Recording a trip

If the Whale mAPP app is installed on your Android device, you are ready to record a trip. It’s ok if you aren’t on the water. It is important that you get familiar with the application before you’re out on the water.

Enable your GPS

In order to use Whale mAPP, you need to have your device’s GPS enabled. You Location Settings can be accessed from your device’s Settings. To ensure the best results possible, allow your device to use both GPS satellites and wireless networks to find your location. Below is an image of what your Location Settings should look like.

Start a Trip

With your GPS on, opening the app and selecting “Record new” from the Home screen will bring you to the “Trip Details” view. Please first agree to the Marine Mammal Protection Act

If you haven’t already, log in with your Whale mAPP account. You’ll only ever have to do this once. And you must do it while you have reception.

Tip: You can skip this step if you want to remain anonymous, but anonymous users cannot manage the data they submit. This means you won’t be able to fix mistakes in your data or add photos later on.

Add boat name & boat type, type before clicking “start a trip”

Tip: Just want to contribute a single sighting? Click on the text “Want to record an observation without a trip?” to access the Observation form

If your GPS is warmed up, within a minute you should get a notification telling you that the trip has been initialized.

Tip: If your trip doesn’t initialize, you may need to help your GPS get warmed up.

Tip: Don’t want to see the “Trip Initialized” tip dialog every time? Hide it using “Show Tips” your Settings Menu

Explore the Map View

Record an Observation

Access observation form

End Your Trip

You’ve successfully started and recorded a trip, go ahead and end your trip. By default, your data will sync automatically to your Whale mAPP account. You can now access it through the website.