NatureServe Biological Observation Data Standard (Version 1.0)

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Category
Group
Field Label (Displayed)
Field Name (Database)
Definition
Darwin Core Equivalent
Biotics Equivalent
nonDarwin Core explanation
Field Form/Device or Database Only
Basic Observation
Conditional Requirement
Core Products
Distribution
Element Occurrence
Conservation Status Assessment
Quality/Condition
Field Type
Field Length
Domain Values
Default Value
Number per Observation Record
Example
WHAT
Identification
Confirmation of Identification
identificationVerificationStatus
Confidence that the species or community is correctly identified.
identificationVerificationStatus
Database Only
String
200
See Domain Values tab from BLM or use Domain Values from SRMT:• Verified • Not Verified (a polite way of not verifying an observation from a not so credible source). • Possible (This has been reviewed by a taxa expert and cannot be 100% verified). • Unreviewed (default for new record), • Censored (observation submitted online that is inappropriate), • Duplicate (deemed a duplicate observation by the same observer), • Needs review, • not applicable
Unreviewed
0-1
WHAT
Taxon
Taxon ID
element_subnational_id
An identifier for the set of taxon information (data associated with the Taxon class). May be a global unique identifier or an identifier specific to the data set.
taxonID
EST/EGT_ID
Database Only
Database field based on program standard for Scientific Name
x
x
x
x
x
Number
Populated in Survey123 app. See Notes.
1
8fa58e08-08de-4ac1-b69c-1235340b7001, 32567, https://www.gbif.org/species/212
WHAT
Taxon
Accepted Usage ID
acceptedNameUsageID
An identifier for the name usage (documented meaning of the name according to a source) of the currently valid (zoological) or accepted (botanical) taxon.
acceptedNameUsageID
Database Only
Number
0-1
8fa58e08-08de-4ac1-b69c-1235340b7001
WHAT
Taxon
Accepted Usage
acceptedNameUsage
The full name, with authorship and date information if known, of the currently valid (zoological) or accepted (botanical) taxon.
acceptedNameUsage
Use formatted scientific name. http://help.natureserve.org/biotics/#Record_Management/Scientific_Name/SN_Scientific_Name.htm%3FTocPath%3DRecord%2520Management%7CSubject%2520Area%2520Help%7CScientific%2520Names%7CIdentifiers%7C_____1
Database Only
String
500
0-1
Tamias minimus (valid name for Eutamias minimus).
WHAT
Taxon
Parent ID
parentNameUsageID
An identifier for the name usage (documented meaning of the name according to a source) of the direct, most proximate higher-rank parent taxon (in a classification) of the most specific element of the scientificName.
parentNameUsageID
If genus_species and/or variety/subspecies, then Family name id [http://help.natureserve.org/biotics/#cshid=2262]
Database Only
0-1
https://www.gbif.org/species/2684876
WHAT
Taxon
Parent Usage
parentNameUsage
The full name, with authorship and date information if known, of the direct, most proximate higher-rank parent taxon (in a classification) of the most specific element of the scientificName.
parentNameUsage
Database Only
String
500
0-1
Rubiaceae, Gruiformes, Testudinae
WHAT
Taxon
Original Name Usage ID
originalNameUsageID
An identifier for the name usage (documented meaning of the name according to a source) in which the terminal element of the scientificName was originally established under the rules of the associated nomenclaturalCode.
originalNameUsageID
Database Only
0-1
https://www.gbif.org/species/2685484
WHAT
Taxon
Original Usage
originalNameUsage
The taxon name, with authorship and date information if known, as it originally appeared when first established under the rules of the associated nomenclaturalCode. The basionym (botany) or basonym (bacteriology) of the scientificName or the senior/earlier homonym for replaced names.
originalNameUsage
Database Only
String
500
0-1
Pinus abies, Gasterosteus saltatrix Linnaeus 1768
WHAT
Taxon
Concept Reference Citation ID
concept_reference_id
Unique ID of the citation for the reference that describes or points to the circumscription of the taxon or community.
nameAccordingToID
concept_reference_id
Database Only
E
Number
0-1
WHAT
Taxon
Concept Reference Citation
nameAccordingTo
Citation for the reference that describes or points to the circumscription of the taxon or community. The reference to the source in which the specific taxon concept circumscription is defined or implied - traditionally signified by the Latin "sensu" or "sec." (from secundum, meaning "according to"). For taxa that result from identifications, a reference to the keys, monographs, experts and other sources should be given.
nameAccordingTo
Database Only
E
String
4000
0-1
McCranie, J. R., D. B. Wake, and L. D. Wilson. 1996. The taxonomic status of Bolitoglossa schmidti, with comments on the biology of the Mesoamerican salamander Bolitoglossa dofleini (Caudata: Plethodontidae). Carib. J. Sci. 32:395-398., Werner Greuter 2008. Lilljeborg 1861, Upsala Univ. Arsskrift, Math. Naturvet., pp. 4, 5
WHAT
Taxon
Name used in Concept Reference ID
concept_name_id
Idenfitication number (ID) of name used in concept reference.
ELEMENT_GLOBAL.concept_name_id
Biotics field
Database Only
E
Number
0-1
WHAT
Taxon
Name used in Concept Reference
concept_name
Scientific name used in the concept reference.
Database Only
E
String
250
0-1
WHAT
Taxon
Author of Scientific Name used in Concept Reference
concept_author
Author of the scientific name used in the concept reference.
COMMUNITY_GLOBAL.concept_author
Biotics field
Database Only
String
200
0-1
WHAT
Taxon
Name Published in ID
namePublishedInID
An identifier for the publication in which the scientificName was originally established under the rules of the associated nomenclaturalCode.
namePublishedInID
Database Only
0-1
http://hdl.handle.net/10199/7
WHAT
Taxon
Name Published in
namePublishedIn
A reference for the publication in which the scientificName was originally established under the rules of the associated nomenclaturalCode.
namePublishedIn
Database Only
String
500
0-1
Pearson O. P., and M. I. Christie. 1985. Historia Natural, 5(37):388, Forel, Auguste, Diagnosies provisoires de quelques espèces nouvelles de fourmis de Madagascar, récoltées par M. Grandidier., Annales de la Societe Entomologique de Belgique, Comptes-rendus des Seances 30, 1886
WHAT
Taxon
Name Published in Year
namePublishedInYear
The four-digit year in which the scientificName was published.
namePublishedInYear
Database Only
E
Number
0-1
1915, 2008
WHAT
Taxon
Taxon Concept ID
taxonConceptID
An identifier for the taxonomic concept to which the record refers - not for the nomenclatural details of a taxon.
taxonConceptID
Database Only
Number
0-1
8fa58e08-08de-4ac1-b69c-1235340b7001
WHAT
Taxon
Verbatim Scientific Name
verbatim_scientific_name
Name as it appeared in the original source documentation (e.g., field notes, specimen label), if different from.
Field recommended by the Network
Database Only
String
250
0-1
WHAT
Taxon
Scientific Name ID
scientific_name_id
An identifier for the scientific name to which the record refers.
SCIENTIFIC_NAME.scientific_name_id
Biotics field
Database Only
Number
0-1
WHAT
Taxon
Scientific Name
scientificName
The full scientific name, with authorship and date information if known. When forming part of an Identification, this should be the name in lowest level taxonomic rank that can be determined. This term should not contain identification qualifications, which should instead be supplied in the IdentificationQualifier term.
scientificName
Name used in concept reference concatenated with author. If not possible, then just name used in concept reference. http://help.natureserve.org/biotics/#cshid=2121
Field form
O
Select this field or select Common Name or Higher Classification or Taxon ID
x
x
x
x
x
String
250
Populated in Survey123 app. See Notes.
