GiGL provide expert advice and support on data standards for organisations undertaking surveys. As part of this service, GiGL have produced a suite of guidance documents tailored to specific survey types, outlining recommended data standards and resources available. These can be viewed and downloaded below.
Applying GiGL’s recommended survey data standards will improve the ease of handling results and enable their incorporation into London wide datasets without loss of information. This maximises survey investment by ensuring the data are preserved in a format that supports efficient processing and valid analysis that can inform current and future projects.
Surveyors should be notified prior to any survey of the available guidance and encouraged to follow the agreed data standards. We would always encourage surveyors to contact GiGL in advance of undertaking extensive survey work to discuss their specific plans.
If you have any queries about how to record or supply data, or any suggestions or feedback about these documents, please contact the GiGL team.
Guidance documents
General
General guidance on survey data standards and accessing GiGL resources to support preparation and delivery when undertaking ecological surveys. This includes information on mapping, metadata and how to provide data.
Data Guide
Essential reading for data users, this guide is an overview of all datasets managed and, or, provided by GiGL. It includes dataset descriptions and attribute information to help you understand your data.
SINCs
Guidance on SINCs (Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation) data standards and available resources for site surveyors. This document was produced in partnership with the London Wildlife Sites Board (LWSB).
More information on GiGL’s SINCs dataset can be found here.
SINC AoD
Guidance on SINC AoD (Areas of Deficiency in Access to Nature) data standards and available resources for site surveyors.
More information on GiGL’s SINC AoD dataset can be found here.
Open Spaces
Guidance on Open Space data standards and available resources for site surveyors.
More information on GiGL’s Open Spaces dataset can be found here.
Habitats
Guidance on habitat and land use data standards and available resources for site surveyors.
More information on GiGL’s Habitats dataset can be found here.
Species
Guidance on Species data standards and available resources for site surveyors.
More information on GiGL’s Species dataset can be found here.