Monitoring MPA visitor uses handbook

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7. Archiving and processing dataStoring, processing and interpreting data are major steps in the study. The aim is to create a record of visitor usesand produce results that are useful for management purposes. Thought should be given to the organisation andanalysis of data before it is collected, to avoid problems such as split data, different data formats, and difficultiescorrelating information.7.1 Creating a databaseA database allows the information necessary for thestudy or monitoring to be centralised and archived forlater use.Level-1 analysisSpecific studyLevel-2 analysisMonitoringLevel-3 analysisIn-depth studyThe time required to create a database should not beunderestimated. This step should be planned, or evencompleted, before you begin collecting data. It is acrucial step in the production of visitor use monitoringresults.Several computer media can be used, depending onthe data entry and processing objectives. However, it isimportant to opt for a simple system that is within thereach of the monitoring team. A few examples will helpguide managers in their choice :• A database consisting of Microsoft Excel-typespreadsheets is recommended as they are easy touse. However, careful organisation is necessary whenhandling several files to avoid information being scatteredbetween several computers. Spreadsheets canonly contain a limited number of data and are appropriatefor specific, short-term studies. Macros can beused to facilitate data capture but this remains a tedioustask and must be carefully guided (by a manualof typology codes for example) and regularly checked.• Geospatial databases in a Geographic InformationSystem (GIS) make spatial information analyses possible,particularly counts. They demand extensivestructuring work and sound user training. They shouldonly be used to achieve elaborate processing andmapping goals.• With Microsoft Access or Open Source database managementsystems (DBMS), a large amount of datacan be organised and stored in a single tool. Theyare particularly appropriate for long-term monitoring.However, special computer skills are required to structureand update them. As a database user, the managermay use a service provider to carry out these tasks,but this means that clear specifications must first bedrafted. The specifications may include the creationof simplified and secure capture interfaces, and programmesto automate the main computing processes.Organised series ofspreadsheetsDBMSFigure 13 : Choice of database based on analysis goalsDBMS + GIS7.2 Recommendations for databaseuse• Appoint a database manager who will report any difficultiesto the study coordinator.• If the database is used internally, access to it may beunrestricted. However, in the event of any external useor involvement of trainees, access to the databaseshould be secured with codes for example, to avoid allalteration to the source data.• Store source information in the database, not interpretedor analysed data. Bear in mind that an interpretationis only relevant for a certain amount of time andcan eventually become meaningless.• Do the processing without altering the source data.• Opt for the easiest processing operations possible,close to the field data. Avoid overly complex interpretationsand correlations which render the results difficultto understand. TABLE OF CONTENTS 42 COLLECTION VISITOR USE OBSERVATION AND MONITORING IN MEDITERRANEAN MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
List of data archiving tables and codes usedEx.: "Passenger arrivals per day" tableExample of archiving in a database management system (Microsoft® Office Access) :"Passenger arrivals per day" tableEx.: "Mooring boats count" tableThe data may be entered incode form.E.g. each area = onenumberBoat type:Sailboat = 1Motor boat = 2etc.Boat sizes:Less than 9m = 19-15m = 2, etc.The codes must be storedin the same file as the data.Archiving spreadsheets for data tables and codesExample of archiving in a spreadsheet (Microsoft® Office Excel) :"Mooring boats count" tableFigure 14 : Examples of archiving. TABLE OF CONTENTS 43 COLLECTION VISITOR USE OBSERVATION AND MONITORING IN MEDITERRANEAN MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
Page 1: Visitor Use Observationand Monitori
Page 5 and 6: AuthorsLETG Brest Géomer - UBOThe
Page 7 and 8: List of figures & tablesFigure 1: M
Page 9 and 10: 1. Purpose and target audienceof th
Page 11 and 12: 1.2.4 Aims of the guideThis guide a
Page 13: 2.2.1 Level 1: a basic analysis to
Page 16 and 17: 4.1.4 Safety indicatorSafety is oft
Page 18: 5. IndicatorsBased on the requireme
Page 22 and 23: Time and cost : This depends on the
Page 24 and 25: ...Aerial picture of Porquerolles,
Page 26 and 27: ObservationBoatsMooringDate Time ar
Page 28 and 29: 5.5.4 AdviceCatches in the MPA are
Page 30 and 31: Gaining knowledge to improve manage
Page 32 and 33: Ex. 1 Annual monitoringfor each use
Page 34 and 35: pondents are comfortable and availa
Page 36 and 37: 5.10.3 Framework protocolData colle
Page 38 and 39: 5.12.2 Relevant MPA typesMPAContine
Page 40 and 41: 5.15.2 Relevance of the Economicben
Page 44: 8. Reporting and sharing resultsRep
Page 48 and 49: charters for a professional, recrea
Page 50 and 51: Technical datasheet - Overflight fo
Page 52: The MedPAN collectionThe MedPAN col

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