0-1
Coleoptera (order). Vespertilionidae (family). Manis (genus). Ctenomys sociabilis (genus + specificEpithet). Ambystoma tigrinum diaboli (genus + specificEpithet + infraspecificEpithet). Roptrocerus typographi (Györfi, 1952) (genus + specificEpithet + scientificNameAuthorship), Quercus agrifolia var. oxyadenia (Torr.) J.T. Howell (genus + specificEpithet + taxonRank + infraspecificEpithet + scientificNameAuthorship).
WHAT
Taxon
Common Name
vernacularName
A nontechnical name for the element.
vernacularName
ELEMENT_SUBNATIONAL.s_primary_common_name
Field form
O
Select this field or select Scientific Name or Higher Classication or Taxon ID
x
x
x
x
x
String
400
Populated in Survey123 app. See Notes.
1
WHAT
Taxon
Language
language
The language of the common name.
language
ELEMENT_SUBNATIONAL.d_language_id
Database Only
String
20
English, French, Spanish
English
1
WHAT
Taxon
Higher Classification Level
classification_level_name
"For taxa and for communities that are part of a hierarchical classification system, the level(s) above the one represented by the Scientific Name. Examples for species: kingdom, phylum, class, order, family. Examples for communities: association, alliance, group, macrogroup, division, formation From Biotics: Proper code for the organism at the specified level of the taxonomic hierarchy (i.e., kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, or genus). Codes are used for sorting, for quick assessment of hierarchical placement, and for shorthand communication. Not every level of the taxonomic hierarchy will have a specific code assigned to it, either because it is not needed at this time (many invertebrates are only coded to the phylum level) or because it is included at a different level (e.g., the higher taxonomy code for vascular plants starts at the division or class level, but the class level code starts with P for vascular plant, etc.)."
higherClassification, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, subgenus, specificEpithet, infraspecificEpithet
classification_level_name
Field form
O
Select this field together with Higher Classification Name and Unit ID or select Scientific Name or Common Name or Taxon ID
.
String
60
species: Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family… community: formation, division, macrogroup, group, alliance, association
0 to many
WHAT
Taxon
Higher Classification Name
higher_class_unit_name
For taxa and for communities that are part of a hierarchical classification system, the level(s) above the one represented by the Scientific Name. Examples for species: kingdom, phylum, class, order, family.From Biotics: Proper code for the organism at the specified level of the taxonomic hierarchy (i.e., kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, or genus). Codes are used for sorting, for quick assessment of hierarchical placement, and for shorthand communication.Not every level of the taxonomic hierarchy will have a specific code assigned to it, either because it is not needed at this time (many invertebrates are only coded to the phylum level) or because it is included at a different level (e.g., the higher taxonomy code for vascular plants starts at the division or class level, but the class level code starts with P for vascular plant, etc.).
higher_class_unit_name
Biotics field
Field form
O
Select this field together with Higher Classification Level and Unit ID
.
String
200
0 to many
WHAT
Taxon
Higher Classification Unit ID
higher_class_unit_id
"For taxa and for communities that are part of a hierarchical classification system, the level(s) above the one represented by the Scientific Name. Examples for species: kingdom, phylum, class, order, family. From Biotics: Proper code for the organism at the specified level of the taxonomic hierarchy (i.e., kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, or genus). Codes are used for sorting, for quick assessment of hierarchical placement, and for shorthand communication. Not every level of the taxonomic hierarchy will have a specific code assigned to it, either because it is not needed at this time (many invertebrates are only coded to the phylum level) or because it is included at a different level (e.g., the higher taxonomy code for vascular plants starts at the division or class level, but the class level code starts with P for vascular plant, etc.)."
higher_class_unit_id
Biotics field
Database Only
O
Select this field together with Higher Classification Level and Name
.
Number
WHAT
Taxon
Scientific Authorship
scientificNameAuthorship
The authorship information for the scientificName formatted according to the conventions of the applicable nomenclaturalCode.
scientificNameAuthorship
author_name
Database Only
String
200
0-1
(Torr.) J.T. Howell, (Martinovský) Tzvelev, (Györfi, 1952)
WHAT
Taxon
Taxonomic Status
taxonomicStatus
The status of the use of the scientificName as a label for a taxon. Requires taxonomic opinion to define the scope of a taxon. Rules of priority then are used to define the taxonomic status of the nomenclature contained in that scope, combined with the experts opinion. It must be linked to a specific taxonomic reference that defines the concept.
taxonomicStatus
classification_status_desc
Database Only
String
20
Standard, Provisional, Nonstandard, invalid, misapplied, homotypic synonym
0-1
invalid, misapplied, homotypic synonym, accepted
WHAT
Taxon
Nomenclatural Status
nomenclaturalStatus
The status related to the original publication of the name and its conformance to the relevant rules of nomenclature. It is based essentially on an algorithm according to the business rules of the code. It requires no taxonomic opinion.
nomenclaturalStatus
Database Only
String
20
0-1
nom. ambig., nom. illeg., nom. subnud.
WHAT
Taxon
Nomenclatural Code
nomenclaturalCode
The nomenclatural code (or codes in the case of an ambiregnal name) under which the scientificName is constructed.
nomenclaturalCode
Database Only
String
20
ICN, ICZN, BC, ICNCP, BioCode
0-1
ICN, ICZN, BC, ICNCP, BioCode
WHAT
Taxon
Taxon Remarks
taxonRemarks
Comments or notes about the taxon or name.
taxonRemarks
x_classification_com
Database Only
String
4000
0-1
this name is a misspelling in common use
WHAT
Identification
Identification ID
identificationID
An identifier for the Identification (the body of information associated with the assignment of a scientific name). May be a global unique identifier or an identifier specific to the data set.
identificationID
Database Only
Number
1
9992
WHAT
Identification
Identification Qualifier
identificationQualifier
A brief phrase or a standard term ("cf.", "aff.") to express the determiner's doubts about the Identification.
identificationQualifier
Database Only
String
100
0-1
aff. agrifolia var. oxyadenia (for Quercus aff. agrifolia var. oxyadenia with accompanying values Quercus in genus, agrifolia in specificEpithet, oxyadenia in infraspecificEpithet, and var. in taxonRank. cf. var. oxyadenia for Quercus agrifolia cf. var. oxyadenia with accompanying values Quercus in genus, agrifolia in specificEpithet, oxyadenia in infraspecificEpithet, and var. in taxonRank.
WHAT
Identification
Type Status
typeStatus
A list (concatenated and separated) of nomenclatural types (type status, typified scientific name, publication) applied to the subject.
typeStatus
Database Only
String
2000
0-1
holotype of Ctenomys sociabilis. Pearson O. P., and M. I. Christie. 1985. Historia Natural, 5(37):388, holotype of Pinus abies | holotype of Picea abies
WHAT
Identification
Identified By
identifiedBy
A list (concatenated and separated) of names of people, groups, or organizations who assigned the Taxon to the subject.
identifiedBy
Database Only
String
2000
0-1
James L. Patton, Theodore Pappenfuss | Robert Macey
WHAT
Identification
Date Identified
dateIdentified
The date on which the subject was identified as representing the Taxon.
dateIdentified
Database Only
Date
0-1
1963-03-08T14:07-0600 (8 Mar 1963 at 2:07pm in the time zone six hours earlier than UTC). 2009-02-20T08:40Z (20 February 2009 8:40am UTC). 2018-08-29T15:19 (3:19pm local time on 29 August 2018). 1809-02-12 (some time during 12 February 1809). 1906-06 (some time in June 1906). 1971 (some time in the year 1971). 2007-03-01T13:00:00Z/2008-05-11T15:30:00Z (some time during the interval between 1 March 2007 1pm UTC and 11 May 2008 3:30pm UTC). 1900/1909 (some time during the interval between the beginning of the year 1900 and the end of the year 1909). 2007-11-13/15 (some time in the interval between 13 November 2007 and 15 November 2007).
