Subject: ECOLOG-L Digest - 26 Jun 2003 to 27 Jun 2003 (#2003-163)
There are 11 messages totalling 934 lines in this issue.
Topics of the day:
1. News: One-stop Web Site for Federal Scientific Information
2. Postdoc position available
3. digital images of macroinvertebrates (2)
4. Plant Canopy Analysis Tools - Any Recommendations?
5. PDAs for Data Collection
6. USGS West Nile Virus Maps
7. Infrared Zoo Gallery
8. ESANEWS
9. GIS Dictionary
10. Last Chance for HEP training
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Fri, 27 Jun 2003 00:16:55 -0700
From: Ashwani Vasishth <vasishth@USC.EDU>
Subject: News: One-stop Web Site for Federal Scientific Information
http://ens-news.com/ens/jun2003/2003-06-25-09.asp
Federal Scientific Information Goes Online
WASHINGTON, DC, June 25, 2003 (ENS) - Looking for obscure yet important
science and technology information? The U.S. Department of Energy's Office
of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI) has launched a series of
web searching products, that make available many technical information
resources. The starting point for them all is online at:
http://www.osti.gov.
As OSTI director Walt Warnick explains, "The library includes three vast
virtual resources for web patrons, covering each of the three main ways by
which scientists and engineers communicate their findings - gray
literature, preprints, and journal literature. Many other resources of
interest are also available, including the new DOE R&D portfolio website."
Gray literature, which includes technical reports produced by DOE national
laboratories and grantees, is presented in the OSTI Information Bridge. It
has more than 85,000 searchable reports comprising millions of pages.
In addition, the GrayLIT Network provides a portal to more than 119,000
full text technical reports from various federal agencies.
Servers around the world host preprints and ePrints, the newest way by
which scientists communicate their findings. The OSTI PrePRINT Network
links to many of these preprint servers, with an estimated 400,000
e-prints, and makes them accessible via a variety of indexing techniques.
Especially innovative is the distributed search feature, which allows
patrons to launch parallel searches on any or all of the preprint servers
that have their own search engines.
This is the first web service that harvests information from what Warnick
calls "the Deep Web." The underlying content of multiple databases is
searched rather than only surface web pages."
To accomplish its novel search capability, PrePRINT applies the Explorer
Distributed Query Engine, developed in collaboration with OSTI by
Innovative Web Applications, Los Alamos, New Mexico.
Unlike web crawler search engines like Google, Explorer passes the
patron's query on to the local search engines, thereby accessing entire
databases.
PrePRINT Alerts, the newest feature added to this product, allows users to
automatically receive notice of the most current preprints from 28
databases. People simply set up a personalized search, and the newest
preprint information will be delivered to their desktops via email on a
weekly basis.
Peer reviewed journal literature is presented by a variety of tools
presenting bibliographic information about articles in disciplines
relevant to the DOE R&D program.
OSTI and the Government Printing Office, via a new Interagency Agreement,
provide the Energy Citations Database, which offers public access to
bibliographic citations of scientific publications of DOE and predecessor
agencies' scientific and technical information from 1948 to the present.
Links to electronic full text are provided when available. Full text
documents in this system are available in Depository Libraries and online
via GPO Access, a service of the U.S. Government Printing Office.
There is also the DOE R&D Accomplishments website, and the DOE R&D Project
Summaries, which describes some 22,000 research and development projects
in progress. Federal Research and Development Project Summaries provides
federal R&D information from over 370,000 project summaries. As with
PrePRINT, with a single query, users may search individual databases
residing at different agencies.
Beyond all this, OSTI provides the technical support for the new
interagency website, Science.gov at: http://www.science.gov. The 10
principal federal science and technology agencies have launched this web
portal to make nonmilitary government funded research results available to
all.
This site also provides access to technology development results,
including the Patent Server on the website of the U.S. Patent and
Trademark Office. Science.gov does not include all of the research
repositories of all the agencies, but just what its creators term the
"best and brightest content." This is about 1,700 agency web sites and
document databases.
The site features three modes of search. One is a taxonomy of web sites
based on topic, with several hundred categories and subcategories. The
other two involve word search. The simplest search is on web content, but
there is also searching the "deep web" developed by the OSTI, to get to
documents in databases that are not accessible to web crawlers.
Science.gov taps 29 such databases, with millions of documents.
In addition to DOE, sponsoring agencies include the Departments of
Commerce, Defense, and Agriculture, the National Science Foundation,
National Institutes of Health, National Aeronautics and Space
Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, and U.S. Geological
Survey.
* * *
Copyright Environment News Service (ENS) 2003. All Rights Reserved.
*** NOTICE: In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material
is distributed, without profit, for research and educational purposes
only. ***
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 27 Jun 2003 09:17:33 -0500
From: Bryan Foster <bfoster@KU.EDU>
Subject: Postdoc position available
POST-DOCTORAL POSITION ^Ö Grassland Ecology/Biodiversity (community,
landscape and/or ecosystem level research).
