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iNaturalist Sightings

sourceSimon Willison
calendar_todayMay 1, 2026
schedule2 min read
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Streamlining iNaturalist Data with Custom Python CLI and Web App

Summary

The article discusses the creation of a custom tool called iNaturalist Sightings, designed to group observations from two separate iNaturalist accounts based on time and location. This tool was developed using Claude Code and Python while camping, showcasing the flexibility of coding on mobile devices.

Key Points

  • The tool is named iNaturalist Sightings and groups observations by time and location.
  • Developed using Claude Code for web on a mobile device.
  • The inaturalist-clumper Python CLI fetches and clumps observations within 2 hours and 5 km of each other.
  • The results are recorded in a clumps.json file hosted on GitHub.
  • A web app named inat-sightings.html fetches data from the JSON file and displays observations with thumbnails.
  • The app utilizes CORS for fetching data and includes lazy loading for images.
  • Thumbnails link to larger images displayed in an HTML modal, enhancing user experience.

Analysis

This project highlights the power of combining various technologies, such as Python, JavaScript, and GitHub, to create useful applications quickly. It demonstrates how IT professionals can leverage generative AI and coding tools to solve real-world problems, even in non-traditional environments like camping.

Conclusion

IT professionals should explore the integration of mobile coding tools and cloud services to enhance productivity and create innovative solutions. This case serves as an inspiration for developing custom applications tailored to specific needs.