Transect Survey

Survey along a defined line recording species at specific distances.

Overview

Transect surveys involve walking along a predetermined line and recording observations at measured distances. This method provides spatial data about species distribution along an environmental gradient.

When to Use Transects

• Vegetation surveys
• Stream/river monitoring
• Edge effect studies
• Gradient analysis
• Forest structure assessment
• Bird line transects

Transect Types

FieldEco supports multiple transect configurations:

Setting Up a Transect

Basic Configuration

Marking Transects

Best practices for field setup:

1. Mark start point with GPS waypoint
2. Use compass for bearing
3. Measure with tape or GPS track
4. Mark end point

Direction Helper (Compass-Guided Transects)

FieldEco includes a built-in compass direction helper that guides you along your transect bearing in real-time.

Supported Directions

Using the Direction Helper

1. Select your transect direction during setup
2. The mini-compass appears during data collection
3. Follow the real-time bearing indicator
4. Color-coded guidance shows deviation:
   • Green: On track (within ±20°)
   • Yellow: Move left or move right
   • Arrows: Point toward correct direction

Distance Tracker

While walking, the distance tracker shows:

• Distance Covered: Meters walked from start
• Distance Remaining: Meters to transect end
• Current Position: Percentage complete

Calibration Tips

1. Hold phone flat, screen facing up
2. Move away from metal objects
3. Figure-8 calibration if compass drifts
4. Check bearing before starting

Data Collection

Recording Observations

For each species observed:

1. Distance Along - How far from start (m)
2. Perpendicular Distance - How far from center line
3. Species - Species identification
4. Count - Number of individuals
5. Additional data - Varies by taxa

Taxa-Specific Data Collection

FieldEco provides specialized fields for different organism groups. Select your taxa group during setup to get the appropriate data fields.

Plants (3 Methods)

LINE_INTERCEPT

• Record species touching the transect line
• Measure total intercept length per species
• Calculate percent cover

BELT_QUADRAT

• Fixed-width corridor (e.g., 2m each side)
• Record all plants within belt
• Measure DBH, height for trees

POINT_INTERCEPT

• Record species at regular intervals
• First hit or all hits option
• Calculate frequency and cover

Birds (2 Methods)

DISTANCE_SAMPLING

• Perpendicular distance to each bird
• Detection type: Visual, Call, Song, Flyover
• Distance bands: 0-10m, 10-25m, 25-50m, >50m
• Sex and age if determinable

FIXED_WIDTH

• All birds within set distance (e.g., 25m)
• Simpler protocol, no distance estimation
• Detection type still recorded
• Behavior notes

Mammals (2 Methods)

DISTANCE_SAMPLING

• Similar to bird distance sampling
• Perpendicular distance recorded
• Group size for herding species

SIGN_SURVEY 11 sign types available:

Age categories: Fresh, Recent, Old, Very Old

Invertebrates (2 Methods)

SWEEP_NET

• Number of sweeps recorded
• Specimens per sweep
• Vegetation height/type

PITFALL

• Trap-based collection
• Link to trap survey for details
• Time since deployment

Herpetofauna (2 Methods)

VISUAL_ENCOUNTER

• Active searching time
• Microhabitat (rock, leaf litter, tree, water)
• Substrate temperature
• Activity state

COVER_OBJECT

• Artificial or natural covers
• Cover dimensions
• Species per cover
• Recapture tracking

GPS Track Recording

FieldEco can record your walking path:

1. Enable GPS tracking at survey start
2. Walk the transect at steady pace
3. Track saves automatically
4. Review path in map view

Best Practices

Before the Survey

• Scout transect location
• Determine appropriate length
• Check GPS accuracy
• Plan bearing direction

During the Survey

• Walk at consistent speed
• Stop to record observations
• Use laser rangefinder for distances
• Note any obstacles

Data Quality

• Record start/end coordinates
• Note any deviations from line
• Document visibility conditions
• Time your survey

Analysis Integration

Transect data enables:

• Density estimation - Species per unit area
• Distance sampling - Detection functions
• Spatial patterns - Distribution analysis
• Gradient analysis - Environmental relationships

Related Documentation

• Quadrat Survey - Plot-based alternative
• Point Count - For bird surveys
• GPS Tool - Navigation support