← Meridian SAR
Get the app
Install Meridian SAR, then join your search with the code on your mission sheet. It takes a couple of minutes - do it before you set out, while you still have signal.
Join a search only if the organisation running it has asked you to. The code registers you once you have been accepted; it is not an invitation to take part.
Download
App Store Coming soon - not yet published
Google Play Coming soon - not yet published
The store listings are not live yet. Your coordinator can tell you how to get the app in the meantime.
Then join your search
- Open the app and choose Join a search.
- Tap Scan QR code and scan the join code on your mission sheet - the square code next to the mission code, not this one. Or type the mission code, and the authentication code if you were given one.
- Add your name and accept the searcher terms.
- Allow location when the app asks (see below).
- Choose how you are travelling - on foot, bike, vehicle, horse or boat - then tap Start.
Keep the app recording until you are told to stop. It keeps recording with the phone locked and in your pocket, and stores your track when there is no signal, sending it when signal returns.
Letting the app record in the background
Your track only records with the screen off if the app has location access all the time. Both phones ask in two steps - allowing it once while using the app is not enough.
iPhone
- When asked, choose Allow While Using App.
- Shortly after, iPhone asks again whether to allow it in the background: choose Change to Always Allow.
Missed the second prompt? Settings › Meridian SAR › Location, and choose Always. Turn on Precise Location as well.
Android
- When asked, choose While using the app and allow precise location.
- Android does not offer "all the time" in that prompt. The app shows an Open Settings button - tap it, then under Permissions › Location choose Allow all the time.
- Also allow notifications, so the "GPS tracking is active" banner can show.
Some phones (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, OnePlus) also stop background apps to save battery. If your track has gaps, set Meridian SAR to unrestricted battery use in Android's battery settings.
If something is not right
- The join code will not scan - type the mission code instead, from the mission sheet.
- Your track has gaps - check location is set to Always / Allow all the time, and that battery saving is not restricting the app.
- No signal where you are searching - that is fine. The app stores everything and sends it when signal returns. Download the offline maps before you set out.
- Anything else, ask your coordinator.
This page is only for installing the app. The code you scan to join a search is on your mission sheet.