Using iNaturalist in a Coverboard Protocol to Measure Data Quality: Suggestions for Project Design

We evaluated the accuracy of data records generated by citizen scientist participants using iNaturalist in a coverboard sampling scheme, a common method to detect herpetofauna, involving 17 species of amphibians and reptiles. We trained and observed 10 volunteers working over an eight-month period at a study site in Sonoma County, California, USA. A total number of 1,169 observations were successfully uploaded to the iNaturalist database by volunteers including a new locality for Black Salamander. Volunteers were generally successful in collecting and uploading data for verification but had more difficulties detecting smaller, camouflaged salamanders and photographing quick-moving lizards. Errors associated with uploading smartphone data were reduced with volunteer experience.

https://theoryandpractice.citizenscienceassociation.org/articles/10.5334/cstp.131/

Posted on July 10, 2019 08:54 PM by biohexx1