BADM Group: SPP

BADM Type: VegCover
Description: Species Cover
Group Entries per Site: Multiple
Last updated: Mar 02, 2021

BADM Group Overview

BADM variables in this group are organized into subgroups as shown below. The overview highlights what variables are required per subgroup. It also indicates which variables cannot be specified together ( OR ) in the same group entry. Variables in "Applies to All" are included with all subgroups. See BADM Basics for more details.

Multiple entries of this BADM group can be reported per site. However, combinations of variables must be unique. Read more:

Required Variable
Applies to All
Optional Variable
Combinations
Examples
RequiredOptional
Overstory Vegetation
  • SPP_O
  • OR
  • SPP_O_VEGTYPE
  • SPP_O_PREVALENCE
  • OR
  • SPP_O_PERC
  • SPP_O_PERC_STATISTIC
  • SPP_O_PERC_STATISTIC_METHOD
  • SPP_O_PERC_STATISTIC_NUMBER
  • Understory Vegetation
  • SPP_U
  • OR
  • SPP_U_VEGTYPE
  • SPP_U_PREVALENCE
  • OR
  • SPP_U_PERC
  • SPP_U_PERC_STATISTIC
  • SPP_U_PERC_STATISTIC_METHOD
  • SPP_U_PERC_STATISTIC_NUMBER
  • Applies to All
  • SPP_DATE
  • OR
  • SPP_DATE_START
  • SPP_DATE_END
  • SPP_PERC_UNIT
  • SPP_APPROACH
  • SPP_DATE_UNC
  • SPP_COMMENT
  • BADM variables: Definitions, Units, Requirements

    See Overview tab or BADM Basics for explanation of Required and Optional variables.

    Multiple entries of this BADM group can be reported per site. However, combinations of variables must be unique. Read more:

