File:CountdownTimer.jpg

2026-07-01T23:39:13Z

Baltoadmin:

File:TapCounter.jpg

2026-07-01T23:38:53Z

Baltoadmin:

File:TapCounterDone.jpg

2026-07-01T23:38:36Z

Baltoadmin:

2026-06-01T22:40:47Z

Baltoadmin:

Main Page

2026-05-31T18:52:12Z

Baltoadmin: /* Introduction */

= <div style="text-align: center;">Welcome to Balto™ =
'''<div style="text-align: center;">The Search and Rescue Canine Handler Training Log App'''
<div style="text-align: left;">

== Introduction ==
[[File:SplashScreen.jpg|thumb]]
This app will help you keep track of your training exercise details and generate the text for use in your training log forms. The database is stored locally on your iOS or Android device. No connection to the internet is required.

Several different types of logs are available depending on your needs and capabilities of your dog(s). These include Air Scent (Live Find), Human Remains Detection (HRD), Water Human Remains Detection, Trailing, Articles, and GSAR (General Search and Rescue). In addition, a simple log for documenting search missions is also available.

The workflow is as follows: At the beginning of each training session, you open a new Mission. Each Mission contains one or more Exercises. Each Exercise has conditions such as the weather and environment. Set the conditions at the time you work the Exercise. Subsequent Exercises during the course of a single training session might have different conditions e.g. raining vs. not raining so you can adjust them as you go along. Each Exercise has a discipline log associated with it. Pick the discipline you are working on and then set the details of that discipline. For example, if you are working an HRD Exercise, you would specify things such as how the source is positioned and what type of source it is. You then work the exercise with your dog. When you complete the Exercise, you can enter information about you and your dog's performance along with notes for what went well and what you need to work on going forward. After you finish the Exercise, you can create additional Exercises. The software pre-populates the user interface with the previous Exercise's settings (which you can adjust as needed) to make the process faster. Finally, when you are finished the training for the day, you would close out the Mission.

Once you have a Mission with Exercises associated with it, you can review and edit the information. You might not have some piece of information at the time you worked the Exercise. For example, if you are working a blind HRD problem, the person who put the source out would know when it was placed, where it was placed, and the type of source but since it's blind, you would only get this information later.

When the logged information is complete, you can export the information to the mobile device's clipboard which you can then paste into whatever app or document form you use for long-term log keeping. For example, you could paste the log text into an email or a PDF form.

== Getting started ==
You'll need to set the Handler Name to your name in order for the system to automatically fill this in to each Mission. You'll also need to add a dog to the Canine list. You can also have a list of often used training locations. This information becomes available in the associated popup menus. This information can be accessed by tapping on the gear icon in the upper right corner of the screen.
{| class="wikitable"
|+
![[File:Handler.jpg|none|thumb]]
![[File:CanineEditor.jpg|none|thumb]]
![[File:LocationsEditor.jpg|none|thumb]]
|}

== Entering Missions and Exercises ==
[[File:WelcomeScreen3.jpg|center|thumb]]The above view is the starting screen. From here, you can create a new Mission along with associated Exercises of various discipline types.
{| class="wikitable"
|+
![[File:MissionSetup.jpg|none|thumb]]
![[File:ExerciseSetup.jpg|none|thumb]]
![[File:ExerciseInProgress.jpg|none|thumb]]
|}
The view on the left shows the Mission setup screen. In here, you set a mission number which is usually a tracking number issued by the agency overseeing Search & Rescue operations in your area. Any unofficial training can be indicated by clicking the Unofficial button. This button simply replaces the text in the edit box with the word "Unofficial". Internally, this field is plain text and anything can go in there.

In the Training Location section, the popup menu presents a list of your usual locations set up in the Locations Editor. Again, picking a choice from that menu simply inserts the text into the edit box. Clicking the GPS button will insert your current location in UTM format.

