Management of dataset is often time- and labor-consuming in repeated census of ecological communities, e.g. tree census in a forest dynamics plot. As the dataset becomes bigger, the dataset management becomes increasingly complicated.

Despite existing data handling tools that utilize a “cleaned” dataset, less attention has been paid to tools for field survey and dataset preparation. Here we developed an iOS app that is optimized for repeated census of forest trees. The app is designed by FileMaker Pro and runs on unlimited number of iOS devices equipped with FileMaker Go. The system comprises pages for each tree, like a medical chart, including a variety of information (values in previous censuses, attributes of the tree, etc.) in each page. It features strong data searching and easy value diversion from existing records. We also developed a macro tool to quickly merge partial data from multiple devices, making surveys with multiple teams more efficient.

We have tested this system in the field and found advantages for a great reduction of time for data input and, in addition, for avoidance of human errors and input omissions. This system is customizable, using FileMaker Pro, for repeated censuses in any other ecosystems.