    Required Variable
    Applies to All
    Optional Variable
    Combinations
    Examples
    Variable
    Requirements
    Units Description
    SPP_O
    1-Required-a
    Scientific nameOverstory species (taxa)
    Overstory vegetation species occuring at the tower site. To enter a plant species, use the scientific name (Genus species Author or Genus Author). Please refer to www.theplantlist.org for current scientific names and authors. For ecosystems without clear over and understory distinctions, use the overstory (O) variables. Do not use SPP_O if reporting SPP_O_VEGTYPE.
    SPP_O_VEGTYPE
    1-Required-a
    LIST(VEGTYPE) ShowOverstory vegetation type
    Overstory vegetation type occuring at the tower site. Use predifined list. If vegetation type is not in predfined list, enter "Other/Not in list" and describe briefly in Approach. For ecosystems without clear over and understory distinctions, use the overstory (O) variables. Do not use SPP_O_VEGTYPE if reporting SPP_O.
    VEGTYPE Options×
    OptionDescription
    Grass
    C3 Grass
    C4 Grass
    Grass / GraminoidGrasses, Sedges, Rushes, and other grass-like monocots (member of order Poales)
    Crop
    Herbaceous Crop
    Woody Crop
    Tree
    Deciduous TreeTrees that shed their entire canopy seasonallly. Drought or cold avoidence are common reasons for deciduousness.
    Evergreen TreeTrees that do not seasonally shed their full canopies.
    Shrub
    Herb / Forb
    Annual Herb / Forb
    Perennial Herb / Forb
    Aerenchymatous Plants
    Liana / vine
    SucculantCactus, Euphorbs, including CAM
    Non-vascularMoss, lichen
    Other/Not in listOnly use this option if a major vegetation group is not included already included in the predefined list. If an existing vegetation group is not specific enough, use the existing vegetation option and add details in Approach (rather than using the "Other/Not in list" option).
    No vegetationBare ground, water, or rock. Use only with SPP_PERC_O and SPP_PERC_U
    WaterWater (perennially submerged ground)
    SPP_O_PREVALENCE
    1-Optional-b
    LIST(PREVALENCE) ShowOverstory species or vegetation type prevalence at site
    The prevalence or commonness for the reported species or vegtype in the overstory vegetation. Either SPP_O (the taxa) or SPP_O_VEGTYPE must be specified, not both. For ecosystems without clear over and understory distinctions, use the overstory (O) variables. Do not use SPP_O_PREVALENCE if reporting SPP_O_PERC.
    PREVALENCE Options×
    OptionDescription
    DominantSpecies or vegetation type is one of the major vegetation components at the site
    PresentSpecies or vegetation type is present at the site
    RareSpecies or vegetation type is rare at site
    SPP_O_PERC
    1-Optional-b
    %Overstory species or vegetation type percent cover (by mass, number, estimated abundance, or area)
    The percent cover for the reported species or vegtype in the overstory vegetation. Either SPP_O (the taxa) or SPP_O_VEGTYPE must be specified, not both. For ecosystems without clear over and understory distinctions, use the overstory (O) variables. The percent cover can be reported by mass, number, estimated abundance, or area and must be defined in the SPP_PERC_UNIT variable. Do not use SPP_O_PERC if reporting SPP_O_PREVALENCE.
    SPP_O_PERC_STATISTIC
    1-Optional
    LIST(STATISTIC) ShowOverstory species or vegetation type percent cover statistic
    The statistic for the measurement reported. Use only if SPP_O_PERC is reported. Use predefined list (e.g., mean, min / max, standard deviation, etc).
    STATISTIC Options×
    OptionDescription
    MeanAverage (mean) value of sample population
    Standard DeviationStandard deviation may be reported from a sample population that consists of individual or aggregated samples (observations). If the distinction is important, specify in STATISTIC_METHOD or Comments.
    MinimumMinimum value
    1st PercentileQuantile at 1% of distribution
    5th PercentileQuantile at 5% of distribution
    10th PercentileQuantile at 10% of distribution
    25th PercentileQuantile at 25% of distribution
    Median - 50th PercentileMedian - Quantile at 50% of distribution
    75th PercentileQuantile at 75% of distribution
    90th PercentileQuantile at 90% of distribution
    95th PercentileQuantile at 95% of distribution
    99th PercentileQuantile at 99% of distribution
    MaximumMaximum value
    Single observationSingle observation that is not a calculated statistic of replicates either to get a robust estimate or for spatial variability analysis. For example a single biomass observation may be the vegetation harvested in a single 1 x 1 meter area.
    Measurement UncertaintyReport uncertainty as a plus or minus value in the measurement units. For example, enter 1.5 for +/- 1.5 units. Uncertainty may be reported from the instrument's specifications, determined empirically, or estimated by the tower team. Please describe such details in Approach. For uncertainty values that are better described by a range, a percent, or other, please enter information in Comments.
    SPP_O_PERC_STATISTIC_METHOD
    1-Optional
    LIST(STATISTIC_METHOD) ShowOverstory species or vegetation type percent cover statistic method
    Method used to generate the reported statistic (e.g., aggregate of individuals, aggregate of sample aggregates) from observations representing the same time period. Use predefined list. The aggregation method is not meant to describe temporal aggregations for example in calculations of higher frequency observations (e.g., sub-minute) to lower frequency observations (e.g., hourly) at a single location.
    STATISTIC_METHOD Options×
    OptionDescription