A postdoctoral position in grassland ecology will be available January 1,
2004 at the University of Kansas Department of Ecology and Evolutionary
Biology/Kansas Biological Survey. The position will be for 2 years with the
possibility of a 1-yr. extension.
Funding for the position will be provided by a 4-year USDA grant to Drs.
Bryan L. Foster and Kelly Kindscher (University of Kansas). The project will
examine mechanisms of plant species coexistence, determinates of
biodiversity, and feedbacks to ecosystem function across gradients of human
impact in the managed landscapes of eastern Kansas. We seek a highly
motivated and dedicated individual to participate in collaborative field
research that includes direct and supervisory involvement in the conduct of
manipulative field experiments, local- and regional-scale biotic surveys and
ecological model development.
DUTIES:
1. Collaborate with project investigators (PI^Òs) in the development of
research protocols and implementation of field research.
2. Supervise graduate students and undergraduate interns in the conduct of
fieldwork, data collection and database management.
3. Collaborate with PI^Òs and students in the analysis of data, development
of ecological models and the publication of manuscripts.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
1. PhD in biology, botany, ecology, agronomy, range science or related field
(completed no later than December 31, 2003).
2. Demonstrated research experience and productivity working on the ecology
and/or restoration of terrestrial plant communities (community and/or
ecosystem levels).
3. Proficiency and experience using biostatistics.
4. Excellent oral and written communications.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Knowledge of Midwestern and/or Great Plains flora.
2. Experience with multivariate statistics and ecological modeling.
3. Knowledge and research experience in soils, soil nutrients and nutrient
cycling.
SALARY: $30K per year
FRINGE BENEFITS: Unclassified staff benefits determined by the State of
Kansas.
TO APPLY: Send a cover letter, CV and three letters of reference to: Paula
Szuwalski, Kansas Biological Survey, 2101 Constant Ave., Lawrence, KS
66047-3759. Review of applications will begin September 1, 2003.
For informal inquiries contact B. Foster (bfoster@ku.edu 785-864-4361)
The University of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action
Employer. The University encourages applications from underrepresented
group members. Federal and state legislation prohibits discrimination on
the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age,
disability, and veteran status. In addition, University policies prohibit
discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, marital status, and
parental status.
____________________________________________
Bryan L. Foster, Assistant Professor
Dept. of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
University of Kansas
Lawrence, Kansas 66045-2106
Phone: 785-864-4361
Fax: 785-864-5860
E-mail: bfoster@ku.edu
http://www.ukans.edu/~eeb/Main/foster.htm
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 27 Jun 2003 12:14:07 -0400
From: Chelsea Cada <ccada@MONTANA.EDU>
Subject: digital images of macroinvertebrates
Hi
I am interested in using digital images to measure benthic
macroinvertebrate size--both with a stereoscope and in field mesocosms. I
am looking for image analysis software that can accomplish these tasks.
Does anyone know of a good package--especially one $1000 or less?
Additionally, any advice or suggestions about using digital images would be
greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Chelsea Cada
Department of Ecology
Montana State University-Bozeman
(406)994-6402
ccada@montana.edu
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 27 Jun 2003 12:35:02 -0400
From: jweltzin@UTK.EDU
Subject: Plant Canopy Analysis Tools - Any Recommendations?
All -
I'm interested in assessing changes in canopy structure of short-statured
grassland/old-field systems through time. In particular, I would like to
track canopy greenness (as a measure of community or species "phenology"),
and (effective) leaf area index.
To do this, I am considering purchasing two items, and would appreciate
your feedback or comments on them. They are:
1) Decagon Devices (Pullman, WA) 1st-Growth, for periodic assessment
of canopy greenness, and
2) LiCor LAI-2000 Plant Canopy Analyzer for assessment of (effective)
leaf area index.
Alternatively, if you know of other instruments or techniques, I'd
appreciate your thoughts.
Thanks for your help.
Jake Weltzin
Univ. Tennessee
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 27 Jun 2003 10:24:54 -0700
From: Melanie Allen Truan <mltruan@UCDAVIS.EDU>
Subject: PDAs for Data Collection
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Dear Ecologgers,
Thanks to everyone who sent info regarding the use of PDAs for field data
collection. I've summarized the replies in the attached text file.
Melanie
Melanie Allen Truan mltruan@ucdavis.edu
Wildlife, Fish & Conservation Biology
University of California, Davis
1 Shields Avenue
Davis CA 95616
"Researchers have already cast much darkness on the subject,
and if they continue their investigations
we shall soon know nothing at all about it."
Mark Twain
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Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Content-Disposition: attachment; filename="PDAs for Data Collection.txt"
1) Compaq iPaq 3955, running Arcpad 6.0.2 from ESRI, with Garmin GPS 12xl or
Map76S connected to the iPaq.
2) One thing you should DEFINTELY research is "Does the PDA lose all of
its=
data if it loses its charge?" -- I know older PocketPCs like the Compaq=
iPaq, if you ran out of battery power, the entire system would be erased=
and you'd not only lose all your data, but you'd lose the software as well=
(so you'd have to reinstall it from scratch).
