Patrols represent a method of temporal segmentation, allowing the documentation of a subject and events over a period of time.
Some examples of what a patrol could be used for:
Documenting animal behavior
Documenting investigations
Tracking game drives
Planning and documenting work for the operations team
Canine training
You can now track patrols in your EarthRanger Mobile app, these will be synced to the EarthRanger System in real-time (whilst the device has internet connectivity).
In order to start a Patrol from EarthRanger Mobile, you must ensure the logged in user account has the required permissions within EarthRanger.
When in a Patrol, tracking is automatically activated, and every Event created while being in a Patrol will now be linked to that Patrol and that Tracked subject keeping the location, time, and tracked by set by the Patrol.
To start a patrol tap the Patrol button on the Track Location Map View.
This will initiate the start patrol workflow in the app by prompting you with the selection of the type of patrol.
You can start a patrol when tracking is active by tapping the Start Patrol button from the bottom menu.
Patrol types are defined by the purpose of each patrol.
This ensures data analysis remains aligned with patrol goals.
The specific patrol types available are defined by each site through the EarthRanger admin interface.
These types can include routine patrols, scientific patrols, or patrols categorized by transportation methods, such as plane or drone patrols.
Tracked By is a field used during patrol creation.
It specifies the subject being tracked, which, in this case, represents the device.
When starting a new patrol from EarthRanger Mobile, the Tracked By field will automatically populate with the user or profile currently logged into the app.
This field cannot be modified.
By default, each patrol automatically receives the name of its corresponding patrol type.
However, EarthRanger Mobile allows you to modify this name for improved organization and personalization of your patrols.
Once the patrol is started, you will be able to see the Map Views bottom sheet minimized with the Patrol Title and End button to end the patrol.
This view is swipeable, revealing additional patrol details such as:
When Patrol Started: This includes the date, year, month, day, and time the patrol commenced.
Patrol ID: This is a unique numerical identifier assigned to each patrol.
Distance: This approximates the distance traveled during the current patrol, displayed in kilometers. It's important to note that this is an estimate intended for planning purposes and may not reflect the actual travel path.
Duration: This reflects the current patrol's duration in hours and minutes.
Start Location Coordinates: This displays the coordinates of the patrol's starting point.
End Button: Clicking this button concludes the patrol.
To end your patrol and stop tracking, click the End button from the Patrol Details View.
EarthRanger will ask you if you want to continue tracking your device location since the patrol is ending.
The data of your patrol will be sent to the EarthRanger System when a connection is available.
Note: While a patrol is active you cannot end Tracking until you end the patrol.
All data is stored locally on the device when the app is offline and not able to upload patrol data to an EarthRanger site.
Events and Tracks will continue to upload whenever it is possible and will automatically be associated with the patrol when it is uploaded.
Patrol Info
If Patrol Info is activated and an Event Type is selected in the patrol details setting, an Event of that type will open on patrol start.
Workflow
Set a default Event Type in Patrol Info settings
Start a Patrol
Select a Patrol Type
The default event type form opens
Submit the Event
Return to the Map View to begin the patrol
Note: The start location of the default event is not editable.
