> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.cogram.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.cogram.com/guides/observations.md).

# Capture Observations

An observation is a single finding on site: a defect, progress on a trade, a safety issue, anything worth recording. Each one carries a type, a status, notes, photos, and optionally a pin on a drawing. You capture them fast on your phone and group them into [field reports](/guides/field-reports.md).

## Capturing an observation

Start one from **Quick Observation** on the Home tab, or from **Add Observation** inside a report. Then:

1. Pick the **Type** (what it is, like "Defect") and **Status** (where it stands, like "Open"). Your admin manages these lists under [Observation Types and Statuses](/administration/observation-types-and-statuses.md).
2. Add your notes. Type them, or tap the mic and dictate; dictated notes are added as bullet points.
3. Add photos and, if useful, pin the observation to a drawing (both below).
4. Tap **Save & Next** to save and immediately start the next observation. That is the rhythm for walking a site: capture, next, capture, next.

If saving is not available, the editor tells you what is missing, like a note or photo, a type, or a project.

<figure><img src="/files/b5A8Ah5k6fY8iAoEiXhe" alt="The observation editor with the Type and Status dropdowns, the Notes field, and the Drawing Location section"><figcaption><p>The observation editor</p></figcaption></figure>

## Photos

Tap the camera button to take photos, or pick them from your photo library. The camera has a torch, a grid, and pinch to zoom.

After taking a photo you can mark it up: draw on it freehand (pick a color and brush size, undo if needed) and add a caption by typing or tapping **Record** to dictate it. Markups are saved into the photo, so they appear in the exported report.

{% hint style="info" %}
Photos can only be added while an observation is still on your phone. Once it has uploaded, create a new observation for additional photos.
{% endhint %}

## Pinning to a drawing

A pin shows exactly where on the plans the observation sits, and the pinned drawing snippet appears in the exported report.

* From the observation, tap **Tap to add drawing location**, pick the drawing, then long-press on the spot to drop the pin.
* Or start from the drawing itself: open it from the **Drawings** tab and long-press anywhere to create a new observation pinned right there.

Existing observations show as red pins; tap one to open it. If pinning is unavailable, the app tells you why: the observation needs a project first, or the project has no drawings yet. See [Drawings](/guides/drawings.md) for getting drawings onto your phone.

<figure><img src="/files/r64ibUYsRE6i4Z42ieGY" alt="A drawing open on mobile with observation pins and the hint to long-press anywhere to add an observation"><figcaption><p>Observation pins on a drawing</p></figcaption></figure>

## Finding observations later

The **Observations** tab lists everything, with search and filters for project, status, type, and report. Tap an observation to review it, or the pencil to edit. Admins can also update the type and status from the web after capture.

## Grouping observations into a report

Captured a batch with **Quick Observation** and want them in a report?

1. On the **Observations** tab, tap **Select** (or long-press an observation).
2. Pick the observations. They must all belong to the same project.
3. Tap **Add to Report** to add them to an existing report, or **Create Report** to start a new one from them.

If some already belong to another report, the app warns you that they will be moved. The same works in reverse from a report's editor with **Link Existing**.

<figure><img src="/files/aTJ4T9IvRy5dpifnroTj" alt="The Observations tab with search, the Select button, and a list of observations showing their type and status"><figcaption><p>The Observations tab</p></figcaption></figure>

## Related

* [Create a Field Report on Site](/guides/field-reports.md): turning observations into a finished report.
* [Drawings](/guides/drawings.md): downloading drawings for offline use and browsing them on site.
* [Observation Types and Statuses](/administration/observation-types-and-statuses.md): how admins manage the Type and Status lists.


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.cogram.com/guides/observations.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.