FieldNotes - Answers Library

This section provides a miscellany of information across a range of topics that you may encounter whilst using FieldNotes. These include descriptions of procedures or methodologies associated with wildlife recording, lists of commonly-encountered issues and hints on specific features and functionality of the software.

FieldNotes - Answers Menu option

Accessing Answer Pages




Answers topics can be viewed
from within FieldNotes using
the Help | Answers menu.

The topics are split into three sections: Measurement protocols, Sampling techniques and Classification sytems.

There is also a section of Hints (mini-tutorials) covering commonly-encountered procedures, and a collection of Frequently-asked questions which address specific queries.

Finally the compendium of additional Resources may be useful to FieldNotes users.

1. Measuring and Mapping the Environment

Common procedures and scales for estimating environmental factors.

1.1 Vegetation abundances - DAFOR
Using the DAFOR system to describe vegetation cover.
1.2 Water quality #1
Measuring turbidity and colour in freshwaters.
1.3 Windspeed
Estimating Windspeed using the Beaufort scale.
1.4 Cloud cover
Estimating factional cloud cover.

2. Sampling Methods and Protocols

Sampling methods and measurement protocols for habitats and ecosystems.

2.1 Phase 1 habitat classification
The Phase 1 scheme for describing habitats.
1.3 Water quality #2
Measuring dissolved nutrients in freshwaters.

3. Classification Systems

Classification schemes applied in different environmental disciplines.

3.1 Working with Species
Species names - equivalents, alternatives and revisions
3.2 Working with Taxonomic groups
Taxonomic relationships - the 'Tree of Life'.
3.3 Rock Classification scheme
Information about the Rock Classification scheme used in FieldNotes Site descriptions.
3.4 Soil Classification scheme
Information about the Soil Classification scheme used in FieldNotes Site descriptions.
3.5 Vegetation Classification scheme
Information about the Vegetation Classification scheme used in FieldNotes Site descriptions.
3.6 Freshwater Classification scheme
Information about the Freshwater Classification scheme used in FieldNotes Site descriptions.
3.7 Artifact Classification scheme
Information about the Artifact Classification scheme used in FieldNotes Site descriptions.
3.8 BAP Priority Species
Information about the list of Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) Priority Species.
3.9 BAP Priority Habitats
Information about the list of Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) Priority Habitats.
3.10 The Vice County system
Information about the UK Vice County system for recording wildlife.

4. Hints (mini-tutorials)

Tutorial-style guidance covering a miscellany of commonly-encountered procedures.

4.1 Changing screen resolution
Updating the resolution of your computer screen to allow FieldNotes forms to be displayed.
4.2 Using OS Grid references
Description / use of Ordnance Survey Grid references
4.3 The OS Grid
A brief description of the Ordnance Survey Grid for Great Britain.
4.4 'Unresolved' Species names
Working with ambiguous Species names.
4.5 'Unrecognised' Species names
What to do about Species names which are not included in the FieldNotes database.
4.5 Unpacking exported SLR files
How to extract datasets exported by FieldNotes - using the SLR viewer.
4.6 Creating your own image libraries
Creating image libraries for use in FieldNotes - an introduction to the SLR builder.

5. Frequently-asked Questions

A collection of frequently-arising questions addressing specific queries.

5.1 General Product-related Questions
What is FieldNotes?
5.2 FieldNotes Installation Questions
Downloading and installing the application on your computer.
5.3 FieldNotes Setup Questions
Setting up the FieldNotes database for the first time.
5.4 FieldNotes Licensing Questions
How is FieldNotes licensed, and why?
5.5 FieldNotes Wildlife Recording Questions
How can I get the best out of the software?
5.6 Other topics
Miscellaneous issues relating to FieldNotes.

6. Resources - Organisations and Suppliers

A compendium of additional resources, information and contacts that may be useful to FieldNotes users.

6.1 Wildlife-recording
Organisations primarily involved in recording wildlife and monitoring the natural environment.
6.2 Wildlife Organisations
Generalist and specialist associations offering information and advice about species, groups and habitats.
6.3 Map Resources
Map-related information and resources,
6.4 Training Resources
Courses / Training in ecology, biology and environmental sciences.
6.5 Equipment Suppliers.
Sources for specialist natural history equipment.

Notes

FieldNotes Answers pages are intended to provide information about specific procedures (measurement protocols, sampling strategies, classification systems, etc), and commonly-encountered issues.

If you need detailed information about software functionality, please refer to the FieldNotes Help documentation.

If you need guidance on specific procedures, please refer to the FieldNotes Tutorials.