The Log-in Date/Time can be quickly filled in with the current time and date by clicking the Now button. The same applies to the Log-out edit box. Note, when you end the training for the day by clicking the button at the bottom of this screen, the time and date of the Log-out edit box will be updated to the current time and date.

Clicking the "Start a new exercise" button will bring up the Exercise Setup screen. Here you can set the overall information about the exercise such as the dog you were working, any human flankers who were with you, and the weather/environment/terrain conditions. At the bottom is a popup menu where you select the discipline you will be working on. Clicking the "Set discipline details" button will bring up one of several screens. Note that these discipline screens are all scrolling views to accommodate all the information and lets you fill in information as you get it easily.
[[File:FinishExercise.jpg|center|thumb]]

Important: By scrolling all the way to the bottom, you will see a Finish button. You must click this button to complete the exercise and save it in the database. If you click the circle-X in the upper left corner, you will cancel this discipline and it won't be saved. This allows you to undo adding an incorrectly chosen discipline.

== Training Disciplines ==

<div style="display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 16px; margin: 20px 0;">

<div style="flex: 0 0 calc(50% - 16px); min-width: 200px; padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #ccc; border-radius: 8px; background: #f8f8f8; box-sizing: border-box;">
'''[[Balto/Search_Log|Search Log]]'''
<br/>Record details of search missions including subject information and outcomes.
</div>

<div style="flex: 0 0 calc(50% - 16px); min-width: 200px; padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #ccc; border-radius: 8px; background: #f8f8f8; box-sizing: border-box;">
'''[[Balto/Air_Scent|Air Scent]]'''
<br/>Log air scent exercises with timing, conditions, and find details.
</div>

<div style="flex: 0 0 calc(50% - 16px); min-width: 200px; padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #ccc; border-radius: 8px; background: #f8f8f8; box-sizing: border-box;">
'''[[Balto/HRD|HRD]]'''
<br/>Log human remains detection exercises with source and behavior details.
</div>

<div style="flex: 0 0 calc(50% - 16px); min-width: 200px; padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #ccc; border-radius: 8px; background: #f8f8f8; box-sizing: border-box;">
'''[[Balto/Water_HRD|Water HRD]]'''
<br/>Log water-based human remains detection exercises with platform and water conditions.
</div>

<div style="flex: 0 0 calc(50% - 16px); min-width: 200px; padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #ccc; border-radius: 8px; background: #f8f8f8; box-sizing: border-box;">
'''[[Balto/Trailing|Trailing]]'''
<br/>Log trailing exercises with scent article details and dog behavior.
</div>

<div style="flex: 0 0 calc(50% - 16px); min-width: 200px; padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #ccc; border-radius: 8px; background: #f8f8f8; box-sizing: border-box;">
'''[[Balto/Articles|Articles]]'''
<br/>Log article search exercises with article descriptions and placements.
</div>

<div style="flex: 0 0 calc(50% - 16px); min-width: 200px; padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #ccc; border-radius: 8px; background: #f8f8f8; box-sizing: border-box;">
'''[[Balto/GSAR|GSAR]]'''
<br/>Log generalist search and rescue exercises across multiple disciplines.
</div>
</div>

== Tools ==

<div style="display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 16px; margin: 20px 0;">

<div style="flex: 0 0 calc(50% - 16px); min-width: 200px; padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #ccc; border-radius: 8px; background: #f8f8f8; box-sizing: border-box;">
'''[[Balto/Interactive_Map|Interactive Map]]'''
<br/>Import geo files, generate grid search paths, sector grids, and analyze trailing tracks.
</div>

<div style="flex: 0 0 calc(50% - 16px); min-width: 200px; padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #ccc; border-radius: 8px; background: #f8f8f8; box-sizing: border-box;">
'''[[Balto/Speed_Monitor|Speed Monitor]]'''
<br/>Measure real-time GPS speed, distance, and elapsed time during training.
</div>

