  |
 |
Code and
Index Definitions
Protocol
| Route Creation | Seasonal
Sampling Conditions | Nightly Sampling
Conditions | Data Collection
| Stop Inaccessibility, Relocation, and Retirement
| Data Review Process | Index and
Code Definitions | Groundtruthing Guidelines
Amphibian Calling Index 1 Individuals can be counted; there is space between calls 2 Calls of individuals can be distinguished but there is some overlapping of calls 3 Full chorus, calls are constant, continuous and overlapping
Beaufort Wind Codes 0 Calm (<1mph) Smoke rises vertically 1 Light Air (1-3 mph) smoke drifts, weather vane inactive 2 Light Breeze (4-7 mph) leaves rustle, can feel wind on face 3 Gentle Breeze (8-12 mph) leaves and twigs move around, small flags extend 4* Moderate Breeze (13-18 mph) moves thin branches, raises loose papers
* Do not conduct survey at Level 4, unless in Great Plains5** Fresh Breeze (19 mph or greater) small trees begin to sway
** Do not conduct survey at Level 5 in ALL REGIONS
Sky Codes (note 3 and 6 are not valid code numbers) 0 Few Clouds 1 Partly cloudy (scattered) or variable sky 2 Cloudy or overcast 4 Fog or smoke 5 Drizzle or light rain (not affecting hearing ability) 7 Snow 8 Showers (is affecting hearing ability). Do not conduct survey
Noise Index* Yes/No system Massachusetts Noise Index Definition No 0 No appreciable effect
(e.g. owl calling)No 1 Slightly affecting sampling
(e.g. distant traffic, dog barking, one car passing)No 2 Moderately affecting sampling
(e.g. nearby traffic, 2-5 cars passing)Yes 3 Seriously affecting sampling
(e.g. continuous traffic nearby, 6-10 cars passing)Yes 4 Profoundly affecting sampling
(e.g. continuous traffic passing, construction noise)
*A regional program may choose whether an ambient noise is documented in yes/no format or by using the Massachusetts noise index.
