Understanding "Tracked by" and "Reported by" in EarthRanger

An important aspect of EarthRanger is its ability to track and report various events and activities, facilitated by two key functionalities: "Tracked by" and "Reported by." 

Understanding the difference between these two terms is essential for users to effectively utilize the platform and interpret the data accurately.

Tracked by

The "Tracked by" functionality in EarthRanger is specifically used for Patrols. It represents the device or subject being tracked during the current patrol. This field is automatically filled when using EarthRanger Mobile, streamlining the process and ensuring that tracking data is consistently accurate and up-to-date. For manual setup, the system provides a list of tracked subjects from the admin settings, allowing users to select the appropriate device or subject. The "Tracked by" feature signifies the device or subject actively being tracked, ensuring that the data is carefully and accurately managed. 

Example: When a Patrol is started in EarthRanger Mobile, the system automatically fills out the field “Tracked by” with the user set to the device. 

Reported by

The "Reported by" functionality in EarthRanger is used for recording Events. It is manually filled and displays the list of tracked subjects, similar to "Tracked by," helping to keep track of who is making the reports. If a patrol is active and the report is made by a user on that patrol, the "Reported by" field will match the "Tracked by" subject. This ensures that each report accurately reflects the source of the information. By displaying a list of tracked subjects, users can select the correct entity reporting the event, enhancing the reliability of the data collected. This feature is essential for event-specific reporting, providing clarity on who is making the observations or reporting incidents. When a report is made during an active patrol, the "Reported by" field will automatically align with the "Tracked by" subject, maintaining consistency and accuracy in the data.

Example: A ranger witnesses unusual wildlife behavior and reports it using EarthRanger Mobile. The "Reported by" field indicates the ranger's GPS device, which can also be the "Tracked by" subject if the report was made during an active patrol.

Both "Tracked by" and "Reported by" functionalities are crucial for comprehensive monitoring and management in the EarthRanger system. They provide complementary data sets that enhance the overall situational awareness and decision-making capabilities. EarthRanger integrates both tracked and reported data to provide a holistic view of the landscape, allowing for better analysis and response strategies.