Tools

MERCI: A Data Management and Catch Estimation System for Aerial-access and Aerial-roving Creel Surveys

Highlights

Rapid data entry and generation of catch reports

  • Keyboard intensive data entry with logical defaults (logical tab order, short-cuts, no-mouse navigation)
  • "Type ahead" lists - enter a few characters, automatically position to closest match
  • More optional fields, isolated on a separate tab
  • Easy to use grid controls
  • Standardized look and behaviour among all 4 primary data entry screens
  • Easy to use InExcel reporting tool for generating custom reports "in Excel"
  • More efficient multi-user data entry (robust locking/collision management)

Reduced data entry errors

  • Better record validation (invalid fields color coded, tool tip text provides description of most likely error)
  • Addition of "Paper Sheet ID" to allow cross-referencing of paper data forms with electronic records
  • Explorer interface makes it easy to locate and update records
  • More intuitive, standardized data entry screens
  • User update/delete activity and all errors logged to NT/Win2K Event Viewer (vbevents.log file on Win95/9 systems). Uses: (i) data entry error rates and user record update/delete frequency will correlate, (ii) log can be sent to technical support person/system administrator for more rapid diagnosis and correction.

Species-specific fishery regulations

  • Where fishery specific openings are present, users are instructured to enter overflight observations under the appropriate species-specific code for the Survey Observation Mode in the total gear count screen.

Catch estimates for non-target species

  • MERCI 3.0 provides catch estimates for any species for which catch interview data are routinely gathered and entered. Users must select the species from the list within the Catch by species frame. If the species name does not appear in the grid — catch estimates will not be produced.

Improved database flexibility and efficiency

MERCI Explorer - Simplified data management! MERCI Explorer features include:

  • Context specific Filter to locate specific records (applied after updates)
  • Proper numeric, date, time and text sorting
  • Check-mark to point to records that have been selected for edit to allow rapid verification of changes
  • Streamlined integration with data entry screens