Questionnaire for line-intercept method

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Project Name (if applicable, otherwise just type n/a)

n/a

Question

Hello,

I am new to using epicollect. I would like to create a form to record vegetation cover. I will do this with the line-intercept method. From the center of a circular plot, 3 transects radiate from it. Every 1 m, I will record the vegetation type and height. This means that for 1 plot, I will have 3 forms (1 for each transect), and in each form I will have 10 entries of vegetation type and height (if the transects are 10 m in length).

I am a little bit lost on how to go about it. So I would appreciate your insight.

Thank you!

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Hello,

Thank you for reaching out! Your project sounds fascinating, and Epicollect5 can definitely be used to collect the type of data you need. Here’s how you can set up your form:

1. Plan Your Data Structure

Since each plot has:

  • 3 transects radiating from the center.
  • 10 data points per transect (vegetation type and height recorded every meter).

You can structure your data as follows:

  • Main Form: Represents the circular plot (e.g., plot ID, date, location, etc.).
  • Branch: belonging to the main form, with entries for each transect.
    • Each entry in the branch represents a transect and contains vegetation data at each meter.

2. Set Up Forms in Epicollect5

  1. Main Form (e.g., “Plot Form”):
  • Fields:
    • Plot ID (e.g., text or number field)
    • Date (date picker)
    • Location (GPS field or manual input)
    • Any other metadata about the plot.
  1. branch (e.g., “Transect Branch”):

  • Fields:

    • Transect ID (e.g., “Transect 1,” “Transect 2,” “Transect 3”)
    • Vegetation data (repeatable sub-form for data points at each meter).

    like * Fields:
    * Distance from center (e.g., a number field with values like 1, 2, 3, …10 meters).
    * Vegetation type (e.g., a dropdown list or text input).
    * Vegetation height (e.g., a number field or dropdown).

3. Workflow

  1. Start by filling out the main form for each plot.
  2. Add a branch entry for each transect under the main form.
  3. For each transect branch, record vegetation data at each meter.

4. Tips for Setting Up

  • Use dropdown menus or predefined lists for vegetation types to standardize data entry.
  • If you’re working offline, ensure you download the forms to your device before heading to the field.
  • Use the Epicollect5 web interface to design your forms—it’s easier to visualize the structure.

5. Optional: Exporting and Analyzing Data

Once your data is collected, you can export it in CSV format. Each form will be exported as a separate file:

  • Main form: Plot-level data.
  • Branch: Transect-level data with vegetation-level data.

You can then link these files in analysis software like Excel, R, or Python for further analysis.

More info on branches →

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