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Data Export

FlockFinder supports exporting your detection data in multiple formats for analysis, backup, or sharing.

Export Formats

Format Extension Best For
CSV .csv Spreadsheets, data analysis
JSON .json Programming, APIs, backups
GPX .gpx Mapping apps, GPS devices

How to Export

  1. Open the History tab
  2. Tap the Export button (share icon)
  3. Select your desired format
  4. Choose destination (Files, AirDrop, etc.)

CSV Format

Comma-separated values compatible with Excel, Google Sheets, and data analysis tools.

Columns

Column Type Description
id Integer Unique detection ID
device_type String Camera type (e.g., "Flock Safety")
mac_address String Device MAC address
ssid String WiFi network name
rssi Integer Signal strength (dBm)
confidence Float Detection confidence (0-1)
latitude Float GPS latitude
longitude Float GPS longitude
speed Float Speed (m/s)
heading Float Compass heading (degrees)
activity String Motion activity type
timestamp ISO 8601 Detection time

Example

id,device_type,mac_address,ssid,rssi,confidence,latitude,longitude,speed,heading,activity,timestamp
1,Flock Safety,3C:71:BF:12:34:56,FLOCK-S3-1234,-62,0.98,37.7749,-122.4194,12.5,270.0,automotive,2024-01-15T14:30:00Z
2,Ring,A4:83:E7:AB:CD:EF,Ring Doorbell Pro,-71,0.85,37.7751,-122.4189,0.0,0.0,stationary,2024-01-15T14:35:00Z

JSON Format

Structured data format ideal for programmatic access and full data fidelity.

Schema

{
  "export_date": "2024-01-15T15:00:00Z",
  "app_version": "1.0.0",
  "total_detections": 2,
  "detections": [
    {
      "id": 1,
      "device_type": "Flock Safety",
      "mac_address": "3C:71:BF:12:34:56",
      "ssid": "FLOCK-S3-1234",
      "rssi": -62,
      "confidence": 0.98,
      "location": {
        "latitude": 37.7749,
        "longitude": -122.4194
      },
      "motion": {
        "speed": 12.5,
        "heading": 270.0,
        "activity": "automotive"
      },
      "timestamp": "2024-01-15T14:30:00Z"
    }
  ]
}

GPX Format

GPS Exchange Format for mapping applications and GPS devices.

Structure

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<gpx version="1.1" creator="FlockFinder iOS">
  <metadata>
    <name>FlockFinder Detections</name>
    <time>2024-01-15T15:00:00Z</time>
  </metadata>

  <wpt lat="37.7749" lon="-122.4194">
    <ele>0</ele>
    <time>2024-01-15T14:30:00Z</time>
    <name>Flock Safety</name>
    <desc>MAC: 3C:71:BF:12:34:56, RSSI: -62, Confidence: 98%</desc>
    <type>Flock Safety</type>
  </wpt>

  <wpt lat="37.7751" lon="-122.4189">
    <ele>0</ele>
    <time>2024-01-15T14:35:00Z</time>
    <name>Ring</name>
    <desc>MAC: A4:83:E7:AB:CD:EF, RSSI: -71, Confidence: 85%</desc>
    <type>Ring</type>
  </wpt>
</gpx>

Compatible Apps

GPX files can be imported into:

  • Apple Maps (via Files app)
  • Google Maps (My Maps)
  • Gaia GPS
  • AllTrails
  • Garmin Connect
  • Strava

Filtering Before Export

Use the History view filters to export subsets of data:

Filter Description
Date Range Export detections within specific dates
Device Type Export only certain camera types
Search Export detections matching search terms

Large Exports

For exports with many detections, JSON format is most efficient for large datasets.

Sharing Options

After export, iOS shows the share sheet with options:

  • AirDrop - Send to nearby Apple devices
  • Files - Save to iCloud Drive or local storage
  • Email - Attach to email message
  • Messages - Share via iMessage/SMS
  • Third-party apps - Any app that accepts the file type

Data Analysis

Opening in Excel

  1. Export as CSV
  2. Open Excel and select File > Import
  3. Choose the CSV file
  4. Data will populate in columns

Opening in Python

import pandas as pd

# CSV
df = pd.read_csv('flockfinder_export.csv')

# JSON
import json
with open('flockfinder_export.json') as f:
    data = json.load(f)
df = pd.DataFrame(data['detections'])

Visualizing on Map

import folium

# Create map centered on first detection
m = folium.Map(location=[df['latitude'].mean(), df['longitude'].mean()], zoom_start=12)

# Add markers
for _, row in df.iterrows():
    folium.Marker(
        [row['latitude'], row['longitude']],
        popup=f"{row['device_type']}: {row['timestamp']}"
    ).add_to(m)

m.save('detections_map.html')

Privacy Notice

Location Data

Exported files contain precise GPS coordinates. Consider the privacy implications before sharing exported data.

Recommendations:

  • Only share with trusted parties
  • Consider removing or obfuscating exact locations
  • Don't post raw exports publicly

iCloud Backup

If iCloud sync is enabled, your detection database automatically backs up to iCloud. This is separate from manual exports and provides automatic device-to-device sync.

See iCloud Setup Guide for configuration.

Next Steps