US Army Corps

of Engineers

Construction Engineering

Research Laboratories

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

USACERL ADP Report 95/13

July 1995

Land Condition Trend Analysis (LCTA) 

Data Collection Software Users Manual: 

Version 1.0

by

Alan B. Anderson, William Sprouse, David Kowalski, and Robert Brozka

The U.S. Army Construction Engineering Research

Laboratories (USACERL) developed the Land Condition-Trend Analysis (LCTA) program, a component of

the Integrated Training Area Management program

(ITAM). LCTA involves the inventory and monitoring of

natural resources to document resource condition and

assess the ability of the land to withstand impacts from

training and testing. LCTA is currently in use at more

than 40 installations with more than 7,200 permanent

field plots installed.

LCTA entails extensive data collection from field plots

on military installations. Data is gathered annually on

vegetation cover and composition, land use, and

surface disturbance. Originally, this information was

recorded on paper field sheets and later transcribed to

a computer for storage and analysis. Each plot

surveyed in the field required 16 sheets of paper with

approximately 200 plots located on each installation.

Data accuracy and integrity are primary considerations

in LCTA data collection. In recording and transcribing

such vast amounts of information, there is a high

probability for error.

Handheld field computers and customized LCTA data

collection software can reduce data collection and transcription errors while eliminating manual processing

and verification. This manual details the installation

and use of customized LCTA data collection, database

loading, and editing software. Each chapter covering

the four software programs lists minimum system

requirements for running the programs.
USACERL ADP 95/13 1

SF 298
2 USACERL ADP 95/13

Foreword

This study was conducted for the Office of the Directorate of Environmental

Programs (DAIM), Assistant Chief of Staff (Installation Management) (ACS(IM))

under Project 4A162720A896, “Environmental Quality Technology”; Work Unit

EN-TT4, “LCTA Systems Analysis and Reporting of Land Inventory Data.” The

technical monitor was Dr. V. E. Diersing, DAIM-ED-N.

The work was performed by the Natural Resources Assessment and Management

Division (LL-N) of the Land Management Laboratory (LL), U.S. Army Construction

Engineering Research Laboratories (USACERL). Dr. David J. Tazik is Acting

Chief, CECER-LL-N, Dr. William D. Severinghaus is Operations Chief, and William

Goran is Chief, CECER-LL. The USACERL technical editor was Linda L.

Wheatley, Technical Resources Center.

LTC David J. Rehbein is Commander and Acting Director of USACERL, and Dr.

Michael J. O’Connor is Technical Director.
USACERL ADP 95/13 3

Contents

SF 298 ................................................................ 1

Foreword .............................................................. 2

List of Figures and Tables ................................................ 5

Notice to Program Recipients ............................................. 9

1 Introduction ...................................................... 11

Background ....................................................... 11

Objective ......................................................... 12

System Requirements ............................................... 12

Document Syntax .................................................. 13

Mode of Technology Transfer ......................................... 13

2 LCTA Handheld Options Compiler Program ............................ 14

Introduction ....................................................... 14

System Requirements ............................................... 14

Installation ........................................................ 15

Program Features and Menu Options ................................... 15

General Program Use ............................................... 17

Getting Help ...................................................... 22

3 LCTA Handheld Field Computer Data Recording Program ................ 23

Introduction ....................................................... 23

System Requirements ............................................... 23

Installation ........................................................ 23

Starting the Program ................................................ 24

Using the Program ................................................. 24

Micropalm PC/4000 Handheld Computer ................................. 40

CMT MC-V Handheld Computer ....................................... 44

Output Data File Information .......................................... 50

Relationship Between Program Windows and Database Tables ............... 59

4 LCTA Field Data Database Loading Program ........................... 61

Introduction ....................................................... 61

System Requirements ............................................... 61

Installation ........................................................ 62
4 USACERL ADP 95/13

