Become a contributor #

There are several ways in which you can contribute to the AKVEG Database.

Providing data #

Given that we are a small, grant-funded operation, we are usually unable to accept large datasets without funding to support our time. Some of our existing grants, however, do include money for us to format existing datasets for inclusion in the AKVEG Database. Even without additional financial support, we may be able to accommodate your dataset. Please contact us if you would like to discuss this option with us.

Formatting data #

To format your data to meet the AKVEG requirements, you can download a set of Excel files that can be loaded into R or Python to use as data entry templates. Afterwards:

1. Load field names from data entry templates for tables for which data exist.
2. Enter unconstrained data into templates following formats in the minimum standards doc (e.g., dates formatted as a text string of 10 characters matching the pattern yyyy-mm-dd).
3. Ignore tables for which data do not exist (e.g., if there is no tree structure data from a project, do not create site visit null values for tree structure fields).
4. Send formatted (but unconstrained) data to us.
5. We will check data against constraints and either: a) modify field values to match constraints or b) update constraints (e.g., to add new personnel).
6. We will review any outstanding discrepancies with you.
7. After resolving discrepancies, we will push the data into the AKVEG Database.