NOAA’s CrowdMag is a crowdsourced data collection project that uses a mobile app to collect geomagnetic data from the magnetometers that modern smartphones use as part of their navigation systems. NCEI collects these data from citizen scientists around the world and provides quality control services before making them available through a series of aggregated maps and charts. These data have the potential to provide a high resolution alternative to geomagnetic satellite data, as well as near real-time information about changes in the magnetic field.
The collection of CrowdMag data is authorized under the OMB Control Number included in the Paperwork Reduction Act and Privacy Act statements.
Accessing Data
Interactive Map
The CrowdMag Interactive Map shows crowdsourced magnetic data collected in the past 24 hours from the CrowdMag app. Data are updated hourly, and data points are snapped to the nearest grid points (following a roughly 1x1 kilometer grid) to ensure the privacy of data contributors.
Contributing Data
Contributing data to CrowdMag is incredibly easy. Install the CrowdMag app, and use it to measure magnetic data along your path during walks, runs, or other outdoor activities. Data ("Magtivities") can be used to create a map of the magnetic field in your area. We encourage you to share your data with the NCEI geomagnetism research group, and to take multiple measurements along the same path to improve data quality and resolution.
CrowdMag’s magnetic calculator provides magnetic variation (declination), the magnetic field’s dip angle, the total magnetic field and other magnetic field components (as well as their associated uncertainties) based on the latest World Magnetic Model.
Download the App
Use the links below to download the CrowdMag app on the App Store (Iphone) and Google play (Android):
If you enable the “send data” option in the CrowdMag app, the following information will be sent to NOAA:
- Magnetic field data from the phone's magnetic sensor
- Time of measurement
- Location of measurement Location accuracy
- The model of your phone (so that we know which type of sensor was used to collect the magnetic field data)
CrowdMag data is stored in an internal, non-public database at NCEI. Our magnetic field research team will use these data to assess the utility of incorporating crowdsourced magnetic field data for modeling Earth’s magnetic field. Using CrowdMag data, our team will periodically produce scientific products such as maps, graphs and/or mathematical models. To further geomagnetic field research, these products may be presented at meetings, be included in publications, or be made available to the public via the Internet.
Getting a new phone? You can export your data to your computer before switching devices. Once your new phone is ready to go, you can import the backup data and continue using CrowdMag without losing your status for data contributed, areas covered, or magtivities completed.
The Geomagnetism Group
The NCEI Geomagnetism Group conducts original research on the Earth’s magnetic field. Our primary goal is to create up-to-date models that accurately track and depict changes to the geomagnetic field. Our magnetic models are integrated into millions of smartphones, car and aircraft navigation systems, and GPS so users know which way is north.
Geomagnetic Data Uses
Since ancient times, people have observed and used the geomagnetic field for navigation. Today, magnetic navigation is implemented on most planes, ships, and even smartphones.
The geomagnetic field changes with both time and location. It needs to be monitored regularly to assess its impact on magnetic navigation. Scientists use ground-based observatories, data from satellites, and ship/airborne surveys to map the geomagnetic field and its changes, but these observation methods still leave significant coverage gaps. CrowdMag mobile apps are designed to help fill these gaps by using cell phone magnetometers to collect geomagnetic data.
Release Notes
| Release Date | iOS Version | Android Version | Major Updates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6/20/24 | 2.1.2 | 144 (2.1.1) | Moved Flight mode Magtivity selection to the My Data section. Bug Fixes. |
| 4/4/24 | 2.1.1 | 143 (2.1.0) | New web map for contributed data. Added Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement. |
| 1/18/24 | 2.1.0 | - | Added 1 second polling rate. |
| 12/6/23 | 2.0.9 | - | Increased total allowed number of Magtivity points per Magitivity for longer flights. |
| 9/20/23 | 2.0.7 | - | Updated the compass tab and added haptic feedback. |
| 3/21/23 | 2.0.0 | - | Introduced Flight Mode for measuring magnetic fields during flights. |
| 11/9/22 | 1.9.3 | - | New 3D compass. Privacy Policy added to Settings. |
| 2/24/22 | 1.9.0 | - | Summary view in my data for sharing. Tutorial instructions in Settings. Improved k-index value accuracy in the Compass tab. |
| 12/23/19 | 1.8.0 | - | Create your own Magtivity (magnetic activity)! Updated the latest World Magnetic Model (WMM 2020). |
