Attachment 10 - ExamsMobile_WorkflowUSFS_20240711.docx

CSE Workflow

Notice: We’ll use Microsoft Edge for FSVeg. NRM applications don’t run well in Google Chrome or other browsers.

Topic A: FSVeg Links and Additional Examples

1. Distributed in the Class Materials / FSVeg_links folder

a. Save and unzip the additional_examples to C:\Data Transfer – Backup DBs (see below)

b. Save the FSVeg_links folder to C:\Users\<your name>\Favorites\Favorites Bar

2. Create 3 folders on your C:\ drive:

a. Data Transfer – Backup DBs

b. Data Transfer – Import from FSVeg

c. Data Transfer – Prep from Tablet

3. Create 3 folders on your tablet under Downloads:

a. Data Transfer – Backup DBs

b. Data Transfer – Import from FSVeg

c. Data Transfer – Prep from Tablet

4. Contents of FSVeg_links: MANY OF THESE WON’T WORK IN GOOGLE CHROME; USE Microsoft Edge ONLY! If Chrome opens when you click one of them, just copy the URL in Chrome, then open a Microsoft Edge window and paste the copied URL into it.

Topic B: Install Exams Mobile from Google Play On the Android 11 or later tablet (Exams Mobile won’t run properly on earlier Android versions):

1. WiFi-only tablets: Connect to a network

2. Uninstall any previous version of Exams Mobile on your tablet:

a. Tap and hold on the Exams Mobile icon.

b. Uninstall

3. Download and Install Exams Mobile:

4. Open Google Play on your Android tablet

5. Search for “FSVeg Exams Mobile”

6. Select the FSVeg Exams Mobile item

7. If you were a beta tester for Exams Mobile, the page that opens will be labelled “(Beta)” – that’s just because you are listed as a beta tester in Google Play. However, the download is still the production version.

8. If you want that label to be removed, scroll down to the “You’re a beta tester” paragraph and select “Leave.” The next time you visit this page, the beta designation will be removed. You can always reinstate yourself as a beta tester for Exams Mobile in the future if needed.

9. Install and Open The Exams Mobile installation includes both the app itself and its SQLite database that is preloaded with the Regional Templates with their associated User Definitions, Field Selections, and Default Sample Designs.

Topic C: Overview of the typical workflow:

Topic D: Setup – Create a Personal Template from a Regional Template NOTE: For this class, we will act as if we are all employees of the one forest we are using for training this week; however, when you return to your home unit, you will use the values for that unit.

Purpose: Create a Personal Template.

1. Main Menu > Select a Template or a Data File

a. Regional Templates > R2_template.cse | Regional Template | CSE

2. Save As

a. GMUG CSE

i. Personal Template

ii. CSE

iii. Save

Topic E: Setup > User Definitions – Customize your Personal Template Purpose: Configure the Personal Template to save time and effort while reducing errors in the field. The User Definitions tool is where you can:

1. Identify values that will be populated by default whenever you create a new setting (i.e., stand exam).

2. Define Lists of Values (LOV) for data (such as Project Name, Location, Exam Level, EV & PV References, Examiner, Tree Species, and so on).

Tasks:

1. Main Menu > Select a Template or Data File > Personal Templates = <select your Personal Template>

2. Setup > User Definitions – Set the following values as Default by using the Default button:

– in reality, the admin forest = 04; 0204 is a software thing

Hint: Be really careful typing in entries such as Project Name. Notice that the one, above:

The bottom line is that, to a computer, ‘CSE CLASS’, ‘CSE Class’, ‘CSECLASS’, ‘cse class’, and so on are all different project names!

Surface Cover = 1 Collected

1. Use It? = No

2. R2 forests: 02, 04, 06, 07, 10, 13, 14, 15: Change EUES to EUESE* Whenever creating a new Personal Template from a Regional Template, do these weird steps:

1. Turn off all Spp of Mgt Interest

2. Turn off, then on, all Tree Spp

3. Turn off, then on, all Veg Spp

Doing so will ensure that only Spp of Mgt Interest that are in your Forest’s Tree and Veg species lists will be set to Use It? = Yes

1. Use It? = No

2. Use It? = Yes

3. Then trim your species list

1. Use It? = No

2. Use It? = Yes

3. Then trim your species list

Make sure (Default) appears, or it’s not set AND WON’T AUTOPOPULATE IN THE SETTING FORM:

Why do we do this?

