Monarch Migration - Tracking Monarch Butterfly Migration 1.1

The Monarch Migration application serves as a valuable research tool for studying the migratory behavior of monarch butterflies. Its primary functionality lies in facilitating the rapid entry of location data and flight characteristics, including body direction and flight direction, for subsequent upload to a cloud-based server. The directional data is obtained from the mobile device’s compass, while georeferencing and time stamps are sourced from the device's operating system.

Two significant research projects will benefit from this application:

• Marine Monarchs: This initiative, led by Dr. Tracy Villareal at the University of Texas, Austin, aims to investigate how monarch butterflies utilize offshore oil platforms in the Gulf of Mexico. Detailed information about this project can be found at Marine Monarchs Project. Observational data are particularly sought in the September to October period, coinciding with the fall migration of the monarchs.
• Migration Compasses: Under the direction of Dr. Chip Taylor at Monarch Watch (University of Kansas), this project focuses on understanding the navigational compasses used by monarchs during migration. The app will collect data on both the butterfly's body vector and their movement direction (known as the vanishing bearing or flight vector). More information can be accessed at Monarch Watch.

Note: Continued use of GPS tracking in the background may significantly impact the device's battery life.