WHAT
Identification
Identification References
identificationReferences
A list (concatenated and separated) of references (publication, global unique identifier, URI) used in the Identification.
identificationReferences
Database Only
String
2000
0-1
Aves del Noroeste Patagonico. Christie et al. 2004., Stebbins, R. Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians. 3rd Edition. 2003. | Irschick, D.J. and Shaffer, H.B. (1997). The polytypic species revisited: Morphological differentiation among tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum) (Amphibia: Caudata). Herpetologica, 53(1), 30-49.
WHAT
Identification
Identification Remarks
identificationRemarks
Comments or notes about the Identification.
identificationRemarks
Database Only
String
4000
0-1
Distinguished between Anthus correndera and Anthus hellmayri based on the comparative lengths of the uñas.
WHERE
Location
Location ID
locationID
An identifier for the set of location information. May be a global unique identifier or an identifier specific to the data set.
locationID
shape_id
Database Only
Number
1
WHERE
Location
Latitude (Decimal)
decimalLatitude
The latitude of the location from which the organism or observation was collected, expressed in decimal degrees. Positive values are North of the Equator, negative values are South of the Equator.
decimalLatitude
Field form
O
Select this field together with decimalLongitude or select Polygon or Line
x
x
x
x
x
Number
0-1
WHERE
Location
Longitude (Decimal)
decimalLongitude
The longitude of the location from which the organism or observation was collected, expressed in decimal degrees. Positive values are East of the Greenwich Meridian, negative values are West of the Greenwich Meridian.
decimalLongitude
Field form
O
Select this field together with decimalLatitude or select Polygon or Line
x
x
x
x
x
Number
0-1
WHERE
Location
Latitude (verbatim)
verbatimLatitude
Latitude as it was originally recorded.
verbatimLatitude
Database Only
Number
0-1
WHERE
Location
Longitude (verbatim)
verbatimLongitude
Longitude as it was originally recorded.
verbatimLongitude
Database Only
Number
0-1
WHERE
Location
Line
geotrace
The location from which the organism or observation was collected, as represented by a line.
SOURCE_FEATURE_PRE_LINE.shape
Biotics field
Field form
O
Select this field or select Polygon or Lat / Long
x
x
x
x
x
Shape
0-1
WHERE
Location
Polygon
geoshape
The location from which the organism or observation was collected, as represented by a polygon.
SOURCE_FEATURE_PRE_POLY.shape
Biotics field
Field form
O
Select this field or select Line or Lat / Long
x
x
x
x
x
Shape
0-1
WHERE
Location
Coordinate System
verbatimCoordinateSystem
Coordinate system as it was originally recorded (geographic, UTM, etc.).
verbatimCoordinateSystem
Database Only
O
x
x
x
x
x
String
0-1
WGS84
WHERE
Location
Coordinate System Units
coord_sys_units
Coordinate units as they were originally recorded (degrees, etc.).
Field recommended by the Network
Database Only
String
meters, degrees, feet,
0-1
WHERE
Location
Geodetic Datum
geodeticDatum
The geodetic datum to which the latitude and longitude refer. Datum should be selected from a picklist.
geodeticDatum
Database Only
O
x
x
x
x
x
String
10
NAD83, NAD27, WGS84
WGS
1
WHERE
Location
Locational Uncertainty Type
loc_uncert
The type of inaccuracy in the mapped location of an observation compared with its actual on-the-ground location. This is determined on the basis of the underlying observation data (specifically its size as compared with the minimum mapping unit (mmu), indicated as the Conceptual Feature Type), and the amount and direction of the variability between the recorded and actual locations.
SOURCE_FEATURE.d_loc_uncertainty_type_id
Biotics field
Field form
Use of this field requires use of Locational Uncertainty Distance / Unit
x
x
x
String
30
Estimated, Linear, Delimited, Negligible
Estimated
0-1
Estimated, Linear, Negligible, Delimited
WHERE
Location
Locational Uncertainty Distance Class
loc_uncertainty_range
Distance within which the location of the observation is believed to be captured.
max value from D_LOC_UNCERT_DIST_CLASS used as SOURCE_FEATURE.loc_uncertainty_distance
Biotics field
Database Only
String
>6.25 - 25, >25 - 50, >50 -100, >100 - 200, >200 - 400, >400 - 800, >800 - 1500, >1500 - 4000
0-1
WHERE
Location
Locational Uncertainty Distance
loc_uncertainty_distance
Distance within which the location of the observation is believed to be captured. If location was mapped from GPS coordinates, accuracy recorded by GPS unit in meters.
coordinateUncertaintyInMeters
SOURCE_FEATURE.loc_uncertainty_distance
Field form
This field is required if Locational Uncertainty Type is Estimated
x
x
x
Number
1
WHERE
Location
Locational Uncertainty Unit
loc_uncertainty_unit
Unit associated with the Location Uncertainty (meters).
SOURCE_FEATURE.loc_uncertainty_unit_id
Biotics field
Field form
This field is required if Locational Uncertainty Type is Estimated
x
x
x
String
30
Meters, Kilometers, Feet, Miles
Meters
1
WHERE
Location
Locational Uncertainty Comments
coordinateUncertaintyInMeters_comments
Comments related to ability to map the Observation precisely.
coordinateUncertaintyInMeters_comments
Field form
String
4000
0-1
WHERE
Location
Country
country
The country in which the observation location is found. Ideally a picklist using a standard such as the ISO country names or codes.
country
Database Only
String
75
0-1
WHERE
Location
State/Province
stateProvince
The name of the next smaller administrative region than country (state, province, canton, department, region, etc.) in which the Location occurs.
stateProvince
Database Only
String
100
0-1
Montana, Minas Gerais, Córdoba
WHERE
Location
County
county
The county or other local administrative unit in which the observation location is found. May be a picklist.
county
Database Only
String
60
0-1
WHERE
Location
Municipality
municipality
The full, unabbreviated name of the next smaller administrative region than county (city, municipality, etc.) in which the Location occurs. Do not use this term for a nearby named place that does not contain the actual location.
municipality
Database Only
String
100
0-1
Holzminden, Araçatuba, Ga-Segonyana
WHERE
Location
Locality
locality
The specific description of the place. Less specific geographic information can be provided in other geographic terms (higherGeography, continent, country, stateProvince, county, municipality, waterBody, island, islandGroup). This term may contain information modified from the original to correct perceived errors or standardize the description.
locality
Database Only
String
4000
0-1
Bariloche, 25 km NNE via Ruta Nacional 40 (=Ruta 237).
