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Data Acquisition

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A Guidebook for Integrated Ecological Assessments

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Abstract

The science of data acquisition has changed a lot in the past two decades (Oppenheimer et al., 1974; Michener, 1986). In 1974, Austin (in Oppenheimer et al., 1974) marveled at the ability to view data and computer outputs directly on a television screen (cathode ray tube). It was a time when the acronym GIS referred to “general information system” (Oppenheimer et al., 1974, p. 232). In 1986, Klopsch and Stafford recommended the use of 8-inch single-sided, single-density or 5 1/2-inch double-sided, double-density diskettes for the storage of medium-sized data sets for the Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) program. Kriging was touted as the best interpolation method for spatial analysis (Seilkop, 1986). There is little doubt that 10 or 20 years from now our current commonly used hardware (e.g., Unix-based workstations, Pentiumtype personal computers, digitizing tablets), storage media (e.g., CD-ROM, 3 1/2-inch high-density diskettes, tape backups), and software (e.g., ARC/ INFO geographic information systems, cokriging spatial analysis programs) will invoke a similar comedic response. However, some things haven’t changed; there is a consistent, unrelenting commitment to improve data acquisition and management in the ecological sciences.

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Authors
  1. Thomas J. Stohlgren
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. USDA Forest Service, Northern Region, 200 East Broadway, Missoula, MT, 59807, USA

    Mark E. Jensen

  2. Institute of Alpine and Arctic Research, University of Colorado, 1560 30th Street, Boulder, CO, 80309-0450, USA

    Patrick S. Bourgeron

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Stohlgren, T.J. (2001). Data Acquisition. In: Jensen, M.E., Bourgeron, P.S. (eds) A Guidebook for Integrated Ecological Assessments. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-8620-7_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-8620-7_6

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

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