|
The Bird Monitoring Data Registry (BMDR) is an archive of
descriptive metadata associated with all the AKN datasets. As an
AKN data provider, it is essential that the BMDR is completed for each
contributed dataset, and that it fully describes each dataset. As
an analyst, it is critical that you download the BMDR associated with
each dataset being used in the analysis. Without it, comparing
datasets becomes impossible.
Most databases use numeric values to store information. These
values often correspond with methodologies, or or values. For
example, the methodology used to perform a point count might vary in
three ways, such that the database has a descriptor of 1-3 for each
point count. Without knowing what those values stand for (e.g., 1
= unlimited distance, 2 = 100 m radius, 3 = 50 m radius) accurate
analysis is impossible. It is critical that the BMDR be consulted
before performing analysis on any dataset.
Bird monitoring data resources represent arguably the most
comprehensive time-series environmental data in existence. These data,
gathered by hundreds of independent projects, have collected an
estimated 60 million records over the past 100 years. But knowing that
these projects exist(ed) and accessing their data is difficult if not
impossible. Efforts are underway to identify and catalog these
monitoring projects and with support from the National Biological Information
Infrastructure the AKN will organize these findings into existing
biodiversity standards. The AKN will compile information about these
monitoring projects using metadata descriptions specified by the
Biological Data Profile of the FGDC Content Standard for
Digital Geospatial Metadata.
In order for the AKN to have the most complete description of your
project we ask all AKN data contributors to fill out the following
questionnaire. Click on the link (below) to download the
questionnaire.
BMDR Questionnaire
Also available for your review is a completed sample
BMDR questionnaire. Use this to help fill out your form, and don't
hesitate to contact us with
any questions.
The results of this effort will be made available through the AKN
website, as well as other biodiversity information resources, such as
NBII’s metadata clearinghouse.
|
About the AKN
Partners
Bird Monitoring Data Registry
Bird Monitoring Data Exchange
NatureCounts Data Sharing Policy
Levels of Data Access
Recommended Citation
More information
|