We use the PocketPCs to drive GPS software, and one thing you=
should also check out is the ruggedization of the PDA -- remember that most
people using those things are businessmen and women who aren't slogging=
through forests, marshes, what have you, who aren't tripping and falling=
every three feet, etc, etc...=A0 There are "ruggedized" cases you can buy=
for most PDAs, but I'd invest in a PDA that is out-of-the-box ready to be=
dropped, gotten wet, etc, etc...=A0=20
3) I use a Handspring Visor for data collection of plant measurements i
=
the greenhouse. It has the Palm desktop software and I installed Documents=
to Do, which is an interface for Word and Excel. I'm not sure if Handspring
is still in business, but a Palm would do the same thing. The Visor has=
worked great for greenhouse data collection. I make data sheets on the=
computer in
the lab, upload them to the Visor and take data all afternoon. Then I just=
download the data onto my desktop. Hours of entering numbers from data=
sheets is reduced to about 10 seconds.=20
I haven't used my unit in the field because my field data was way=
too complicated. A PDA is great for recording simple things like numbers,=
but entering species names and keeping track of multiple plots and subplots
would have been way too complicated. Also, the thought of being in the=
field for multiple days without any way to backup or download data made me=
very nervous. Finally, writing numbers and letters takes awhile to get used
to. I've used my PDA for a year and it still takes me two tries to write 4'
and 6's. Any recorder will have to be dilligent about checking numbers as=
they are entered.=20
For simple data collection where you don't have to worry about=
battery life or days and days of sampling without downloading, a PDA is=
great. I wish I had one when I was doing channel cross section surveys. It=
would have saved me days of data entry.
4) I am going through a similar process. the handera 330 was a good cho
ce,=
but the manufacturer has stoppped making them and will not provide support.
I looked into rugged pda's but the folks that make them supply them to=
businesses etc.=A0 I don't think individuals can pick them up.=
Universities, maybe....I got a black and white pda, sony clie sj20=
refurbished (so it's cheaper) if you don't need color, i'd try to avoid it=
because color screens suck up batteries quicker. I am putting pendragon=
forms onto it and so far it seems to be working okay. I am doing a 2 week=
trial for free.
5) I use a Handspring Visor Platinum for field data collection. I got t
e=
idea from a friend that works for the Nat. Conserv. Tara Forbis (TNC) and I
are working in Eastern Nevada on a vegetation cover project. Where we are=
rain is not really an issue so waterproof(ness) is not something I looked=
for. The Handspring can be used inside a plastic bag as you only need press
on the screen. That might not address needs of folks working in truly wet=
places. Our main issue is fine dust getting into the works.=A0I am pretty=
fanatical about keeping the PDAs in baggies when not in use.=20
I saw another email that mentioned the loss of data if you lose=
power. That is true with this unit. It uses two AAA batteries and I carry=
several spares with me. If you leave it unpowered for a short time you lose
you data and programs. I back up every night to a laptop so one day of loss
is not the end of the world. Other handhelds such as the Sony Clio use a=
proprietary rechargable and so may not be replaced by AAA.=20
THe database program we are using currently is called 'SmartList To
Go' from DataViz at www.dataviz.com.=A0 The program is really flexible in=
terms of database customization. You can set it up such that what you need=
to see is visible and all else is behind the scenes. Important since the=
screen is small. This database program is compatible with MS Acess which=
was one of the main reasons we went with it. I think I paid US$ 59.00 for=
the program.=20
I wish I had started using these sooner as this has saved me so=
much time that I used to waste entering data by hand from data sheets.=
People might say that you can lose data if your batteries die or from other
'acts of god', but people forget that they lose data sheets or data are=
entered incorrectly into the computer etc....
6) Last summer we had a crew of six each using a Handspring Visor Neo w
th=
Pendragon Forms software. We synced with a laptop running MS Access. The=
machines were durable, but we didn't work in heavy rain. The=A0 uploading=
was easy. Setting up the database forms required some time investment=
beforehand, but I think it was worth it because we created high quality=
datasets. We used rechargeable batteries and swapped them weekly.
The visors are now $149 new or $99 used:=
http://www.handspring.com/products/outlet/refurb_neo.jhtml
The software is now $129 for the first user and $45 for each additional=
user: http://www.pendragon-software.com/forms3/index.html.
I highly recommend using PDAs when you know in advance what kind of
data you are collecting and you have time to create an efficient survey=
form to enter data.
7) I have used a Handspring PDA, with the back-up module, which can tak
a=
long time for large data sets, but is totally worth it--the PDA can lose=
all data if you let the batteries run out (my batteries usually lasted for=
at least a week, 10 hours/day, and there are ample warnings that your power
is low, so you can back up and change batteries in time if you pay=
attention!). I also use an Aquapak (made in England) that encases it in a=
dust- and water-proof bag. They only cost ~$25, and make taking data in any
weather possible. My brother has even dropped his in the ocean in the=
Aquapak, with no adverse effects. I've used HandiBase as my software, but I
don't know if it's best, it was just inexpensive. It transfers easily to=
Excel, and uploads easily to a lap/desktop with the cradle that usually=
comes with the PDA.
8) We use=A0 a Psion Workabout for simple data collection.=A0 It is use
ul=
but has limited capabilities, and I am not sure if it is still sold.=A0=
Much more versatile, but maybe outside the size you have in mind, is the=
Husky fex21 which is rugged, waterproof, runs Windows CE, has a backup=
battery and compact flash (as an extra) so your data is safe.
9) I currently use a Handspring Visor.=A0 I Use a shareware program cal
ed=
Tinysheet (from Iambic http://www.iambic.com) to enter weights, and GPS=
data.=A0 There are other programs that integrate better with MS Excel on=
Windows.=A0 I also use an event recorder that I wrote for behavioral data=
(http://www.zoo.utoronto.ca/lrowe/plorch/EveRec.html).=A0 I use a note=
taking shareware called Hi-Note (www.cyclos.com) which also has a simple=
drawing program.
=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0I would suggest that whatever device you buy, you=
get one or more memory cards that allow you to back up your entire handheld
memory, while still in the field.=A0 You can then backup data frequently=
without having to be near a computer.=A0 This will also allow you to=
recover from any memory loss or complete freeze, without returning to a=
computer.
=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0Protective screen covers (adhesive sheets applied to
the screen) are a necessity to prevent scratched screens.=A0 I also=
recommend a tough case.=A0 Another trick is to have some heavy zip-lock=
bags handy for rain or wet.=A0 You can write with the stylus through them=
without too much problem.
10) I remembered seeing this article recently, and thought you might fin
it=
useful.
Get "Tough" With Your PDA!
http://spatialnews.geocomm.com/features/ruggedpda/
11) Check out the RECON.=A0 Now owned by Trimble (trimble.com), but can
e=
obtained also through Forestry Suppliers.=A0 very rugged open windows CE=
platform.=A0 Gaining rapid popularity with the field forester, biologist=
and natural resource gps/mobil gis folks.=A0 As witth all PDA's, it is=
really just a CE computer.=A0 You will have to obtain and setup your own=
software to
do whatever it is you wish to do.
12) When I was collecting data daily I used Polycorders (Juniper systems
=
part of Campbell Sci).=A0 They are designed for collecting data in the=
field and are programmable to make data collection fast and easy.=A0 They=
are not cheap!=A0 They can work for at least 40 hrs without=A0 a recharge=
and are very rugged and can work as a data logger remotely also.
13) I would recommend Trimble's GeoXT.=A0 Not only is it a WinCE device
ut=
also a
differential GPS (sub meter for 4500, 2-5 meter for 2500), color touch
screen, all day battery, and ArcPad works great on it.=A0 You can run any CE
compatible program.=A0 If that is too much try Psion's NetPad, its a little
cheaper and there are many models to choose from.
14) I recall a talk I attended at an AZA (American Zoological Associatio
,=
now I=20
think Amer. Assoc. of Zoos and Aquarium, or something like that) discussing=
=20
customizing software for PDA's for collecting behavioral data on dolphins.=
=A0 I=20
don't have the details, but you could probably find it with some searching=
on=20
the web.=A0 It was the AZA conference held in St. Louis a couple years ago=
and=20
the talk was out of Baltimore, I think the aquarium there.=A0 They had their
IT=20
department developing the software and had field tested it a bit.
15) I use a Cassio Cassiopeia E200 for use in the field for several reas
ns.=
The pros include Built in compact flash port AND a secure digital port.=
This beats the heck out of pretty much all other models who require a sled=
of some sort in order to increase=20storage.=A0 This really helps keep data
from "going away".=A0 One of the drawbacks is you don't ever want the=
battery to run down (it comes with a built in backup and will give you=
ample warning) or you will have to send it to Cassio to have them reload=
the software.=A0 It has a better speaker than an iPac and comes with a=
built in headphone jack. I have found it easier to use than most others.=A0
You can put a GPS unit right into the compact flash port and ArcPad runs=
well on the unit.
16) I have been using Compaq iPAQ's, ArcPad, and Trimble Pocket Pathfinders=
for field data collection. I definitely recommend getting the ruggedized=
case, an extended battery pack, and an automobile adapter to charge the=
iPAQ in the vehicle. There are more rugged PDA's out there now, but they=
are more expensive. I suggest shopping around.
Frankly, for most field data collection, a regular GPS (the Garmin=
GPS 72 is waterproof and performs well under canopy), paper data sheets,=
and a covered clipboard (especially if waterproof) are fine, and much=
cheaper. On the other hand, ArcPad has a lot of capabilities that the=
Garmin doesn't.