    Aggregate of individual observationsThe statistic is aggregated from individual observations located within the site. Observations may be grouped into sample areas (e.g., plots) within the site but those groupings are ignored. Statistics generated from individual observations directly yield information on the site generally. The statistic may represent spatial characteristics of the measurement within the site (e.g., spatial heterogeneity) and/or characteristics due to other factors (e.g., population variability).
    Aggregate of sample aggregatesThe statistic is aggregated from aggregated individual observations located in sample areas within the site. For example, individual observations are made in 5 sample plots within a site. "Aggregate of sample aggregates" is used if a plot statistic (e.g., Mean) is first calculated, and then the plot values are aggregated to calculate the site statistic. Statistics generated by this approach are often used to highlight the spatial characteristics within the site (i.e., the spatial heterogeneity of measurement within the site).
    Expert estimateEstimate made by expert familiar with site
    SPP_O_PERC_STATISTIC_NUMBER
    1-Optional
    integer numberNumber of observations used to determine overstory species or vegetation type percent cover statistic
    Number of observations (samples / replicates) used to calculate the STATISTIC for the reported measurement. Use only if SPP_O_PERC is reported.
    SPP_U
    2-Required-c
    Scientific nameUnderstory species (taxa)
    Understory vegetation species occuring at the tower site. To enter a plant species, use the scientific name (Genus species Author or Genus Author). Please refer to www.theplantlist.org for current scientific names and authors. For ecosystems without clear over and understory distinctions, use the overstory (O) variables. Describe how understory was determined in Comment. Do not use SPP_U if reporting SPP_U_VEGTYPE.
    SPP_U_VEGTYPE
    2-Required-c
    LIST(VEGTYPE) ShowUnderstory vegetation type
    Understory vegetation type occuring at the tower site. Use predifined list. If vegetation type is not in predfined list, entered "Other/Not in list" and describe it in Approach. For ecosystems without clear over and understory distinctions, use the overstory (O) variables. Describe how understory was determined in Comment. Do not use SPP_U_VEGTYPE if reporting SPP_U.
    VEGTYPE Options×
    OptionDescription
    Grass
    C3 Grass
    C4 Grass
    Grass / GraminoidGrasses, Sedges, Rushes, and other grass-like monocots (member of order Poales)
    Crop
    Herbaceous Crop
    Woody Crop
    Tree
    Deciduous TreeTrees that shed their entire canopy seasonallly. Drought or cold avoidence are common reasons for deciduousness.
    Evergreen TreeTrees that do not seasonally shed their full canopies.
    Shrub
    Herb / Forb
    Annual Herb / Forb
    Perennial Herb / Forb
    Aerenchymatous Plants
    Liana / vine
    SucculantCactus, Euphorbs, including CAM
    Non-vascularMoss, lichen
    Other/Not in listOnly use this option if a major vegetation group is not included already included in the predefined list. If an existing vegetation group is not specific enough, use the existing vegetation option and add details in Approach (rather than using the "Other/Not in list" option).
    No vegetationBare ground, water, or rock. Use only with SPP_PERC_O and SPP_PERC_U
    WaterWater (perennially submerged ground)
    SPP_U_PREVALENCE
    2-Optional-d
    LIST(PREVALENCE) ShowUnderstory species or vegetation type prevalence at site
    The prevalence or commonness for the reported species or vegtype in the understory vegetation. Either SPP_U (the taxa) or SPP_U_VEGTYPE must be specified, not both. For ecosystems without clear over and understory distinctions, use the overstory (O) variables. Do not use SPP_U_PREVALENCE if reporting SPP_U_PERC.
    PREVALENCE Options×
    OptionDescription
    DominantSpecies or vegetation type is one of the major vegetation components at the site
    PresentSpecies or vegetation type is present at the site
    RareSpecies or vegetation type is rare at site
    SPP_U_PERC
    2-Optional-d
    %Understory species or vegetation type percent cover (by mass, number, estimated abundance, or area)
    The percent cover for the reported species or vegtype in the understory vegetation. Either SPP_U (the taxa) or SPP_U_VEGTYPE must be specified, not both. For ecosystems without clear over and understory distinctions, use the overstory (O) variables. The percent cover can be reported by mass, number, estimated abundance, or area and must be defined in the SPP_PERC_UNIT variable. Do not use SPP_U_PERC if reporting SPP_U_PREVALENCE.
    SPP_U_PERC_STATISTIC
    2-Optional
    LIST(STATISTIC) ShowUnderstory species or vegetation type percent cover statistic
    The statistic for the measurement reported. Use only if SPP_U_PERC is reported. Use predefined list (e.g., mean, min / max, standard deviation, etc).
    STATISTIC Options×
    OptionDescription
    MeanAverage (mean) value of sample population
    Standard DeviationStandard deviation may be reported from a sample population that consists of individual or aggregated samples (observations). If the distinction is important, specify in STATISTIC_METHOD or Comments.
    MinimumMinimum value
    1st PercentileQuantile at 1% of distribution
    5th PercentileQuantile at 5% of distribution
    10th PercentileQuantile at 10% of distribution
    25th PercentileQuantile at 25% of distribution
    Median - 50th PercentileMedian - Quantile at 50% of distribution
    75th PercentileQuantile at 75% of distribution
    90th PercentileQuantile at 90% of distribution
    95th PercentileQuantile at 95% of distribution
    99th PercentileQuantile at 99% of distribution
    MaximumMaximum value
    Single observationSingle observation that is not a calculated statistic of replicates either to get a robust estimate or for spatial variability analysis. For example a single biomass observation may be the vegetation harvested in a single 1 x 1 meter area.
