Help & support

Having trouble with NatureMapr? Here are answers to some common questions and problems.

Getting started

How do I add a sighting?

Use Add a sighting from the main navigation. You can upload photographs and other information about what you observed, including the location and date.


Mobile app upload issues

If you receive a web service error when trying to upload sightings via the NatureMapr app, please try the following:

  • Ensure you are running the very latest version of the app and have applied all available updates from the Google Play or iOS store
  • Run a speedtest.net and ensure the wifi or mobile connection you're connected to when uploading has an UPLOAD SPEED of at least 5 Mbps.

Sightings and identification

Why can't I find a species?

When adding a sighting, first narrow your search to the appropriate taxonomic category.

If you can't find the species in the local species list, select Can't find it to search the global species list.

If the species still can't be found, select Still can't find it to enter the scientific name manually.

If a moderator confirms the identification, they can create the species on NatureMapr so that future sightings can be associated with it.

Why is the location of my sighting inaccurate?

NatureMapr uses the location information provided by your device, primarily from its GPS.

GPS accuracy can be affected by factors such as buildings, mountains, vegetation and poor satellite reception. In some circumstances, your device may provide a location that is less accurate than expected.

If necessary, you can manually correct the location using the Edit button on the sighting details page.

Why is my photo missing its location data?

Photographs taken with cameras and phones can contain location information in their EXIF metadata.

If you need to check whether your photograph contains location data, you can use an EXIF viewer to inspect the file.


Sensitive sightings and privacy

How are sensitive sightings protected?

NatureMapr automatically protects unverified sightings from public display until they have been reviewed and verified.

Some species are also treated as sensitive because publicly displaying their precise location could put them at risk.

When appropriate, the location of a sighting can be suppressed from public view.

Why might my sighting appear in the Atlas of Living Australia?

NatureMapr shares appropriate non-sensitive biodiversity records with the Atlas of Living Australia (ALA).

If a record is considered non-sensitive and its location has not been suppressed, it may be included in the ALA during its next data refresh.

Changes made to a record may therefore take some time to appear in the ALA.


Photos, media and research

Can I use a NatureMapr photograph in my research or publication?

NatureMapr photographs belong to their original contributors.

If you would like to use a photograph, use the Request use of media button on the relevant sighting to request permission from the contributor.

If permission is granted, the photograph should be appropriately attributed to the contributor and NatureMapr.

How should I cite NatureMapr?

For photographs, use the attribution provided when permission to use the media has been granted.

Attribution should be in the format of <username>, NatureMapr.


Still having trouble?

If you've tried the information above and are still having problems, contact us and tell us what you're trying to do, what went wrong, and any relevant error message.

If possible, include a screenshot - it can make troubleshooting much easier.

846,906 sightings of 23,780 species from 16,179 members
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