<div style="flex: 0 0 calc(50% - 16px); min-width: 200px; padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #ccc; border-radius: 8px; background: #f8f8f8; box-sizing: border-box;">
'''[[Balto/Graham_Tools|Graham Tools]]'''
<br/>Search planning calculators for POD, grid spacing, and coverage rates.
</div>

<div style="flex: 0 0 calc(50% - 16px); min-width: 200px; padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #ccc; border-radius: 8px; background: #f8f8f8; box-sizing: border-box;">
'''[[Balto/Mission_Summary|Mission Summary]]'''
<br/>Quick view of all completed exercises from the current mission.
</div>

<div style="flex: 0 0 calc(50% - 16px); min-width: 200px; padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #ccc; border-radius: 8px; background: #f8f8f8; box-sizing: border-box;">
'''[[Balto/Statistics|Statistics]]'''
<br/>Generate a statistics report including time worked, mileage, and number/type of exercise.
</div>

</div>

== Reviewing and Editing ==
Once you have Missions and Exercises recorded in the database, you can review and edit them as needed. By clicking on the Review button from the main screen, you will see a list of all of the Exercises, sorted by the date/time set in the Mission screen. To edit an exercise, double-tap on the desired item in the list.[[File:LogReview.jpg|center|thumb]]All disciplines have a Mission editor and a Conditions editor.
{| class="wikitable" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: none;"
|+
|[[File:MissionEditor.jpg|none|thumb]]
|[[File:ConditionsEditor.jpg|none|thumb]]
|}

The Weather Assist button will attempt to look up the current weather conditions for your area and populate the dropdown menus accordingly. However, since the conditions may not match what you're experiencing, you can always change the dropdowns as needed.

To delete an exercise, swipe left on the item in the list you wish to delete and tap the trash can button to confirm.
Note, when there are no more exercises for a given Mission, that Mission record is also deleted.
{| class="wikitable" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: none;"
|+
[[File:LogReviewDelete.jpg|none|thumb]]
|}

If you need to add an exercise to a Mission after the Mission has been closed, you can do so by tapping and holding on any of the other exercises in that Mission.

== Exporting Information ==
To generate and export logs as a block of text for use in log forms, you first bring up the Review screen. From there you can select specific logs to export by checking the Select for export in the upper left corner. This presents check boxes for all of the exercises in the list. Check the logs you want to export and click the Export Logs button. The app will notify you that the clipboard now contains the log text.

{| class="wikitable" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: none;"
|+
![[File:SelectForExport.jpg|none|thumb]]
![[File:SelectForExportClipboard.jpg|none|thumb]]
|}
You can also select a date range by clicking on the Filter icon button in the upper left corner. This will bring up the filter screen.

From here, you can specify a date range of logs and show them in the Review list or automatically export them to the clipboard.
{| class="wikitable" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: none;"
|+
![[File:DateRange.jpg|none|thumb]]
![[File:DateRangePopup.jpg|none|thumb]]
|}
Logs are exported in Rich-Text Format (RTF). You can paste that information into any app that supports RTF such as Microsoft Word.

If you are using an iPhone and a Mac computer, the phone's clipboard is automatically shared (via iCloud) to your Mac. Once on your Mac, you can paste the information into Word or other editor. Some editors don't retain the formatting by default so you may have to specifically choose a Paste command from the Edit menu. It may be handy to create a template document in Word that has a useful header and footer for a signature line or a unit insignia as a watermark. The paste operation will automatically add new pages as needed with the header/footer/watermark on each page.

== MediaWiki ==
* [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Manual:Configuration_settings Configuration settings list]
* [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Manual:FAQ MediaWiki FAQ]
* [https://lists.wikimedia.org/postorius/lists/mediawiki-announce.lists.wikimedia.org/ MediaWiki release mailing list]
* [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Localisation#Translation_resources Localise MediaWiki for your language]
* [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Manual:Combating_spam Learn how to combat spam on your wiki]

Balto/Interactive Map

2026-05-31T18:51:19Z

Baltoadmin: /* Generating a Grid Search Path */

== Interactive Map ==

The Interactive Map is a powerful tool for visualizing search areas, planning grid searches, dividing areas into sectors, and analyzing trailing dog tracks. It supports importing geographic files from CalTopo and other mapping applications.

