Create Observations
Document environmental events in real time to build institutional knowledge and support future decision-making.
Table of Contents
Why Use Observations
The Observations feature in Conserv Cloud allows you to annotate environmental data as events occur in your collection spaces. By documenting events in real time, you create a permanent record that helps you and your team understand environmental patterns and respond to future questions about your collection environment.
Observations enable you to record the following information:
- Event descriptions that explain what happened at a specific time
- Scope settings that indicate whether the event affects one sensor or an entire location
- Time ranges that document when the event started and ended
- Photo documentation that provides visual evidence of conditions or changes
This documentation becomes invaluable for future reference when you need to explain why spikes occurred months or years later, identify patterns by building historical context for recurring events, and communicate insights with colleagues and facilities staff.
Create an Observation in Conserv Cloud Analytics
- Sign into Conserv Cloud
- Navigate to the Analytics page in Conserv Cloud.
- Right-click (control-click on Mac) any data point on the graph.
- Select Create Observation
A drawer appears on the right side of the page. - Follow the prompts, and your new observation will save when you close the drawer. All fields marked with a * are mandatory. Click SAVE ALL CHANGES to save.

The Observation will appear on the X-axis. If you do not see it, confirm Observations are turned on in your CUSTOMIZE settings on the top right. Refresh your browser screen after making changes.

Create an Observation on the Observations Page
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Sign into Conserv Cloud
- In the left navigation menu, click the eye icon for Observe.
The Observations page displays all existing observations. - Hover over the Plus icon on the bottom left and click Add an Observation
A drawer appears on the right side of the page. Follow instructions as before.

Create an Observation in Conserv Cloud Mobile App
- Log in to Conserv Cloud Mobile App
- On the main screen, far Record Observation

- Fill in the fields to enter observation details. Add an image if desired.
- Tap Save Observation to save.
The Observation should show up in both the Observe page and on the Analytics graph.

View and Edit Existing Observations
Click the name of the observation either on the Analytics graph or its name on the Observe page. The editing drawer will appear on the right side of the page. Observations cannot be edited from the mobile app.
Add Comments to an Observation
After an Observation has been made, team members can hold a conversation in the COMMENTS section. Open the Observation as if to edit. Select the COMMENTS section on the top right. Post comments using the POST button on the bottom right. Comments cannot be added from the mobile app.

Best Practices for Observations
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To maximize the value of observations, document events as they happen rather than waiting until later.
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Include specific details about what occurred, why it matters for your collection, and what actions were taken or recommended.
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Attach photos when they provide additional context that words alone cannot convey.
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Use consistent terminology across observations to make it easier to identify patterns over time.
Team members can discuss observations directly within Conserv Cloud, allowing facilities staff to be included in conversations and helping you build institutional knowledge over time. This collaborative approach to environmental management ensures that critical information is shared across your organization.