Bulk Data Entry in EDDMapS

What is considered "Bulk Data"?

If a reporter is a single individual that has a few dozen data points recorded, the online reporter works fairly well. If the reporter is part of a group that collects hundreds or thousands of data points, formatting the data to be sent in for bulk uploading is more convenient.

How to Format Bulk Data

Under the Tools & Training tab, there are a few links which address the process for bulk data collection and introduces the Data Dictionary. The dictionary displays the fields EDDMapS is capable of accommodating, the type of data appropriate for each field, a definition of the field, an example of the type of data appropriate, and a description listing the field as: Required, Recommended, or Optional. By standardizing the field names, the processing time for data points is reduced and the reporter has control over the field that their data is presented in. Currently, we are able to accommodate data in several file types: Excel (xls and xlsx), CSV, Google earth (kml and kmz), and ArcGIS files.

What to do with the Formatted Data

To handle the recruiting, formatting, and uploading bulk data, we hired Rebekah Wallace, as EDDMapS Data Coordinator to streamline the bulk data into EDDMapS. Please contact Rebekah at bekahwal@uga.edu or 229-386-3298 and help us to complete the picture of invasive plant distribution nationwide. Data can be sent over e-mail or burned to a CD/DVD and shipped to the Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health.