….to enable only the species of management interest that occur on your forest:

Topic F: Setup > Field Selections – Customize your Personal Template Look over the field selections – remember, these were copied from the Regional template; your home unit may opt to collect more (or less) information.

Pay special attention to the intensity of the Tree tabs – there’s 3 different intensities!

There are five data areas to consider:

A. Setting – We can now customize the Setting Form! Make sure you SELECT the following:

i.

CSE Workflow 2024 07 11 FSVeg/CSE w/ Exams Mobile – VIRTUAL 13 of 57

ii. EV Ref Code

iii. EV Code

iv. PV Ref Code

v. PV Code

vi. Stand Structure

vii. Capable Growth Area %

viii. Elevation

ix. Aspect x.

Slope

xi. Acres

xii. Examiner

xiii. Radial Growth 1

xiv. Height Growth

xv. Fuel Model

xvi. Latitude/Longitude Datum

B. Plot – Select the following:

i.

ii. Latitude

iii. Longitude

iv. Capable Growth Area %

v. Aspect

vi. Slope

vii. Elevation

viii. Existing Vegetation

ix. Potential Vegetation

x. Fuel Model

In the real world, look on your unit; consider what is typically collected?

a. Fuel Model: Classify the plot as one of the fuel models (1-13 or 91-204).

b. Residue Descriptive Code: Using the fuel photo reference recorded on the CSE Setting Form, identify the photo (by its residue descriptive code) that most closely represents the fuel conditions on the plot.

C. Tree, Intensive: Make sure you select the correct intensity tab before making further field selections (Quick for this class; ref. AllStations Protocols.docx p. 15)

i. Site/GST

ii. Radial Growth (1)

iii. Height Growth

iv. Age

v. Tree Species (known issue: Dup)

vi. Crown Ratio (make it required)

vii. Log/Snag Decay Class

viii. Remarks D. Veg Comp – Protocols:

E. Downed Woody – 3 possible protocols: Brown’s, Piece Count, Photo Ocular.

i. Make sure Piece Length, Small End Diameter, and Large End Diameter are checked, because piece length enables pieces/acre computations and small end diameter may be needed for habitat analysis.

Topic G: Setup > Default Sample Design – Customize your Personal Template The Default Sample Design will be automatically applied to every new setting you create in the Setting Data Collection tool. You can customize the Default Sample Design to your unit’s resource conditions and analysis needs.

20 BAF plot: live standing trees DRC >= 5”

1/300th ac plot: live standing trees with a DBH of 0.01 to 4.99” DBH

1/300th ac plot: live standing trees with a HGT of 0.5 to 4.49’

1/300th ac plot: live standing trees with a DRC of 0.1 to 4.99” DBH

1/2 ac plot: dead standing DBH >= 6” and HGT >= 10’ (since suitable WL snags occur at lower densities)

1/2 ac plot: dead standing DRC >= 6” and HGT >= 10’ (since suitable WL snags occur at lower densities)

Subpop var = CVR

Subpop var = SVC

6 foot transect for all pieces with an INTERSECTION diameter of .25- .99”

12 foot transect for all pieces with an INTERSECTION diameter of 1.0-2.99”

50 foot transect for all pieces with an INTERSECTION diameter of 3.00” or greater

The values in the default sample design will be automatically copied to new stand exams you create after saving it. It won’t affect stand exams that already exist on the PDR or on your PC.

For example, suppose you already have an exam for stand 4501, where large live trees are sampled using a BAF 40. Then you change the default sample design so that large live trees are sampled with a BAF 20 and create exams for stands 4502 and 4503. Then you change the default sample design so that large live trees are sampled using a BAF 10 and create exams for stands 4504 and 4505. The net result of these actions is that the expansion factors for the large live trees in these stand exams are:

ß Setup > Default Sample Designs: You change the BAF to 20 This doesn’t affect Stand 4501 (BAF 40)

ß Setup > Default Sample Designs: You change the BAF to 10 This doesn’t affect Stand 4501 (BAF 40), 4502 + 4503 (BAF 20)

Topic H: Create your Data File from your Personal Template

1. Main Menu (Home button )

2. Select: <your Personal Template name> | Personal Template | CSE

3. Save As

a. Crew 1

b. Data File

c. CSE

d. Save

Topic I: Setting Data Collection: Create stand exams in your data file and enter pre-survey data (Setting & Sample Designs) You will create two stand exams; one that you will use in the office exercise (xx01), and one that you will use in the “field exercise” (xx02), where xx is your Student ID for the class. Your ID, xx = Example: If your Student ID is 15, then your two stands will be 1501 and 1502

B. Main Menu > Setting Data Collection C. Notice that SELECTED SETTING is blank – because you don’t have any settings in the Data File yet.

