Sample categories

Sample plot data are organized under sample categories. Each record in this file (you may only have one) registers a category of sample plot data. Examples are Botanical Survey Plots; Forest inventory; Permanent Sample Plots. You must have at least one cagegory entry to use the sample module. The category file is part of your BRAHMS database and unlike the sample metadata and data files, the file structure cannot be changed.

You must enter at least one sample category record to use the plot sample module. The category verbally describes the type of sample plot and where the data are stored.

The main sample category file fields in file are explained below:

• Tag: Standard field used for tagging records
• Del: Standard field used for record deletion

• Sample category code: Each category is assigned a short code (max 5 characters). Any codes can be used although try to make them meaningful. Examples are  'INV' for Inventory data and 'PSP' for Permanent Sample Plots. The code is important as it's used to name header and template files.
• Sample category name: The category name can be up to 50 characters long.
• Directory (folder location): This field specifies the location of the header and data files for this sample category. It's recommended that you create a separate folder to store all the data for each sample category.
• Header file name: The name of the category header file. The header file stores description of each sample plot of this data category.
• Template for new data files: The data template file is copied when you create new data files for this cateofgry of data.

To Add a new category, select the toolbar. This opens a dialog form as shown below:

In this example, the category file already includes 4 separate plot sample categories. Each category is given a Name and a Sample code. When you create a category, the header file and the data template for this category of data are auto-created. You can modify the structure of these files now or later if necessary.

The category file has Tools options including options to:

• Edit the header file structure for the current category
• Edit the data template
• for the current category

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