Basic Information
Name: The Database for Inventory, Monitoring and Assessment
Acronym: DIMA
Author/Owner/Steward: USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range
Type: Database
Platform: Microsoft Access
Website: DIMA page on Jornada Website
Description
The Database for Inventory, Monitoring and Assessment (DIMA, a.k.a “the Rangeland Database”) is a Microsoft Access database for the entry, storage, reporting, and export of data for 16 different rangeland assessment and monitoring methods. The Rangeland Database was designed so that it can be easily used without Access knowledge. The database was developed to increase data entry speed and precision in both field and office. Data can be rapidly entered in the field using a Tablet PC (touchscreen entry) or in the office on a standard computer (keyboard entry) with user-specified choice lists. The database can be easily customized to suit the user’s needs. The database has many applications including: monitoring, collecting quantitative data to support rangeland assessments, collecting qualitative data to assess range health, and documenting ecological site descriptions. To get much more detailed information about DIMA and to download the free program, please visit DIMA page on the Jornada website.
DIMA Features
- Microsoft Access platform – fast and flexible, and no need to install additional software
- Data-entry forms for 16 field methods
- Supports touch-screen data entry with Tablet PCs
- Drop-down species lists speed data entry
- Import and export data to Excel
- Automated import of species lists from the USDA-NRCS PLANTS database
Contact Information
Contact Name: Ericha Courtright
Contact Email: ericha@nmsu.edu
URL: http://jornada.nmsu.edu/monit-assess/dima