Data Storage - Planet WGSW-24010 User Manual

5.4 Data stor age
Data should be stored on a standard computer database. All data should be handled in a standard
meticulous manner. Remember your entry may be checked at random by someone else at any
time. Accuracy of data entry is of prime importance. It is recommended that the initials of the
data-archiver and the date of archive are entered onto the field sheet, to provide an 'audit trail'
for quality assurance purposes.
Quality assurance
Enter macrophyte data regularly — mistakes are less likely to be made if there is not too much
data to be entered at once so the operator does not become desensitised to the process.
Check each data entry is correct before starting the next entry.
Establish a system of filing and keep to it, so if a discrepancy is discovered at a later time it
can be easily checked (for example, file the original survey sheets in site order u/s to d/s for
each river). Retaining field sheets after archiving on the database also allows the hard copy to
be presented as evidence if required in the future.
R&D Technical Report E38 68