arboretum_data

Data Collection Methodology

Fill in the specifics of your collection process below. This is a starting template.

Overview

The tree and shrub inventory covers American University’s campus. Data is maintained by AU Geospatial staff and periodically exported from the source GIS system (Esri ArcGIS/Field Maps) as a GeoJSON feature layer.

Collection Tools

• Field data collection app: e.g., Esri Field Maps / Survey123 — specify version
• GNSS/positioning hardware: e.g., handheld GPS unit, model, stated accuracy
• Backend system: e.g., ArcGIS Online / Enterprise feature service name
• Attribute schema source: link to or describe the domain/field definitions used by field staff

Field Protocols

• How trees are identified (species keys, arborist review, etc.)
• How DBH, height, and condition are measured/assessed
• Update cadence (e.g., annual survey, event-driven updates for removals/plantings)
• QA/QC steps applied before publishing an export

Known Limitations

• Note any systematic gaps (e.g., shrubs undercounted, older records missing DBH/height)
• Note positional accuracy caveats

Export & Publication Process

1. Export current inventory layer from the source system as GeoJSON (EPSG:4326).
2. Place the export in data/raw/ as an untouched copy.
3. Copy (or lightly clean) into data/geojson/ as the canonical published file.
4. Run python3 scripts/convert_formats.py to regenerate the CSV and GeoPackage copies in data/csv/ and data/gpkg/.
5. Update the citation/version date in CITATION.cff.

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