field surveys
On-location data gathering
Field surveys are research conducted on location rather than in a laboratory or office.
Scientists perform field surveys to collect data in natural environments: The field survey documented seventeen species of native grasses.
In land development and construction, field surveys measure and map terrain features, property boundaries, and elevations.
The term emphasizes firsthand observation and measurement at the actual site.
- boots on groundSoldiers in combat zone
- on the groundIn contact with earth
- site visitsIn-person location assessments
- GPS devicesSatellite-based location tools
- satellite imageryEarth views from orbit
biodiversity · environmental science · archaeology · census data · drones · research methods · tape measures · compasses · forestry · wildlife management · respondents · urban planning · agriculture · land use · GPS · recording · observations · data collection
field surveyslaboratory analysis
Scientific testing of specimens
laboratory research · controlled experiments · lab experiments · laboratory experiments · laboratory testing
field surveysliterature reviews
Summaries of prior scholarship
meta-analysis · remote sensing · library research · computer simulations
field surveyspure theory
mathematical modeling · computer simulations · thought experiments