Configuring Stationary Subjects

This article explains how to add and configure stationary subjects, such as weather stations, GSM trail cameras, or fence energizers within your EarthRanger site.


Before You Begin

All configuration steps are performed on the EarthRanger Admin site. Stationary subjects are unique because their location does not change; instead, they provide continuous data from a fixed point.


Step 1: Create the Subject

To register a new stationary subject, you will first create the underlying components that define and connect it.

  1. Create a Source Provider
    1. Defines the type of stationary subject. Example: weather_stations or fence_energizer.
    2. Learn how to create a Source Provider 
  2. Create a Source
    1. Identifies the specific device, using a unique identifier such as model or make.
    2. Link this Source to the Source Provider you created in Step 1.
    3. Learn how to create a Source 
  3. Create a Subject
    1. Represents the subject on the map, tied to the Source you created.
    2. Learn how to create a Subject
    3. Once saved, the Subject will appear under the chosen Subject Group in the Map Layers tab.
    4. At this stage, the subject exists but will not yet display a location on the map.


Step 2: Create an Observation Point

To visualize the subject on the map, you must create an observation point.

  1. In the Admin site, navigate to the Observations table.
  2. Click Add Observation and complete the required details such as: 
    1. Recorded at
    2. Point location 
    3. Exclusion flags
    4. Source
  3. Save your changes, then open the EarthRanger Map UI to confirm:
    1. A location pin now appears beside the stationary subject’s name.
    2. You can jump to its location and view its associated icon.


Step 3: Display Additional Subject Data

Stationary subjects often provide continuous metrics, such as voltage, temperature, or signal strength. You can configure these attributes for display in the Map UI.

  1. When creating an observation, scroll to the Additional field.
  2. Add structured data in JSON format, for example:
    {"battery": 1.33, "mortality": false, "low_voltage": false, "satellite_count": 7}
  3. Save your changes.
  4. On the Source Provider page, use the Subject Details Configuration section to choose which attributes to display on the Map.


Summary


By creating a Source Provider, Source, and Subject, followed by an observation point, you can fully configure stationary subjects within EarthRanger. Adding additional data fields allows you to monitor key metrics directly from the Map UI.
 

 

Up Next:  Connect External Systems to EarthRanger