D. Add Setting Notice that the default values that you set earlier will be entered for you in the Setting form (if you forgot to designate default values, go to Setup > User Definitions and set them to default, then navigate back here). Because the default values are entered for you onto the Setting form, all you have to do is (1) check that they’re correct and (2) enter the following setting-specific data:

There will be some setting data that you won’t be able to enter until after you’ve seen the stand (“post-survey”).

Make certain that the sample designs match what you intend to sample in the stand (for this exercise, compare the values with the ones shown in Exercise F, above).

Everything here is important – they’re used to uniquely specify your subpopulations of interest (see Appendix 7 of this CSE Workflow), link tree etc. records to the appropriate subpopulation specifications, and generate the correct expansion TPA and BA/ac expansions, but pay special attention to expansion factors and selection methods.

Remember, you are now editing the Setting’s sample design – not the Setup > Default Sample Design that gets applied to newly created settings. Any edits you make to the setting’s sample design affect only the one setting to which it belongs.

Topic J: Enter Stand xx01 Plot 1 (you may ignore the shaded items) You’ve just hiked to the first plot. Use the Plot icon at the bottom of the Setting form to navigate to the Plot form. Use the Add Plot Record button to create a new plot record.

Note:

The Help and Option buttons can be very helpful when entering data.

Topic K: Enter Stand xx01 Plot 1 Downed Woody Material, Veg Comp, Ground Surface Cover Plot Data/Down Woody Material Data, Veg. Composition|Ground Surface Cover Data

Note: We collect the length so that we can compute pieces/acre; we collect the small end diameter because size criteria in most forest plans specify minimum diameter.

CSE Workflow 2024 05 20 R2 FSVeg/CSE w/ Exams Mobile – VIRTUAL 18 of 57

2. Veg Composition and Surface Cover - Obtain the canopy cover occupied by the vegetation components of interest. FYI, most surveys collect just the first tab – but whether you collect one or all the tabs depends on the purpose of your stand exam. Canopy cover is measured as the cumulative vertical projection of the canopy onto the ground, by:

A. Lifeform (1st tab) B. Species and Layer (2nd tab) C. Species (3rd tab) Keep in mind:

· It’s as if you were viewing the plot from directly above (vertical projection of canopy dripline onto the ground).

· Treat each layer independently of the other layers, for example:

· TOT – All Trees: 75% canopy cover

· TOV – Overstory Trees (Hgt >= 6.1 ft): 60% canopy cover

· TSA – Understory Trees (1.6 ft <= Hgt <= 6.0 ft): 10% canopy cover

There are 2 different ways to do this:

a. Ocular estimate (by eye). Given how subjective this can be, this aid may help:

A circle with 1/10th the diameter of the plot is 1/100th of the plot area:

For anything heavily reliant on subjective judgement, it’s a good idea to meet with your crew/contractors in the field to get everyone on the same page before any data are collected for real.

b. Linear transect:

i. Lay out a 100’ transect.

ii. Tally vegetation (e.g., grass, tall tree, medium shrub, etc.) at each foot.

iii. Convert tally by vegetation to % cover.

Enter the following Vegetation Composition data for this exercise:

Cover by Lifeform (1st tab):

Cover by Species (3rd tab):

Surface Cover (4th tab) – Surface cover is different from canopy cover; instead, we are trying to get an estimate of how much of a plane at the ground surface is occupied by different items. So for any type of vegetation, we are looking at the cumulative cross-sectional areas at the ground surface, and it’s a lot less than you would guess at first. For example, it’s estimated that in the densest tropical jungle, basal vegetation (BAVE) usually doesn’t go much above 15%.

Enter the following Surface Cover data for this exercise:

Surface cover must add up to 100%, so you must adjust if it doesn’t (it’s different than Veg Comp)

Topic L: Stand xx01 Plot 1 Trees

Wildfire, sev 1, Base (30/31/1/BA)

spruce beetle, sev 1, bole (11/009/1/BO)

crook/sweep, 15%, bole (99/006/15/BO)

Plot Data/Tree Data

* Options > DBH/DRC Calculator: Compute the effective diameter from multi-stemmed trees that have more than one diameter > 3” **Should you really sample this tree? Look at the sample designs.

