[Tdwg-obs] What is an observation?

[Lynn Kutner]

Two comments / suggestions - 
 
1) Our definition of observation not be limited to only recording data (including images and sound) and allow for the possiblity of people taking physical samples that may or may not be incorporated into a natural history collection.
 
2) The universe for our observations also include ecological / natural communities in addition to organisms. There is quite a wealth of information being collected at this broader more "habitat" level.
 
Thanks - 
Lynn 
 
 
Lynn Kutner
NatureServe
www.natureserve.org
(303) 541-0360
lynn_kutner at natureserve.org

________________________________

From: Tdwg-obs-bounces at lists.tdwg.org on behalf of Hannu Saarenmaa
Sent: Wed 10/19/2005 8:40 AM
To: Tdwg-obs at lists.tdwg.org
Subject: Re: [Tdwg-obs] What is an observation?



How about this:   An observation captures data about the occurrence of
an organism in space and time and in relation to habitat and other
organisms.  Documenting the precision, accuracy, certainty, and methods
of the measurements that have been made during an observation is
essential for determining the fitness for use of the data that has been
captured. An observation is an event that can be linked to other events.

Indeed, I would like to emphasise the need of documenting what is called
"quality".

Hannu