Program Features and Menu Options ................................... 62

Loading Individual Files .............................................. 65

Why Files Do Not Load .............................................. 67

Loading Data From Mixed Data Collection Techniques ...................... 67

5 LCTA Data Entry and Editing Program ................................ 71

Introduction ....................................................... 71

System Requirements ............................................... 71

Installation ........................................................ 71

Program Features and Menu Options ................................... 72

References ........................................................... 84

Appendix: Forms ...................................................... 85

Distribution
USACERL ADP 95/13 5

List of Figures and Tables

Figures

1 LCTA handheld Options Compiler program icons ...................... 15

2 Installation list box .............................................. 17

3 Enter new installation dialog box ................................... 18

4 Monitoring options dialog box ...................................... 18

5 Inventory options dialog box ....................................... 19

6 Optional variables dialog box ...................................... 19

7 History dialog box .............................................. 20

8 Compile options dialog box ....................................... 21

9 Start up window ................................................ 24

10 Title window ................................................... 26

11 Main menu window ............................................. 26

12 First plot information window ...................................... 26

13 Second plot information window .................................... 27

14 Third plot information window ...................................... 27

15 Aspect window ................................................. 27

16 Slope window .................................................. 28

17 Soil depth window .............................................. 28

18 Military land use window ......................................... 28

19 Non-military land use window ...................................... 29

20 Standard maintenance activity window ............................... 29

21 Other maintenance activity window ................................. 29

22 Erosion evidence window ......................................... 30

23 Line transect ground cover data window .............................. 30

24 Line transect vertical data window .................................. 31

25 Belt transect plot dimensions window ................................ 31

26 Belt transect data entry window .................................... 32

27 Random azimuth generator window ................................. 32

28 Plot comments window .......................................... 32

29 Retrieve existing plot data window .................................. 33

30 File overwrite warning message window .............................. 33

31 Plot number not entered warning message window ..................... 33

32 Save changes warning message window ............................. 34

33 Program exit window ............................................ 34

34 Modified slope window for basal area option ........................... 34

35 Modified line transect ground cover window for user defined option ......... 35

36 Optional table and user defined variables window ...................... 35
6 USACERL ADP 95/13

37 Title window ................................................... 36

38 Main menu window ............................................. 36

39 First plot information window ...................................... 36

40 Second plot information window .................................... 37

41 Military land use window ......................................... 37

42 Non-military land use window ...................................... 37

43 Standard maintenance activities window ............................. 38

44 Other maintenance activities window ................................ 38

45 Erosion evidence window ......................................... 38

46 Monitoring line transect window .................................... 39

47 Belt transect plot dimensions window ................................ 39

48 Monitoring belt transect data window ................................ 39

49 Optional table and user defined variables window ...................... 40

50 Optional line transect user defined data window ........................ 40

51 Battery warning message window .................................. 41

52 LCTA Field Data Database Loading program window .................... 63

53 Database selection dialog box ..................................... 63

54 Correct date dialog box .......................................... 64

55 About dialog box ............................................... 65

56 Loading data files by dragging and dropping files from the Windows File Manager

into the LCTA Field Data Database Loading program ................... 66

57 LCTA Data Entry and Editing program window ......................... 72

58 About dialog box ............................................... 73

59 Database selection dialog box ..................................... 73

60 Basic menu subselections ........................................ 74

61 Year-plot selection dialog box ...................................... 74

62 Basic plot information data entry form dialog box ....................... 75

63 Yearly menu subselections ........................................ 75

64 Year-plot selection dialog box ...................................... 76

65 Select inventory type dialog box .................................... 76

66 Land use data entry form dialog box ................................. 77

67 Periodic plot data entry form dialog box .............................. 78

68 Inventory and long-term line transect data entry form dialog box. .......... 79

69 Monitoring line transect data entry form dialog box ...................... 79

70 Initial and long-term inventory belt transect data entry form dialog box ....... 80

71 Monitoring inventory belt transect data entry form dialog box .............. 81

72 Global menu subselections ....................................... 81

73 Global vegetation name change dialog box ........................... 82

74 Global plot/date change dialog box .................................. 83
USACERL ADP 95/13 7

Tables

1 LCTA Handheld Field Computer Data Recording Program computer key and

function key use ................................................ 25

2 File transfer procedure for PC/4000 handheld computers ................. 42

3 Common handheld file transfer problems and solutions .................. 43

4 File transfer procedure for CMT MC-V handheld computers ............... 46

5 New command key sequences for the CMT MC-V handheld computers ...... 47

6 Common MS-DOS Kermit commands ............................... 48

7 Common problems encountered with CMT MC-V handheld computers ...... 50

8 Initial and long-term monitoring handheld data file formats ................ 51

9 Short-term inventory handheld data file formats ........................ 56

10 Relationship between the LCTA Handheld Field Computer Data Recording program windows and the LCTA database storage tables. .................. 59

