Trapper is a web-based app, and will work with any computer, tablet or smartphone that can access the Internet. Once set up, it will also function in the field without the need for either internet connection (Wi-Fi) or mobile phone signal. Trapper can be operated entirely from a desktop computer, but it is especially intended for field use when checking traps. Field use requires a smartphone with GPS capability. It does not matter whether the phone is Android, iPhone, Windows Mobile, or any other operating system.
Apart from the temporary storage of recently entered data and pages cached for offline use, Trapper occupies no space on your device. Another advantage of Trapper being web-based is that you will not have to keep checking for updates. If any changes have been made (for instance to the list of approved traps) you will notified automatically that a new version of the page is available.
In field use, data are stored temporarily on the phone until a signal (either mobile data or Wi-Fi) becomes available, when new data will be uploaded to cloud storage.
Trapper does expect to use your phone’s GPS system when used in the field. (GPS is not dependent on a mobile phone signal.) It is therefore important that GPS is switched on when using the Field Recording page. The way in which this is done differs from phone to phone, so consult your manufacturer’s documentation.
The GPS system is used by Trapper in several ways:
- When you visit a trap and record an event, a date/time/location ‘stamp’ is added to the record. This allows Trapper to sort the data and maintain its inventory, and provides the structure for later analysis of trap success.
- Because the date/time/location information cannot be edited, it also forms robust evidence that you visited the trap. (Sometimes you may have to record the trap check when you are not at the trap location, but the record is then labelled accordingly, and provides a lower grade of evidence.)
- Trapper compares your current location with that of the trap currently selected on the screen, and an arrow on the screen indicates the direction and distance to that trap. This can be really helpful if you are standing in for someone else. The arrow is guided by the GPS system in conjunction with orientation sensors in the device.
Be aware that having GPS switched on will increase the power consumption of your phone, requiring you to charge it more frequently.