A collection of questions people have asked (plus a few they might be wondering).
This is here to help you (or your group) get involved in a way that works for you. If you have a question and don't find the answer here, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
About communiMap
What is communiMap?
communiMap is a digital platform for noticing, documenting, and sharing small details of everyday places,especially around climate, community, and the environment.
Who developed communiMap?
The app was developed by the Centre for Sustainable Solutions at the University of Glasgow, working with Spotteron and community groups across the city. It’s part of the GALLANT research programme.
What is community science, and how does this project support it?
Community science (sometimes known as citizen science) is when members of the public contribute to research. communiMap supports this by helping people document everyday environmental change and local knowledge that might otherwise be missed.
How does my input contribute to the research?
Your posts on the app help build a collective record of local experience,from signs of biodiversity loss to how people move through the city. This data supports environmental research, community projects, and decision-making.
GettingInvolved
I’d love to get involved,what are the next steps?
There are plenty of ways to join in, such as posting on the map, joining a walk, helping with community science, or shaping new projects. You don’t need to be an expert, just curious. Get in touch if you have any questions, and we’ll help you get started.
Who can take part?
Anyone. You don’t need a science background or any special training. You just need to be curious about the world around you.
Does communiMap cover Greater Glasgow or just the city?
While it started in Glasgow, anyone can add their spots to communiMap, including Greater Glasgow and beyond.
Can students or recent graduates take part?
Yes. Whether you’re studying, recently finished a degree, or just looking to build experience in the environmental field, there are lots of ways to join in.
Getting Started
How do I download and install the app?
Search "communiMap" in the App Store or Google Play Store. It’s free to download. You can also head to https://www.spotteron.com/communimap/
Do I need to create an account to use it?
You can browse the map without an account. But to post your own Spots or record routes, you’ll need to sign up. It’s quick and free.
Can I use the app anonymously?
You can use a nickname and choose whether your Spots are visible to the public. You can also save posts privately or share them only with the admin team.
Will my location be tracked?
Your location is only used when you choose to share it,e.g. when adding a Spot or recording a route. You can always adjust or remove location info before posting.
Posting & Participation
How to add a Spot, understand Co-Labs, and what to do when something doesn’t work.
What are “Co-Labs” in the app,and how do I know which one to use?
Co-Labs are like themes or topics,each one relates to a different kind of noticing (e.g. trees, energy, flooding, movement). When you go to add a post, you’ll be asked to “Choose a Co-Lab.” Each comes with a short explainer to help guide you.
Can I upload past memories or photos from earlier GALLANT activities?
Yes,if you’ve taken part in a photo-walk, workshop, or any other GALLANT activity, we’d love for you to upload those memories to communiMap. You can use the app or the web version to share reflections, photos, or stories from your involvement,even if they’re from years ago.
I tried adding a river photo to the Water Co-Lab, but it wasn’t a "water event”; does it matter?
Not at all. The Water Co-Lab focuses on things like flooding or pollution, but general water features like rivers or ponds may fit better under the Nature Co-Lab.
Can I add more than one photo to a Spot?
Yes, you can add up to three photos per Spot.
Do I have to fill in every field when I add a Spot?
Not all fields are required. Some Co-Labs guide you through more detailed questions, others are simpler. Simply follow the prompts and add any information that feels relevant.
How do I record a location or route?
Use the "Record Route" option in the side menu. Press start when you begin, and stop when you're done. You can add details or a Spot during or after your walk.
Can I edit or delete a submission?
Yes. You can delete recorded routes and hide any Spot you've made. Edits may be possible depending on the type of post,get in touch if you need help.
I submitted something by mistake,can I undo it?
Yes. You can delete a route, or choose to hide a Spot so it's only visible to you and the admin team.
Access & Safety
Data use, privacy, visibility controls, and how to stay safe while posting.
How much phone data does communiMap use?
It’s designed to be lightweight in terms of data. Uploading photos uses the most, but you can also save a post as a draft and upload later when on Wi-Fi.
I’m worried about sharing things near my home. What should I do?
You can move the pin slightly, or choose to "hide" your Spot,so it's only visible to you and the admin team.
Can I blur faces or sensitive images on my posts?
There’s no automatic blur tool, so we recommend avoiding close-ups of people,especially children,or identifiable homes.
Could spotting certain things harm nature or wildlife?
Avoid posting the exact locations of sensitive species (e.g. nests, dens). You can generalise the location or choose to hide the Spot.
Tech & Tools
Mobile quirks, route tracking, troubleshooting, and how things work behind the scenes.
The app isn’t working,what should I do?
Try restarting the app or checking for updates. If that doesn’t work, drop us a line with your device details and what went wrong.
I found a bug or error,how can I report it?
You can message us directly through the app or email with a short description (screenshots help!).
Why don’t I see my recorded routes on the map?
Routes are visible to you and the admin team. This keeps things private by default,we’re exploring future ways to make sharing more flexible.
Can I delete or edit a recorded route?
Yes. You can delete any route you've recorded from the "Route Tracking" menu.
Navigation & Map Features
Finding places, exploring data, and understanding what’s on the screen.
What does “Visible Spots” mean?
These are the posts currently showing on your map view, based on zoom level and filters. Pan or zoom to see more.
What’s the binocular icon for?
It’s used to search for places on the map,just enter a location or postcode.
What do the colours on the heatmap mean?
The brighter the colour, the more activity in that area. It shows where lots of people have been noticing things.
Events & Sharing
How to join us in person, and how to spread the word.
I’ve been involved in GALLANT in the past,can I contribute to communiMap?
Absolutely. If you’ve taken part in a photo-walk, workshop, or any other GALLANT activity over the past few years, we’d love to include your reflections. You can upload photos, memories, or spots to communiMap through the app or website. It’s a great way to build on past work and connect to what’s happening now.
Are there any printed resources or toolkits to go with communiMap?
We’re developing a small set of community science tools,like stickers, rulers, and pH strips,linked to different Co-Labs in the app. These will be designed by Libby Walker and may be available at events, workshops, or through partner organisations. Keep an eye out, or get in touch if you're interested in using them with your group.
Are there educational resources or school packs available?
Yes,we’ve developed a communiMap School Pack that includes activity ideas, CfE links (Early to Second Level), a how-to guide for using the app, and adaptable exercises based on six different Co-Labs.
It’s designed to be flexible, whether you want to print it as a full booklet or use individual activities as standalone PDFs. If you're a teacher or youth worker and have feedback or suggestions, we’d love to hear from you.
Are there any social media accounts or hashtags to follow?
Yes! We’ll be posting updates, community stories, and behind-the-scenes progress on our social media channels.
BlueSky: https://web-cdn.bsky.app/profile/communigallant.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/communigallant/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089966660126
Twitter: https://x.com/CommuniGALLANT
You can also follow or tag your posts with #communiMap and #communiGALLANT
Lorem Ipsum ...