11 Handheld file header format ....................................... 69

12 Conversion table for handheld header file codes to LCTA database names ... 70
8 USACERL ADP 95/13
USACERL ADP 95/13 9

Notice to Program Recipients

These programs are furnished by the U.S. Government and are accepted and used

by the recipient with the express understanding that the Government makes no

warranty, expressed or implied, concerning the accuracy, completeness, reliability,

usability, or suitability for any particular purpose of the information and data

contained in these programs or furnished in connection therewith, and the United

States shall be under no liability whatsoever to any person by reason of any use

made thereof.

These programs belong to the Government. Therefore, the recipient further agrees

not to assert any proprietary rights therein or to represent these programs to

anyone as other than Government programs. The recipient also agrees that the

program and all documents related thereto, including all copies and versions in

possession thereof, will be discontinued from use or destroyed upon request by the

Government.

The accuracy of these programs depends entirely on user-supplied data. It is the

user’s responsibility to understand how the data affects program output and to use

the output data only as intended.

Windows and MS-DOS are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft

Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399

Instalit is a trademark of Helpful Programs, Inc, P.O. Box 16078, Huntsville, AL

35802

Graphic Server SDK is a trademark of Pinnacle Publishing, Inc., P.O. Box 1088,

Kent, WA 98035-1088

SQLBase and Quest are trademarks of Gupta Technologies, Inc., 1040 Marsh Road,

Menlo Park, CA 94025

Turbo Pascal for DOS is a trademark of Borland International, Inc., P.O. Box

660001, Scotts Valley, CA 95067-0001
10 USACERL ADP 95/13
USACERL ADP 95/13 11

1 Introduction

Background

The U.S. Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratories (USACERL)

developed the Land Condition-Trend Analysis (LCTA) program, a component of the

Integrated Training Area Management program (ITAM). LCTA involves the inventory

and monitoring of natural resources to document resource condition and assess the

ability of the land to withstand impacts from training and testing. LCTA is currently

in use at more than 40 installations with more than 7,200 permanent field plots

installed.

LCTA entails extensive data collection from field plots on military installations. Data

are gathered annually on vegetation cover and composition, land use, and surface

disturbance. Originally, this information was recorded on paper field sheets and later

transcribed to a computer for storage and analysis. Each plot surveyed in the field

required 16 sheets of paper with approximately 200 plots located on each installation.

Data accuracy and integrity are priority considerations in LCTA data collection. In

recording and transcribing such vast amounts of information, human error is a high

probability. 

This manual details the installation and use of customized LCTA data collection

software. The four major sections of this manual represent four integrated software

programs that each have a distinct role in the LCTA data collection process. The first

section describes use of the LCTA Handheld Options Compiler Program that allows

an installation to create and customize the field data recording software. The second

section describes how to use the customized field data recording software. The third

section describes software for loading the handheld software data files into the

installation LCTA database. The fourth section describes data entry and editing

software that allows the user to enter data recorded on paper sheets directly into the

installation LCTA database. 
12 USACERL ADP 95/13

Objective

The objective of this manual is to provide the necessary information for users of the

LCTA database to install and use LCTA data collection software to reduce data collection and transcription errors while eliminating manual processing and verification.

System Requirements

All programs require an IBM-compatible 386 computer.

To install and run the LCTA Handheld Options Compiler Program, the following are

required:

• 4 MB RAM

• 200 MB hard drive

• Microsoft Windows version 3.1 or higher

• LCTA handheld Compiler installation disks

• Turbo Pascal for DOS version 5.0 or higher.

The LCTA Handheld Field Computer Data Recording Program requires:

1. MSDOS version 3 or higher (or compatible operating system)

2. 384K of conventional memory

3. 256K of disk space

4. IBM-compatible computer or handheld data recorder.

To install and run the LCTA Handheld Field Computer Data Recording Program, the

following are required:

• 4 MB RAM

• 200 MB hard drive

• Microsoft Windows, version 3.1 or higher

• LCTA Program Installation disks

• Gupta Technologies SQLBase, version 5.0 or higher

• LCTA database

Installing and running the LCTA Data Entry and Editing Program requires the

following:

• 4 MB RAM
USACERL ADP 95/13 13

• 200 MB hard drive

• Microsoft Windows, version 3.1 or higher

• LCTA Program Installation disks

• Gupta Technologies Inc. SQLBase, version 5.0 or higher

• LCTA database.

