Specifies the types of quantification methods used in datasets, including definitions of each classification system.
The below list of data types is sorted by groups, as defined by the data_type_group_id
Continuous data types
| data_type_id | data_type_name | definition | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | Continuous | A measured quantity. | |
| 46 | Mixed-method dependent | Multiple datatypes from one method. (e.g. multiple isotope types from masspectrometry) |
Discrete data types
| data_type_id | data_type_name | definition | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Abundance | The absolute number of the counted element (e.g. seeds fossils) present in the sample. | |
| 9 | MNI | Minimum Number of Individual organisms as calculated from recorded parts (e.g. whole insect equivalents) |
Classification data types
| data_type_id | data_type_name | definition | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19 | Categorical | Data classified according to a set of predefined categories (e.g. temperature classes |
Presence only
| data_type_id | data_type_name | definition | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Presence | The element/fossil is present in the sample but not quantified (numerical classification where 1 = presence) |
Relative scale data types
| data_type_id | data_type_name | definition | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Spot test interpretation | The relative intensity of a spot test result on a three grade scale: 12 3 where 3 is the highest. | |
| 20 | Percentage | Data expressed as a percentage (i.e. out x of 100) |
Composite scale data types
| data_type_id | data_type_name | definition | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Partial abundance | A legacy data type used in BugsCEP to represent partially quantified and incomplete lists e.g. quantified up to 50 individuals and then estimated. | |
| 13 | Undefined other | Data type is not clearly defined could be a combination of quantification presence/absence and semi-quantification or qualification. Beware of using data of this type for quantification. | |
| 18 | Categorical & Scaled (0-5 | Mix of data specified on a scale of 0 to 5 where 0 is absence and 5 is maximum amount of property and data classified on the presence of a property (e.g. Granite = tempering by granite present) |
Chronological data types
| data_type_id | data_type_name | definition | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | Uncalibrated dates | Sample ages in uncalibrated values consisting of mean and error (+/-). Requires calibration to compare with calendar years. | |
| 15 | Counted dates | Sample ages derived from counted rings layers or dated events. | |
| 16 | Calendar dates | sample ages calibrated to calendar dates |
Geographical data types
| data_type_id | data_type_name | definition | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 43 | Estimated Years | Dates that are an estimation | |
| 44 | Composite date | A date which may include other information than the age such as season terminus and/or error margin. | |
| 45 | Approximate location | Geographical location given as approximate values or text. May include multiple levels text strings and exclusions (e.g. not Poland). |