Photo Documentation
Learn how to capture and manage photos in the TreeMapper mobile app.
Overview
Photo documentation is a critical component of restoration monitoring. TreeMapper's integrated camera allows you to capture photos directly within the app, automatically linking them to interventions, trees, and plots for comprehensive visual records.
Camera Features
TreeMapper uses your device's native camera with optimized settings for field documentation:
- Real-time preview: See exactly what you're capturing before taking the photo
- Auto-focus: Automatic focus adjustment for clear images
- Metadata capture: Automatic recording of image dimensions and properties
- GPS tagging: Location coordinates captured with each photo
Taking Photos
The photo capture workflow is straightforward:
Open Camera
The camera opens automatically when photos are needed during data entry
Frame Your Subject
Position the camera to capture the tree, plot, or site clearly
Capture Photo
Tap the capture button to take the photo
Review Preview
Review the captured image in the preview screen
Confirm or Retake
Choose to continue with the photo or retake if needed
Image Preview
After capturing a photo, you'll see a preview screen with options:
- Continue: Accept the photo and proceed with data entry
- Retake: Discard the photo and capture a new one
The preview includes loading states and error handling to ensure your photos are properly saved before continuing.
Photo Contexts
TreeMapper captures photos in various contexts throughout the app:
Species Photos
When adding species to an intervention, you can capture photos of the planted trees. These photos help document the species and condition at planting time.
Sample Tree Photos
Each sample tree can have photos attached during initial registration and subsequent remeasurements. This creates a visual timeline of tree growth.
Plot Photos
Monitoring plots can include overview photos showing the plot area, vegetation, and site conditions.
Remeasurement Photos
When remeasuring trees, updated photos document current conditions and growth progress.
Intervention Photos
General intervention documentation including before/after photos of the work performed.
Image Storage
TreeMapper manages photo storage efficiently:
Local Storage
- Photos are saved to your device's document directory
- Organized by intervention ID or context
- Available offline until synced
Cloud Storage
- Photos sync to the server when internet is available
- CDN URLs are generated for synced images
- Original photos remain on device as backup
Storage Tracking
The app tracks image file sizes to help manage device storage and estimate upload bandwidth requirements.
Photo Data
Each photo in TreeMapper includes associated metadata:
- Latitude/Longitude: GPS coordinates where the photo was taken
- Timestamp: Date and time of capture
- Dimensions: Image width and height
- File size: Size in bytes for storage management
- Upload status: Whether the photo has been synced to the server
- CDN URL: Cloud storage URL after successful upload
Best Practices for Photo Documentation
Composition
- Fill the frame: Get close enough to clearly show the subject
- Include context: Show surrounding area for location reference
- Use reference objects: Include a measuring stick or person for scale
- Multiple angles: Capture different perspectives when possible
Lighting
- Avoid direct sun: Strong shadows can obscure details
- Overcast is ideal: Even lighting shows features clearly
- Position sun behind you: Ensure subject is well-lit
Technical Quality
- Hold steady: Brace against something solid to avoid blur
- Clean the lens: Wipe your camera lens before shooting
- Check focus: Ensure the subject is sharp before capturing
- Review immediately: Check the preview and retake if needed
Documentation Standards
- Consistent style: Use similar framing for comparison over time
- Before and after: Document conditions before and after interventions
- Capture issues: Photograph any problems like disease or damage
- Overview shots: Include wide-angle views of the entire site
Troubleshooting
Photo Won't Save
- Check that you have sufficient device storage
- Ensure the app has camera and storage permissions
- Try closing and reopening the camera
Blurry Images
- Hold the device more steadily
- Ensure adequate lighting
- Clean the camera lens
- Wait for auto-focus to complete before capturing
Photos Not Syncing
- Check your internet connection
- Large photos may take longer to upload
- Try syncing from the intervention list