17) Our lab uses PDAs in the field to collect small mammal data and we a
e=
very happy with how it is working out.=A0 Pendragon Forms 3.2 is a cheap,=
easy to use, and very adaptable form designing software package that has=
worked well for us (http://www.pendragon-software.com/).=A0 We use the=
Handspring Visor model PDA but anything that uses the Palm operating system
will work with Pendragon.=A0 I wouldn't recommend getting one of the higher
end PDAs as it will most likely get beaten up a bit in the field and the=
color view screens use up battery life faster.=A0 The simpler the better.=
=A0 I'd also recommend a backup module and that you use it often.=A0 The one
time we lost data was when we didn't use the backup module correctly.=A0=
But in general it has been highly reliable and I would recommend it to=
anyone.
18) Our point count crew is using the Palm M130 (8 Mb and $200/unit).=A0
We're extremely happy because it saved us > 4000 sheets of paper and=
probably over 50 hours of data entry! We use Sheets-to-go which is part of=
the Documents-To-Go package and all of this came with the Palm.=A0 My Palm=
acts as another back up system and I purchased a 64 Mb expansion card (Palm
card used; a generic card did not work) to handle the extra data.=A0=A0=
Uploading data to the computer takes about 2 minutes and all the Palm=
software is compatible with Office software (Sheets-to-go =3D Excel).=A0=
Another feature we've found useful is the ability to beam data from one=
Palm to the other which we use as another way to back up data and makes it=
so there is only one person required to upload data.
As for field "readiness" I accidently dropped my Palm into a stream
and it came back to life after 3 hours and everything works fine.=A0 I=
can't think of anyway to have the unit protected and to still use it but I=
do keep it in a zip lock bag between sites.
19) You might consider Cybertracker (www.cybertracker.org).=A0 It's=
"greenware" (freeware for conservation purposes), and runs on most PDAs=
(even the older models).
20) I read your story about dropping your palm into a stream, ACK!=A0 I=
found a slicker a few years back made for PDA's that allow you to see and=
write on the screen through the waterproof container.=A0 The brand is=
Aquapac (they make slickers for cell phones and other electronic devices)=
and you can find the product on their website (http://www.aquapac.net/).=A0
The slicker is
cheap ($25) and offers peace of mind.
21) Cheaper PDAs like basic Palms (<$150) can work fine for field wor
.=A0=
Learn the Graffitti way of entering data - there is no keyboard.=A0 There=
are a variety of waterproof cases available, some of which allow use of the
unit while in the case, or you can use a ziplock bag and a Tupperware box.
I have also used palmtops ("handheld PCs") but pulling out a device
that costs so much in a drizzle or under dusty conditions is scary,=
although I never broke one.
PDAs and palmtops save paper and a big step in the data entry=
process.=A0 This can result in a substantial time savings and reduces=
opportunities for error.
Some PDAs do have the problem of losing data if power is lost but=
you should have spare batteries and back up to a computer regularly=
anyway.=A0 Some accept flash cards or other devices for memory expansion=
which can be kept in a separate place after copying your data.=A0 I would=
not spend much time in the field=A0 without regular backups even with fancy
dataloggers, as theft, breakage, or loss of the unit can result in data=
loss as sure as wiping out the memory.
You can use any of a number of inexpensive Palm platform database=
or spreadsheet
programs for data entry or the fairly expensive Pendragon Forms (which also=
requires MS Access on a PC), which allows you to design custom fill-in=
forms that can be downloaded to a Palm.=A0 Some of the inexpensive=
Palm-platform database software do allow limited custom form design but=
without many bells and whistles.
22) There have been two recent articles in the ESA Bulletin about this
issue, check out the Technological Tools section here:
http://www.esajournals.org/esaonline/?request=3Dget-toc&issn=3D0012-9623&vol
ume=3D083&issue=3D04
(Volume 83, Number 4, October 2002)
and also here:
http://www.esajournals.org/esaonline/?request=3Dget-toc&issn=3D0012-9623&vol
ume=3D082&issue=3D02
(Volume Volume 82, Number 2, April 2001)
Here at the New York Natural Heritage Program, we use the Compaq=
Ipaq with their rugged case. You enter data while it is in the rugged case.
Mine was just fully submerged last week (I tripped over a tussuck in a=
sedge meadow) - it was fine, I kept right on entering data. We've also used
this setup in the rain.
Concerning data loss and battery life. All our data gets written to
either a SD (Secure Digital) card or a PCMCIA card. Neither of these lose=
data if the PDA quits.
We use a database we developed with VisualCE. It's kind of pricey=
but has allowed us to build a very powerful data entry tool that we upload=
into a served database (MS Access) on our desktops with relative ease.=
Using the PDA in the field saves us tremendous time in the office and also,
because we use menus for species names, makes our data entry MUCH more=
accurate, at least as spelling errors go.