WHERE
Location
Verbatim Locality
verbatimLocality
The original textual description of the place.
verbatimLocality
Database Only
String
4000
0-1
25 km NNE Bariloche por R. Nac. 237
WHERE
Location
Minimum Elevation (m)
min_elev_meters
Minimum elevation of the area covered by the observation. The minimum elevation should represent the lowest altitude in meters, above or below sea level, at which the observation is found. Use negative values for locations below sea level.
minimumElevationInMeters
EO.min_elev_meters
Field form
Number
0-1
WHERE
Location
Maximum Elevation (m)
max_elev_meters
Maximum elevation of the area covered by the observation. The maximum elevation should represent the highest altitude in meters, above or below sea level, at which the observation is found. Use negative values for locations below sea level.
maximumElevationInMeters
EO.max_elev_meters
Field form
Number
0-1
WHERE
Location
Verbatim Elevation
verbatimElevation
The original description of the elevation (altitude, usually above sea level) of the Location.
verbatimElevation
Database Only
String
100
0-1
100-200 m
WHERE
Location
Minimum Depth (m)
minimumDepthInMeters
Minimum depth at which the observation was made. Use positive values for locations below the earth's surface (subterranean) or under water.
minimumDepthInMeters
Field form
Number
0-1
WHERE
Location
Maximum Depth (m)
maximumDepthInMeters
Maximum depth at which the observation was made. Use positive values for locations below the earth's surface (subterranean) or under water.
maximumDepthInMeters
Field form
Number
0-1
WHERE
Location
Verbatim Depth
verbatimDepth
The original description of the depth below the local surface.
verbatimDepth
Database Only
String
100
0-1
100-200 m
WHERE
Location
Digitizing Base
digitizing_base
The base data used when digitizing an observation.
locationAccordintTo
SOURCE_FEATURE.d_digitizing_base_id
Database Only
String
60
GPS >….. Can populate from D_DIGITIZING_BASE table in Biotics
0-1
WHERE
Location
Location Remarks
mapping_com
Comments on other topics related to the mapping of the observation.
locationRemarks
SOURCE_FEATURE.mapping_com
Field form
String
4000
0-1
WHERE
Location
verbatim SRS
verbatimSRS
The ellipsoid, geodetic datum, or spatial reference system (SRS) upon which coordinates given in verbatimLatitude and verbatimLongitude, or verbatimCoordinates are based.
verbatimSRS
Database Only
String
100
0-1
unknown, EPSG:4326, WGS84, NAD27, Campo Inchauspe, European 1950, Clarke 1866
WHERE
Location
Data Generalizations
dataGeneralizations
Actions taken to make the shared data less specific or complete than in its original form. Suggests that alternative data of higher quality may be available on request.
dataGeneralizations
Database Only
String
2000
0-1
Coordinates generalized from original GPS coordinates to the nearest half degree grid cell.
WHERE
Location
Georeferenced By
georeferencedBy
A list (concatenated and separated) of names of people, groups, or organizations who determined the georeference (spatial representation) for the Location.
georeferencedBy
Database Only
String
200
0-1
Brad Millen (ROM), Kristina Yamamoto | Janet Fang
WHERE
Location
Georeferenced Date
georeferencedDate
The date on which the Location was georeferenced.
georeferencedDate
Database Only
Date
0-1
1963-03-08T14:07-0600 (8 Mar 1963 at 2:07pm in the time zone six hours earlier than UTC). 2009-02-20T08:40Z (20 February 2009 8:40am UTC). 2018-08-29T15:19 (3:19pm local time on 29 August 2018). 1809-02-12 (some time during 12 February 1809). 1906-06 (some time in June 1906). 1971 (some time in the year 1971). 2007-03-01T13:00:00Z/2008-05-11T15:30:00Z (some time during the interval between 1 March 2007 1pm UTC and 11 May 2008 3:30pm UTC). 1900/1909 (some time during the interval between the beginning of the year 1900 and the end of the year 1909). 2007-11-13/15 (some time in the interval between 13 November 2007 and 15 November 2007).
WHERE
Location
Georeference Protocol
georeferenceProtocol
A description or reference to the methods used to determine the spatial footprint, coordinates, and uncertainties.
georeferenceProtocol
Database Only
String
2000
0-1
Guide to Best Practices for Georeferencing. (Chapman and Wieczorek, eds. 2006). Global Biodiversity Information Facility., MaNIS/HerpNet/ORNIS Georeferencing Guidelines, Georeferencing Quick Reference Guide
WHERE
Location
Georeference Sources
georeferenceSources
A list (concatenated and separated) of maps, gazetteers, or other resources used to georeference the Location, described specifically enough to allow anyone in the future to use the same resources.
georeferenceSources
Database Only
String
2000
0-1
https://www.geonames.org/, USGS 1:24000 Florence Montana Quad | Terrametrics 2008 on Google Earth, GeoLocate
WHERE
Location
Georeference Verification Status
georeferenceVerificationStatus
A categorical description of the extent to which the georeference has been verified to represent the best possible spatial description.
georeferenceVerificationStatus
Database Only
String
100
requires verification, verified by collector, verified by curator
0-1
requires verification, verified by collector, verified by curator
WHERE
Location
Georeference Remarks
georeferenceRemarks
Notes or comments about the spatial description determination, explaining assumptions made in addition or opposition to the those formalized in the method referred to in georeferenceProtocol.
georeferenceRemarks
Database Only
String
4000
0-1
Assumed distance by road (Hwy. 101).
WHERE
Location
Directions
Precise directions to the observation that use a readily locatable and relatively permanent landmark on or near the site (such as a road intersection, a prominent hilltop, or a cliff) as the starting point. Distances should be cited as closely as possible, and compass directions included.
EO.directions
Biotics field
Database Only
CLOB
0-1
WHEN
Date/Time
Observation Date
VISIT.visit_date
The date of the observation, consisting of year, month, and day.
eventDate
VISIT.visit_date
Field form
O
Select this field or select Verbatim Date or Observation Start Date / End Date
x
x
x
x
x
Date
1 to many
1963-03-08T14:07-0600 (8 Mar 1963 at 2:07pm in the time zone six hours earlier than UTC). 2009-02-20T08:40Z (20 February 2009 8:40am UTC). 2018-08-29T15:19 (3:19pm local time on 29 August 2018). 1809-02-12 (some time during 12 February 1809).
WHEN
Date/Time
Verbatim Date
verbatimEventDate
Date as reported by observer. Field must allow precise or imprecise dates and therefore could be used to more precisely populated additional fields, including Observation Date (for a true date) or for imprecise dates: Day of Observation, Observation Month & Observation Year, as feasible, given the data provided.
verbatimEventDate
Database Only
O
Select this field or select Observation Date or Observation Start Date / End Date
x
x
x
x
x
String
50
1
WHEN
Date/Time
Observation Start Date
observation_start_date
The precise start date of a data collection event that spanned multiple days.
startDayOfYear
Field form
O
Select this field together with Observation End Date or select Observation Date or Verbatim Date
x
x
x
x
x
Date
0-1
1-Oct-19
WHEN
Date/Time
Observation Start Time
observation_start_time
The time of day the observation began. Specify hour and minutes (may be rounded to nearest hour), and AM or PM.
eventTime
Database Only
String
5
0-1
WHEN
Date/Time
Observation End Date
observation_end_date
The precise end date of a data collection event that spanned multiple days.
endDayOfYear
Field form
O
Select this field together with Observation Start Date or select Observation Date or Verbatim Date
x
x
x
x
x
Date
0-1
10-Oct-19
WHEN
Date/Time
observation_end_time
observation_end_time
The time of day the observation ended. Specify hour and minutes (may be rounded to nearest hour), and AM or PM.
eventTime
Database Only
String
5
0-1
WHEN
Date/Time
Day of Observation
day
The day of the month that the observation took place. Could be derived from Observation Date.
day
Database Only
Number
0-1
WHEN
Date/Time
Observation Month
month
The month the observation took place. Could be derived from Observation Date.
month
Database Only
Number
0-1
WHEN
Date/Time
Observation Year
year
The four-digit year the observation took place. Could be derived from Observation Date.
year
Database Only
Number
0-1
WHEN
Date/Time
Number of Days Observed
SMRT: Number of days element is observed
Field recommended by the Network
Database Only
Number
0-1
WHEN
Date/Time
Observation Date Precision
Precision of date for an observation
Field recommended by the Network
Database Only
String
0-1
WHEN
Date/Time
Observation Date Notes
Notes or comments about the observation date.