The Options button on the Tree form gives you access to several useful tools:

Apply Field Selections: Suppose you made it all the way to the first plot when you suddenly realize that you made an epic mistake with your field selections when setting things up, such as forgetting to include a really important field. You can fix the situation by doing this:

A. Enter required fields for all trees (or the form won’t let you leave) B. Return to the Main Menu.

Apply Field Selections.

This is REALLY different from the situation where it is not sampled.

When this happens for any type of data (tree, veg comp, downed woody, surface cover), it’s a good idea to make a note of it in the Plot Remarks for the plot on which it occurred to prevent anyone from thinking that you may have simply forgotten to collect that part of the data.

2. Veg Composition and Surface Cover Cover by Lifeform (1st tab):

Cover by Species (3rd tab):

Ground Surface Cover (4th tab):

Note that surface cover doesn’t add up to 100% so you must adjust for that.

heart rot, severity 3, bole (22/001/3/BO)

* Options > DBH/DRC Calculator is used to compute the effective diameter from multi-stemmed trees that have more than one diameter > 3 (not used in R8).

Topic P: Enter post-survey setting data for setting xx01 Setting Data Collection You’ve just completed the last plot in Setting 1 and have a pretty good idea of what the stand is all about.

Now you’re ready to finish entering setting data for Setting 1 based on your recent observations:

Remarks Comments to aid writing an Rx Seeps, surface rock, and Armillaria pockets occur in stand. Dalmatian toadflax in NE corner of stand and leafy spurge along road.

Setting Damages Seen in the stand but not on the plots Armillaria, Bleeding present on bole (21/001/5) Domesticated Cattle, Minor (42/001/1)

Species of Mgt Interest Seen in the stand but not on the plots cheatgrass (BRTE ) Dalmatian toadflax (LIDA) leafy spurge (EUESE)

*If collected, this data is taken on each plot and then summarized on the Setting Form after the stand exam is completed.

Topic Q: Collect data for setting xx02 (aka the “Field Exercise”) The scenario: You’ve prepped your PDR for Setting 2 in the office (remember, you did this in Exercise 1), and now you’re in the woods to conduct the stand exam. Your analysis for this exercise only requires tree information, so you won’t collect veg comp, surface cover, or downed woody data.

For this exercise, please do the following:

Group up in teams of at least 2 people, depending on the availability of PDRs.

We will spend a day in the field to discuss the techniques used to collect stand exam data (a brief outline is presented in Appendix 6). As we do so, we will collect the data together, rotating stations. This enables people to immediately:

a. Get on the same page with regard to the protocols

b. Clear up any questions/burning issues If time allows, you are to visit other plots where you will:

c. Enter plot data (you may make this up; the minimum information, though, is plot number)

d. Collect the tree data, veg comp, surface cover, and downed woody data

Finish your stand exam by entering the post-survey setting data:

You may enter additional plots as time allows to get more practice.

We may also discuss Contract Administration (Topic Z) in the field if time permits.

This page is not used for this class, since it’s virtual.

Alternate Topic Q for Virtual Students: Collect data for setting xx02 (aka the “Virtual Field Exercise”)

The scenario: You’ve prepped your Android tablet for Setting 2 in the office (remember, you did this in Topic I), and now you’re in the woods to conduct the stand exam. Your analysis for this exercise only requires tree information, so you won’t collect veg comp, surface cover, or downed woody data.

There is a PowerPoint of “Western Trees” – each slide is a plot – and the trees you see are the ones that met the selection criteria you defined for your project. Use the scales in the slides to estimate diameter and height for the trees.:

For this exercise, the objectives are to practice and develop a familiarity in navigating the Exams Mobile screens while collecting Tree data.

Visit at least three plots where you will:

D. Enter plot data (you may make this up; the minimum information, though, is plot number) E. Collect the tree data from the tree posters.

When you are done at your last plot, finish your stand exam by entering the post-survey setting data:

Remarks Comments to aid writing an Rx Rock outcrop and talus at top of stand. Good snag density and distribution. Heavy use by deer and elk.

Setting Damages Seen in the stand but not on the plots Armillaria, Both crown and diagnostic signs/symptoms (21/001/4) Checks and bole cracks, 5% (99/007/5)

Species of Mgt Interest Seen in the stand but not on the plots Canadian thistle (CIAR4) leafy spurge (EUESE)

· You may enter additional plots as time allows to get more practice.

