Data Presentation

Presenting the data in a visual, graphical way can make it easier for a reader to understand the findings of the field survey. Some common ways of displaying data are through the use of charts or maps: • Bar chart to show categories of (discrete) data, with gaps between the bars. • Heat map to show the extent of data as colour variations. • Histogram to show the frequency distribution of continuous (non-discrete) numerical data, without gaps between the bars. • Line chart to show the relationship of more than one observation or continuous variation over time. • Pi

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  Data Recording

The recording of collected data can be undertaken in a variety of ways, including: • Digital capture, either using specific devices (e.g. camcorder) or general devices such as a mobile phone: Audio; Photographic; Video. • Sensors (temperature, motion, etc.) which record data. • Specially designed monitoring sheet on a tablet or mobile device. • Databases/Spreadsheets/Word Processors. • Standard data recording card/from. • Coding of data received (making data easier to analyse). • Notebook. • Maps (to plot information onto). • Sketches. &bu

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  Data Set

A collection of data.

  Data Sources

Data sources can typically be described as being of primary or secondary origin and qualitative or quantitative. Primary data can come from research you have undertaken yourself and is that which needs to form the most significant part of your research and survey. Primary data can, however, sometimes also be considered as original material produced by people at a specific period in time that relates to the research you are undertaken. For example, if you were doing a vegetation survey of a park and wanted to compare and contrast it with original historical data, from say 50 years ago, then

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  Decomposition

The breakdown of organic matter. It is technically called humification. Increasing decomposition of organic matter is influenced by the following: 1. Good soil aeration; 2. Rising soil temperatures, being optimum at 25ËšC and over; 3. A soil moisture content of about 60% to 80% of water holding capacity; 4. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH; and 5. A carbon to nitrogen ratio of about 20/25 to 1; too low a ratio results in slower decomposition.

  Deliquescent

The ability of a substance to dissolve in moisture from the atmosphere. This is a reason why some fertilisers must be kept in dry, sealed conditions.

  Denitrification

Unsuitable soil conditions, especially with a lack of oxygen, which result in denitrifying bacteria converting nitrates and/or nitrites into gases and these are then lost to the atmosphere. The gases returned to the atmosphere are nitrogen and nitrous oxide.

  Desiccation

The drying out of a plant. Warm and windy conditions will contribute significantly to the effect. Newly germinated seedlings are especially vulnerable to desiccation, particularly when grown in a sandy profile.

  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

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  Detergent

A synthetic soap which reduces the surface tension of water in contact with a material and which can be used to cleanse areas of oil or fuel spillages, however, ensure the detergent is not harmful to grass plants.