Habitats and Rare Priority Protected Species (HaRPPS) data quality

 

Linkages between the species attributes in the HaRPPS database have been formed from a review of the literature, as well as from researching the experiences and expert opinions of practitioners within forest management.

The information flow model shows how the data quality value and a citation table operate as core features within the HaRPPS database. Every piece of information stored in the system has a citation and data quality value. HaRPPS therefore offers the transparency required when mixing evidence and experience-based information presented to a user or reviewer of the information.

The data quality table (below) provides a means of classifying the type and quality of information used in the database. Information is tagged in the review process to identify the source and its quality:

Classification of data quality in HaRPPS to allow the user or reviewer of the system to assess the reliability of the information provided by the system

Quality class	Description
5	Peer reviewed papers and books
4	Web sites (known quality review process) and expert knowledge
3	Unpublished internal reports
2	Web sites (unknown review process)
1	Anecdotal experience

Information gained from the results of scientific research published in peer reviewed papers and books is given a classification 5.

Information may also be derived from un-replicated trials (3) and observations from rangers and managers (1), allowing its reliability and hence some of the uncertainty associated with the information to be considered.