    Measurement UncertaintyReport uncertainty as a plus or minus value in the measurement units. For example, enter 1.5 for +/- 1.5 units. Uncertainty may be reported from the instrument's specifications, determined empirically, or estimated by the tower team. Please describe such details in Approach. For uncertainty values that are better described by a range, a percent, or other, please enter information in Comments.
    SPP_U_PERC_STATISTIC_METHOD
    2-Optional
    LIST(STATISTIC_METHOD) ShowUnderstory species or vegetation type percent cover statistic method
    Method used to generate the reported statistic (e.g., aggregate of individuals, aggregate of sample aggregates) from observations representing the same time period. Use predefined list. The aggregation method is not meant to describe temporal aggregations for example in calculations of higher frequency observations (e.g., sub-minute) to lower frequency observations (e.g., hourly) at a single location.
    STATISTIC_METHOD Options×
    OptionDescription
    Aggregate of individual observationsThe statistic is aggregated from individual observations located within the site. Observations may be grouped into sample areas (e.g., plots) within the site but those groupings are ignored. Statistics generated from individual observations directly yield information on the site generally. The statistic may represent spatial characteristics of the measurement within the site (e.g., spatial heterogeneity) and/or characteristics due to other factors (e.g., population variability).
    Aggregate of sample aggregatesThe statistic is aggregated from aggregated individual observations located in sample areas within the site. For example, individual observations are made in 5 sample plots within a site. "Aggregate of sample aggregates" is used if a plot statistic (e.g., Mean) is first calculated, and then the plot values are aggregated to calculate the site statistic. Statistics generated by this approach are often used to highlight the spatial characteristics within the site (i.e., the spatial heterogeneity of measurement within the site).
    Expert estimateEstimate made by expert familiar with site
    SPP_U_PERC_STATISTIC_NUMBER
    2-Optional
    integer numberNumber of observations used to determine understory species or vegetation type percent cover statistic
    Number of observations (samples / replicates) used to calculate the STATISTIC for the reported measurement. Use only if SPP_U_PERC is reported.
    SPP_PERC_UNIT
    Optional
    LIST(UNIT_SPP) ShowUnit of the species or vegetation type percent cover measurement. Required with SPP_O_PERC or SPP_U_PERC.
    SPP_PERC_UNIT must be reported if SPP_O_PERC or SPP_U_PERC are reported. Use predefined list to indicate whether the percentage cover in SPP_O_PERC and SPP_U_PERC are calculated as 1) mass = dry matter mass of the species or vegetation type / total dry mass, 2) number = number of individuals of the species / total number of individuals, 3) estimated abundance technique such as the pindrop method, or 4) area = land surface covered by the species or vegetation type / total land surface area (i.e., from a top down or bird's eye view). Area totalled across species or vegetation types must sum to equal or less than 100%. Unspecified area, or the difference between the total vegetation area and 100%, will be considered no vegetation (bare ground, water, rock). For forest ecosystems, calculate the area of trees with the area of the tree crown.
    UNIT_SPP Options×
    OptionDescription
    % NumberPercent cover reported as number of individuals of the species or vegetation type per total number of individuals
    % MassPercent cover reported as dry matter mass of the species or vegetation type per total dry mass
    % AreaPercent cover reported as land surface covered by the species or vegetation type per total land surface (i.e., from a top down or bird's eye view). Area totalled across species or vegetation types must sum to less than 100%. Unspecified area, or the difference between the total vegetation area and 100%, will be considered no vegetation (bare ground, water, rock). For forest ecosystems, calculate the area of trees with the area of the tree crown.
    % Estimated AbundancePercent cover reported by pindrop or other abundance estimation techniques
    SPP_APPROACH
    Optional
    free textSpecies or vegetation type percent cover measurement approach
    SPP_DATE
    Required-e
    YYYYMMDDHHMMSpecies or vegetation type percent cover measurement date
    Please report the date at the precision known. Allowed reporting precisions are YYYY, YYYYMM, YYYYMMDD, and YYYYMMDDHHMM. For measurements conducted during a campaign or for temporal averages, use DATE_START and DATE_END instead of DATE.
    SPP_DATE_START
    Required-e
    YYYYMMDDHHMMStart date of species or vegetation type percent cover measurment
    Start date of a measurement campaign or start date of a temporal average. Please report the date at the precision known. Allowed reporting precisions are YYYY, YYYYMM, YYYYMMDD, and YYYYMMDDHHMM. Do not use DATE_START if DATE is used.
    SPP_DATE_END
    Required
    YYYYMMDDHHMMEnd date of species or vegetation type percent cover measurment
    End date of a measurement campaign or end date of a temporal average. Please report the date at the precision known. Allowed reporting precisions are YYYY, YYYYMM, YYYYMMDD, and YYYYMMDDHHMM. Do not use DATE_END if DATE is used.
    SPP_DATE_UNC
    Optional
    daysUncertainty in the species or vegetation type percent cover measurement date, start date, and/or end date
    If uncertainty in the start date differs than end date, report the uncertainty for start date here in DATE_UNC and the uncertainty for end date in Comments.
    SPP_COMMENT
    Optional
    free textSpecies or vegetation type percent cover measurement comments
    Use this variable to report detailed information about the method used to identify and calculate the percentage of the species.

