Before running any workflow in Ecoscope, you must first connect at least one data source. Data sources are the foundation of all workflow analyses. They provide the input data that workflows query, process, and visualize.
Currently, Ecoscope supports integration with EarthRanger, with future compatibility planned for platforms such as SMART and satellite data providers.
What Is a Data Source?
In Ecoscope, a data source represents a live or periodically synced connection to an external system that contains relevant operational data such as GPS observations, patrol logs, or event records.
Once connected, data from the source becomes available to all applicable workflows (e.g., Subject Tracking, Events, or Patrols). Each workflow pulls from the defined data source to generate maps, plots, and dashboard calculations like average speed, number of patrols, or observation density.
How Data Source Connections Work
Ecoscope establishes secure, direct API connections to your EarthRanger instance. Once authenticated, it can query telemetry, events, and spatial data in near real-time (or based on scheduled pulls, depending on configuration).
Each connection is stored securely and displayed within the Data Sources tab for reference or management.
Connecting a New Data Source (EarthRanger)
To connect your EarthRanger instance:
- Navigate to the Data Sources tab in the top navigation bar.
- Click Connect Data Source.
- Fill in the required connection details:
- Click Save to validate and store the connection.
| Data Source Name | A unique name for the connection (e.g., Serengeti_ER). |
| EarthRanger URL | The personalized domain in your EarthRanger URL (e.g., https://<yourdomain>.pamdas.com). |
| Username | Your EarthRanger username. Note: this is NOT your Ecoscope username. |
| Password | Your EarthRanger password. Note: this is NOT your Ecoscope password. |
If the connection is successful, you’ll see your data source listed in the table view.
Note: If the connection fails, double-check your credentials. A common issue is entering your Ecoscope login instead of your EarthRanger credentials.
Viewing and Managing Existing Data Sources
All configured data sources appear in the list view under the Data Sources tab. Each row displays key information:
- Data Source Name – The custom name you gave the connection.
- Domain – The URL or domain of the connected EarthRanger instance.
- Connection Type – Currently limited to EarthRanger, with more to come.
- Created At – Timestamp of when the connection was added.
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Updated At – Timestamp of the last successful update or reconfiguration.
When is an update required?
Over time, the authentication token or session between Ecoscope and your EarthRanger instance may expire. When this happens, you'll be prompted to Reconnect the data source before you can create or run new workflows with it. This is a normal part of maintaining secure, time-limited access.
If you need to update credentials or reassign a source to another workflow, edits can be made directly from this view.