A project for gathering weed location data.

The goal of this project is to gather and present information about plant distribution across the state of Victoria.

In particular, the focus is upon medicinal and useful `weeds’ (and standout interesting plants). For example castor oil plant is a weed, it is useful and its presence tells a story.

The HWB Victoria plant map is now in public open release. You can use the map freely and without having to sign up or provide your email.

Data is anonymously gathered. We do not know your phone number or name, etc…

How the project works:

Download the app and open project.

(1) Visit the app store for your device and install the Èpicollect5′

Google play link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.ac.imperial.epicollect.five

Apple store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/epicollect5/id1183858199

• Open the app
• Select ADD PROJECT
• Search for HWB Victoria Plant Map
• Select the HWB Victoria project.
• Open the project

We have tried to minimise the number of clicks required to get the job done.

Add a new entry

There are no required fields. You only fill in the data that you have. You can skip to the next page at anytime.

1. Select + Add entry
2. Enter name of the plant – then press `next’
3. Add photo – you can take a photo or add a photo from library. – then press next
4. Add location – (next)
5. Save entry
6. Finally, you can upload your entries to the server (synchronise).
7. (note) At any time during the process you can choose to navigate backwards/forwards, or use the Quit button to stop the process and start again.

Update – November 2021. A new form field has been added `in Bloom‘. This is to denote if the plant was spotted during its flowering cycle.

Uploading your data

When you have finished your session simply choose the upload button for your entries. Follow the prompts and you will have uploaded to the archive.

Mobile phone location services:

• Please note: you will need to allow location services on your phone for this to work properly.
• With location services active your photos will carry with them geolocation coordinates (this is called EXIF data).
• When you upload a photo it will be placed onto a map along with the plant name.
• When the update location button is pressed the system takes a snapshot of your current position.

Privacy: we only use the following data (1) GPS location of the plant (2) name of plant that you have entered into the form, and any comments you have made (3) any attached photos.

The data will be presented on a map to be hosted on the HWB website and via Epicollect5. Seasonal and regional overlays will show the annual procession of plants.