23) Using your Palm Pilot =AE as a Field Data Collection Device
Jerome A. Krueger
Graduate Student in Silviculture
Rm 14 Green Hall
1530 Cleveland Ave. N.
St. Paul, MN 55108
Krue0175@tc.umn.edu
612-625-2706
Roy L. Rich
Graduate Student in Forest Ecology
Rm 17 Green Hall
1530 Cleveland Ave. N.
St. Paul, MN 55108\
rich0475@tc.umn.edu
612-624-0777
To be submitted to the Bulletin of the Ecological Society of America,=
Technology Tools section
Using your Palm Pilot =AE as a Field Data Collection Device
Jerome A. Krueger and Roy L. Rich
Introduction
The PDA (personal digital assistant) in the field is fast becoming=
a popular and accepted means of collecting data at the University of=
Minnesota. Most people who own a PDA are unaware that it can substitute as
a field data collection device in place of a traditional field data logger.
The Palm Pilot=AE, a popular PDA device, offers a number of advantages and=
efficiencies over larger, bulky data loggers and paper forms. When coupled
with the appropriate software, it becomes a powerful tool for the field=
researcher. Advantages of using a PDA include low entry cost, accuracy,=
and direct data entry. We feel that the practicality of using a PDA for=
fieldwork has not been clearly communicated to researchers in the=
ecological community.=20
Making your PDA work for you
Like any data logger, a PDA operates as a conduit for moving data=
collected in the field to a computer spreadsheet or database on your=
desktop PC. In the field, data is entered into the PDA by touching the=
screen, and entering letters or numbers. Most PDA=92s have display screens
approximately 6cm =D7 6cm in size that are easy to read and capable of=
displaying text or graphics. A separate portion of the screen is dedicated
to writing or entering numbers through =93graffiti,=94 a shorthand=
handwriting that allows the PDA to recognize letters and numbers without=
redundancy. It has been our experience that this shorthand can be learned=
with a single hour of practice.
After returning from the field, a PDA interfaces directly with your
desktop PC via a cable, infrared signal, cradle or modem. The data=
transfer is accomplished with the push of a single button. Programs, such=
as Hot sync =AE, have a Windows based format that is familiar to most PC=
users. The data is then stored in a ready-to-use format which is easily=
transferred to other desktop programs. Most PDA units have the capability=
for unit-to unit transfers and computer to unit transfers. Thus, selected=
records could be taken from the office back out to the field to be updated.
For the security conscious, many units permit the PDA to lockout other=
users via password protection.
PDA Advantages
Through trial and error, we have realized many tangible benefits to
using PDA=92s for fieldwork. First, the units are relatively inexpensive=
and widely available. A survey of local office supply stores, bookstores=
and discount stores reveals a wide variety of models readily available. A=
lab group can purchase and break four Palm IIIxe units before reaching the=
base price of a traditional data logger. Second, PDA=92s represent a=
reliable, simple to use data entry platform. Finally, 3rd party software=
applications offer unparalleled flexibility as compared to data loggers. =
You can design the data collection program and PDA presentation to meet=
your changing needs.
Software and 3rd Party applications
What makes the PDA a unique field data collection device is the diversity
of application afforded by the diverse software based applications=
available. With PDA=92s, the efficiency of field data entry is not limited
to a spreadsheet format like most dataloggers. Data entry tables or lists=
can be manipulated in a variety of ways to make collection more precise and
efficient. There are a number of software packages available for use in=
collecting data with a PDA and interfacing with common desktop=
applications. We have had considerable success using the Pendragon=AE V=
3.1 software produced by Pendragon Software Corporation. This program=
allows you to develop user specific data collection forms and input formats
to use on your PDA. The forms are created on a desktop PC in an MS Access=
compatible format. Individual record identification is automatically built
into the form creation process. Pendragon allows you to create=
personalized forms that feature multiple selection lists, check boxes,=
10-key inputs, to name a few. Options also allow the operator to adjust=
whether records can be deleted or skipped when in the field. This option is
crucial to reliable collection. In this format, all records are time/date=
stamped and allow the user to review or modify the data at any point.
In addition to the Pendragon program, there are numerous shareware=
and low cost software packages available. Typically, these programs mimic=
the form building utility of Pendragon without all the bells and whistles.
The web abounds with shareware, and pay as you use applications. The 3Com=
website is a good starting point, or go to ZDNet=92s Palm downloads which=
can point you to still more applications.
=20
Will my PDA hold up in the field?
YES! Most PDA=92s we have used are not as fragile as you might=
think. We have used them in the field in all types of weather with no=
discernable decrease in operating ability. In downpouring rain, it does=
become difficult to read the screen through a plastic covering. Under=
really wet conditions, wet-write paper may be a preferable option. =
Although holding onto the PDA in a storm is a lot less risky than an=
aluminum clipboard.
With a little care, you can use your PDA in most types of weather=
conditions. We use a ziplock-type bag to keep the PDA from getting wet=
when raining or navigating streams and lakes. A special after-market=
neoprene case is also available for less than $30. The case is not only=
water repellent but helps to brace the PDA from the shock of falling should
you drop it (and you will).
Climate does have some detrimental effects. In colder weather, you=
may need to change the batteries more frequently. In full sun on hot days,=
the screen brightness must be adjusted as the liquid crystal display heats=
up. On cold days when your not using the PDA, we recommend storing it=
inside your jacket where you body heat helps keep it warm.