Field recommended by the Network
Database Only
String
4000
0-1
WHO
Observer
Observer
observer
Full name of the person(s) who made or reported the observation or have other knowledge of it. Multiple people with different roles may be recorded.
recordedBy
VISIT.visited_by
Field form
O
x
x
String
250
1
WHO
Observer
Observer Affiliation
observer_affiliation
Institutional affiliation at the time of the observation, or as it appears in the original source.
Field recommended by the Network
Database Only
String
200
0-1
DETAILS
Associated Taxa
Associated Species ID
associatedTaxa_estid
An identifier for the scientific name to which the record of the associated taxa refers.
Field recommended by the Network
Database Only
Number
0 to many
DETAILS
Associated Taxa
Associated Species
associatedTaxa_sci_name
The full scientific name of the associated taxa, with authorship and date information if known. When forming part of an Identification, this should be the name in lowest level taxonomic rank that can be determined. This term should not contain identification qualifications, which should instead be supplied in the IdentificationQualifier term.
associated taxa
Field recommended by the Network
Field form
String
250
0 to many
DETAILS
Associated Taxa
Associated Species Abundance
associatedTaxa_abundance
A categorical value for the quantity of the associated taxa.
Field recommended by the Network
Field form
String
50
Abundant, Common, Frequent, Occasional, Rare
0 to many
Frequent
DETAILS
Associated Taxa
Associated Species Quantity
associatedTaxaQuantity
A number or enumeration value for the quantity of the associated taxa.
Field recommended by the Network
Field form
Number
Individuals
0 to many
27 (organismQuantity) with individuals (organismQuantityType). 12.5 (organismQuantity) with %biomass (organismQuantityType). 37.5 (organismQuantity) Braun-Blanquet scale (organismQuantityType).
DETAILS
Associated Taxa
Associated Species Quantity Type
associatedTaxaQuantityType
The type of quantification system used for the quantity of the associated taxa
Field recommended by the Network
Field form
String
50
Individuals, clumps, % biomass, % cover
0 to many
27 (organismQuantity) with individuals (organismQuantityType). 12.5 (organismQuantity) with %biomass (organismQuantityType). 37.5 (organismQuantity) with Braun-Blanquet scale (organismQuantityType).
DETAILS
Count
Quantity
organismQuantity
A number or enumeration value for the quantity of organisms.
organismQuantity
Field form
Number
0 to many
27 (organismQuantity) with individuals (organismQuantityType). 12.5 (organismQuantity) with %biomass (organismQuantityType). 37.5 (organismQuantity) Braun-Blanquet scale (organismQuantityType).
DETAILS
Count
Quantity Type
organismQuantityType
The type of quantification system used for the quantity of organisms.
organismQuantityType
Field form
String
50
Individuals, clumps, % biomass, % cover
Individuals
0 to many
27 (organismQuantity) with individuals (organismQuantityType). 12.5 (organismQuantity) with %biomass (organismQuantityType). 37.5 (organismQuantity) Braun-Blanquet scale (organismQuantityType).
DETAILS
Count
Life Stage
lifeStage
The life stage(s) of the element seen during the visit. More than one life stage may be selected if applicable, and additional information (sex, number) recorded for each.
lifeStage
Field form
String
50
see Domain Values tab
0 to many
DETAILS
Count
Sex
sex
The sex of individuals seen during the visit.
sex
Field form
String
20
Male, Female, Undetermined
0 to many
DETAILS
Count
Total Count
total_count
Estimate of total number of individuals in the observation area. A number may be entered in this field instead of indicating population numbers by life-stage
Field recommended by the Network
Field form
Integer
0-1
DETAILS
Observation
Observation ID
visit_id
Unique identifier of the Observation record in the local (i.e. NatureServe member program) Observation database.
occurrenceID
VIST.visit_id
Database Only
O
x
x
x
x
x
Number/GUID
1
DETAILS
Observation
Confidence Extent
confidence_extent
Indication of whether the full extent of the Element is known (i.e., has been determined through field survey) at that location and, therefore, is represented by the Observation.
EO.d_confidence_extent_id
Biotics field
Field form
x
x
x
x
String
20
Y - Confident full extent is known, N - Confident full extent is NOT known, ? - Uncertain whether full extent is known
0-1
DETAILS
Observation
Migratory Use
d_location_use_class_id
The descriptive label indicating which season or behavior (e.g., breeding, nonbreeding) is associated with an observation area for migratory animal species that utilize geographically and seasonally disjunct locations.
SOURCE_FEATURE.d_location_use_class_id
Biotics field
Field form
x
x
x
String
40
Adult foraging area, Bachelor colony, Breeding, Caliving area, Estuarine, Freshwater, Hibernaculum, Juvenile foraging area, Marine, Maternity colony, Migratory corridor, Migratory stopover, Molting area, Nesting area, Nonbreeding, Nonmigratory, Not applicable, Undetermined, Nursery area, Roost, Staging, Wintering site
Not applicable
0-1
Freshwater, Marine, Breeding, Nonbreeding, Wintering site, Nesting area, Roost, …
DETAILS
Observation
Conceptual Feature Type
conc_feat_
Indicates the cartographic feature that would result from mapping the underlying field data, based on the observed feature as compared to the size of the observed area with the minimum mapping unit (mmu) for the scale map used
SOURCE_FEATURE.d_conc_feature_type_id
Biotics field
Field form
x
x
x
String
10
Point: observed feature is a small area (observed area ≤ 9m in all directions), Line: observed feature is a linear area (observed area ≤ 9m in one direction & >9m in the other), Polygon: observed feature is a large area (observed area > 9m in all directions)
1
Point, Line, Polygon
DETAILS
Observation
Detected?
Was the element found? (Yes/No). 'No' indicates negative observation data. 
VISIT.detected
Biotics field
Field Form
x
x
Yes, No 
DETAILS
Observation
Observed Area/Length Unit
obs_al_uni
Unit of measurement of observed area/length
SOURCE_FEATURE.obs_feature_area_unit_id
Biotics field
Field form
String
30
Hectares, Acres, Square Meters, Square Kilometers, Square Feet, Square Miles, Meters, Kilometers, Feet, Miles
0-1
DETAILS
Observation
Observed Area/Length
obs_ar_len
Actual area or length of the observation, measured or estimated during field work.
SOURCE_FEATURE.obs_feature_area/obs_feature_length
Biotics field
Field form
Double
0-1
DETAILS
Observation
Data Sensitive?
d_data_sensitive
Is the locational information of this observation sensitive and hence, should be restricted from unsecured use?
SOURCE_FEATURE.d_data_sensitive_id
Biotics field
Field form
x
x
String
50
Yes, No Conditional
No
0-1
Yes, No
DETAILS
Observation
Data Sensitive Category
data_sensitive_category
The category/reasoning for which the observation should be considered sensitive and should not be distributed without permission.
