Record a Transect Using the Song Meter Configurator App - SM5

Song Meter SM5 User Guide
Core Product
SM5
Accessory

You can record a short-term transect survey using your smartphone or tablet to record location data in the KML format.

About this task

When the SM5 is paired with the Song Meter Configurator app, you can use your smart phone or tablet's location data to record your location over time as a .kml file while the SM5 records audio to its SD cards. When the transect is finished, you can save the .kml file to your device's memory or share it via email or a different app. The .kml file is a format that can be directly opened in Google Earth™ or other mapping software.

The .kml file will include the following information:

  • date and time at which the transect started and ended
  • linear path of the route traveled during the transect, with segments logged every 5 seconds

Locations of any recordings made during the transect are not noted in the .kml file.

In addition to the .kml file, the metadata of each audio recording will include the location as of when the recording ended.

This function is designed for short-term transect recording (less than one day) because it requires a smart phone or tablet to be paired with the recorder during the entire transect.

This function requires either a smart device with a built-in satellite receiver for tracking location data (common in smart phones), or a dedicated satellite receiver accessory that can provide location data to the smart device (such as the Garmin® GLO™ 2).

Procedure

  1. Pair the SM5 with the Song Meter Configurator app, then select Configure.
  2. Confirm that your schedule is set correctly for your transect.
    During the transect, the mobile app will record location data continuously, but the SM5 will record audio according to its programmed schedule.
  3. Decide whether to use location information from the SM5's internal GPS/GLONASS receiver or from your phone's location services.
    • To use location data from your smartphone, go to Location & time zone and set GPS sync to Off, Once, or Daily.
    • To use location data from the SM5's GPS/GLONASS receiver, go to Location & time zone and set GPS sync to Continuous.
  4. Select Transect > Start Transect.

    The app will begin recording location data as a linear path on the map.

  5. When you are done, select End Transect.
  6. Enter a name for the .kml file containing your recorded location data.
  7. Select Share, then select an app on your device to receive the .kml file.
    For example, you could save the file to your device's file browser or a cloud storage app, or you could send it to someone via email or a messaging app.