Document Syntax

This manual uses the following syntax conventions to describe user interaction with

the program.

• Italic text written between brackets < > is text that is entered at the 

computer.

• Normal text written between brackets < > is menu options.

Mode of Technology Transfer

Software can be obtained from USACERL. For technical support when using the

LCTA users interface program or for further information about the program or the

LCTA databases, contact the USACERL LL-N Division at 217-373-4420 or (outside

Illinois) 1-800-USA-CERL, or write to USACERL, LL-N Division, P.O. Box 9005,

Champaign, IL 61826-9005.
14 USACERL ADP 95/13

2 LCTA Handheld Options Compiler Program

Introduction

The LCTA handheld Options Compiler program (WNMAKEHH.EXE) is designed to

produce pascal source code for the LCTA data recording programs for inventory and

monitoring data collection using the options specified by the user. Once the source

code has been produced the Borland Turbo Pascal command line compiler is used to

generate executable files that can be loaded onto the handheld computers for data

collection.

Although a standard set of data must be collected for the LCTA program, many

installations need to collect supplementary data for regional differences or installation

specific needs. The LCTA handheld Options Compiler program allows installation

personnel to customize the handheld program to their needs by adding additional

variables. In addition, with the LCTA handheld Options Compiler program fielded at

the installation, there is no delay in getting the programs from the LCTA installation

support center before data collection begins.

System Requirements

To install and run the LCTA handheld Options Compiler program, the following are

required:

• IBM-compatible 386 computer

• 4 MB RAM

• 200 MB hard drive

• Microsoft Windows version 3.1 or higher

• LCTA handheld Compiler installation disks

• Turbo Pascal for DOS version 5.0 or higher.
USACERL ADP 95/13 15

Installation

The program files are supplied on 3.5 in. or 5.25 in. diskette(s) in a compressed format

with an installation program included. To install these files, Microsoft Windows must

be running on the computer. Follow the steps below. 

1. Select “File” from the Program Manager menu.

2. Select “Run” from the popup menu.

3. In the command line field type <B:\Instalit> or <A:\Instalit> depending on the

drive where the disk is located.

4. Follow the installation program’s instructions.

If the programs are to be installed on the D: drive, the installation program will create

the following directory structure:

D:\LCTA\PRGMS\HHCOMP {LCTA Handheld Compiler files}

Once the files have been installed and the Windows group created or updated, four

icons will be found in the group (Figure 1). To start the LCTA handheld Options

Compiler program, double click on the HH Compiler icon. Double click on the Kermit

icon to start MS-Kermit. Double click on the Help icons to start a Windows Help

session for the handheld compiler and data collection programs.

 

 HH Compiler Kermit Compiler Help Handheld Manual

Figure 1. LCTA handheld Options Compiler program icons. 

Program Features and Menu Options 

When the LCTA handheld Options Compiler program is started, the handheld

Compiler Program window will display the following menu options: Quit, Options,

Kermit, History, About, Test, and Help. Each command is discussed below. As with

any Windows program, this program can be minimized to an icon by selecting the
16 USACERL ADP 95/13

down arrow in the upper right corner of the program window. To restore the

minimized program, select the HH Compiler icon at the bottom of the screen. Notice

that when the cursor is moved into the handheld Compiler Program window the

pointer is changed to a small handheld computer.

Quit

This menu command terminates the program. If no source code has been written, the

program will terminate; if source code has been written, the compile process will begin.

Refer to the section Compiling Source Code on page 20 for further information.

Options

This menu command allows the user to select or enter an installation name and select

the options desired for the inventory and monitoring programs. When an installation

name has not been selected, the Inventory and Monitoring menu commands in the pull

down menu are not available. An installation name must be entered before these

options are available. Refer to Selecting Handheld Options on page 17 for further

information.

Kermit

This menu command starts the MS-Kermit program in a window. MS-Kermit is used

to upload and download files from the PC to the handheld recorder. This command is

not available until an installation name has been entered and options for inventory

and/or monitoring have been selected. For information about using MS-Kermit, refer

to the text file MSKERMIT.HLP, refer to the section Loading Files onto the CMT

MC-V on page 47 or enter the handheld Compiler Help session.