SOURCE_FEATURE.d_data_sensitive_category_id
Biotics field
Field form
String
250
Poaching/Collection Threat, Proprietary Data, Land Owner Restrictions, Fragile species or habitat
0-1
Freshwater, Marine, Breeding, Nonbreeding, Wintering site, Nesting area, Roost, … 
DETAILS
Observation
Data Sensitive Reasons
data_sensitive_reasons
Explanation of why locational information of this Source Feature is sensitive and restricted.
accessRights
SOURCE_FEATURE.data_sensitive_reasons
Field form
String
2000
0-1
DETAILS
Observation
Behavior
behavior
The behavior shown by the subject at the time the Occurrence was recorded.
behavior
Field Form
String
200
roosting, foraging, running
0-1
roosting, foraging, running
DETAILS
Observation
Distribution Pattern
distribution_pattern
A rating of the distribution of the element on the landscape (e.g., solitary individual, patchy, scattered, solid cover, matrix, large patch, small patch).
Field recommended by the Network
Field form
String
50
solitary individual, patchy, scattered, solid cover, matrix, large patch, small patch
0-1
DETAILS
Observation
Habitat
habitat
Text description of the local or surrounding habitat. A category or description of the habitat.
habitat
Field form
String
4000
0-1
oak savanna, pre-cordilleran steppe
DETAILS
Observation
Establishment Means
establishmentMeans
Indication of whether the element is native at the location.
establishmentMeans
Field recommended by the Network
Field form
String
50
Native, Nonindigenous, Unknown/undetermined, Re-introduction/Re-establishment, Non-native/Invasive, Non-native/Non-invasive
0-1
DETAILS
Observation
Evidence Type
evidence_type
A classification of the type of information on which an Observation record is based. At least one evidence type is required. Similar to the Darwin Core "basis of record".
basisOfRecord
Field recommended by the Network
Field form
String
50
see Domain Values tab
Unknown
0 to many
DETAILS
Observation
Evidence Comment
evidence_comment
Further details or elaboration on the evidence type.
Field recommended by the Network
Field form
String
4000
0-1
DETAILS
Observation
Condition of Element
element_condition
An integrated measure of the quality of biotic and abiotic factors, structures, and processes, and the degree to which they affect the continued existence of the observation. Components of this factor are: reproduction and health (for species); development/maturity (for communities); ecological processes; species composition and biological structure; abiotic physical/chemical factors.
Field recommended by the Network
Field Form
String
50
Excellent; Good; Fair; Poor
0-1
DETAILS
Observation
Condition of Element Comment
element_condition_com
Comments on the condition of the element at the location (such as alive or dead)
Field recommended by the Network
Field form
x
x
x
String
4000
0-1
DETAILS
Observation
Evidence of Reproduction
reproductiveCondition
Select the evidence that the element was reproducing at the location.
reproductiveCondition
Field form
String
200
Dormant, Flowering, Fruiting, Genet, Group/Clump, Infloresences, Ramet, Seedling, Vegetative
0-1
DETAILS
Observation
Threat Category
EL_SUBNATL_THREATS_ASSESS.d_iucn_threat_category_id
The Threat Category Code and corresponding category definition assigned to an individual threat. Threats are recorded using the IUCN-CMP Classification of Threats. The classification is a hierarchical structure of 11 broad ("level 1") categories, and each of these level 1 threats includes 3-6 more specific, finer ("level 2" and sometimes "level 3") threats. consists of a Threat Category Code and a brief definition (the Threat Category).
D_IUCN_THREAT_CATEGORY.iucn_threat_category_desc
Biotics field
Field form
String
150
Residential & commercial development,Housing & urban areas,Commercial & industrial areas,Tourism & recreation areas,Geological events,Volcanoes,Earthquakes/tsunamis,Avalanches/landslides,Climate change & severe weather,Habitat shifting & alteration,Droughts,Temperature extremes,Storms & flooding,Other impacts,Other options,Other threat,Agriculture & aquaculture,Annual & perennial non-timber crops,Shifting agriculture,Small holder farming,Agro-industry farming,Scale unknown/unrecorded,Conversion/modification of habitat for crop production,Routine agricultural operations,Crop protection (against pests, pathogens),Other,Wood & pulp plantations,Small-holder plantations,Agro-industry plantations,Scale unknown/unrecorded,Conversion/modification of habitat for plantations,Routine plantation operations,Crop protection (against pests, pathogens),Other,Livestock farming & ranching,Nomadic grazing,Small-holder grazing, ranching or farming,Agro-industry grazing, ranching or farming,Scale unknown/unrecorded,Animal feed lots,Livestock ranching,Dairy farming,Poultry farming,Other livestock farming,Other,Marine & freshwater aquaculture,Subsistence/artisinal aquaculture,Industrial aquaculture,Scale unknown/unrecorded,Energy production & mining,Oil & gas drilling,Mining & quarrying,Renewable energy,Transportation & service corridors,Roads & railroads,Utility & service lines,Shipping lanes,Flight paths,Biological resource use,Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals,Intentional use (species being assessed is the target),Unintentional effects (species being assessed is not the target),Persecution/control,Motivation unknown/unrecorded,Gathering terrestrial plants,Intentional use (species being assessed is the target),Unintentional effects (species being assessed is not the target),Persecution/control,Motivation unknown/unrecorded,Logging & wood harvesting,Intentional use: subsistence/small scale (species being assessed is the target) [harvest],Intentional use: large scale (species being assessed is the target) [harvest],Unintentional effects: subsistence/small scale (species being assessed is not the target) [harvest],Unintentional effects: large scale (species being assessed is not the target) [harvest],Motivation unknown/unrecorded,Fishing & harvesting aquatic resources,Intentional use: subsistence/small scale (species being assessed is the target) [harvest],Intentional use: large scale (species being assessed is the target) [harvest],Unintentional effects: subsistence/small scale (species being assessed is not the target) [harvest],Unintentional effects: large scale (species being assessed is not the target) [harvest],Persecution/control,Motivation unknown/unrecorded,Human intrusions & disturbance,Recreational activities,War, civil unrest & military exercises,Work & other activities,Natural system modifications,Fire & fire suppression,Increase in fire frequency/intensity,Suppression in fire frequency/intensity,Trend unknown/unrecorded,Dams & water management/use,Abstraction of surface water (domestic use),Dam/levee/dike construction,Dam/levee/dike operations,Irrigation,Wetland drainage,Groundwater modification,Stream channelization,Other,Large Dams,Dams (size unknown),Abstraction of surface water (commercial use),Abstraction of surface water (agricultural use),Abstraction of surface water (unknown use),Abstraction of ground water (domestic use),Abstraction of ground water (commercial use),Abstraction of ground water (agricultural use),Abstraction of ground water (unknown use),Small Dams,Agriculture,Hydropower,Flood control,Drinking water,Recreation,Other,Other ecosystem modifications,Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseases,Invasive non-native/alien species/diseases,Unspecified species,Named species,Problematic native species/diseases,Unspecified species,Named species,Introduced genetic material,Problematic species/diseases of unknown origin,Unspecified species,Named species,Viral/prion-induced diseases,Unspecified species (disease),Named species (disease),Diseases of unknown cause,Pollution,Domestic & urban waste water,Sewage,Run-off,Type unknown/unrecorded,Industrial & military effluents,Oil spills,Seepage from mining,Type unknown/unrecorded,Agricultural & forestry effluents,Nutrient loads,Soil erosion, sedimentation,Herbicides and pesticides,Type unknown/unrecorded,Fertilizers, herbicides, or other agrochemicals,Sediments,Salts, metals, and other inorganic substances,Nutrients from animal concentration areas,Other,Garbage & solid waste,Air-borne pollutants,Acid rain,Smog,Ozone,Type unknown/unrecorded,Industrial/urban sources,Agricultural sources,Other human-related sources,Excess energy,Light pollution,Thermal pollution,Noise pollution,Type unknown/unrecorded,No known threats,Unknown/undetermined
DETAILS
Observation
Habitat Quality
habitat_quality
Description of overall site quality, including visible disturbances, threats, etc.