=== Opening the Map ===

Tap the map icon in the toolbar to slide the map view in from the side. The map displays your current GPS position as a blue pulsing marker, with an accuracy circle and heading indicator. Tap the map icon again to slide the map view away.

=== Importing a Geo File ===

Balto supports importing GPX and GeoJSON files from other applications.

==== From CalTopo ====

# Open CalTopo on your device
# Select the map object you want to share (polygon, line, or waypoint)
# Tap the share button
# Choose "Balto" from the share sheet
# The file will be imported and displayed on the map

==== From Other Apps ====

Any app that can share GPX or GeoJSON files via the system share sheet will work the same way. Tap the share button in the source app, then select Balto from the list.

After import, the map will automatically center and zoom to show all imported features. The status bar at the top of the map shows what was imported (number of polygons, lines, and points).

{| class="wikitable" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: none;"
|+
![[File:balto_map_open.png|none|thumb]]
![[File:balto_map_imported.png|none|thumb]]
|}

<br style="clear:both;" />

=== Generating a Grid Search Path ===
[[File:balto_grid_search.png|right|thumb|300px|A grid search path with direction arrows]]

For area searches, Balto can generate a serpentine grid search path within an imported polygon.

# Import a polygon defining your search area
# Tap the polygon on the map to select it (it will highlight)
# Tap the grid search button in the zoom column on the right
# The Grid Search panel will appear at the bottom of the map

In the Grid Search panel:

; Wind Direction slider
: Set the direction the wind is blowing FROM. The grid path will start at the downwind corner of the area so the dog works into the wind. Tap the compass rose buttons (N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW) for quick wind direction selection.

; Wind Direction button
: Press and hold the compass icon while pointing your phone into the wind to set the Wind Direction slider.

; Spacing slider
: Set the distance between parallel lanes of the grid. Smaller spacing gives more thorough coverage but takes longer to execute. The slider range is from 10 metres to 200 metres.

; Reverse direction
: Tap to reverse the path direction if needed.

; Chamfer corners
: Tap to add rounded transitions at the lane endpoints instead of sharp turns.

Direction arrows appear at the midpoint of each segment showing which way to walk. Arrow size can be adjusted using the arrow size slider.

==== Exporting a Grid Search ====

To save the grid search for use in another application:

# Generate the grid search as described above
# Tap the export button in the panel
# Choose where to save or share the GPX file

The exported GPX file can be loaded into Garmin devices, CalTopo, Google Earth, or other GPS applications.

=== Generating Sectors ===
[[File:Balto_sectors.png|right|thumb|300px|Sectors generated over a search area]]

For evidence searches or systematic area coverage, Balto can subdivide an imported polygon into a grid of square sectors with unique labels.

# Import a polygon defining the area
# Tap the polygon on the map to select it
# Tap the sector generator button in the zoom column
# The Sector Generator panel will appear

In the Sector Generator panel:

; Sector size slider
: Set the area of each sector in acres. Sectors are square and rotated together to fit the polygon.

; Rotation slider
: Set the orientation of the sector grid. Sectors are labeled with column letters and row numbers (A1, A2, B1, B2, etc.) that follow the rotation.

Each sector is drawn with a unique color from a palette of 12 colors that cycle through the grid for easy visual distinction.

==== Exporting Sectors ====

To save the sectors for use in another application:

# Generate the sectors as described above
# Tap the export button in the panel
# Choose GPX or GeoJSON format
# Choose where to save or share the file

GPX files include the Garmin DisplayColor extension so sector colors are preserved in compatible applications. GeoJSON files use the stroke and fill properties recognized by CalTopo and other web mapping tools.

=== Track Analysis ===
[[File:balto_track_analysis.png|right|thumb|300px|Track analysis with deviation coloring]]

For trailing dog training, Balto can compare the dog's GPS track to the subject's track to compute deviation statistics.

