Draft Core Concepts for Observational Data Standard

Please follow the links for additional details of possible information to capture in an observational data standard. All content should be considered draft - your comments are highly important!

The intent is to initially focus the observational standard on core attributes that are as universal as possible and apply to observations of all taxonomic groups and classification types. After we reach agreement on the core observation standard, ideally communities of users [such as the bird monitoring scientists] would develop standard extensions to the core observation standard.

What (ObsWhat) - identification of the observed entity / taxon identification attributes

Who (ObsWho) - observer / collector of the information

When (ObsWhen) - observation / collection event date / time

Where (ObsWhere) - location attributes

How (ObsHow) - survey methods / intensity / protocol

Evidence (ObsEvidence) – documentation attributes (specimens, references, images)

Biology (ObsBiology) - associated biological attributes

Environment (ObsEnvironment) - associated environmental attributes

Data management attributes (ObsDataManagement) – quality control, etc.

Required Fields (RequiredFields)

-- LynnKutner - 12 Jul 2006