TEMS

11 September 2002

GTOS has recently completed a comprehensive survey of TEMS users and administrators to determine the accessibility and utility of TEMS. This was also an important opportunity to allow users to indicate what areas of the database they would like to see improved.

The results of the survey will be used as a guide in the production of the next version of the database and to assess what additional features would be of use.

View the Results

Modifications that have already been carried out include the addition of methodology sheets on biodiversity variables. The database now contains over 130 methodology sheets which define and characterize the variables, provide information on the main measurement methods used (units, frequency, accuracy, etc.) and indicate the major holders of the datasets.

The new biodiversity methodology sheets are:
Habitat conversion
Habitat fragmentation
Indicator species
Invasive species
Pollinator species
Species richness
Threatened species

The variables can be accessed at www.fao.org/gtos/tems under the "variables" section.

Please feel free to contact the GTOS Secretariat (gtos@fao.org) for further information or comments on the TEMS database.

© FAO   ::   Global Terrestrial Observing System - GTOS   ::   11 September 2002