# Import a GPX file containing both the subject's track and the dog's track
# Tap the track analysis button in the zoom column
# The Track Analysis panel will appear

In the Track Analysis panel:

# Select the subject's track from the first combo box
# Select the dog's track from the second combo box
# The analysis runs automatically when both tracks are selected

The dog's track is colored based on its deviation from the subject's track at each point:

; Green
: Less than 5 metres deviation

; Amber
: 5 to 15 metres deviation

; Red
: More than 15 metres deviation

The panel displays maximum and average deviation in metres.
<br style="clear:both;" />

=== Geofencing ===

When a polygon is loaded, you can enable geofencing to receive an audible warning if you walk outside the search area.

# Import a polygon defining the search area
# In the status bar at the top of the map, toggle the Geofence switch to On
# Balto will speak "Warning, you are outside the search area" if you exit the polygon

Geofencing continues to work when Balto is running in the background, allowing you to put your phone in your pocket while working.

=== Clearing the Map ===

To remove all imported data from the map, tap the Clear button in the status bar at the top of the map view.

Main Page

2026-05-31T18:49:15Z

Baltoadmin: /* Reviewing and Editing */

= <div style="text-align: center;">Welcome to Balto™ =
'''<div style="text-align: center;">The Search and Rescue Canine Handler Training Log App'''
<div style="text-align: left;">

== Introduction ==
[[File:SplashScreen.jpg|thumb]]
This app will help you keep track of your training exercise details and generate the text for use in your training log forms. The database is stored locally on your iOS or Android device. No connection to the internet is required.

Several different types of logs are available depending on your needs and capabilities of your dog(s). These include Air Scent (Live Find), Human Remains Detection (HRD), Trailing, Articles, and GSAR (General Search and Rescue). In addition, a simple log for documenting search missions is also available.

The workflow is as follows: At the beginning of each training session, you open a new Mission. Each Mission contains one or more Exercises. Each Exercise has conditions such as the weather and environment. Set the conditions at the time you work the Exercise. Subsequent Exercises during the course of a single training session might have different conditions e.g. raining vs. not raining so you can adjust them as you go along. Each Exercise has a discipline log associated with it. Pick the discipline you are working on and then set the details of that discipline. For example, if you are working an HRD Exercise, you would specify things such as how the source is positioned and what type of source it is. You then work the exercise with your dog. When you complete the Exercise, you can enter information about you and your dog's performance along with notes for what went well and what you need to work on going forward. After you finish the Exercise, you can create additional Exercises. The software pre-populates the user interface with the previous Exercise's settings (which you can adjust as needed) to make the process faster. Finally, when you are finished the training for the day, you would close out the Mission.

Once you have a Mission with Exercises associated with it, you can review and edit the information. You might not have some piece of information at the time you worked the Exercise. For example, if you are working a blind HRD problem, the person who put the source out would know when it was placed, where it was placed, and the type of source but since it's blind, you would only get this information later.

When the logged information is complete, you can export the information to the mobile device's clipboard which you can then paste into whatever app or document form you use for long-term log keeping. For example, you could paste the log text into an email or a PDF form.

== Getting started ==
You'll need to set the Handler Name to your name in order for the system to automatically fill this in to each Mission. You'll also need to add a dog to the Canine list. You can also have a list of often used training locations. This information becomes available in the associated popup menus. This information can be accessed by tapping on the gear icon in the upper right corner of the screen.
{| class="wikitable"
|+
![[File:Handler.jpg|none|thumb]]
![[File:CanineEditor.jpg|none|thumb]]
![[File:LocationsEditor.jpg|none|thumb]]
|}

== Entering Missions and Exercises ==
[[File:WelcomeScreen3.jpg|center|thumb]]The above view is the starting screen. From here, you can create a new Mission along with associated Exercises of various discipline types.
{| class="wikitable"
|+
![[File:MissionSetup.jpg|none|thumb]]
![[File:ExerciseSetup.jpg|none|thumb]]
![[File:ExerciseInProgress.jpg|none|thumb]]
|}
The view on the left shows the Mission setup screen. In here, you set a mission number which is usually a tracking number issued by the agency overseeing Search & Rescue operations in your area. Any unofficial training can be indicated by clicking the Unofficial button. This button simply replaces the text in the edit box with the word "Unofficial". Internally, this field is plain text and anything can go in there.