Costs and Common Features
As mentioned, entry cost is a very appealing aspect of using
PDA=92=
s for data collection. For as little as $99 you can get started. Data=
storage is typically not a problem; several PDA models have 8MB of memory=
and sell in the $250 price range. The Royal DaVinci model is priced at $99
and has a 2MB memory similar to the Palm IIIe or Palm 100 priced at $149. =
Many PDA models are capable of accepting memory upgrades
Field data backups have recently become possible for almost all Palm
systems. A new device called the Northstar Memorysafe =99, by Northstar=
Systems Inc. allows 2MB of 8MB backups of memory in the field with no extra
battery power. We have not tested these systems. These devices eliminate=
persistent worries about losing data in the field. The price range for=
this option is less than $75.
It isn=92t a perfect world
There are some drawbacks to using handheld PDA=92s for field data=
collection. Although PDA=92s are not fragile, they are not as robust as=
most commercial dataloggers. PDA screens and cases are made of a=
lightweight plastic, and not designed for serious encounters with rocks,=
trees or water. When you drop it on a hard surface, much like a buttered=
piece of bread landing butter-side down, you can bet your PDA will land=
screen down and result in a costly repair. We have broken one PDA in this=
way since we began using them. A reasonable degree of situational=
awareness in the field avoids most problems. We recommend backing up the=
data on a PC at each available opportunity. In the field, we have found=
that AAA batteries last about 5 days with constant daylong use. Palm Pilots
have a capacitor designed to save your data for short periods while the=
batteries are changed. I have done this in the field with 4 days worth of=
data and found this to be an extremely nerve wracking situation. There is=
no ability to recover data when the batteries fail.
Another potential disadvantage is processing capacity of the PDA.=
As data is collected the processing speed may slow down. We have countered
this problem by creating multiple copies of the same collection form (with=
slightly different names). When one form becomes full and processing speed
declines, we are able to switch to a new form that was faster. The=
processing capacity of the PDA becomes a serious problem if storage=
intensive data is being collected, or you are only able to sync your PDA=
every few days.
Some versions of the Palm Pilot Hot Sync software application do=
not integrate as well as others with Pendragon Forms. I had to download a=
clean version of Hot sync from the Palm website when the copy that came=
with the Franklin Planner=99 program would not work with Pendragon Forms. =
As with most computer based operations, be aware that some software=
conflicts do arise and that the system is not perfect. As a final note for
the nocturnal data collector, we have found the backlighting feature of the
Palm Pilot to be useless. The backlight feature quickly drains the=
batteries and makes it difficult to read the screen.
=20
Conclusion
PDA=92s represent an untapped, efficient, reliable, and cost=
effective alternative to traditional data loggers used in ecological=
research. With an investment of as little as $150 a researcher can begin=
to collect data electronically. In a lab group setting with limited=
financial resources, a mixture of traditional data loggers could be=
combined with PDA=92s to minimize scheduling conflicts and improve=
efficiency of operations.
Using PDA=92s in the field does not represent a panacea for=
financially troubled researchers. You must always consider the benefits=
gained with the potential for problems associated with any electronic based
data collection system. This is especially true where site conditions are=
wet or cold. In an indoor lab setting, the portability and direct entry=
features make it a good-fit. As with any new technology, researchers must=
be prepared to spend some time making this technology work for them. We are
happy to report that our learning curve has been short and our experiences=
under all types of weather and field conditions have been positive.
Narrative for photographs.
Palm1.jpg
This photograph shows a Palm IIIe in its synch cradle with a forms program=
open.
Palm2.jpg
The authors exploiting their PDA=92s in public
--=====================_1549828==_--
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 27 Jun 2003 12:10:28 -0600
From: David Inouye <inouye@umd.edu>
Subject: USGS West Nile Virus Maps
7. USGS West Nile Virus Maps
http://westnilemaps.usgs.gov/
Given the increased concern over contagious diseases and viruses spread by
various host animals and insects (such as the West Nile virus), these maps
provided by the USGS are both helpful in their pragmatic applications, and
for those studying the spatial distribution of the West Nile virus. The Web
site begins with a brief background essay on the history of the virus, how
the virus is transmitted, and the symptoms that may be evident by those who
have become infected. The maps track which states have tested various
carriers (such as birds, humans, and mosquitoes) for West Nile virus, and
where these tests have turned up positive results. The Web site is updated
frequently, and where available, also contains links to state and county
public health agencies. [KMG]
>From The Scout Report, Copyright Internet Scout Project 1994-2003.
http://scout.wisc.edu/
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 27 Jun 2003 12:07:46 -0600
From: David Inouye <inouye@umd.edu>
Subject: Infrared Zoo Gallery
11. Infrared Zoo Gallery
http://sirtf.caltech.edu/EPO/Zoo/zoo.html
Animals have been a furtive ground of exploration for artists for millennia,
and they have been represented elegantly in painting, sculpture, and
photographs, to name just a few of the most popular media used in their
depiction. This novel online collection from the California Institute of
Technology features dozens of animals in a whole new light: Infrared.
