Field Survey: Purpose and Planning

Firstly consider the question, ‘What is a Survey'? This is a method of collecting data which aims to be representative of the subject of interest.

Survey techniques can include:
• Questionnaires.
• Interviews - structured (from a set of prepared questions) or unstructured (discussion and prompting).
• Field Survey Techniques (i.e. physical assessments).
• Observation (including measuring).
• Analysis of secondary material including official records.
• Panel/focus group.

Surveys can be used for a wide range of purposes, including:
• As part of an environmental impact assessment (EIA).
• To audit the environmental status of a field/land.
• To assist in writing a management plan.
• To assess the effectiveness of maintenance activities and management decisions.
• To support a funding proposal.
• To support a planning proposal.
• To support an organisations social responsibility policy.
• To promote a sustainable development policy.
• To encourage user participation.
• To meet regulatory requirements.
All too often people will rush in with the best of intentions to collect data but forget that there is a lot of planning and forethought that needs to go into a field survey before any data is collected.

Before undertaking any field survey, it is essential that its purpose survey is clearly defined and then planning can take place to ensure that a successful outcome is achieved.

A typical sequence for a field survey might be along the following lines:
1. You will no doubt have a general idea for what you want to achieve. What you now need to do first is to focus on a specific question that will then determine your aims and objectives. Essentially, what is the purpose of the survey?
2. Determine the type of survey technique/s you are going to use: You can then plan how you are going to collect and record your data.
3. Consider the type of data (or statistical) analysis that may be needed.
4. What sampling design is to be used? Random Sampling? Other sampling?
5. Select your sampling requirements/such as how much data is to be recorded and the area/site to be sampled.
6. Collect and record data.
7. Analyse and evaluate data.
8. Produce a report.
9. Communicate the report to others.