Desk Study

This can include research of diaries or previous documents, as well as using Google Maps (satellite) and other maps and is a useful survey technique.

Advantages
• Indoors and dry, with it not being affected by the weather and provides a good starting point for a survey.
• A desk survey can help to identify any previous research and information that might be incorporated into a survey report.
• Cheaper than visiting areas.
• Good view of boundaries (especially for habitats and the extent and shape of the habitat) and access networks (e.g. tracks), as well as physical features (e.g. hedges, bridges).
• Boundaries can be confirmed using Google maps and then set on the ground by the use of GPS.
• The desk study can uncover time saving information.

Disadvantages
• Inaccurate.
• Out of date.
• Irrelevant to subject matter in survey.
• Can be misleading.
• Not detailed enough.
• It can be time consuming if not planned properly (i.e. you can become waylaid and absorbed into the material which is leading you down a dead-end).