In the Training Location section, the popup menu presents a list of your usual locations set up in the Locations Editor. Again, picking a choice from that menu simply inserts the text into the edit box. Clicking the GPS button will insert your current location in UTM format.

The Log-in Date/Time can be quickly filled in with the current time and date by clicking the Now button. The same applies to the Log-out edit box. Note, when you end the training for the day by clicking the button at the bottom of this screen, the time and date of the Log-out edit box will be updated to the current time and date.

Clicking the "Start a new exercise" button will bring up the Exercise Setup screen. Here you can set the overall information about the exercise such as the dog you were working, any human flankers who were with you, and the weather/environment/terrain conditions. At the bottom is a popup menu where you select the discipline you will be working on. Clicking the "Set discipline details" button will bring up one of several screens. Note that these discipline screens are all scrolling views to accommodate all the information and lets you fill in information as you get it easily.
[[File:FinishExercise.jpg|center|thumb]]

Important: By scrolling all the way to the bottom, you will see a Finish button. You must click this button to complete the exercise and save it in the database. If you click the circle-X in the upper left corner, you will cancel this discipline and it won't be saved. This allows you to undo adding an incorrectly chosen discipline.

== Training Disciplines ==

<div style="display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 16px; margin: 20px 0;">

<div style="flex: 0 0 calc(50% - 16px); min-width: 200px; padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #ccc; border-radius: 8px; background: #f8f8f8; box-sizing: border-box;">
'''[[Balto/Search_Log|Search Log]]'''
<br/>Record details of search missions including subject information and outcomes.
</div>

<div style="flex: 0 0 calc(50% - 16px); min-width: 200px; padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #ccc; border-radius: 8px; background: #f8f8f8; box-sizing: border-box;">
'''[[Balto/Air_Scent|Air Scent]]'''
<br/>Log air scent exercises with timing, conditions, and find details.
</div>

<div style="flex: 0 0 calc(50% - 16px); min-width: 200px; padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #ccc; border-radius: 8px; background: #f8f8f8; box-sizing: border-box;">
'''[[Balto/HRD|HRD]]'''
<br/>Log human remains detection exercises with source and behavior details.
</div>

<div style="flex: 0 0 calc(50% - 16px); min-width: 200px; padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #ccc; border-radius: 8px; background: #f8f8f8; box-sizing: border-box;">
'''[[Balto/Water_HRD|Water HRD]]'''
<br/>Log water-based human remains detection exercises with platform and water conditions.
</div>

<div style="flex: 0 0 calc(50% - 16px); min-width: 200px; padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #ccc; border-radius: 8px; background: #f8f8f8; box-sizing: border-box;">
'''[[Balto/Trailing|Trailing]]'''
<br/>Log trailing exercises with scent article details and dog behavior.
</div>

<div style="flex: 0 0 calc(50% - 16px); min-width: 200px; padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #ccc; border-radius: 8px; background: #f8f8f8; box-sizing: border-box;">
'''[[Balto/Articles|Articles]]'''
<br/>Log article search exercises with article descriptions and placements.
</div>

<div style="flex: 0 0 calc(50% - 16px); min-width: 200px; padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #ccc; border-radius: 8px; background: #f8f8f8; box-sizing: border-box;">
'''[[Balto/GSAR|GSAR]]'''
<br/>Log generalist search and rescue exercises across multiple disciplines.
</div>
</div>

== Tools ==

<div style="display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 16px; margin: 20px 0;">

