The Nature Database
This app is the ultimate tool for you as you move around the Danish nature – be that in the city, in rural areas, the beach, meadows, or in the forest. It is developed in cooperation with fugleognatur.dk and contains the four most important features you will need in the field.
What can I see here?
No matter where you are in Denmark, you can get a list showing the most common nature surrounding you (birds, insects, mammals and plants). It is possible to both get a list showing the variety of bird species, which have been registered in your exact location or you can choose to get a list showing specific groups.
My observations
You can record your own findings in the Nature Database. The app’s built in GPS will automatically find your location and thus pinpoint the exact place of your observation. Along with the observation, it is possible to attach pictures to document the finding. Your findings will automatically be sent to your profile at fugleognatur.dk. All data is processed to ensure a high quality. You can record your findings even in places with no coverage.
Where am I?
This feature can tell you if you are in a national park, a protected area for birds, a habitat area, a protected area or in a reservation. If you are not currently in such an area, you can see if there are any of these nearby.
What is it?
If you come across a species you do not know, you can take a (good) picture of the animal and upload it directly to fugleognatur.dk via the app. When one of the experts at fugleognatur.dk has determined which species it is, you will receive a notification on your phone. It should not take a long time, as there are many thousands of experts working at fugleognatur.dk. The data (species, time, and place) is saved as an observation in the Nature Database so others can benefit from your finding. This is why you can only send in pictures, which are taken at the location where you have seen the species, during or after the finding, so that aspects of time and location for your observation are correctly recorded.
In the project Rethink Urban Habitats, the app is used as a dissemination tool to talk about the interesting nature, which surrounds us in the city and for data collection purposes, as the citizens play a vital role in collecting data about Aarhus’ biodiversity.
The app is free and it is compatible with both iphones and other smartphones. It can be downloaded from the App store and Google Play, and it can be used by people of all ages. The only requirement is that you create a profile at fugleognatur.dk since the app synchronises with the website when recording observations, uploading pictures and downloading information.
Biodiversity does not need to be difficult. There are almost 2000 species, which can be determined solely by a good picture taken with a smartphone. It is great fun putting new marks on the map or the list of species, competing with yourself and with each other, documenting, and above all, contributing to the larger picture.
So download the app and get ready to extend your horizon and knowledge about the (city) nature that surrounds you!