DEPARTMENT OF LAND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

STEP 3 STEP 4
Data Processing Using your data Weed Data Collection
A FIELD GUIDE FOR COLLECTING WEED DATA FOR THE NT
Back in the office From the office to the field Land managers and on-ground workers such as contractors, farmers, stockmen and rangers
are often best placed to collect information about weeds.
The weed data consisting of where the weed was The most useful way to look at weed data is on a This Field Guide provides a step by step guide about the weed data collection process.
found AND the attributes of the weed, needs to be map, which can then inform your efforts in managing Detailed information is provided in the NT Weed Data Collection Manual intended for data
organised into a useful format. weeds: managers, researchers and land management agencies.
• distinguish between core and isolated infestations: The Weed Management Branch (WMB) is seeking co-operation from all stakeholders to use
Where was the weed? keep ‘clean areas clean’ by treating isolated weed the standards outlined in this guide for weed data collection.
infestations
Data needs to show the location (latitude and longitude)
of the weed, along with its identifying number. • identify key management areas, such as creek lines Why collect weed data?
infesting downstream areas
Consistent and reliable weed data is critical for effective weed management. Land managers
• categorise critical control areas, such as habitats can use data about the type of weeds, where the weeds are found, and the extent of the
with high biodiversity significance infestation to help prioritise on-ground actions.
• prioritise resource allocation – personnel,
herbicide, on-ground equipment How do I collect useful data?
• determine success of previous treatments, • Data needs to include the characteristics (attributes) of the weed AND where the weed is.
to decide on most effective future control
This is downloaded from the GPS and/or electronic • This guide describes the information which needs to be collected and recorded, and tools to
recorder using specific software depending on • inform machinery movement and hygiene do this.
land managers’ requirements. Downloaded data practices: weeds along tracks should be treated
to prevent vehicles spreading weeds further • A common tool in the Northern Territory is a Weed Data Collection Pocket Book (‘little white
is commonly saved as ESRI shape files (.shp) and
book’ available from the WMB). This should be used with a GPS.
manipulated in ArcGIS®. This is the preferred You can create your own map using a web
Weed Management Branch file format. application (eg. Google Earth, or using NR Maps • If you don’t own a GPS, you are still able to collect valuable weed information. Paper maps or
www.lrm.nt.gov.au/spatial-lrm/nrmapsnt), or internet web mapping applications can be marked to show where weeds are present.
Paper or electronic maps showing the location of your
weed record can be saved as images or web-links (eg. request assistance through the Weed Management • A range of digital mapping devices such as tablets and iPads
Google Earth or NR Maps). Branch. can also be used.
• Whichever tool is used, the attributes required
What were the weed remain the same.

characteristics?
Location (latitude, longitude) of the weed needs to be
matched with the corresponding weed ATTRIBUTES
which you have collected in your Weed Data Collection
Pocket Book or sheet.
Copy your weed attributes from your Weed Data Knowing WHERE your weeds are, helps you decide
Collection Pocket Book into an Excel spreadsheet HOW you need to manage them.
(available from the WMB), ensuring these match the
appropriate weed point data.
Preferably, copy and insert the latitude and longitude
data from your downloaded GPS so that all necessary This brochure is intended as a field guide;
data is combined in one spreadsheet. more resources and advice are available
from the Weed Management
Branch, including NT Weed
Data Collection Manual, How
to Download my Garmin GPS, A useful weed record must have Weed name, Date, Lat’/Long’, Size and Density of infestation
templates of Excel Spreadsheets
Ideally, provide the Weed Management Branch with
and spatial data requests.
this spreadsheet with all weed ATTRIBUTES; also
send, the GPS data file or the map image for the Email: [email protected]
LOCATION of the weed.
Ph: 8999 4567
STEP 1 STEP 2
Preparation Data Collection
Before heading into the field In the field
How will you collect the data? Characteristics of the weeds, called data attributes, are collected and entered. A weed infestation is usually given a single data point, and a unique data record identifier
(eg. GPS waypoint number). Ensure your GPS is set to Map Datum GDA94.
Tools include:
• Mark the point in the GPS (or on your paper map or image if you don’t have a GPS)
Manual Data Entry with a GPS
• Write down the GPS waypoint number (or identifying number from map), into your Weed Data Collection Pocket Book
Weed data is recorded manually into a data
• Write down the corresponding attributes of the weed infestation, as described below:
collection sheet, usually a Weed Data Collection
Pocket Book. The corresponding location is recorded
with a hand-held GPS. Core attributes to be recorded:
This will be the main method illustrated in this guide. These are the essential minimum requirements
necessary to ensure a reliable and consistent
Mary Jones Garmin62s #3 Daly/Dorat roads survey
You will need: Weed Data Collection Pocket Book /
datasheet, pen/pencil, hand-held GPS (spare batteries) weed record.
Foliar glyphosate360 31 Oct 2007
Who collected the data
Where was the data collected
GPS coordinates, waypoint number, or marker on map 25 Sicklepod 50 2  N N N Y
Name of the weed 26 Gamba 100 4    N Y
When was the data recorded 27 Gamba 20 3 Y Y N N Y
Manual Data Entry without a GPS Size Does the infestation fit within a 20, 50, or 28 Gamba 100 5 Y Y N N N Follow up
100m diameter
Weed data is marked on a hard copy of a map or an
image from a web mapping application (eg. Google
Density (1-5) of weed within that area
Earth or NR Maps, a free web mapping application,
(= the amount of groundcover that is weeds
see www.lrm.nt.gov.au/spatial-lrm/nrmapsnt).
as a proportion of the total ground cover)
You will need: Weed Data Collection Pocket Book / 1= Absent, no weeds
datasheet, pen/pencil, copy of map or image 2= <1%, very few, maybe a single plant
3 = 1-10%, a few small clumps
Digital GIS Data Entry 4 = 11-50%, a lot, up to half the area covered
5 = >50%, weed is the dominant cover
Electronic recorders eg. tablets / iPads / palm tops
containing a GPS can be programmed to record Was it treated Was the weed treated at
weed data, and to automatically log the location. this time? Y/N eg. foliar sprayed
You will need: Electronic device with weed data
collection software installed
Recommended attributes include: Where Size Density
• growth stages S=seedlings, J=juveniles, A=adults
What else might you need? • specific project, site or herbicide details
• Site information (eg. how to get to a specific site) (eg glyphosate 360/Round-Up®) 20m 50m 100m

• Copies of maps or images (paper or electronic)

• Any existing data uploaded into your GPS (eg. Optional attributes include:
track files, previous monitoring points, photos) • soil or vegetation characteristics
• Spare tools and equipment (eg. batteries, data • operational factors (additional herbicide details)
sheets, ID books, camera)
• biological control