Best Practices

This page provides recommended practices for using NAHPU effectively and responsibly in the field. (work in progress)

Setting Up NAHPU

Before heading into the field, take time to configure NAHPU to match your collecting protocols. Proper setup saves time and reduces errors during fieldwork.

Configure dropdown values — customize specimen fields, collection methods, preparation types, and personnel lists to reflect your team's protocols.
Test the app — run a short mock catalog session before departure to confirm everything works as expected on your field devices.
Set up a project — create a project with a clear name, assign team members, and define the target taxa before collecting begins.

Project Management

In the field

In the lab

Naming Conventions

Consistent naming makes data easier to manage, share, and archive. Establish conventions before fieldwork begins and communicate them to all team members.

Projects — use a short, descriptive name that identifies the expedition and target taxa (if your lab is not specialized in one particular group), e.g., Patah Mammals. Use the date fields to record the start and end dates of the project.
SitesID — use a unique and consistent identifier for each collection site. See more details in the Sites page.
Backups — include the project name and date, e.g.,BorneoMammals_backup_20241015.
Exported files — follow the same pattern as backups, e.g., BorneoMammals_DwC_20241015.csv.

Backup Regularly

Data loss in the field can be irreversible. We strongly recommend backing up every night after collecting.

Use the 3-2-1 rule — keep at least 3 copies of your data, on 2 different media types, with 1 copy stored off-site or in the cloud.
Cloud storage — sync your NAHPU backup files to a cloud service such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud at the end of each field day. Even a mobile data connection is sufficient for small backup files.
Local redundancy — additionally copy backups to a separate physicaldevice such as a USB drive or a second tablet, in case cloud access is unavailable in remote areas.
Verify backups — periodically open a backup file to confirm it restores correctly before you need it. For fieldwork, if you have a primary device only for data recording, we recommend doing it on your smartphone.

Sanitize Your Devices Regularly

Field environments expose devices to mud, blood, tissue fluids, and other biological material. Regular sanitization protects both your team and your equipment.

Use a soft microfiber cloth dampened with a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution to wipe the screen.
Wipe the edges and crevices around the screen where biological material can accumulate.
Allow the screen to air dry completely before use.
Do not use ammonia-based glass cleaners, nail polish remover, or undiluted bleach, as these can damage the touchscreen coating.
Disinfect after each field session or between users on shared devices.
Follow your device manufacturer's guidelines for any additional platform-specific recommendations.

Managing Device Battery Life

Battery conservation is critical during remote fieldwork where charging opportunities may be limited. Here are strategies to extend your device's battery life:

Lower screen brightness — reduce brightness manually or enable auto-brightness. The screen is one of the largest battery consumers on any device.
Enable Airplane Mode — disable all wireless connections (Wi-Fi, cellular, Bluetooth) when not needed. This alone can significantly extend battery life in areas without signal.
Enable Low Power Mode — activate your device's built-in battery optimization mode to reduce background activity.
Turn off Bluetooth — disable it when not actively using external devices such as keyboards or GPS receivers.
Limit Location Services — restrict other apps from accessing your location. NAHPU only uses GPS when you generate a coordinate for a site, so background location access is not required.
Disable Cellular Data — if your device supports cellular data, consider disabling it in the field to save power when connectivity is not needed.
Power off when not in use — on Android devices, powering off completely between sessions conserves battery. On iPhone and iPad, Apple's power management is generally efficient enough that this is optional.