Topic R: Overview of Data Transfer Tools

Topic S: Load into FSVeg - Extract Data File to tablet’s Downloads folder

1. Main Menu > Prepare Data File for Database Loader -- Creates a .txt for the selected Data File shown in the window, which may contain several settings (stand exams).

2. My Files > Downloads – To view the entire filename and its path, do this:

Topic T: Load Data into FSVeg - Move the Data File to your PC

1. PC: Windows File Explorer A. Connect tablet to PC with cable B. In Windows File Explorer:

C. Copy the Crew 1 file D. You will be using the 3 folders on your C:\ drive that you created:

A. Data Transfer – Backup DBs B. Data Transfer – Import from FSVeg C. Data Transfer – Prep from Tablet E. Paste the Crew 1 file into your Data Transfer – Prep from Tablet folder

Topic U: Load Data into FSVeg - Open the FSVeg Application from your PC > FSVeg Exams Mobile Tools

· Train A environment: https://iwebtrn.fs.usda.gov/login/welcome.html

· Default NRM Dashboard

· USDA Employee/Contractor

· PIV/CAC > Enter your PIN

· Plus sign (+) next to NRIS

· FSVeg (appears below NRIS)

· FSVeg Exams Mobile Tools

The FSVeg Exams Data Transfer Tools window will open:

a. Browse: Brings your data into the Staging Data so that you can view and edit it.

1. Look in: Desktop > This PC > OS (C:) > Data Transfer – Prep from Tablet

Select your Prepped Data File and bring it into the Staging Tables

Data are brought into the form; use the tabs and scroll bars to review its contents:

Browse enables you to:

· View

· Edit

1. Make changes directly in the form

2. Save them with Save Staging Data Changes

These tools assist in loading data into FSVeg:

a. Preload Check – Performs a quick check on the data prior to loading

b. Data Report – Produces a text file that enables you to easily scan your data and, if needed, print it out.

c. Load Selected Data File Into FSVeg Database – Loads the data into FSVeg

Additional Utilities:

a. Merge Data Files – Merges data files and settings.

b. Import From FSVeg – Populates the Staging Data with settings from FSVeg. Use this if you want to put a setting from FSVeg onto your tablet.

c. Delete My Staging Data – Used to clear the Staging Data if you wish to start over with a blank slate.

Topic U1: Preload Check

1. Highlight your Data File.

2. Select Preload Check.

3. View and correct any noted data errors using the Staging tables, will be placed in the C:\ drive folder:

Topic U2: Data Report

2. Select Preload Data Report.

3. A text file of the Data Report with the filename and timestamp, will be placed in the C:\ drive folder:

Topic U3: Load Selected Data File into FSVeg Database

2. Select Load Selected Data File into FSVeg Database.

3. Loading will begin.

a. If any settings already exist in FSVeg (i.e., same setting id, measurement date, purpose code, and exam levels), then you will have the option to either overwrite the existing data or decline to load the setting.

b. Settings with problems will not be loaded and you will be informed of them.

c. You will be notified when loading is complete.

d. FSVeg Spatial implications: If the location is checked out, you won’t be able to load data into it.

Topic V1: Sharing Data Files with Backup / Replace Exams Database

To share that SQLite database, “FSVeg_Exams_DB” (what it’s called internally):

1. Back up Exams Database – Creates a .db file from the currently active SQLite database in Exams Mobile containing the Regional Templates, Personal Templates, and Data Files.

2. Rename it or accept the default w/ timestamp, e.g., “crew_1_backup.db”

3. It is stored in your Android’s Downloads folder

4. Connect your Android tablet to your PC

5. Windows File Explorer; open separate windows for:

a. Your tablet; navigate to Downloads

b. Create a folder on your C:\ drive, e.g., C:\Data Transfer

c. Drag-and-drop “crew_1_backup.db” from Downloads to C:\Data Transfer

6. The SQLite database “crew_1_backup.db” is now available for you to transfer via email, jump drive, T:\ drive, etc.

To use a SQLite database that someone has made available to you:

1. On your PC, save it to your C:\Data Transfer – Backup DBs folder

2. Connect your Android tablet to your PC

3. Windows File Explorer; open separate windows for:

a. Your tablet; navigate to Downloads

b. Your PC: C:\Data Transfer

c. Drag-and-drop “crew_1_backup.db” from C:\Data Transfer to Downloads

4. On your Android tablet, select Replace Exams Database;

a. Select “crew_1_backup.db” from the Downloads folder

b. You can save the current SQLite database as a .db file in Downloads if you wish

5. The SQLite database “crew_1_backup.db” has replaced the content in “FSVeg Exams DB” and is available for use

Topic V1: Importing Data Files from FSVeg

If needed, you can pull Common Stand Exam data from FSVeg, move it to your Android tablet, and open it in Exams Mobile. There are some considerations:

1. Common Stand Exam data stored in FSVeg is no longer associated with the Setup (User Definitions, Field Selections, and Default Sample Design) information under which it was collected, so all this information will instead be supplied by the configuration of whatever Regional Template, Personal Template, or Data File that you have selected at the time you tap on the Import From FSVeg icon in Exams Mobile on the tablet:

2. As a result, it is advised to select a Template or Data File whose configuration is as close as possible to the one under which the data was collected, especially in terms of the admin and proclaimed units, since the forest-specific species lists would be appropriate for the incoming data:

a. Admin Region

b. Admin Forest

c. Proclaimed Region

d. Proclaimed Forest But you might also consider having the other LOVs populated if the incoming data used them. Otherwise, their values may be flagged as incorrect, since they would not exist in User Definitions. Examples include:

a. EV Ref and Codes

b. PV Ref and Codes

c. User Fields for Setting, Plot, Tree, Veg

d. and so on.

The imported file will be saved in Exams Mobile as a Data File named NewCSEData.cse. It is advised that you edit this generic name to something that is meaningful and distinctive, however.

3. The imported data can be treated as any other Data File in terms of viewing, editing, etc.

Continued on next page

For the next topic, we’ll use the Data Files in the following SQLite database:

additional_examples_A.db - SQLite database

· Bad Data – Sample Design Hole

· Bad Data – Sample Design Overlap

· Merge – 2 crews in 1 stand 1 day – Part A

· Merge – 1 crew 1 stand 2 days – Part A

· Merge – Cant Merge Different Sampdes – Part A This SQLite database also contains:

· <your Personal Template> (template)

· Crew 1 (class data) Topic W: Bad data examples

1. Replace Exams Database: Follow the directions in Topic V to replace the current SQLite database with additional_examples_A.db on your Android tablet.

2. Prepare Data File for Database Loader: Follow the directions in Topic U to get the data to the staging tables in the FSVeg Exams Mobile Tools:

3. For each of the Bad Data Data Files:

a. Run both Preload Check and Load Selected Data into FSVeg Database.

b. Look at the results and see if you can determine what needs to be changed. You can make the necessary changes in the Staging Tables.

c. Run both Preload Check and Load Selected Data into FSVeg Database on the repaired data.

To prepare for the next topic, we’ll prep the following data files on the Android tablet:

additional_examples_A.db – SQLite database

· Merge – 2 crews in one stand – Part A

· Merge – 1 crew 1 stand 2 days – Part A

· Merge – Cant Merge Diff Sampdes – Part A We’ll also use the Data Files in the following SQLite database:

additional_examples_B.db – SQLite database

· Merge – 2 crews in one stand – Part B

· Merge – 1 crew 1 stand 2 days – Part B

· Merge – Cant Merge Diff Sampdes – Part B Topic X: Merge

1. Replace Exams Database: Follow the directions in Topic V to replace the current SQLite database with additional_examples_B.db on your Android tablet.

2. Prepare Data File for Database Loader: Follow the directions in Topic U to get the data to the staging tables in the FSVeg Exams Mobile Tools.

3. Merge:

a. Scenario 1: Two crews collected different plots in the same stand with the intent to merge all the plots into one stand exam. Merge the two settings that are in the two data files:

i. Merge – 2 crews in one stand – Part A Notice that it has plots 1, 2, 3, and 4

ii. Merge – 2 crews in one stand – Part B Notice that it has plots 5, 6, and 7 View the plot results in the staging tables.

b. Scenario 2: One crew collected different plots in the same stand over two days on different Android tablets. Again, the job is to merge all the plots into one stand exam. Remember that the measurement date needs to be the same on both settings, and most people choose the latter date. Merge the two settings that are in the two data files:

i. Merge – 1 crew 1 stand 2 days – Part A Notice that it has plots 1, 2, 3, and 4

ii. Merge – 1 crew 1 stand 2 days – Part B Notice that it has plots 5, 6, and 7 Remember, if the settings have different measurement dates, they will be treated as separate stand exams and the plots will not be merged into one stand exam.

c. Scenario 3: The intent was to merge the plots from a given stand into one stand exam, but someone made a mistake and collected some of the plots with a different BAF. Try to merge the two settings that are in the two data files:

i. Merge – Cant merge different sample designs – Part A Notice that it has plots 1, 2, 3, and 4

ii. Merge – Cant merge different sample designs – Part B Notice that it has plots 5, 6, and 7 Topic Y: Oracle Forms

1. Log into NRM:

a. Class (Train A): https://iwebtrn.fs.usda.gov/login/welcome.html - use your student account

i. Default NRM Dashboard

ii. Log In with your student account and password

b. Real life (Prod): http://fsweb.nrm.fs.fed.us/ - use your real account

i. Default NRM Dashboard

ii. Log In with PIV/CAC

c. Real life (Citrix): https://citrix.fs.usda.gov/Citrix/StoreWeb/ - use your real account

i. Navigate to:

1. Categories

2. National Applications

3. Natural Resource Manager

4. NRM Dashboard

5. Default NRM Dashboard

6. Log in with PIV/CAC or your real username and password

2. NRM Dashboard Release 2:

a. Expand the ‘+ sign next to NRIS

b. FSVeg (appears below NRIS)

c. FSVeg (appears on the right)

You’ll arrive at the FSVeg Main Menu:

NOTE: If the screen that appears after the steps in C. above:

a. stays blank (white), your PC is probably missing Oracle Client.

b. stays blank (grey), wait—it will eventually become…

c. the Java blue circle animation appears over the window, wait—it will eventually become…

Set your Admin Unit to the Region and Forest for the training (in real life, select your actual unit):

View / Insert / Edit / Delete

CSE (and Inventory and Monitoring, which is very similar with some added features)

1. Data are formatted according to the CSE Protocol (see diagram above); it’s very similar to ExamsPC/PDR

2. Find the setting of interest using Preferences Preferences aka Search Filter

1. Appears in almost all the functional areas in one form or another.

2. Used to quickly find your data of interest.

3. Specify the least amount of information needed (or you may not find the data you are looking for).

Try it - Get into the CSE form, use the Preferences to find a setting, and explore the forms such as Sample Designs, Plot, Tree, Veg Comp, and Downed Woody.

Database Tables FSVeg was designed to hold any plot-based forest vegetation data; there are many more data elements and tables than what are used in Common Stand Exam. So this area enables you to look at almost every table in the database. Notice that it still uses this general plot-based survey concept; there’s just a lot more at each level.

Try it - Get into the Database Tables form, use the Preferences to find a setting, and explore the forms using the navigation buttons on the left. Can you find where you would archive a setting?

Topic Z: Outputs

Reports Two different ways to choose settings for a report:

1. Preferences, aka Report Filter

2. Setting List - Build your own or use one already available.

There are 32 reports:

· The first 15 are simple, general reports that involve pulling the data right out of FSVeg without doing much computations. They were designed to answer questions such as “show me all the settings in my project area.”

· The others were designed to answer much more complex questions:

Try it . . .

What if NO settings Ids appear in the left-hand box? What if no Ids are moved?

Run this report on one setting Summary Data

1. Summarizes tree and veg comp data by setting:

a. Setting as a whole

b. Subpopulations of interest (like size classes, species, live/dead, you name it).

2. NRV_SUMMARY role

3. Summaries can be used to attribute veg polygons in FSVeg Spatial.

FVS_DB_LINK

1. Extracts data for use in the Forest Vegetation Simulator (FVS).

2. It’s easy! Just answer me these questions three, ere the other side ye see*:

a. Target Directory - It defaults to C:\FVSdata but create your own folder below that.

b. Default FVS Variant - For FS data, it doesn’t matter; pick anything.

c. Create/Select List *Apologies to Monty Python.

Try it! - For extra credit, open your target directory and watch your files getting created. When the Access lock file disappears, the process is done.

Administration Enables NRV_Wizards to manage Forest and Regional:

a. Configurations - Applied across your entire Forest/Region (as applicable)

1. Species configuration - Warning: Don’t change anything without Regional Mensuration Staff collaboration and approval, since any changes are instantly applied to the entire Forest or Region. If you need to know the parameters used on your Forest/Region, run Report 18, Species Configuration.

2. Species group setup - Create species groups that are available to others.

3. Brown’s piece count display - Create Brown’s piece count diameter classes that others can use.

b. Metadata

1. Aerial photos - Enter them here for them to be available for data entry (reduces typos).

2. Fire info - Ditto.

3. Images - Ditto.

4. Data codes - Regionally defined; work with your Regional staffs if you need additional codes.

5. Setting lists - Create setting lists that are available to everyone. Especially useful for running multiple reports on the same set of settings, as well as for FVS_DB_LINK.

c. Templates - Create templates available to everyone.

1. Diameter class template

2. Sample design template

d. Other

1. Synch spatial acres - Synchronize acres entered from CSE or Database Tables forms with digitized acres from FSVeg Spatial.

2. Reset Taxa lists - Choose a different Taxa list for those units that have access to more than one.

Topic AA: Contract Administration Know your stuff

a. CSE protocols

b. Contract specs

c. Your stand exam objectives Develop a common understanding of the contract with the contractor

d. Crucial to getting the desired results

e. Start as early as possible

f. Meet in the field to go through data collection

g. Make sure the contractors know the specs – you will be holding them to it with the inspections Correct problems while they are small

a. Find and correct problems while there aren’t very many of them

b. Inspect early and often at the beginning

c. Make the first payment unit small Inspections

a. About 10% of plots are inspected

b. Inspection form: A lot of people have put a lot of thought into the system of point deductions. For this reason, be very reluctant to change point values, especially without considering what the overall effect of doing so would be.

c. All inspectors must apply the contact specs uniformly. Having some inspectors being lenient and some inspectors being strict with the same specs on a given forest is very counterproductive. Everyone ultimately suffers, and you will guarantee that you won’t get the desired results. Remember, you won’t do anyone any favors by being lenient.

· Remember, if the forest really doesn’t need a tight spec on a measurement, then the contract should be written up that way. For instance, if it’s ok for DBH to be recorded up to 0.5” from actual, then the contract should not specify a tolerance of 0.1”

d. Objective (measured) items: Apply the contract specs as written.

e. Subjective (estimated) items: This is the one area where you have some latitude. If a contractor’s estimate doesn’t match yours, but can be considered reasonable, you may accept it. Example: estimates of percent cover on the Veg Comp and Ground Surface Cover forms.

In general

a. Most contractors are trying to do a good job; they know that doing so will get them paid in the least time and with the least hassle.

b. Some people choose to implement quick plots rather than intensive ones, figuring they’ll just live with the poorer precision and data utility. But remember, half the cost of a stand exam is just getting the crew to each plot; once they are there, it doesn’t cost that much more to get better data.

Appendix 1: Request a User Management Application (UMA) Role If you will be downloading data into FSVeg from ExamsPC or editing it in FSVeg, you will need an UMA role (Data Collector or Wizard). Obtaining a role is a two-step process: (1) submit a request and (2) notify your UMA manager.

The UMA application may send you an automatic message to the effect that your request is being reviewed, but under no circumstances should this lull you into a false sense of well-being!

The reality is that NOTHING will happen until you follow the directions on the next page . . .

4. Crucial Step: Send an email to your local UMA Manager to the effect that you are requesting an UMA role and could they please approve it.

To find your UMA Manager:

C. NRIS User Management Application (UMA) Managers by Unit (.xls)

Appendix 2: Set your Admin Unit in FSVeg

1. Log into NRM (Production, not TrainA):

http://fsweb.nris.fs.fed.us/products/FSVeg/index.shtml then Login to NRM

4. Those in regions 1 and 10 may be asked to select the appropriate TAXA list for various lifeforms; here’s an example from the Tongass NF:

Appendix 5a: First Time Set-Up for Excel You only have to do this once.

1. Data > Get External Data > From Other Sources > From Microsoft Query:

2. Choose Data Source > New Data Source

3. Create New Data Source Name it whatever you want. Select Oracle 19 connection and hit connect.

4. Provide environment and login credentials Service Name: iwebdb User Name: [fs_public_read] Password: sde

5. When “Connecting to data source” goes away click OK

6. Choose Data Source > select your created data source

The Microsoft Query window will begin to open and there may be a long delay, up to two minutes, before you can go further. Eventually, the Add Tables window appears.

7. In the Owner box, enter an “F” (a quick way to get to the owners that start with “F”), then scroll down to:

a. FS_NRIS_FSVEG if using…