History

This menu command allows the user to view files written by the handheld compiler.

About

This menu command displays program information including the program version

number.
USACERL ADP 95/13 17

Test

This menu command allows testing of the handheld programs that have been

compiled. Initially this command is unavailable until the compile process has created

the executable program files INV2.EXE or MON2.EXE.

Help

This menu command starts the help session for the program.

General Program Use

Selecting Handheld Options

To begin selecting the options to be used in the handheld programs, select the

<Options> command from the menu. The Installation command is the only command

initially enabled. Select the <Installation> command from the popup menu; this

displays the installation list dialog box (Figure 2). To check for the installation in the

list box, place the pointer on the list box scroll bar arrows and hold down the left

mouse button. Once the installation name is found, click once on the installation

name, then click on the OK button.

Figure 2Installation list box.

If the installation name does not appear in the dialog box, select the New Installation

button, which will display the new installation dialog box (Figure 3). In the edit field,

type the name of the installation and the location in the same format shown in Figure

2. The format must be installation name;location with no spaces between the name,

semi-colon, and location. Once the name is entered, click the OK button.
18 USACERL ADP 95/13

Figure 3Enter new installation dialog box.

After the installation name is chosen from the list box or entered in the name field, the

<Inventory> and <Monitoring> commands under the <Options> menu command will

be enabled. The <Inventory> or <Monitoring> options must be selected before any

code can be compiled. If the default settings are to be used, the options dialog box

must still be activated in order to store the results. Figure 4 shows the dialog box for

the inventory options, and Figure 5 shows the dialog box for the monitoring dialog box.

The only difference between these two forms is the absence of the diameter at breast

height (DBH) option in the monitoring options. This difference is because woody

species are only tallied during monitoring years. 

If an additional variable is desired for the line transect data, select the optional button

under the Line Options box. Place the pointer in the Other Name edit field and click

the left mouse button once. The text entered in this field is limited to six characters

and will be displayed in the ground data screens on the handheld computers.

Figure 4Monitoring options dialog box.
USACERL ADP 95/13 19

Figure 5Inventory options dialog box.

Five additional variables can be entered by selecting the Optional Table button in the

Optional Options dialog box. The optional variables dialog box is displayed (Figure 6).

Enter the text in the edit field as described above for the Other Name field. When all

text is entered, select the OK button. These variables will be displayed on an

additional screen in the handheld program, and the data will be stored in an optional

table in the database.

Figure 6Optional variables dialog box.
20 USACERL ADP 95/13

The <History> menu command displays the history (Figure 7) and allows the user to

view files written by the program. This includes HISTORY.HH (a log of options

picked), OPTIONAL.INV (source code for the inventory options), OPTIONAL.MON

(source code for the monitoring options), and RUNMAKE.BAT (a batch file used to

compile the handheld programs). To view one of these files, either double click on the

file name in the file list box or single click on the name and click on the Read button.

The HISTORY.HH file is always appended to and may become too large for the editor

to display. If this occurs, a message will appear in the File Text box. Note that the

RUNMAKE.BAT file is written for compiling both the inventory and monitoring

programs; only the last copy written will be displayed. To leave this dialog box, click

the Cancel button.

Figure 7History dialog box.

Compiling Source Code

When an installation name has been entered and the options for inventory or

monitoring have been chosen, Turbo Pascal source code files will be written to the

current subdirectory. 

Once the <Quit> menu command is selected, the compile dialog box will be displayed

(Figure 8). The program requires the location of the Turbo Pascal command line

compiler TPC.EXE. If this file is found in one of the directories listed in the DOS path

statement, the directory will be displayed in the location field of the compile dialog.

If the file is not found, the user is required to enter the path of the TPC.EXE in the

location field and then select the compile button. If the user supplied path is invalid
USACERL ADP 95/13 21

*

CMT, Inc., 413 SW Jefferson Avenue, Corvallis, OR 97333.

**Micropalm, 13100-701 56th Court North, Clearwater, FL 34620.

r

Figure 8Compile options dialog box.

or the file can not be found, a message will be displayed. If the file is located, the

inventory or monitoring source code will be compiled into executable files with the

names INV2.EXE and MON2.EXE.

