Electronic data collection in the National Aquatic Resource Surveys (NARS)

This presentation provides background on the development of electronic data capture for the National Aquatic Resource Surveys (NARS). When NARS began, paper field forms were used, but this was an inefficient approach prone to data entry errors. Starting in 2017, NARS converted to primarily digital data capture using iPads. This brief overview of this change in approach is meant as an introduction to the topic for a panel discussion. 

Impact/Purpose

This presentation is part of a panel on electronic data collection for the 14th National Monitoring Conference. The presentation will provide an overview of one approach used by the National Aquatic Resource Surveys (NARS) to collect data electronically. It will provide attendees with background and motivating information that drove the decision to switch from paper forms to electronic data collections for NARS.  

Citation

Blocksom, K. Electronic data collection in the National Aquatic Resource Surveys (NARS). To be presented at 14th National Monitoring Conference, Green Bay, WI, March 10 - 14, 2025.