    BADM Examples

    Choose a variable marked with to show examples of how to submit and interpret these BADM. See BADM Basics for more details.

    Combinations of variables must be unique. Read more: .

    Required Variable
    Applies to All
    Optional Variable
    Combinations
    Examples
    Overstory Vegetation
  • SPP_O
  • SPP_O_VEGTYPE
  • SPP_O_PREVALENCE
  • SPP_O_PERC
  • SPP_O_PERC_STATISTIC
  • SPP_O_PERC_STATISTIC_METHOD
  • SPP_O_PERC_STATISTIC_NUMBER
  • Understory Vegetation
  • SPP_U
  • SPP_U_VEGTYPE
  • SPP_U_PREVALENCE
  • SPP_U_PERC
  • SPP_U_PERC_STATISTIC
  • SPP_U_PERC_STATISTIC_METHOD
  • SPP_U_PERC_STATISTIC_NUMBER
  • Applies to All
  • SPP_PERC_UNIT
  • SPP_APPROACH
  • SPP_DATE
  • SPP_DATE_START
  • SPP_DATE_END
  • SPP_DATE_UNC
  • SPP_COMMENT
  • Click a variable marked with to see examples.
    No example currently available

    STATISTIC Variables

    Many BADM groups have a required and several optional STATISTIC variables. Specific examples of their use are given after an overview the variables basics.

    STATISTIC Basics

    BADM typically describe site-level descriptions and observations. The STATISTIC variables allow for full characterization of the reported information if desired. BADM groups, such as canopy height, LAI, soil chemistry, phenology, and biomass, contain the following STATISTIC variables:

    var_STATISTIC
    Required
    The type of value reported.

    Options:
    Mean, Minimum, Maximum, Percentiles
    Standard Deviation, Measurement Uncertainty
    Single observation

    var_STATISTIC_METHOD
    Optional
    The method of aggregation used to generate the statistic.

    Options:
    Aggregate of individual observations
    The statistic is aggregated from individual observations located within the site. Observations may be grouped into sample areas (e.g., plots) within the site but those groupings are ignored.

    Statistics generated by this approach may represent spatial characteristics of the measurement within the site (e.g., spatial heterogeneity) and/or characteristics due to other factors (e.g., population variability).

    Aggregate of sample aggregates
    The statistic is aggregated from aggregated individual observations located in sample areas within the site. For example, individual observations are made in 5 sample plots within a site. “Aggregate of sample aggregates” is used if a plot statistic (e.g., Mean) is first calculated, and then the plot values are aggregated to calculate the site statistic.

    Statistics generated by this approach are often used to highlight the spatial characteristics within the site (i.e., the spatial heterogeneity of measurement within the site).