<div style="flex: 0 0 calc(50% - 16px); min-width: 200px; padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #ccc; border-radius: 8px; background: #f8f8f8; box-sizing: border-box;">
'''[[Balto/Interactive_Map|Interactive Map]]'''
<br/>Import geo files, generate grid search paths, sector grids, and analyze trailing tracks.
</div>

<div style="flex: 0 0 calc(50% - 16px); min-width: 200px; padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #ccc; border-radius: 8px; background: #f8f8f8; box-sizing: border-box;">
'''[[Balto/Speed_Monitor|Speed Monitor]]'''
<br/>Measure real-time GPS speed, distance, and elapsed time during training.
</div>

<div style="flex: 0 0 calc(50% - 16px); min-width: 200px; padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #ccc; border-radius: 8px; background: #f8f8f8; box-sizing: border-box;">
'''[[Balto/Graham_Tools|Graham Tools]]'''
<br/>Search planning calculators for POD, grid spacing, and coverage rates.
</div>

<div style="flex: 0 0 calc(50% - 16px); min-width: 200px; padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #ccc; border-radius: 8px; background: #f8f8f8; box-sizing: border-box;">
'''[[Balto/Mission_Summary|Mission Summary]]'''
<br/>Quick view of all completed exercises from the current mission.
</div>

<div style="flex: 0 0 calc(50% - 16px); min-width: 200px; padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #ccc; border-radius: 8px; background: #f8f8f8; box-sizing: border-box;">
'''[[Balto/Statistics|Statistics]]'''
<br/>Generate a statistics report including time worked, mileage, and number/type of exercise.
</div>

</div>

== Reviewing and Editing ==
Once you have Missions and Exercises recorded in the database, you can review and edit them as needed. By clicking on the Review button from the main screen, you will see a list of all of the Exercises, sorted by the date/time set in the Mission screen. To edit an exercise, double-tap on the desired item in the list.[[File:LogReview.jpg|center|thumb]]All disciplines have a Mission editor and a Conditions editor.
{| class="wikitable" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: none;"
|+
|[[File:MissionEditor.jpg|none|thumb]]
|[[File:ConditionsEditor.jpg|none|thumb]]
|}

The Weather Assist button will attempt to look up the current weather conditions for your area and populate the dropdown menus accordingly. However, since the conditions may not match what you're experiencing, you can always change the dropdowns as needed.

To delete an exercise, swipe left on the item in the list you wish to delete and tap the trash can button to confirm.
Note, when there are no more exercises for a given Mission, that Mission record is also deleted.
{| class="wikitable" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: none;"
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[[File:LogReviewDelete.jpg|none|thumb]]
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If you need to add an exercise to a Mission after the Mission has been closed, you can do so by tapping and holding on any of the other exercises in that Mission.

== Exporting Information ==
To generate and export logs as a block of text for use in log forms, you first bring up the Review screen. From there you can select specific logs to export by checking the Select for export in the upper left corner. This presents check boxes for all of the exercises in the list. Check the logs you want to export and click the Export Logs button. The app will notify you that the clipboard now contains the log text.

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![[File:SelectForExport.jpg|none|thumb]]
![[File:SelectForExportClipboard.jpg|none|thumb]]
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You can also select a date range by clicking on the Filter icon button in the upper left corner. This will bring up the filter screen.

From here, you can specify a date range of logs and show them in the Review list or automatically export them to the clipboard.
{| class="wikitable" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: none;"
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![[File:DateRange.jpg|none|thumb]]
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Logs are exported in Rich-Text Format (RTF). You can paste that information into any app that supports RTF such as Microsoft Word.

If you are using an iPhone and a Mac computer, the phone's clipboard is automatically shared (via iCloud) to your Mac. Once on your Mac, you can paste the information into Word or other editor. Some editors don't retain the formatting by default so you may have to specifically choose a Paste command from the Edit menu. It may be handy to create a template document in Word that has a useful header and footer for a signature line or a unit insignia as a watermark. The paste operation will automatically add new pages as needed with the header/footer/watermark on each page.