Recently, a team of researchers took photographs of animals with a thermal
infrared camera in an attempt to offer visual evidence of the differences
between warm and cold-blooded animals. On the site, visitors can view
photographs of chickens, flamingos, swans, tigers, and seals taken with this
type of camera. The photos give the ability to see the dramatic temperature
variations within the body of any given animal. The site also features a
nice essay on the significance of being warm or cold blooded, and how these
conditions affect their activity levels and what environments they prefer.
[KMG]
>From The Scout Report, Copyright Internet Scout Project 1994-2003.
http://scout.wisc.edu/
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 27 Jun 2003 12:13:38 -0600
From: David Inouye <inouye@umd.edu>
Subject: ESANEWS
Here are today's headlines from the ESANEWS listserv list, A Bi-Weekly
Publication of the Ecological Society of America that provides Policy News
from ESA's Public Affairs Office
To subscribe, send the message
sub esanews Your Name
to
listserv@listserv.umd.edu
SENATE AG COMMITTEE HEARS TESTIMONY ON FOREST FIRE BILL
ESA SHOWCASES NSF RESEARCH AT HILL EXHIBITION
SENATORS ADDRESS INVASIVE SPECIES LEGISLATION
EPA RELEASES ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATOR REPORT WITHOUT REFERENCE TO
CLIMATE CHANGE
APPROPRIATIONS-DOE's MATH AND SCIENCE PARTNERSHIPS
BILL WOULD EXCLUDE RESEARCH ARTICLES FROM COPYRIGHT LAWS
WHALING COMMISSION MEETS IN BERLIN
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 27 Jun 2003 10:54:22 -0700
From: David B Kirschtel <dk01@U.WASHINGTON.EDU>
Subject: Re: digital images of macroinvertebrates
Chelsea -
Take a look at NIH-Image and/or ImageJ (it's java sibling). My preference is
for ImageJ. They are both freeware.
>From the "About NIH Image" page:
"Image can be used to measure area, mean, centroid, perimeter, etc. of user
efined regions of interest. It also performs automated particle analysis and
provides tools for measuring path lengths and angles. Spatial calibration is
supported to provide real world area and length measurements. Density calibr
tion can be done against radiation or optical density standards using user s
ecified units. Results can be printed, exported to text files, or copied to
he Clipboard."
Main webpage is:
http://rsbweb.nih.gov/nih-image/index.html
==================================================================
David Kirschtel,Ph.D. * dk01@u.washington.edu * 206.543.1844
Biology Program, 318 Hitchcock Hall, Box 355320
Univ. of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-5320
On Fri, 27 Jun 2003, Chelsea Cada wrote:
> Hi
> I am interested in using digital images to measure benthic
> macroinvertebrate size--both with a stereoscope and in field mesocosms.
I
> am looking for image analysis software that can accomplish these tasks.
> Does anyone know of a good package--especially one $1000 or less?
> Additionally, any advice or suggestions about using digital images woul
be
> greatly appreciated.
> Thank you,
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 27 Jun 2003 12:07:50 -0600
From: David Inouye <inouye@umd.edu>
Subject: GIS Dictionary
8. GIS Dictionary
http://www.geo.ed.ac.uk/agidict/welcome.html
The on-line GIS Dictionary Web site is maintained by the Association for
Geographic Information and the University Of Edinburgh Department of
Geography. The database contains definitions for nearly one thousand terms
related to Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This relatively new method
of mapping is becoming more popular and more commonly used by laypersons who
still may need assistance when learning or using a GIS. This dictionary does
a good job of providing a simple way to search or browse terms and acronyms
related to the subject. Results contain brief descriptions and references as
well as a related terms link for additional information. June 27, 2003 _NSDL
Physical Sciences Report_. [JAB]
>From The Scout Report, Copyright Internet Scout Project 1994-2003.
http://scout.wisc.edu/
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 27 Jun 2003 15:56:05 -0400
From: "Stauffer, Dean" <dstauffe@VT.EDU>
Subject: Last Chance for HEP training
One last reminder, there is a Habitat Evaluation Procedures workshop being o
fered in Syracuse, NY July 14-18. This is the last scheduled HSP training f
r this year. More information can be found at:
http://www.conted.vt.edu/hep/
"Get a bicycle. You will not regret it if you live."
Mark Twain, "Taming the Bicycle"
Dean F. Stauffer
Associate Professor
Wildlife Science
540-231-7349(W)
540-231-7580(FAX)
------------------------------
End of ECOLOG-L Digest - 26 Jun 2003 to 27 Jun 2003 (#2003-163)
***************************************************************
ÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿ
Thanks to discussion with TVR, I have decided to put a link to back files of the discussion group. This months back files.
The link to complete archives is available elsewhere.
This text was originally an e-mail. It was converted using a program
RUPANTAR- a simple e-mail-to-html converter.
(c)Kolatkar Milind. kmilind@ces.iisc.ernet.in