    Expert estimate
    Estimate made by expert familiar with site

    See the Examples for more details.

    var_STATISTIC_NUMBER
    Optional
    The number of observations used in calculating the statistic.

    STATISTIC Examples

    Example 1: DBH calculated from a single sampling area
    Example 2: DBH calculated from 8 plots
    Example 3: DBH calculated from randomly selected trees within the site
    Example 4: Biomass calculated from 8 plots each with 5 sub-plots
    Example 5: Soil carbon calculated from replicate samples at 10 locations

    Example 1: DBH calculated from a single sampling area


    For DBH observations of individual trees in a single sample area at the site:

    STATISTIC* = Mean, Minimum, Maximum, Percentiles, or Standard Deviation
    STATISTIC_METHOD = Aggregate of individual observations
    STATISTIC_NUMBER = # of individual samples

    * Minimum, Maximum, and Percentiles should only be calculated if the sample size is adequately large.

    Example 2: DBH calculated from 8 plots


    For DBH observations of individual trees in 8 sample plots at the site:

    If the individual DBH observations are first aggregated at the plot level and then the plot values are are used to calculate the site-level STATISTICs to highlight spatial variability:

    STATISTIC* = Mean, Minimum, Maximum, or Standard Deviation
    STATISTIC_METHOD = Aggregate of sample aggregates
    STATISTIC_NUMBER = 8

    If the individual DBH observations are aggregated across all plots to calculate the site-level STATISTIC:

    STATISTIC* = Mean, Minimum, Maximum, Percentiles, or Standard Deviation
    STATISTIC_METHOD = Aggregate of individual observations
    STATISTIC_NUMBER = # of individual samples

    * Minimum, Maximum, and Percentiles should only be calculated if the sample size is adequately large.

    Example 3: DBH calculated from randomly selected trees within the site


    For DBH observations of individual trees randomly selected at the site:

    STATISTIC* = Mean, Minimum, Maximum, Percentiles, or Standard Deviation
    STATISTIC_METHOD = Aggregate of individual observations
    STATISTIC_NUMBER = # of individual samples

    * Minimum, Maximum, and Percentiles should only be calculated if the sample size is adequately large.

    Example 4: Biomass calculated from 8 plots each with 5 sub-plots


    For Biomass observations collected from 5 sub-plots located in each of 8 sample plots at the site:

    In many cases, the sub-plot biomass observations are first aggregated at the plot level. Then the plot values are are used to calculate the site-level STATISTICs:

    STATISTIC* = Mean, Minimum, Maximum, or Standard Deviation
    STATISTIC_METHOD = Aggregate of sample aggregates
    STATISTIC_NUMBER = 8

    If pseudo-replication or spatial autocorrelation is not an issue, the sub-plot observations may be aggregated across all plots to calculate the site-level STATISTIC:

    STATISTIC* = Mean, Minimum, Maximum, Percentiles, or Standard Deviation
    STATISTIC_METHOD = Aggregate of individual observations
    STATISTIC_NUMBER = 40

    * Minimum, Maximum, and Percentiles should only be calculated if the sample size is adequately large.

    Example 5: Soil carbon calculated from replicate samples at 10 locations


    For replicate soil carbon observations at 10 randomly-selected points within the site:

    To calculate Mean, Minimum, Maximum, Percentiles, and Standard Deviation, the replicates at each location should first be averaged. Then the average values at each location can be used to calculate the STATISTIC:

    STATISTIC* = Mean, Minimum, Maximum, Percentiles, or Standard Deviation
    STATISTIC_METHOD = Aggregate of sample aggregates
    STATISTIC_NUMBER = 10

    * Minimum, Maximum, and Percentiles should only be calculated if the sample size is adequately large.

    The average difference between the replicates can be used to estimate the Measurement Uncertainty:

    STATISTIC = Measurement Uncertainty
    STATISTIC_METHOD = Aggregate of individual observations
    STATISTIC_NUMBER = 10

    STATISTIC Variables

    Many BADM groups have a required and several optional STATISTIC variables. Specific examples of their use are given after an overview the variables basics.

    STATISTIC Basics

    BADM typically describe site-level descriptions and observations. The STATISTIC variables allow for full characterization of the reported information if desired. BADM groups, such as canopy height, LAI, soil chemistry, phenology, and biomass, contain the following STATISTIC variables:

    var_STATISTIC
    Required
    The type of value reported.

