Cataloging Diversity

Cataloging DiversityPLEC Database

VS.

Why Use Access?

Access Excel

Yes Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Limited

No

Spread Sheets

Query and Sort Data

Link Tables/Relationships

Create Reports and Forms

VS.

SampleAreas

PlotDescriptions

SpeciesData

UtilityData

TreeData

Database Structure From Zarin et al, 1999, PLEC N&V No. 14

Linking Tables With Relationships

Sample Area TableContains General Data Describing Each Sample Area including:

• Land Use Stage

• Location

• Researcher

• Sample Area Number*

Access

The plots within each sample area are linked to the sample area table by a unique number assigned to each entry in the

sample area table.

Access

Plot Description Table

• Plot Size

Contains a description of each plot within each sample area number including:

• Elevation • Soil Type • Plot Number*

Access

• Within each plot, tables can be created to hold more specific data

• Data are linked by a unique plot number designated to each plot

entry

Plot Number

Access

Species Data

Data can be recorded on individuals and species within each plot, including:

• Abundance of Species

• DBH and Height of Trees

• Species Utility

• Species ID Number*

Access

Species ListIn order to avoid problems with misspellings and inconsistency with names, a species list can be created. A species list can contain:

• Common Name • Scientific Name • Family• Species ID Number*

AccessExcel

PLEC/AmazoniaSample Database

Kevin coffey

E-mail: [email protected]

New York Botanical Garden