Anecdata.org
A free citizen science platform anyone can use to collect observations of our changing world.
Overview
Developed by the MDI Biological Laboratory, Anecdata.org is a free and open platform that allows any organization or individual to create a citizen science project. It focuses on simplicity and accessibility, enabling project managers to quickly set up a project website and mobile app for collecting data on topics ranging from water quality to litter cleanups. The platform has a social component, allowing users to comment on and share observations.
✨ Key Features
- Free project creation
- Web and mobile data collection (iOS/Android)
- Customizable data fields
- Map and gallery view of observations
- Data download in CSV format
- Social features (commenting, liking observations)
🎯 Key Differentiators
- Completely free and open to anyone
- Simplicity and ease of use for project setup
- Social features to encourage community engagement
Unique Value: Offers a completely free, simple, and versatile platform for any organization to quickly launch a citizen science data collection project.
🎯 Use Cases (4)
✅ Best For
- Litter-Free Digital Journal (South Carolina Aquarium)
- Community-focused environmental health studies
💡 Check With Vendor
Verify these considerations match your specific requirements:
- Projects requiring enterprise-level security and compliance
- Projects needing deep integration with external GIS systems
- Large-scale data classification tasks
🏆 Alternatives
Anecdata is simpler and more accessible for non-technical users than more complex platforms like CitSci.org or ArcGIS Survey123. Unlike iNaturalist, it is not tied to a specific data type (biodiversity) and allows for fully custom projects.
💻 Platforms
✅ Offline Mode Available
🛟 Support Options
- ✓ Email Support
💰 Pricing
Free tier: The platform is entirely free to use for creating and managing projects.
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