    Options:
    Mean, Minimum, Maximum, Percentiles
    Standard Deviation, Measurement Uncertainty
    Single observation

    var_STATISTIC_METHOD
    Optional
    The method of aggregation used to generate the statistic.

    Options:
    Aggregate of individual observations
    The statistic is aggregated from individual observations located within the site. Observations may be grouped into sample areas (e.g., plots) within the site but those groupings are ignored.

    Statistics generated by this approach may represent spatial characteristics of the measurement within the site (e.g., spatial heterogeneity) and/or characteristics due to other factors (e.g., population variability).

    Aggregate of sample aggregates
    The statistic is aggregated from aggregated individual observations located in sample areas within the site. For example, individual observations are made in 5 sample plots within a site. “Aggregate of sample aggregates” is used if a plot statistic (e.g., Mean) is first calculated, and then the plot values are aggregated to calculate the site statistic.

    Statistics generated by this approach are often used to highlight the spatial characteristics within the site (i.e., the spatial heterogeneity of measurement within the site).

    Expert estimate
    Estimate made by expert familiar with site

    See the Examples for more details.

    var_STATISTIC_NUMBER
    Optional
    The number of observations used in calculating the statistic.

    STATISTIC Examples

    Example 1: DBH calculated from a single sampling area
    Example 2: DBH calculated from 8 plots
    Example 3: DBH calculated from randomly selected trees within the site
    Example 4: Biomass calculated from 8 plots each with 5 sub-plots
    Example 5: Soil carbon calculated from replicate samples at 10 locations

    Example 1: DBH calculated from a single sampling area


    For DBH observations of individual trees in a single sample area at the site:

    STATISTIC* = Mean, Minimum, Maximum, Percentiles, or Standard Deviation
    STATISTIC_METHOD = Aggregate of individual observations
    STATISTIC_NUMBER = # of individual samples

    * Minimum, Maximum, and Percentiles should only be calculated if the sample size is adequately large.

    Example 2: DBH calculated from 8 plots


    For DBH observations of individual trees in 8 sample plots at the site:

    If the individual DBH observations are first aggregated at the plot level and then the plot values are are used to calculate the site-level STATISTICs to highlight spatial variability:

    STATISTIC* = Mean, Minimum, Maximum, or Standard Deviation
    STATISTIC_METHOD = Aggregate of sample aggregates
    STATISTIC_NUMBER = 8

    If the individual DBH observations are aggregated across all plots to calculate the site-level STATISTIC:

    STATISTIC* = Mean, Minimum, Maximum, Percentiles, or Standard Deviation
    STATISTIC_METHOD = Aggregate of individual observations
    STATISTIC_NUMBER = # of individual samples

    * Minimum, Maximum, and Percentiles should only be calculated if the sample size is adequately large.

    Example 3: DBH calculated from randomly selected trees within the site


    For DBH observations of individual trees randomly selected at the site:

    STATISTIC* = Mean, Minimum, Maximum, Percentiles, or Standard Deviation
    STATISTIC_METHOD = Aggregate of individual observations
    STATISTIC_NUMBER = # of individual samples

    * Minimum, Maximum, and Percentiles should only be calculated if the sample size is adequately large.

    Example 4: Biomass calculated from 8 plots each with 5 sub-plots


    For Biomass observations collected from 5 sub-plots located in each of 8 sample plots at the site:

    In many cases, the sub-plot biomass observations are first aggregated at the plot level. Then the plot values are are used to calculate the site-level STATISTICs:

    STATISTIC* = Mean, Minimum, Maximum, or Standard Deviation
    STATISTIC_METHOD = Aggregate of sample aggregates
    STATISTIC_NUMBER = 8

    If pseudo-replication or spatial autocorrelation is not an issue, the sub-plot observations may be aggregated across all plots to calculate the site-level STATISTIC:

    STATISTIC* = Mean, Minimum, Maximum, Percentiles, or Standard Deviation
    STATISTIC_METHOD = Aggregate of individual observations
    STATISTIC_NUMBER = 40

    * Minimum, Maximum, and Percentiles should only be calculated if the sample size is adequately large.