Testing the Executable File

Once an executable handheld program has been compiled, it can be tested by using the

<Test> menu command. Initially this command will be grayed out and unavailable

until the compile process has created INV2.EXE or MON2.EXE. To test the INV2.EXE

file, click on <Inventory> under Test, which will bring up the program in full screen

mode. Even though the program is being run on the PC, the output display is written

for the handheld screen, so the program screen will only appear in the upper left corner

of the PC screen.

Installing Files on the Handheld Data Recorder

MS-Kermit is used to transfer files from the PC to the CMT MC-V*

 handheld computer.

This section describes the use of the MS-Kermit program with the CMT MC-V

handheld computer. If the Micropalm** handheld computer is being used, the

connection program and bootable Connect disk supplied with the handheld computer

must be used. For information on loading files onto the Micropalm handheld

computer, refer to the Micropalm manufacturer documentation or read the section

Micropalm PC/4000 Handheld Computer Specific Information on page 40.
22 USACERL ADP 95/13

To run the MS-Kermit communications program, select <Kermit> from the menu.

This command is grayed out and unavailable until an installation name has been

entered and options for inventory or monitoring have been selected.

Use MS-Kermit to copy all handheld program files to drive D:. To avoid confusion,

delete any old program files (i.e., LCTA.EXE, MON.EXE, LCTA2.EXE, or MON2.EXE)

from the handheld computer before copying new ones. Use the CHMOD command on

the handheld computer to change the access rights of the file if required. After

changing to drive D:, use the following commands for CHMOD:

 CHMOD *.EXE

 at the prompt type: RWX

It is suggested that only one program be used on the handheld computer (i.e.,

INV2.EXE or MON2.EXE) so there is more room for data files; however, both

programs can be put on the handheld without problem.

To each end of the coiled cable, connect two black adapters, both supplied with the

CMT MC-V. Insert one end of the cable into the CMT MC-V’s COM 1 slot and the

other end into the PC’s COM1, or Serial 1 slot. Type Kermit on both the CMT MC-V

and the PC. The Kerm> prompt is displayed on the CMT MC-V and a MS-Kermit>

prompt on the PC. To transfer files from the PC to the CMT MC-V:

 type R on the CMT MC-V and press ENTER

 type S on the PC and press ENTER

 type the name of the file to be transferred to the PC

 (wildcards such as *.exe can be used).

When the transfer is complete, the program beeps. To transfer more files, repeat the

previous steps.

Getting Help

To get help with the Handheld Compiler program or the handheld program itself,

select the <Help> menu command. Clicking on any green text with a dotted underline

will bring up a definition box. When the solid-underlined green text is clicked on, the

program will jump to that subject. Topics can be browsed by clicking on the left and

right arrows in the menu bar. The help session contains a copy of the handheld

program manual. For further information on using a Windows help session, please

consult the Windows users manual.
USACERL ADP 95/13 23

3 LCTA Handheld Field Computer Data

Recording Program

Introduction

LCTA methodology entails extensive data collection from field plots on military

installations. Data accuracy and integrity are priority considerations in LCTA data

collection. In recording and transcribing such vast amounts of information, human

error is a high probability. Handheld field computers combined with the LCTA

Handheld Field Computer Data Recording Program can reduce data collection and

transcription errors while eliminating manual data processing and data verification.

System Requirements

The LCTA Handheld Field Computer Data Recording Program requires:

1. MSDOS version 3 or higher (or compatible operating system)

2. 384K of conventional memory

3. 256K of disk space

4. IBM-compatible computer or handheld data recorder.

Installation

If the handheld data recorder was setup by the LCTA installation support center, the

program should already be installed on the handheld data recorder. If the handheld

data recorder was not properly setup, see section Installing Files On The Handheld

Data Recorder, on page 21.

To set up a handheld recorder or computer, copy the executable program files to the

computer. See handheld computer documentation for instructions on copying files to

the handheld computer.
24 USACERL ADP 95/13

Enter Purpose 

----- -------------

LCTA LCTA program 

MON Monitor LCTA 

CONN PC/4000 to PC

 

B> 

 

Figure 9Start up window.

Starting the Program

For the handheld data recorders, turn the computer on by pressing the button on the

left side of the unit. This button also serves as the Shift key once the unit is on. The

button on the right side of the unit backlights the screen for use in low light conditions.