Field recommended by the Network
String
4000
0-1
DETAILS
Observation
Habitat Use
habitat_use
The way an animal, migratory and non-migratory, uses (or “consumes,” in a generic sense) this location for a particular biological or behavioral need. Habitat use by migratory animals should be recorded with the "Migratory Use" field.
Field recommended by the Network
Field form
String
250
0-1
Den, foraging area, nest, breeding or display area, hibernacula, toilet area, food cache, basking site, etc.
DETAILS
Observation
Sampling Protocol Description
samplingProtocolDesc
Text description of the protocol / methods used
Field recommended by the Network
Database Only
x
x
x
x
String
4000
0-1
DETAILS
Observation
General Comments
visit_notes
General comments about the observation that are not addressed elsewhere.
fieldNotes, occurrenceRemarks
VISIT.visit_notes
Field form
String
2000
0-1
DETAILS
Observation
Confidence in Observation Quality
observation_confidence
Level of confidence in observation data quality.
Field recommended by the Network
Database Only
String
20
High, Medium, Low
0-1
DETAILS
Observation
Associated Sequences
associatedSequences
A list (concatenated and separated) of identifiers (publication, global unique identifier, URI) of genetic sequence information associated with the Occurrence.
associatedSequences
Database Only
String
4000
0-1
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nuccore/U34853.1, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nuccore/GU328060 | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nuccore/AF326093
DETAILS
Observation
License
license
A legal document giving official permission to do something with the resource.
license
Database Only
String
2000
0-1
DETAILS
Observation
Rights Holder
rightsHolder
A person or organization owning or managing rights over the resource.
rightsHolder
Database Only
String
2000
0-1
The Regents of the University of California
DETAILS
Observation
Access Rights
accessRights
Information about who can access the resource or an indication of its security status. Access Rights may include information regarding access or restrictions based on privacy, security, or other policies.
accessRights
Database Only
String
2000
0-1
not-for-profit use only, https://www.fieldmuseum.org/field-museum-natural-history-conditions-and-suggested-norms-use-collections-data-and-images
DETAILS
Observation
Suitable for EO?
eo_suitable
Is this observation suitable for use in an EO? Considerations include whether this is a tracked element, the quality of the data, etc.
Field recommended by the Network
Database Only
x
x
String
200
not evaluated, reviewed and not EO worthy, reviewed and EO worthy, reviewed and generally EO worthy but spatial precision is too poor to be used in EO development, reviewed and generally EO worthy but record is historic and species has since been extirpated from region so should not be used in EO development, reviewed and not EO worthy on its own however observation was made within an existing EO and provides more information about the EO so tabular information of observation should be included with existing EO
Not evaluated
0-1
DETAILS
Observation
Comments on EO Suitability
eo_suitable_comm
Indication of why the record is suitable for use in an EO.
Field recommended by the Network
CLOB
0-1
DETAILS
Observation
Model Suitability By
model_flag_user
The person who assessed whether the record is suitabile for use in habitat distribution modeling.
Field recommended by the Network
Database Only
String
30
0-1
DETAILS
Observation
Suitable for Modeling?
model_flag
Documents whether the record is suitable for use in habitat distribution modeling.
Field recommended by the Network
Database Only
x
x
x
String
25
Yes, No, Needs Review
0-1
DETAILS
Observation
Model Suitability Date
model_flag_date
The date the record was assessed for suitability in habitat distribution modeling.
Field recommended by the Network
Database Only
Date
0-1
DETAILS
Observation
Model Suitability Comments
model_flag_comm
Justifications or comments related to model suitability review.
Field recommended by the Network
Database Only
String
500
0-1
DETAILS
Observation
Editor
rec_mod_by
Person who last modified the observation record.
rec_mod_by
Biotics field
Database Only
String
30
0-1
DETAILS
Observation
Edit Date
rec_mod_date
Date the observation record was last modified.
rec_mod_date
Biotics field
Database Only
Date
0-1
DETAILS
Survey
Sampling Effort
samplingEffort
• The search effort expended for a given species observation. May include qualitative comments (e.g. equipment used) and/or a quantitative assessment (e.g. number of person-hours). • If a species is searched for and not found, then it is vital to include details on the search effort in order to convey the implications of the negative search result (i.e. was it a brief search at the last known coordinates or was it an extensive search for X number of hours, by X number of qualified staff, using named equipment or methods).
samplingEffort
Field form
String
250
0-1
DETAILS
Survey
Sampling Protocol
survey_type
A formal or informal name for the protocol.
samplingProtocol
EO_SURVEY_TYPE.d_survey_type_id
Field form
String
50
see Domain Values tab
0-1
DETAILS
Survey
Associated Permit
associated_permit
Permit number(s) associated with observer/observation, to link with environmental review, scientific collecting permits, etc.
Field recommended by the Network
Database Only
String
400
0-1
OTHER
Data Source
Dataset ID
datasetID
An identifier for the set of data. May be a global unique identifier or an identifier specific to a collection or institution.
datasetID
Database Only
E
Select this field or select Dataset Name together with Global ID
Number
1
OTHER
Data Source
Dataset Name
datasetName
The name identifying the data set from which the record was derived.
datasetName
Database Only
E
Select this field or use Dataset ID together with Global ID
String
200
1
Grinnell Resurvey Mammals, Lacey Ctenomys Recaptures
OTHER
Data Source
Global ID
GLOBALID
A field of type UUID (Universal Unique Identifier) in which values are automatically assigned by the original source geodatabase. Should be used in combination with Dataset Name.
Field recommended by the Network
Database Only
E
Select this field together with DatasetID or select Dataset Name.
GlobalID
0-1
OTHER
Data Source
Institution ID
institutionID
Organization or database (i.e. Biotics, ...) that maintains/houses the documentation. The organization and external identifier together should be an unique combination that will allow the data to be correctly differentiated in the external (source) database.
institutionID
Database Only
String
200
0-1
OTHER
Data Source
Dataset Institution
institutionCode
The name (or acronym) in use by the institution having custody of the object(s) or information referred to in the record.
institutionCode
Database Only
String
200
0-1
MVZ, FMNH, CLO, UCMP
OTHER
Data Source
Collection ID
collectionID
An identifier for the collection or dataset from which the record was derived.
collectionID
Database Only
String
2000
0-1
http://biocol.org/urn:lsid:biocol.org:col:1001, http://grbio.org/cool/p5fp-c036
OTHER
Data Source
Collection Code
collectionCode
The name, acronym, coden, or initialism identifying the collection or data set from which the record was derived.
collectionCode
Database Only
String
200
EBIRD, iNaturalist, VP, Mammals, Hildebrandt,
0-1
Mammals, Hildebrandt, EBIRD, VP
OTHER
Data Source
Catalog Number
catalogNumber
Identifier of the documentation. May be a catalog number, data record id, specimen id, plot id, etc. An identifier (preferably unique) for the record within the data set or collection.
catalogNumber
Database Only
0-1
OTHER
Data Source
Owner Institution Code
ownerInstitutionCode
The name (or acronym) in use by the institution having ownership of the object(s) or information referred to in the record.
ownerInstitutionCode
Database Only
String
200
0-1
NPS, APN, InBio
OTHER
Data Source
Information Withheld
informationWithheld
Additional information that exists, but that has not been shared in the given record.
informationWithheld
Database Only
String
1000
0-1
location information not given for endangered species, collector identities withheld | ask about tissue samples
OTHER
Destination
Destination Dataset or Product
destination_db_id
Intended destination or use of the observation.
