Technical - GLOBE Mosquito Project
Technical FAQs
Q: How do I download the GLOBE Observer app?
Q: Is the GLOBE Observer app free?
Q: Why isn't the app working for me?
Q: How do I reset my password?
Q: What equipment do I need to make Mosquito Habitat Mapper observations?
Q: The GPS coordinates of my observations are not accurate. What happened?
Q: Can I collect data when I’m not connected to WiFi?
Q: How do I access/visualize my data?
Q: How can I obtain more lenses? Can I use a different lens than what was provided?
Q: My lens won’t work/my mosquito larvae photos are blurry. What should I do?
Q: What kind of batteries do my lenses need? Where can I get the batteries?
No. Please use your existing GLOBE account.
How do I download the GLOBE Observer app?
Search for the GLOBE Observer App in the App Store or Google Play Store. You can also find the app here https://observer.globe.gov/about/get-the-app.
Is the GLOBE Observer app free?
Yes.
Why isn't the app working for me?
If the app does not work on your device, make sure that your device is running on Android 5 or IOS 8 or higher. If you are still running into issues with the app, please visit https://observer.globe.gov/tips-help/support or contact globeobserverhelp@lists.nasa.gov.
Open the GLOBE Observer app. Click on the orange Login/Create an Account button, and click on the “Forgot Your Password?” link. You can also visit this URL. You will then receive a reset link to your email address. Be sure to reset your password within three days of receiving the reset link to your email address.
What equipment do I need to make Mosquito Habitat Mapper observations?
To identify and report potential breeding sites (and eliminate them if you are able), no equipment beyond your smartphone is needed. If you wish to sample and count the larvae, you will need a cup, bulb syringe or other container to obtain a sample. To actually identify the genus of a collected larva, you will need a white surface such as a plastic or paper plate to place the larva on (suspended in a drop of water), as well as magnification to see the required features as you work through the identification key. We recommend using a camera macro lens attachment with a minimum of 35x magnification. A number of relatively inexpensive models can be found online.
The GPS coordinates of my observations are not accurate. What happened?
The Globe Observer App will automatically find the right location. You may notice that you accidentally changed the location of your observation by moving your finger across the map. If you do accidentally change your location, you can edit it prior to clicking the green “Send Observation to GLOBE” button. You can manually enter your coordinates, but be sure to use the correct coordinates. We recommend using Google Maps.
Can I collect data when I’m not connected to WiFi?
Yes. You only need internet connection when you download the app and when you send your observations to GLOBE.
All measurements will be stored in the “My Observations” page within the app. In order for the data to be sent to GLOBE, you must click on the bar graph icon located on the bottom left corner of the app. You will see all of your previous observations with check boxes listed to the left of the date. Select the check-boxes next to the observation date you would like to submit, and then select the green button that says “Send Observation to GLOBE.”
Please visit the Visualization System page: https://vis.globe.gov/GLOBE/. If you still have questions, click on the “?” button on the Visualization System page and download the full tutorial.
How can I obtain more lenses? Can I use a different lens than what was provided?
We recommend buying additional lenses at www.forestry-suppliers.com, although you can you can purchase any additional lens as long as it attaches to a smartphone and has at least 60x magnification. 100x magnification is best for this project.
My lens won’t work/my mosquito larvae photos are blurry. What should I do?
Many magnifying lenses for mobile devices work best when they are attached as close as possible to the camera lens. Try temporarily removing your device case to get a closer attachment. Also make sure that the lens is in focus and that you are holding the lens as close to the specimen as possible.
What kind of batteries do my lenses need? Where can I get the batteries?
The Neewer Lens provided for this project uses LR1130 Alkaline Button Cell batteries. You can find these types of batteries at your local store or online. (These batteries are often called "watch batteries.")
Email your story to mosquitoes@globe.gov or submit a GLOBE Stars story (https://www.globe.gov/news-events/globe-stars/stars-instructions).