Context

This page pertains to the information modelling work (how to represent EMSA survey data in TERN Ontology) of five new field survey protocols within the EMSA project. The process begins with the initial reading of the field survey protocols, followed by the extraction of recorded parameters. Subsequently, each parameter and activity are mapped into the TERN Ontology.

Example

For example, this sentence exists in many protocols:

Enter the number of observers participating in the survey, and for each observer, enter the observer name and observer role (spotter, data entry, data entry only). 

Here the field observers' information is recorded, so we need to map the person’s information into our information model.

TERN has Ontology for people and organisations https://linkeddata.tern.org.au/viewers/tern-org-ontology. Field observers will be mapped to the class tern-org:Person, which is the sub class of prov:Agent.

The name and role of the observer will be recorded, we treat them as the attributes relevant to the class tern-org:Person. We create the attribute concept in controlled vocabularies, and these concepts can be used in datasets to show the meaning of the attribute.

The observer name is mapped to schema:name . The example data of the person under TERN Ontology is like:

Mapping Diagrams

TERN Adelaide has developed the Monitor App for surveyors to collect data and they have some datasets.

The following diagrams are created for external users to know how to map their EMSA datasets into TERN Ontology based on the survey protocols.

Sign-based fauna survey

The Sign-based Fauna Survey Module covers the procedures and guidelines of five protocols for recording the signs of fauna present in a project area.

Within plot belt transect protocol - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XH31X0g4c98IMOi29p2vvFai6Ph3v50G/view?usp=drive_link

This is implemented within the 1 ha plot at 1, 2, 3 or 4 100 m transects consisting of 100, 1 m x 1 m consecutive quadrats. In each quadrat, the absence of signs is recorded, or the presence of each sign type along with the attributed species (minimum data requirement).

Off plot belt transect protocol - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TbA2N6lyeLzkFSQ59HNZ2tgUC_vKkNW9/view?usp=drive_link

This is conducted outside any established plot within the project area. The surveyor can set the length of off-plot belt transects ranging from 100 m to 5 km. Similarly, the surveyor can set the length and width of each consecutive quadrats.

Plot sign search protocol - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PY2fIqruiSqkKxcwl8Eq8EYy_z-yRWc5/view?usp=drive_link

This involves recording the presence and age of signs of any fauna observed across the plot (either 2 ha if in arid systems or 1 ha if elsewhere). If a vehicle track is nearby, an additional 100 m track survey can also be conducted to supplement the presence records.

Vehicle track protocol -

This can be undertaken along a continuous transect which usually comprises a dirt road or vehicle track. Dirt roads and vehicle tracks are prepared using a heavy object towed behind a vehicle and revisited on subsequent days to record the tracks present.

Track station protocol -

This can be undertaken within defined track plots such as sand pads. The track plots are often prepared and cleared using a broom and revisited on subsequent days to record the tracks present.

Herbivory and physical damage

This module is appropriate for monitoring all fauna species, including pest species.

Within plot belt transect protocol -

This involves a 100 m belt transect, divided into 100 consecutive 1 m x 1 m quadrats. An estimate of damage (percent of quadrat with physical damage, such as wallowing or digging), percent cover (vegetation, substrate) and a herbivory score is given to each quadrat.

Off plot belt transect protocol -

This allows a more flexible approach over larger areas, where the user specifies the length and width of the belt transect.

Active plot search protocol -

This involves either traversing a 100 x 100 m Core Monitoring Plot or Fauna Plot, or a 40 x 40 m subset area and recording the presence or absence of herbivory and physical damage, and completing a count of all herbivory and physical damage presented.

Fauna ground counts

This covers the procedures and guidelines for recording direct counts of fauna, including the survey methods, effort, and observations made.

Transects protocol -

This is to record survey details and any observations of fauna along a survey transect. The transect need not be a straight line but can occur along existing walking or vehicle tracks and can be surveyed on foot or from a vehicle. The surveys can be conducted either during the day or at night.

Vantage point protocol -

This is to record survey details and any observations of fauna from a vantage point, either during the day or at night.

Pest fauna control activity -

This covers the procedures and guidelines for recording the outcomes of ground shooting, aerial shooting, baiting, trapping, and mustering. It can also be used for other control methods if an estimate of abundance or density can be obtained.

Pest aerial survey -

This outlines the protocol for recording fauna observations during an aerial survey in a standardised manner. The protocol includes the procedures and guidelines for collecting field data directly into the Monitor app.

Things to be confirmed:

The Questions sheet in: