Do you have observation data and/or images that have already been processed? Use this guide to understand how to submit legacy data to the WildObs project.

How to submit your data to WildObs

Steps in this guide:

Step 1: Understand how your data will be processed.

• WildObs supports the Camtrap DP (Camera Trap Data Package) standard. This structure links each media file to its corresponding metadata (e.g. species identification, timestamp, location) in a tidy, consistent way, perfect for analysis or sharing.
• View an example of how your data will be parsed and transformed according to the Camtrap DP standard here: 
  • Basic Camera Trap Data Cleaning
• View examples of the files in the data package your data will be processed into:
  • datapackage.json
  • deployments.csv
  • observations.csv
  • media.csv

Step 2: Prepare your data.

• Use the WildObs_data_fields.csv list to structure your data. The list includes:
  • required fields (Required = TRUE) and 
  • optional fields (Required = FALSE). 
• Leave optional fields blank if they’re not applicable or add columns in if they are missing.
• The WildObs team can assist in reformatting your data, but submissions in preferred formats will be prioritised.
• Prepare your files for sending by:
  1. Compress all relevant files into one ZIP folder
  2. Re-name the compressed folder using the naming convention:
     • STATE_Region_Objective_Surname_YYYYMMDD-YYYYMMDD
     • (e.g. QLD_WetTropics_Cassowary_Piccolo_2022-2024)

Step 3: Send your data.

• We offer multiple ways to securely share your files, depending on your organisation:
  • If you are affiliated with a university or research institution you can use FileSender, a secure file-sharing service provided via AARNet:
    1. Visit https://filesender.aarnet.edu.au/.
    2. Log in with your institution’s credentials (via AAF login).
    3. Upload your ZIP file containing your CSV(s).
    4. In the "Recipient Email", enter support@wildobs.org.au. 
    5. Add a message if required, then hit Send.
  • Other organisations (non-university) - please upload your data on your choice of cloud drive (GDrive, OneDrive, Azure, etc.) and share its link with us.  
• Dont hesitate to contact our team on support@wildobs.org.au or submit a ticket for assistance on FileSender or to discuss alternate options.

Step 4: Complete metadata survey.

• Complete the metadata survey for each dataset submission. 
• The estimated time for completion is 15-20 minutes. To assist in preparing your answers to the survey, all questions are summarised in metadata_survey_questions.xlsx.