VIDA Collections Data Registry

Invertebrate collection data represent arguably the largest biodiversity dataset in existence for Vermont. These data, gathered by hundreds of collectors, comprise an estimated >2 million records over the past 100 years. But knowing that these collections exist(ed) and accessing their data is difficult if not impossible. VIDA aims to identify, catalog and organize these findings into existing biodiversity information standards.

The VIDA Collections Data Registry is an archive of descriptive metadata associated with all Vermont collections or collections that contain Vermont data.  As a VIDA data provider, it will be essential that the data registry is completed for each contributed dataset, and that it fully describes each dataset.  As an analyst, it will be critical that you download the collections data registry associated with each dataset being used.  Without it, comparing datasets can be impossible.

VIDA will compile information about these monitoring projects using metadata descriptions specified by standards such as the Biological Data Profile of the FGDC Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata and . The VIDA Collections Data Registry will be an archive of descriptive metadata for all Vermont collections or collections that contain Vermont data and will be available on the VIDA website as well as other biodiversity information resources, such as the National Biological Information Inventory (NBII) metadata clearinghouse, as a “card catalogue” to Vermont’s invertebrate collections.

In order for VIDA to have the most complete description of your collection or dataset, we ask all VIDA contributors to fill out a data registry form. The estimated time to complete this form is less than 30 minutes. The form is electronic for easy use or can be printed and mailed.

VIDA Data Registry Form Download:

MS Excel download

PDF Form download

Please send you completed form to VIDA@vtecostudies.org or by postal mail to the address below. Thank you!