Scientific publications

The article describes the structure and methods of filling and using the information system created to accumulate data from long-term surveys of small mammals at the Gomselga Biological Research Station of the Institute of Biology KarRC RAS. The data obtained in the period from 1994 to 2022 total 5404 records on individual animals and 668 records on sampling lines. The relational database on small mammals is linked to the GIS which maps of the spatial distribution of animal habitats and the locations of sampling lines. The information system permits storing different types of data in separate interlinked tables which make the source material more visual and easily verifiable. Data are shared between different program environments using the simple csv format. The database and GIS tables are linked via a composite key field facilitating accurate matching of objects (individuals) to unique samples (lines). To acquire a certain subset the user makes a multistage query which is both easily editable and enables control at each stage of data selection and integration. The proposed structure of the information system is universal in nature and applicable whenever series of samples are collected simultaneously in a given locality. The system can be used in the MS Excel, Access, LO Calc, Base, R, and QGIS program environments. The formats of data presentation in tables and links between tables and GIS layers are discussed; the structure and types of queries are presented. Sample queries for acquiring data for subsequent processing by quantitative methods and for illustrations are provided.