Field recommended by the Network
Database Only
String
500
Biotics Visit, MOBI, Natural Heritage Area Report, Conservation Opportunities Area Tool
0 to many
OTHER
Destination
Destination Status
destination_status
Status of the record regarding the destination dataset.
Field recommended by the Network
Database Only
String
100
In Review, Ready for Processing, Included, Excluded
0 to many
In Review: the record is being considered for inclusion in a destination dataset, but is still under review. Ready for Processing: the record has been approved for inclusion in the destination dataset. Included: The record has been processed or added to the destination dataset. Excluded: the record has been rejected for inclusion in the destination dataset.
OTHER
Destination
Destination Database ID
destination_db_id
Record ID in the destination database (could be alphanumeric for some databases). For example, if the record is processed in Biotics, this could be the Visit_ID.
Field recommended by the Network
Database Only
String
100
0 to many
12345
OTHER
Destination
Destination Date
destination_date
Date record was processed in destination database or decision was made to exclude record, etc.
Field recommended by the Network
Database Only
Date
0 to many
1/1/2020 (The date the record was processed in Biotics).
OTHER
Destination
Destination Comments
destination_comments
Comments regarding review, processing, or decision to include/exclude a record in the database.
Field recommended by the Network
Database Only
CLOB
0 to many
OTHER
Observation Group
Observation Grouping ID
eventID
An identifier for the set of information associated with an Event/Group (something that occurs at a place and time). May be a global unique identifier or an identifier specific to the data set.
eventID
Database Only
Number
0-1
OTHER
Observation Group
Observation Grouping Name
event_group_name
Name of the Event/Group.
Field recommended by the Network
Database Only
String
250
0-1
OTHER
Observation Group
Observation Grouping Criteria
event_group_criteria
Criteria used to assign Observations to the Event/Group.
Field recommended by the Network
Database Only
String
4000
0-1
OTHER
Observation Group
Observations in Observation Group
event_group_observations
Observations within Event/Group.
Field recommended by the Network
Database Only
Number
0 to many
OTHER
Observation Group
Observation Grouping Comments
eventRemarks
Comments or notes about the Event/Group.
eventRemarks
Database Only
CLOB
0-1
OTHER
Observation Group
Observation Grouping By
event_group_user
Field recommended by the Network
Database Only
String
30
0-1
OTHER
Observation Group
Observation Grouping Date
event_group_date
Field recommended by the Network
Database Only
Date
0-1
OTHER
Reference
Reference
ref_id
A bibliographic reference for the resource as a statement indicating how this record should be cited (attributed) when used. A list (concatenated and separated) of identifiers (publication, bibliographic reference, global unique identifier, URI) of literature associated with the Occurrence.
associatedReferences
SOURCE_FEATURE_REF.reference_id
Field form
String
4000
0 to many
Specimen example: Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, UC Berkeley. MVZ Mammal Collection (Arctos). Record ID: http://arctos.database.museum/guid/MVZ:Mamm:165861?seid=101356. Source: http://ipt.vertnet.org:8080/ipt/resource.do?r=mvz_mammal. Taxon example: Oliver P. Pearson. 1985. Los tuco-tucos (genera Ctenomys) de los Parques Nacionales Lanin y Nahuel Huapi, Argentina Historia Natural, 5(37):337-343..
OTHER
Reference
Primary Reference?
ref_prim
Indicates whether the reference is the primary source of the Observation.
SOURCE_FEATURE_REF.sf_ref_primary_ind
Biotics field
Field form
String
1
Y, N
Y
0 to many
OTHER
Reference
Bibliographic Citation
A bibliographic reference for the resource as a statement indicating how this record should be cited (attributed) when used.
bibliographicCitation
Database Only
String
4000
0-1
Specimen example: Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, UC Berkeley. MVZ Mammal Collection (Arctos). Record ID: http://arctos.database.museum/guid/MVZ:Mamm:165861?seid=101356. Source: http://ipt.vertnet.org:8080/ipt/resource.do?r=mvz_mammal. Taxon example: Oliver P. Pearson. 1985. Los tuco-tucos (genera Ctenomys) de los Parques Nacionales Lanin y Nahuel Huapi, Argentina Historia Natural, 5(37):337-343..
OTHER
Reference
Record Created By
rec_create_user
Name of user who created the record within the database.
Database Only
O
.
String
30
1
OTHER
Reference
Record Created Date
rec_create_date
Date the record is created within the database.
Database Only
O
.
Date
1
OTHER
Reference
QC Status
qc_status
QC status of the record
SOURCE_FEATURE.d_data_qc_status_id
Biotics field
Database Only
String
20
Failed, Passed, Incomplete
0-1
Column NameDefinition
CategoryBasic type of field used to document an observation; there are six categories: what (taxon), where (location), when (time), who (observer), details (e.g., quantitative data, survey methods), and other (e.g. references).
GroupSubcategories that organize fields within the basic categories
Field Label (Displayed)A readable version of the Field Name
Field Name (Database)The database name of the field. Database name is identical to Darwin Core or Biotics field names, where equivalent.
DefinitionDefinition of the field.
Darwin Core EquivalentDarwin Core field name equivalent.
Biotics EquivalentNatureServe Biotics field name equivalent.
nonDarwin Core explanationIndication of why a field is not compliant with Darwin Core (e.g., -“Biotics Field” indicates that it is needed to maintain data in Biotics).
Field Form/Device or Database OnlyDistinguishes whether the field is used when the observation is recorded in the field (field form or field device) or is only used in a database after the observation is collected or if the observation is brought into a database from external sources.
Basic ObservationFields required for any kind of observation, whether part of core products or other products (but see Conditional Requirements)
Conditional RequirementIndicates that some basic observation fields are only conditionally required, because there are alternative ways to collect comparable fields (e.g., one can use a single date field or a start date / end date pair of fields when the observation is made over more than one day).
Core ProductsFields needed for the four primary products of the NatureServe Network
DistributionFields needed for distribution products such as Species Distribution Models, Hexagon grids, Range Maps).
Element OccurrenceSame fields as for distribution, but also l fields that document spatial and biological features that provide additional conservation value to the observation.
Conservation Status AssessmentFields required to conduct conservation status assessments (Global, National, Subnational ranks).
Quality/ConditionFields required to assess the quality or condition of an observation. The fields provide information relevant to population viability and ecological integrity and contribute to the Element Occurrence Rank.
Field TypeField type for use in building the database. (Date, Y/N (Varchar), String (VARCHAR2), CLOB (String > 4000 characters), Number
Field LengthLength of fields. Where there was an equivalent field in Biotics, the field lengths reflect what is in Biotics.
Domain ValuesValue choices available in the dropdown list. Where there was an equivalent dropdown in Biotics, the dropdown values reflect what is in Biotics; others are from SMRT recommendations.
Default ValueValue automatically entered (“default”) if a different value is not chosen from the dropdown list. Where there was an equivalent default in Biotics, the default values reflect what is in Biotics.
Number per Observation RecordIndicates if the field is required (1), optional (0-1), or allow multiple values, as seen in a grid (0 to many)
ExampleExamples of attribute, as taken from Darwin Core