Before Heading to the Field

1
Before Heading to the Field

• Decide how you will record the data
• Test out data sheets
• Look for obvious errors
• Have crew try them out on pilot plots to check
  ease of use and clarity
• Make copies of protocol, species list, codes, etc
  for each crew member to carry in the field at all
  times
• Train crew members
• Preferably all by the same person
• Use templates

2
Field Work

• Label all plots in the field so that someone else
  can find them
• Preferably label as soon as set up
• Have labeling scheme already planned
• BE CONSISTENT in location of labels, info on
  labels, etc
• If labels are changed change them everywhere
  and all at once
• I recommend not changing labels after data is
  taken.
• If they have to be changed be sure to check all
  possible locations of data for change, i.e. GIS
  layer, maps, datasheets, spreadsheets

3
KEEP A FIELD NOTEBOOK!

• Keep a field notebook!!!!!
• Record changes in protocol
• Record questions that need answered (i.e. what is
  this species? What do we do about dead trees over
  1.3 m that are not rooted in the plot?
• Record protocol decisions as they are made have
  all crew members do this as well
• Record what plots are measured each day
• Record new species, codes, and attributes as they
  are named, numbered, or coded.
• Record thoughts or things that might effect your
  results.

4
Specimens

• Each specimen gets a permanent reference number
  that is individual to that specimen even if it
  is the same species
• Keep a running number of specimens (i.e. do not
  start over each year or for each project)
• Press or preserve specimens in the field or as
  soon as you get home
• Collect multiple specimens outside the plots
• Try to collect specimens with as many
  reproductive structures as possible and in
  different states of development.
• Record the date, exact location, collector, and
  reference code for specimen in the field notebook
  and on the specimen wrapper.

5
Data collection in Field

• Always put date and name on data sheets first
• Collect data in the same order each time
• Collect in order that makes sense to minimize
  disturbance to other data
• Do a final completion check on each plot before
  moving to the next plot
• Did you collect all the pieces of the data?
• Are all the data sheets together?

6
Data Checking in Field

• Check all the paper data sheets -
• Are the fields all filled in?
• Are the codes for species correct?
• Are all the data sheets accounted for in each
  plot?
• Are the dates and collectors names correct?
• Collect and keep a file of completed data sheets

7
Data Transfer

• If using a data logger
• Transfer data each night to a computer.
• Perform the same checks as in the field
• Are the dates and names correct?
• Are the codes correct?
• Are all the fields filled in?
• Are all the sheets accounted for?
• Back-up the data
• Charge the data logger

8
Making sure all the data gets collected

• Create spreadsheet of all data that needs
  collected, by data sheet and the smallest unit
  that each data is collected
• Check this each day
• Fill in the spread sheet as the data is
  collected.

BLOCK PLOT QUAD NAT GERM ForbA ForbB ForbC ForbD
1 1 1 6/13/2005 6/13/2005 6/13/2005 6/13/2005 6/13/2005
1 1 2 6/13/2005 6/13/2005 6/13/2005 6/13/2005 6/13/2005
1 1 3 6/13/2005 6/13/2005 6/13/2005 6/13/2005 6/13/2005
1 1 4 6/13/2005 6/13/2005 6/13/2005 6/13/2005 6/13/2005
9
Getting the data home

• Verify the data sheets have made it home by
  having a separate checking system
• Check this each week
• Recollect data as soon as it is discovered
  missing

10
Data Entry and Final Verification

• Enter the data as it is being collected, when
  possible.
• Use the collection spreadsheet to check off when
  the data is entered.
• Verify the data is entered correctly either as it
  is entered or after all the data is in.

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