Forestry Sciences Research Network Spatial Database

The FSRN Spatial Database is a Microsoft Access 2000 .mdb file used to store information about shared spatial data. If you are transferring spatial data to /data/fordata/ or some other public data location, please create a new record in this database so that others will know what you have done and how to find it. If you're not familiar with Microsoft Access, don't worry; it's really easy, and instructions are below. To learn more about Access, see Scott Gilpin's Access Tutorial.

If you are searching for spatial data within the FSRN network, then you may use this tool to help you find what you need. All you have to do is follow the directions below.

Please address any comments or concerns to the Database Manager.

To add a record to the FSRN Spatial Data database:

  1. In NT, open Microsoft Access 2000 from the Start/Program menu. If your computer does not have Access 2000, you can either install Access 2000, or go to a public computer in R215 or FSL217 and access the database.

  2. Open T:Groups\Spatial\spatial.mdb

  3. In the Database window, select the Forms tab.

  4. Double-click on 'Input' to open the input form.

  5. At the bottom of the screen, select the '>*' button to create a new record, or click the '>' button to scroll through all the records. Proceed by filling out the fields, using the TAB key to move through that record. Some fields have selection buttons for common responses. You may view a field description at the lower left corner of the window when the cursor is in a field box.

  6. You may add new records, but please do not edit other people's records. If you see a problem with another record, contact the recorder or the Database Manager.

To add many records to the FSRN Spatial Data database:

  1. Create a local copy of the Excel spreadsheet T:Groups\Spatial\import.xls

  2. Complete the fields in Excel, where pasting and filling is much quicker. Be familiar with the keywords of the database and make sure the format of your spreadsheet columns matches those required by the database fields. Don't add anything for the ID column; Access will do that on its own.

  3. In NT, open Microsoft Access 2000 from the Start/Program menu.

  4. Open T:Groups\Spatial\spatial.mdb
  5. In the Database window, select the Tables tab.

  6. Double-click on 'Input' to open the input table.

  7. At the bottom of the screen, select the '>*' button to move beyond the last record and create a new record.

  8. Return to your Excel spreadsheet, select all the rows by scrolling down the far left of the screen, and Right-hold/Copy.

  9. In Access, Paste your selection into the last available record (which will create new records) using a Right-hold/Paste.

  10. If there are problems with this method, it most likely means that some of your Excel cell formats do not match the formats of the fields. An Error Table is created with the partial contents of records which were not appended successfully. Study this table to try to solve the problem.

  11. You may add new records, but please do not edit other people's records. If you see a problem with another record, contact the recorder or the Database Manager.

To query the FSRN Spatial Data database:

  1. Open T:Groups\Spatial\spatial.mdb
      Drive T: is Forestry Share

  2. You can search the database using a Keyword Query, Custom Query, or Form Filter:

      Keyword Query:
      In the Database window, select the Query tab.
      Double-click on 'Keyword_Search'.
      Enter a keyword into the dialog box. The query will then return basic information about the records which match your keyword in the Abstract or Theme Keywords. You can then open the View Form to see the entire record.

      Custom Queries:
      In the Database window, select the Query tab.
      Double-click on one of the custom queries such as 'COAST' or 'BLM'.
      The query will then return basic information about the records which fit that query. You can then open the View Form to see the entire record.

      Form Filter:
      In the Database window, select the Forms tab.
      Double-click on 'View' to open the database view form.
      Filter the records using an advanced filter:
        Select Records/Filter/Advanced Filter-Sort
        When the ViewFilter1: Filter box opens, select fields to sort or filter by clicking in the far right of the Field box to obtain the selection menu
        If desired, choose Ascending or Descending sort
        Limit the records displayed by entering ranges or terms in the Criteria box
      For example, this is how you would limit the records displayed to Polygon coverages in UTM projection updated since 1 Jan 1990 for Oregon:

      Then choose Records/Filter/Apply Filter to limit the records shown according to your constraints. You can return to viewing the entire data set by choosing Records/Filter/Remove Filter.



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