We sometimes ask volunteers to try new versions of the Cartographer app before they're released to everyone. These beta versions are early builds: they have the latest features but may also have bugs. We only recommend them if you've been asked to help test, or you're happy to report problems when you find them.

Beta versions talk to the same Cartographer servers as the normal app. Any surveys you record are real data and will appear on the Cartographer web site.

Joining the Beta on iPhone or iPad#

We distribute beta versions for iPhone and iPad through Apple's TestFlight app.

1. On your iPhone or iPad, install an app called TestFlight from the App Store. It's free and published by Apple.
2. On the same device, open our TestFlight invitation link.
3. Tap Accept, then Install. If you already have the Cartographer app, the beta replaces it and your surveys stay on the device.
4. Open Cartographer from your home screen, or tap Open in TestFlight.

TestFlight installs new beta versions automatically or tells you when one is ready. Each beta version expires after 90 days, so if the app stops opening, open TestFlight and install the latest version.

Leaving the Beta on iPhone or iPad#

1. Make sure all your surveys have uploaded (see Checking Uploads and Sync Status).
2. Open TestFlight, tap Cartographer, and tap Stop Testing.
3. Install the normal version of Cartographer from the App Store (see Installing the App on iOS).

Joining the Beta on Android#

We distribute beta versions for Android through Google Play's testing programme.

1. Install the normal version of Cartographer from Google Play if you haven't already (see Installing the App on Android).
2. On your device, open the Cartographer listing on Google Play.
3. Scroll down to Join the beta and tap Join.
4. Wait a few minutes, then return to the listing and tap Update. Google can take a little while to switch you over.

Leaving the Beta on Android#

1. Make sure all your surveys have uploaded (see Checking Uploads and Sync Status).
2. Open the Cartographer listing on Google Play, find You're a beta tester, and tap Leave.
3. Google Play offers you the normal version once it's newer than your beta. To switch straight away, uninstall the app and install it again. Uninstalling deletes anything that hasn't been uploaded, so check first.

Reporting Problems#

If something goes wrong in a beta version, please tell us. See What to do if you see a bug? for what to include, and give us the app's version number from Settings → About (see What Version of the App Are You Using?).