Cataloging DiversityPLEC Database
VS.
Why Use Access?
Access Excel
Yes Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Limited
No
Spread Sheets
Query and Sort Data
Link Tables/Relationships
Create Reports and Forms
VS.
SampleAreas
PlotDescriptions
SpeciesData
UtilityData
TreeData
Database Structure From Zarin et al, 1999, PLEC N&V No. 14
Linking Tables With Relationships
Sample Area TableContains General Data Describing Each Sample Area including:
• Land Use Stage
• Location
• Researcher
• Sample Area Number*
Access
The plots within each sample area are linked to the sample area table by a unique number assigned to each entry in the
sample area table.
Access
Plot Description Table
• Plot Size
Contains a description of each plot within each sample area number including:
• Elevation • Soil Type • Plot Number*
Access
• Within each plot, tables can be created to hold more specific data
• Data are linked by a unique plot number designated to each plot
entry
Plot Number
Access
Species Data
Data can be recorded on individuals and species within each plot, including:
• Abundance of Species
• DBH and Height of Trees
• Species Utility
• Species ID Number*
Access
Species ListIn order to avoid problems with misspellings and inconsistency with names, a species list can be created. A species list can contain:
• Common Name • Scientific Name • Family• Species ID Number*
AccessExcel
PLEC/AmazoniaSample Database