If you’re experiencing issues in Ecobot, this guide will help you quickly identify and resolve common problems. Work through the steps below, and if you still need assistance, please contact our support team.
Before You Contact Support
Try these quick fixes first:
- Restart your device and Ecobot Collector
- Make sure you have the latest version of Ecobot installed.
- Confirm you have a stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular).
- Ensure location services are enabled on your device.
- Verify you have enough storage space for photos and data.
- Update your Chrome browser or clear your cache
Location & GPS Issues
Calibrating Your Location
Ecobot Collector relies on your device’s GPS and compass sensors to record accurate latitude/longitude, elevation, and direction. If your points or photos aren’t showing correct coordinates, calibration may be needed. See calibration steps below.
Why Photos Upload Without Location Data
If latitude/longitude, direction, or elevation are missing from uploaded photos, it’s usually because of how your device stores or transfers EXIF metadata. Learn how to preserve photo metadata.
Checking GPS Accuracy in Ecobot
Export your survey as a CSV file. Look for the accuracy field (reported in meters). If using an external GPS/GNSS receiver, Ecobot will display full GNSS metadata in-app.
External GPS/GNSS Device Won’t Connect
Confirm your receiver is supported. Check Bluetooth permissions. Restart both the receiver and your mobile device. Reconnect following the manufacturer’s pairing instructions.
Photos & File Uploads
Photos Not Appearing in Manager
Check your internet connection when uploading. Confirm photo size is within device limits. Make sure photos are taken with your device’s native camera app (not third-party apps like Google Drive or OneDrive).
Best Practices for Transferring Photos
To preserve metadata (lat/long, direction, elevation):
✅ Use email attachments or Airdrop (Mac). ❌ Avoid SMS, MMS, or direct uploads via Slack/Google Drive (these often strip metadata).
File Export Issues
CSV won’t open? Import into Excel or Google Sheets instead of double-clicking. Missing data? Confirm required fields were completed in Collector before export.
App Functionality
Collector App Crashing or Freezing
Close and restart the app. Update to the latest version of Ecobot. If issues continue, delete and reinstall the app.
Survey Data Not Syncing to Manager
Confirm you’re online. Verify you’re logged into the correct Ecobot account. Tap Sync in Collector to push pending uploads.
Data Missing in Exported Files
Ensure all required fields were filled in during data collection. If using an external GPS device, confirm it was connected while collecting data.
Account & Access
Can’t Log In
Reset your password. If your organization uses Single Sign-On (SSO), verify you’re logging in through the correct method. Make sure your subscription is active.
Trouble Adding Teammates
Confirm you have admin permissions. Double-check the email address before inviting.
Device & Compatibility
Unsupported Browser or App Version
Ecobot Manager works best in Chrome or Edge. Check that your mobile OS meets minimum requirements.
Device Storage or Performance Issues
Free up space on your device. Close unused background apps while running Ecobot.
Calibrating Mobile Device Location Data for Ecobot Collector
Proper calibration ensures accurate GPS coordinates, direction, and elevation data in Ecobot Collector.
iOS (iPhone/iPad) Calibration
Your device uses an internal compass and magnetometer, which can become misaligned indoors or near magnets. To recalibrate:
Remove magnetic interference (cases, pop sockets, or accessories with magnets). Rotate in a figure-8 motion with your device. Enable Compass Calibration: Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > System Services > Compass Calibration. Refresh Location Services: toggle Location Services off and back on. Restart your device to reset sensors. (Optional) Disable True North: Settings > Compass > Use True North → Off.
Android Calibration
Most Android devices rely on motion-based calibration. To recalibrate:
Rotate in a figure-8 motion while holding your device slightly tilted. Use Google Maps Compass Calibration: Open Google Maps → tap the blue dot → select Calibrate Compass. Follow the on-screen figure-8 instructions. Enable High Accuracy Mode: Settings > Location > Mode > High Accuracy. Restart your device to reset sensors.
Syncing to the Cloud
If you see a red error message at the bottom of your screen that says:
RemoteClientError: badRequest, this indicates a connection issue.
This error typically occurs when your device is connected to a weak or unstable network, such as:
- A mobile hotspot with low signal strength.
- A poor Wi-Fi connection.
- Poor data connection
To Fix the Issue:
- Check your internet connection - Move to an area with stronger signal if you’re using a hotspot. Try switching to a different Wi-Fi network if available.
- Reconnect to a reliable Wi-Fi network - Make sure you can access other online services (e.g., open a webpage) before trying again.
- Retry your sync - Open Ecobot and tap "Sync to Cloud" again once you have a stable connection. You can also go to the settings (gear icon) and tap "Sync All Surveys"
If the error persists after connecting to a strong Wi-Fi network, force close the app and reopen it, then attempt to sync again.
Summary
Keeping your mobile device calibrated ensures:
Accurate GPS coordinates in Ecobot Collector. Reliable direction and heading information. Greater confidence in your field data.
By following these best practices and troubleshooting steps, you can prevent most issues with location data, photo uploads, and survey syncing in Ecobot.
If problems persist, contact support here or email support@ecobot.com and include: Your device type and OS version Ecobot app version Any relevant screenshots