GLOBE Observer

Name: GLOBE Observer
Rating: 3.1 (85 reviews)
Author: NASA

The app of the GLOBE program.

Free

85 Ratings
Ages

4+
Years
Category

Education
Developer

NASA
Language

EN
English
Size

5.3
MB

The GLOBE Observer app enables you to make observations of your environment. GLOBE Observer is the app of the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) Program. The GLOBE Program is an international science and education program that provides students and people of all ages worldwide with the opportunity to participate in data collection and the scientific process, and contribute meaningfully to our understanding of the Earth system and global environment. By using the GLOBE Observer app, you contribute scientific data to your community, students and scientists worldwide, including researchers at NASA, NOAA, and other science research institutions. GLOBE Observer allows all users to contribute observations of clouds, mosquito habitats, land cover, and trees. Trained and certified users can also use the app to submit additional environmental measurements from all GLOBE protocols. GLOBE Clouds allows observers to make regular observations of Earth’s cloud cover and compare them to satellite observations. With GLOBE Mosquito Habitat Mapper, users locate mosquito habitats, observe and identify mosquito larvae, and reduce the potential threat of mosquito borne disease. GLOBE Land Cover is designed to allow users to document what is on the land (trees, grass, buildings, etc.). GLOBE Trees asks users to estimate a tree’s height by taking pictures of trees with their device and answering a few questions. Additional capabilities may be added. Visit us at https://www.globe.gov and https://observer.globe.gov.

Ratings & Reviews

3.1

out of 5

85 Ratings

Crashed after iPhone update
04/08/2018

SkiMontana!
I learned to use this app so I could contribute to the data collected by citizen scientists during the 2017 eclipse. I continued to collect data for the entire summer and autumn with no problems. The UPSIDE was the reward of the current worldwide satellite map that I could view after I submitted my data. The eclipse was mind blowing to view from the satellite view but the devastating fire season was the most interesting thing. I posted many screenshots of these things to Facebook. I also was fascinated to follow typhoons and hurricanes, and I often knew about them before they were reported in the media. The problem came with the iPhone update I installed last winter. The camera portion of the data collection quit working correctly, also there was no way to submit a report from the ‘Pictures’ portion of the Globe Observer app. I have updated my iPhone and deleted and reinstalled the app a few times since and the app still does not work. I am looking forward to the Globe Observer app being updated so I can contribute again. But perhaps NASA does not need this info anymore. It was fun while it lasted.

Developer Response
Sorry to hear about the problems. We haven't heard of too many issues with crashing - please send details to our support line so we can look into it in more detail. Thankyou!globeobserverhelp@lists.nasa.gov
Crashed after iPhone update
04/08/2018

SkiMontana!

I learned to use this app so I could contribute to the data collected by citizen scientists during the 2017 eclipse. I continued to collect data for the entire summer and autumn with no problems. The UPSIDE was the reward of the current worldwide satellite map that I could view after I submitted my data. The eclipse was mind blowing to view from the satellite view but the devastating fire season was the most interesting thing. I posted many screenshots of these things to Facebook. I also was fascinated to follow typhoons and hurricanes, and I often knew about them before they were reported in the media. The problem came with the iPhone update I installed last winter. The camera portion of the data collection quit working correctly, also there was no way to submit a report from the ‘Pictures’ portion of the Globe Observer app. I have updated my iPhone and deleted and reinstalled the app a few times since and the app still does not work. I am looking forward to the Globe Observer app being updated so I can contribute again. But perhaps NASA does not need this info anymore. It was fun while it lasted.
Developer Response 04/26/2018
Sorry to hear about the problems. We haven't heard of too many issues with crashing - please send details to our support line so we can look into it in more detail. Thankyou!globeobserverhelp@lists.nasa.gov
Works well mostly
04/09/2022

ALackoff
I’ve been using the app for cloud observations for about 2 months. It consistently works well and smoothly for the most part with easy to follow guidelines on making the observations. I am reducing the rating by 2 stars: 1 off for the cloud observation chart. I use an iPhone. When I try to open the chart, the cloud photos flash in their assigned boxes for an instant and then disappear. And 1 off for the fact that I tried to contact support twice about 2 issues and only got automated replies which were not helpful.

Developer Response
You can get to the cloud chart directly here:https://www.globe.gov/documents/348614/24331082/GLOBE+Cloud+Chart
Works well mostly
04/09/2022

ALackoff

I’ve been using the app for cloud observations for about 2 months. It consistently works well and smoothly for the most part with easy to follow guidelines on making the observations. I am reducing the rating by 2 stars: 1 off for the cloud observation chart. I use an iPhone. When I try to open the chart, the cloud photos flash in their assigned boxes for an instant and then disappear. And 1 off for the fact that I tried to contact support twice about 2 issues and only got automated replies which were not helpful.
Developer Response 02/23/2023
You can get to the cloud chart directly here:https://www.globe.gov/documents/348614/24331082/GLOBE+Cloud+Chart
Cloud chart display issues
01/15/2022

JohnStinson#2
I just downloaded the app and the cloud ID chart isn’t loading properly. The images showing cloud types load for a fraction of a second and then disappear. I’m on an iPhone 6s with iOS 15.2. Thanks.

Developer Response
You can get to the cloud chart directly here: https://www.globe.gov/documents/348614/24331082/GLOBE+Cloud+Chart
Cloud chart display issues
01/15/2022

JohnStinson#2

I just downloaded the app and the cloud ID chart isn’t loading properly. The images showing cloud types load for a fraction of a second and then disappear. I’m on an iPhone 6s with iOS 15.2. Thanks.
Developer Response 02/23/2023
You can get to the cloud chart directly here: https://www.globe.gov/documents/348614/24331082/GLOBE+Cloud+Chart
Very good, but won’t work anymore
12/30/2024

Voyager#3
I liked the app but I stopped using it for a while. When I tried to reopen the app, it crashed and won’t work at all. It might be a problem with my device (iPhone 7), but it had worked fine before.
Very good, but won’t work anymore
12/30/2024

Voyager#3

I liked the app but I stopped using it for a while. When I tried to reopen the app, it crashed and won’t work at all. It might be a problem with my device (iPhone 7), but it had worked fine before.

The GLOBE Observer app includes Clouds, Mosquito Habitat Mapper, Land Cover and Trees in sixteen languages. Fully trained GLOBE users will also see protocols for atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere. This release includes some bug fixes and updated capabilities for improved performance.