If the PC 4000 handheld recorder was set up by the LCTA installation support center,

the menu in Figure 9 will appear on the screen. If the computer was turned off before

properly exiting the program the last time it was used, it will return to the same point

in the program as when the computer was turned off.

LCTA—initial or long-term program

MON—short-term monitoring program 

CONN—connects unit to desktop PC 

To start a program, enter the appropriate command

at the computer prompt.

If the data recorder was not set up by the LCTA installation support center, the

startup window will not appear. Enter the program executable file name (MON.EXE

or INV.EXE) from the computer command prompt.

Using the Program

The computer keys and associated functions listed in Table 1 are used throughout each

version of the handheld data recording program.
USACERL ADP 95/13 25

Table 1. LCTA Handheld Field Computer Data Recording Program computer key and function key

use.

Key Function

ESC Return to the main menu.

F1 Copy the previous cover or species value within the transect windows

In the short-term monitoring program (MON.EXE), F1 also increments by 1 the belt

transect species/height number count. 

F2 Backspace over the character to the left of the cursor.

F3 In the short-term monitoring program MON, F3 subtracts 1 from the belt transect

species/height number count. 

F4 Move to the previous window.

F5 Go to the next window (or generate random azimuth in Main Menu option

number 1).

Cursor keys Move within a value or between cells (current value is saved).

SHIFT-8/9 Move up or down 10 meters in the Line transect ground window or move 10 entries

in the Belt transect data window.

F8 Toggle prostrate plant value on/off in Ground data window.

F9 Update the species list with the highlighted species code. The time needed for an

update may be up to 20 seconds. 

F10 Sort the Line transect vertical data by height within a plot. This option is useful for

inserting a missed vertical entry into its correct position.

ENTER Save the value within the cell.

LCTA Initial and Long-term Monitoring Program

This section describes use of the handheld data recording program for initial/long-term

and short-term monitoring versions of the program. Each section highlights the

features, use, and valid data values for each program window. Program windows

(Figures 10 through 50) are shown in the order that they appear in the program. The

program windows shown are for the standard LCTA data collection methods listed in

the LCTA field manual without additional data collection options. At the end of each

section, additional program windows or modified program windows showing optional

data collection fields are provided.
26 USACERL ADP 95/13

 Land Condition 

 Trend Analysis 

 Inventory Program

 

 Fort Hood 

 Texas 

 

USACERL-EN 01 May 94

Figure 10Title window.

 LCTA Inventory 

 1) Random azimuth 

 2) Enter plot 

 3) Edit past plot 

 4) Enter comments 

 5) Save data 

 6) Exit 

 Option: x 

Figure 11Main menu window.

Date: MM/DD/YYYY 

Plot #: xxx 

Plot type: xxxxx 

Surveyor 

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Recorder 

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

ESC Exit F5 Plot2

Figure 12. First plot information

window.

Window and Title Window Instructions and Valid Entries

This screen appears for a few seconds and automatically moves to the Main menu.

 

The name will vary for each installation. 

 

The date in the lower right hand corner remains

constant (date of last program update).

Press 1 to generate a random azimuth.

Press 2 to enter a new plot or edit current plot.

Press 3 to read a past plot file from disk. This

option will not work if changes to the current

data have not been saved.

Press 4 to enter comments. 

Press 5 to save the current data to disk. A warning will appear if the data file exists. 

Press 6 to exit. A warning will appear if changes

to the current data have not been saved. 

Use the up and down cursor keys (8 9) to move

between the five available fields. 

Use the left and right cursor keys (6 7) to move

through an individual field. 

Press F2 to backspace within a field.

Press ESC to return to the main menu.

Press F5 to go to the plot info 2 window. 

Plot # can consist of up to three numbers.

Plot type: press C for Core, S for Special use.

Surveyor and recorder can be up to 18 characters.
USACERL ADP 95/13 27

Plot# MM/DD/YYYY

 PLOT INFO 

 Easting: xxxxxx 

 Northing: xxxxxxx 

 Azimuth: xxx.x 

 Declination: xx.x 

 So.Series: xxxxxxxx

F4 Plot1 F5 Plot2 

Figure 13. Second plot

information window.

Figure 14. Third plot

information window.

