cataloging diversity plec database. vs. why use access?

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: Kcoffey@NYBG.Org

New York Botanical Garden