Prepare NAHPU before fieldwork so the app reflects your team's protocols and every device is ready to record data offline.
Configure the app
Section titled “Configure the app”- Customize the controlled vocabularies for specimen fields, collection methods, preparation types, and personnel.
- Create useful presets for repeated cataloging workflows and review them with the whole team.
- Confirm the main taxon, field-ID mode, eligible Cataloger, controlled vocabularies, and export presets in the Settings guide.
- Install NAHPU from the Installation guide, then update it before departure while you still have reliable internet access.
- Open the app after updating and confirm that projects, settings, and permissions are available.
Prepare a project
Section titled “Prepare a project”Create a project with a short, descriptive name and review the optional device setup in the wizard. Confirm the dates, taxonomy readiness, field-ID convention, and site-identifier convention before collecting begins. The Projects guide describes project creation and dashboard operations in detail.
Run a mock catalog session
Section titled “Run a mock catalog session”Use a real or representative specimen to rehearse the complete workflow: create a record, enter required values, generate a site coordinate when appropriate, attach media, save the record, and review it from the project dashboard. Repeat the exercise on every field device and resolve differences before departure.
Confirm field readiness
Section titled “Confirm field readiness”Before leaving, confirm that each device has enough storage, a charged battery and backup power, the latest NAHPU version, the correct project, and the required location and camera permissions. Test airplane-mode operation if the field site may lack connectivity. Then rehearse both recovery paths once: export the project and merge it back on a second device, and make one database backup that can be restored.