Data Codes 
A coding system for recording findings in a survey and to allow for easier analysis of digital records, with standard terminology and coding being used to maintain consistency.
One example of some data codes is that which is used in a JNCC Phase 1 survey, although a wide range of coding methods can be created for a survey or recording system.
Mapping colour codes, including:
• Woodland - B-L (Broad-Leaved) - Plantation: Green.
• Neutral grassland - Unimproved: Orange.
• Misc - Boundary - Intact hedge: Green.
• Wall: Scarlet red.
Alphanumeric reference codes, includ
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Data Collection
There are many ways in which data can be collected and recorded, some ways being more appropriate than others for the type of target (eg. plants) being investigated.
The following table identifies a range of possible collection methods, some of which could be adapted to investigate some of the other target groups.
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.
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Data Set
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.
Density
1. For artificial surfaces this is an expression of the quantity of fibres within a defined area.
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