== MediaWiki ==
* [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Manual:Configuration_settings Configuration settings list]
* [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Manual:FAQ MediaWiki FAQ]
* [https://lists.wikimedia.org/postorius/lists/mediawiki-announce.lists.wikimedia.org/ MediaWiki release mailing list]
* [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Localisation#Translation_resources Localise MediaWiki for your language]
* [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Manual:Combating_spam Learn how to combat spam on your wiki]

File:ConditionsEditor.jpg

2026-05-31T18:46:08Z

Baltoadmin: Baltoadmin uploaded a new version of File:ConditionsEditor.jpg

Conditions Editor

File:MissionEditor.jpg

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Baltoadmin: Baltoadmin uploaded a new version of File:MissionEditor.jpg

Mission Editor

Balto/GSAR

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Baltoadmin:

== GSAR ==

[[File:balto_gsar.jpg|right|thumb|300px|The GSAR exercise editor]]

GSAR (Ground Search and Rescue) is a non-canine training category for documenting general SAR skills training. This includes radio communications, GPS, land navigation, first aid, and other non-discipline-specific training that handlers need to maintain proficiency in. Balto's GSAR exercise log captures the activity type, topics covered, and notes from the training.

=== Starting a GSAR Exercise ===

If you haven't already started a Mission, follow these steps.

# From the Welcome page, press and hold the begin training button to start a new mission
# Configure the mission details (date, location, DR number) and tap Start a new task
# On the Exercise Configuration screen, select GSAR as the training type
# Tap Set Task Details to begin the exercise

Otherwise, you'll be skipping steps 1 and 2.

The GSAR exercise has two sections that scroll vertically: Setup (Config) and Review.

=== Setup Section ===

This section captures what type of training was conducted and what topics were covered.

==== Activity Type ====

Select the format of the training:

* '''Outdoor''' — Field-based practical training
* '''Classroom''' — Indoor instructional training
* '''Public Relations''' — Community outreach or demonstrations
* '''Meeting''' — Team or organizational meetings

==== Topic ====

Check all topics that were covered during the training:

* '''Radio Communications''' — Operating SAR radios, protocols, frequencies
* '''GPS''' — GPS device use, waypoints, tracks
* '''Land Navigation''' — Map and compass, terrain interpretation
* '''Search Tactics''' — Search planning, lost person behavior, probability
* '''Line Search''' — Ground search techniques, line formations
* '''Evidence''' — Evidence recognition, preservation, chain of custody
* '''Situational Awareness''' — Environmental and team safety awareness
* '''Technology''' — SAR-related technology and tools
* '''First-aid/WFA''' — Wilderness First Aid for humans
* '''K9 First-aid''' — Canine first aid and emergency care
* '''Flanker Training''' — Working as a flanker for K9 teams
* '''Tracker''' — Visual tracking skills (not canine)
* '''Cross-training''' — Training with other SAR teams or disciplines
* '''Other''' — Use the adjacent text field to specify

Multiple topics can be checked for training sessions that covered multiple areas.

=== Review Section ===

This section captures notes from the training.

==== Notes ====

Free-form text area for activity notes, key learning points, and any follow-up plans. Use this to document specific scenarios practiced, instructors, certifications earned, or topics that need more work.

=== Finishing the Exercise ===

When you're done recording the exercise:

# Scroll to the bottom of the screen
# Tap '''Finish & save exercise'''
# The exercise will be saved and you'll return to the mission

=== Tips ===

* Use GSAR logs to maintain proficiency records for required training topics that your team or certifying organization tracks
* Check multiple topics for cross-discipline training sessions to capture the full scope of what was covered
* The Notes field is ideal for recording who taught what, certifications earned, or specific scenarios that need follow-up
* For annual requirements like First-aid recertification, use GSAR logs to maintain a clear training record
* When attending external SAR training or conferences, use GSAR with the Cross-training topic to log the experience
* Public Relations activities count toward team service hours in many organizations — log them here for proper credit

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Baltoadmin: