All the observations during filedwork are documented as detailed as possible. Once home the notes and information are entered into the ant-maps database and Google-Earth.

One of the most important tasks during the data-entry is ensuring the integrity of data . Large research-sites like Ravensheide and Zaarderheiken are monitored for more than 10 years now. In these years the vegetation changed, nests are founded or they disappear. Sometimes new nests are founded just a few meters from another one. Finding the correct corresponding nest-ID under these conditions the most difficult, but also most essential part of the registration.

Ensuring data integrity starts in the field. There are several tools to help with determine the correct nest-ID.

1. GPS : determine the coördinates eacht time as close as possible and check these with the fieldnotes and the Google-Earth maps.
2. Camera: Making photo’s from each nest every visit. Afterwards the photo’s van be compared. Trees and other objects help determine the correct nest-ID.
3. Piquets: Piquets with scale markings help determine the correct nest dimentions. This way it is possible to re-check nest sizes afterwards.
4. Ant-maps DB: The database is checking input continuously during data entry.

Screenshot: input fieldnotes with dimentions and nest-activity.