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Rangeland Database and Field Data Entry System
Features
  • Simple interface (an Access database that doesn’t require knowledge of Access to use)
  • Tablet PC (touchscreen) and keyboard modes
  • Flexible – adapts to most monitoring applications
  • Drop-down choice lists increase data entry speed and precision
  • Automated indicator calculations and reports, and ability to create user-defined queries
  • Import/export to Excel
  • Automated species list downloads from USDA-NRCS PLANTS database
  • Three levels of user-defined security to increase data entry consistency



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    Rangeland Database and Field Data Entry System Poster
    Download Instructions (Please read even if it appears intuitive)
    1. Print these directions for easy reference.
    2. Double-click the link, “Download Rangeland Database”, and click “Save”. Choose a location to save the file. Save the file to a known location on your computer, for example, the desktop or a new folder.
    3. The saved file needs to be unzipped (some users may see the individual files even though it hasn't been unzipped). If you do not have software to unzip the file, download an evaluation version from the web such as WinZip. When you double-click the saved file, the unzip software will open. Extract all the files.
    4. Double-click “RangeDB”. Click “Open” in the Security Window. The program will open in Microsoft Access (requires Access 2000 or later).
    5. A set of instructions is included in the download. Open and print the Microsoft Word file “Instructions”. These directions will help you set up the database.
    6. Additional instructions can be accessed in the database itself by clicking “Help” on the Main Menu.
    7. If you have any problems, please contact Ericha Courtright at ericha@nmsu.edu or 575-646-4147.
    DOWNLOAD RANGELAND DATABASE   NEW VERSION 1.4c released April 2, 2009. This version is compatible with Microsoft Office 2007. This version incorporates numerous modifications and additions including the ability to take GPS points live in the field with a Garmin GPS 18 USB (OEM Series)**. A serious bug was detected in the Comparative Yield calculations for Dry Weight Rank; this problem has been addressed and imported data will be automatically corrected upon import.

    **GPS SETUP INSTRUCTIONS -- Make sure Spanner is installed on the computer you will be using in the field with the Garmin. Open the database like normal. Go to the Administrative Functions and click the GPS Device Management tab under System Setup. Attach the GPS device to your computer and run Spanner. Follow the instructions on the GPS device setup screens in the database. You will be asked to point to the folder in which you have saved the DLL (included with the database download). This only needs to be done once. Finally, you will see the screen that attempts to actually pull data from the GPS into Access.

    Please Note: additional calculations, methods, and report options are still being added to the database.


    Suggestions for future enhancements should be directed to Ericha Courtright. If you make any structural changes, you will not be able to import your database into the next version.


    Please register so we can notify you about new versions.
    You only need to do this once to be put on the mailing list.
    Email:

    Current computers in use:
    The ideal tablet is lightweight with a bright, outdoor-readable screen. We are currently testing the Motion Computing J3400. The screen is much brighter than the Fujitsu Stylistic ST5112 which we have used a great deal and still use today. We purchase a high-capacity lithium ion battery for each of our Fujitsu tablets. Between this battery and the standard battery, you can run the tablet all day without any problems. We have an Otterbox but it is never used since it is heavy and bulky plus diminishes screen visibility. We like this lightweight case for the Fujitsu tablet. We also like the Pelican Case for travel and storage. These pelican cases provide a specialized interior that allows us to store the charger, extra batteries, etc directly in the case.

    Mention of trade names or commercial products in this webpage is solely for the purpose of providing specific information and does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
    Acknowledgements
    Development of this application began in October 2003. The following individuals have contributed to the project: Jeff Herrick, Laura Burkett, Ericha Courtright, Dave Pyke, Mike Pellant, Pat Shaver, Jeff Repp and Kara Hempy Mayer. Special kudos go to the principal developer Barry Lavine (blavine@usa.net) for his programming genius, infinite patience, and creativity.
    USDA, ARS, Jornada Experimental Range
    P.O. Box 30003, MSC 3JER, NMSU
    Las Cruces, NM 88003-8003
    Tel: 575-646-4147
    Email: ericha@nmsu.edu