About
IveGot1 is a citizen-science mobile application designed to help combat Florida's invasive species crisis, which costs the state over $500 million annually and has infested more than 1.7 million acres of natural areas. Developed by the University of Georgia Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health in partnership with the National Park Service, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the University of Florida Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, the app brings the full power of the EDDMapS (Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System) to your fingertips. Users can quickly submit geo-tagged observations of invasive plants and animals, attach photos, and have reports automatically uploaded to the EDDMapS database and emailed to verified local and state reviewers. The app supports both online and offline reporting, storing entries on-device until network connectivity is available—ideal for remote field work. A comprehensive species library provides images and detailed information on Florida's worst non-native invaders, while real-time interactive distribution maps centered on the user's current location help gauge infestation extent. IveGot1 also serves as a gateway to community involvement, connecting users with the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council and local Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs). Whether you're a hiker, park ranger, student, or concerned resident, IveGot1 makes species identification and reporting fast, accurate, and impactful.
Key Features
- Field Species Reporting: Submit invasive species observations with your current GPS location and an attached photo directly from the field in just a few taps.
- Offline Reporting Support: Capture and save reports locally on your device when there's no network connection; they automatically upload to EDDMapS once connectivity is restored.
- Species Identification Library: Browse images and detailed information on Florida's most damaging non-native invasive plants and animals to confidently identify what you've spotted.
- Real-Time Distribution Maps: View live point-distribution maps of invasive species occurrences centered on your current location, helping you understand local infestation patterns.
- EDDMapS Integration: All reports feed directly into the University of Georgia's Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System and are emailed to local and state verifiers for expert review.
Use Cases
- A hiker in Everglades National Park spots an unfamiliar plant and uses IveGot1 to identify it as an invasive species, then submits a geo-tagged photo report directly to state verifiers.
- A park ranger conducts field surveys in remote areas without cell service, logging multiple invasive species sightings offline that automatically sync when returning to a connected area.
- A high school environmental science class uses IveGot1 to conduct a local invasive species audit, contributing real data to the EDDMapS statewide database as a hands-on learning project.
- A Florida resident notices an unusual animal in their backyard and uses the app's species library to identify it as invasive, then calls the 1-888-IVEGOT1 hotline for a live animal report.
- A conservation volunteer organization uses IveGot1 during community cleanup events to systematically document and map invasive plant infestations across a local nature preserve.
Pros
- Completely Free: The app is available at no cost, lowering the barrier for broad citizen-science participation across Florida.
- Works Offline: Offline reporting ensures users in remote natural areas can still capture and submit observations without losing data.
- Direct Impact on Conservation: Reports go straight to state and local verifiers, meaning user submissions actively contribute to real environmental management decisions.
- Backed by Academic Institutions: Developed in partnership with the University of Georgia, UF, NPS, and FWC, ensuring scientific credibility and data quality.
Cons
- Florida-Only Coverage: The app and its species database are exclusively tailored to Florida, making it unsuitable for users in other states or regions.
- Not Verified for macOS: Although listed on the App Store with Mac compatibility, it is not officially verified for macOS, which may lead to stability issues on desktop.
- Limited to Invasive Species: The app focuses solely on non-native invasive species and does not support broader wildlife observation or general nature identification.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is IveGot1?
IveGot1 is a free iOS app that lets Florida residents and visitors identify and report invasive plant and animal species directly from the field, feeding data into the statewide EDDMapS database.
Is IveGot1 free to use?
Yes, IveGot1 is completely free to download and use on iPhone and iPad via the Apple App Store.
Can I use IveGot1 without an internet connection?
Yes. The app supports offline reporting. Your observations are saved locally on your device and automatically uploaded to EDDMapS when you regain network connectivity.
Who reviews the reports I submit?
Your reports are uploaded to the EDDMapS system and simultaneously emailed to local and state environmental verifiers—experts from agencies like the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission—for review and validation.
What invasive species can I report with IveGot1?
You can report a wide range of Florida's most harmful non-native invasive plants and animals, including species like melaleuca and Burmese pythons. The in-app library provides photos and details to help you identify them accurately.
