Forest Plots Database: Skip Navigation LinksWhat is Forest Plots?

What is the Forest Plots database?

The database is a web-accessible secure repository for forest plots inventories, collected as part of the RAINFOR, AFRITRON and TROBIT networks The database includes:

  • Plot geographical information.
  • Location, taxonomic information and diameter measurements of trees inside each plot.
  • Participants in plot establishment and re-measurement, including principal investigators, field assistants, students.

Through the web interface of the database users can (depending on the security level granted):

  • View, edit and upload their plot and tree data with their unique password.
  • Download standard field sheet files for their plots to facilitate recensusing.
  • View and download publicly available data.

What are the advantages of uploading data to the forest plots database?

  • Choose the level of access to your data. This can be just your research group, other collaborators, or give open access to all registered ForestPlots.net users.
  • You can showcase your plot data to researchers with similar interests.
  • Data sharing for regional and large scale-analysis is facilitated if you choose to collaborate with other users of the database.
  • The uploading process checks the taxonomy of the individuals uploaded, flagging spelling errors and genera assigned to non-APGII families. (The database does not yet deal with synonyms).
  • Multiple census measurements of individuals in a plot can be uploaded (one census at the time). The database checks for trees that have been missed in the new census and automatically identifies new recruits.