    Example 5: Soil carbon calculated from replicate samples at 10 locations


    For replicate soil carbon observations at 10 randomly-selected points within the site:

    To calculate Mean, Minimum, Maximum, Percentiles, and Standard Deviation, the replicates at each location should first be averaged. Then the average values at each location can be used to calculate the STATISTIC:

    STATISTIC* = Mean, Minimum, Maximum, Percentiles, or Standard Deviation
    STATISTIC_METHOD = Aggregate of sample aggregates
    STATISTIC_NUMBER = 10

    * Minimum, Maximum, and Percentiles should only be calculated if the sample size is adequately large.

    The average difference between the replicates can be used to estimate the Measurement Uncertainty:

    STATISTIC = Measurement Uncertainty
    STATISTIC_METHOD = Aggregate of individual observations
    STATISTIC_NUMBER = 10

    DATE Variables

    Many groups have several DATE Variables that can be used to describe the time period that the metadata or ancillary data represents.

    Dates should be entered at the precision known and most suitable to the observation. Supported precision include year, month, day, and minute in ISO formats: YYYY, YYYYMM, YYYYMMDD, YYYYMMDDHHMM.

    DATE or DATE_START / DATE_END

    Either a single DATE or a DATE_START / DATE_END pair is required. Do not enter both for the same observation.

    • Use DATE when the observation represents a single point in time. Typical resolutions used are a year, month, or day: YYYY, YYYYMM, YYYYMMDD.
    • Use DATE_START / DATE_END when the observation represents a period of time. Start and end dates are often used when observations are collected as part of a campaign. Typically resolution is reported with day (YYYYMMDD), but month is also common (YYYYMM).

    Notes:

    1. Do not enter DATE and DATE_START for the same observation. See “Mutually-exclusive variables cannot be submitted together” on BADM Basics: Key Concepts.
    2. Within a BADM group (e.g., HEIGHTC), different observations cannot be reported for the same DATE and DATE_START. See “Rules for unique variable combinations Ⓒ” on BADM Basics: Key Concepts.
    3. DATE_END must be reported if DATE_START is reported.

    DATE_UNC

    Uncertainty in the DATE or DATE_START / DATE_END is an optional variable that can also be reported.

    Date uncertainty is most commonly reported when the single DATE variable is used.

    Report a date uncertainty that is commensurate with the DATE or DATE_START / DATE_END reported. For example if a day is reported for the DATE, date uncertainty should be on the order of days rather than months or years. If a year is reported for the DATE, date uncertainty should be greater than a year.

    Customize and Download CSV for BADM Submission

    Select variables from one or more subgroups to form a complete group. At a minimum, the required variables from the “Applies to All” subgroup must be included in every group. After selecting your desired variables, download the customized CSV file for submission of BADM. For additional submission details, see BADM Submission Instructions.

    Multiple entries of this BADM group can be reported per site. However, combinations of variables must be unique. Read more: . See BADM Basics for more details.

    Required Variable
    Applies to All
    Optional Variable
    Combinations
    Examples
    Open/Close
    Select
  • Overstory Vegetation
    Required Optional
    SPP_O OR SPP_O_VEGTYPE Both
    SPP_O_PREVALENCE OR
  • SPP_O_PERC
  • SPP_O_PERC_STATISTIC
  • Both Neither
    SPP_O_PERC_STATISTIC_METHOD
    SPP_O_PERC_STATISTIC_NUMBER
  • Understory Vegetation
    Required Optional
    SPP_U OR SPP_U_VEGTYPE Both
    SPP_U_PREVALENCE OR
  • SPP_U_PERC
  • SPP_U_PERC_STATISTIC
  • Both Neither
    SPP_U_PERC_STATISTIC_METHOD
    SPP_U_PERC_STATISTIC_NUMBER
  • Applies to All
    Required Optional
    SPP_DATE OR
  • SPP_DATE_START
  • SPP_DATE_END
  • Both
    SPP_PERC_UNIT
    SPP_APPROACH
    SPP_DATE_UNC
    SPP_COMMENT
  • Submit completed CSV file at Upload Data using the BADM option (login required).