or positional data either directly or via Gundi.
  • Automation or data pipelines that synchronize information with other internal or partner systems.


These integrations help EarthRanger serve as the hub for spatial and analytical data.
For detailed setup guidance, see Connect External Systems to EarthRanger.


D. API Access

EarthRanger provides a robust Application Programming Interface (API) for organizations that want to automate or extend their deployment.
Through the API, developers can:

  • Send or retrieve device and event data programmatically.
  • Build custom dashboards or data workflows.
  • Integrate with third-party applications or internal systems.


For implementation details and usage examples, see Interact with EarthRanger Data Using the API.


E.Supported Input Devices

EarthRanger maintains a growing list of supported devices that connect either directly through Admin or via Gundi.
The EarthRanger Supported Devices List includes:

  • GPS collars (Savannah Tracking, Vectronic Aerospace, ATS, Telonics, etc.)
  • Camera traps and sensor platforms
  • Satellite, GSM, or LoRa-enabled devices
  • Environmental monitoring tools and open-source wildlife tracking technologies

Note: Some integrations only support inbound data. If your device isn’t listed or you’re unsure about compatibility, contact support@earthranger.com for confirmation.


For Gundi-supported integrations, visit All Supported Technologies in the Gundi Help Center for the complete provider catalog.

 

Validate Your Integration

After setup, confirm that devices are correctly integrated and visible in EarthRanger Admin:
 

  • Check that devices appear in the correct subject groups.
  • Verify that tracks display properly on the map.
  • Ensure users have the appropriate permissions to view and manage device data.

For detailed steps, see Validate Device Integration in this guide.