Plot# MM/DD/YYYY

 ASPECT 

 N x S x 

 NE x SW x 

 E x W x 

 SE x NW x 

 Level x 

F4 Plot3 F5 Slope 

Figure 15. Aspect window.

Use the up and down cursor keys (89) to move

between the five available fields.

Use the left and right cursor keys (67) to move

through an individual field.

Press F2 to backspace within a field.

Press F4 to return to the plot info 1 window.

Press F5 to go to the plot info 3 window. 

 

 

 

Use the up and down cursor keys (89) to move

between the three available fields.

Use the left and right cursor keys (67) to move

through an individual field.

Two entry lines are available for U.S. Geological

Survey (USGS) quad and vegetation type

fields.

Press F2 to backspace within a field.

Press F4 to return to the plot info 2 window. 

Press F5 to go to the aspect window. 

Use the four cursor keys (8967) to move between

the nine available fields. 

Press X to check or SPACE to clear a field. 

Checking a field will erase any previous check.

Press F4 to return to the plot info 3 window.

Press F5 to go to the slope window.

 

 

 
28 USACERL ADP 95/13

Plot# MM/DD/YYYY 

 SLOPE 

 Loc PctSl Len 

 0m xx.x xxx.x

 50m xx.x xxx.x

100m xx.x xxx.x 

 

F4 Aspect F5 Soil 

Figure 16. Slope window.

Plot# MM/DD/YYYY 

 SOIL DEPTH 

 0 x 2-3 x 

 0-1 x 3-4 x 

 1-2 x >4 x 

 

F4 Slope F5 Land1 

Figure 17. Soil depth window.

Plot# MM/DD/YYYY

Military land uses 

 None x Foot x

 Wh'led x Bivou x

 Tr'ked x Demol x

 Excav x Other x

>xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

F4 Soil F5 Land2 

Figure 18Military land use

window.

Use the four cursor keys (8967) to move between

the six available fields.

Use the left and right cursor keys (67) to move

between fields and within a field. 

Press F4 to return to the aspect window. 

Press F5 to go to the soil depth window. 

Use the four cursor keys (8967) to move between

the six available fields.

Press X to check or SPACE to clear a field.

Checking a field will erase any previous check.

Press F4 to return to the slope window.

Press F5 to go to the military land use window. 

Use the four cursor keys (8967) to move between

the nine available fields.

Use the left and right cursor keys (6 7) to move

within the Other entry field.

Press X to check or SPACE to clear a land use

field. Leave blank if not applicable.

For unspecified land uses, enter X in Other and

specify in the bottom entry field (# 18

characters).

Press F4 to return to the soil depth window.

Press F5 to go to the non-military land use window.
USACERL ADP 95/13 29

Plot# MM/DD/YYYY

Non-military uses 

 None x Row cr x

 Sheep x Forest x

 Cattle x Hay x

 OthrGr x Other x

>xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

F4 Land1 F5 Activ 

Figure 19. Non-military land use

window.

Plot# MM/DD/YYYY

Maintenance Activity

 None x Mowing x

 PrBurn x Seedng x

 AcBurn x Plant' x

 Till x ChemAp x

 

F4 Land F5 Act2 

Figure 20. Standard

maintenance activity window.

Plot# MM/DD/YYYY

Maintenance Activity

 ChemAp (type) 

>xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 Other 

>xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

F4 Act1 F5 Erosn 

Figure 21. Other maintenance

activity window.

Use the four cursor keys (8967) to move between

the nine available fields.

Use the left and right cursor keys (6 7) to move

within the Other entry field.

Press X to check or SPACE to clear a land use

field. Leave blank if not applicable.

For unspecified land uses, enter X in Other and

specify in the bottom entry field (# 18

characters).

Press F4 to return to military land use window.

Press F5 to go to the maintenance activity window.

Use the four cursor keys (8967) to move between

the eight available fields.

Press X to check a land use field or SPACE to

clear an activity field. Leave the field blank if

it does not apply.

Press F4 to return to the non-military land use

window.

Press F5 to go to the other maintenance window.

Use the up and down cursor keys (89) to move

between the two available fields. 

Use the left and right cursor keys (67) to move

within an individual field. Specify the type of

chemical or other applications (# 18

characters).

Press F2 to backspace within a field.

Press F4 to return to the standard maintenance

window.

Press F5 to go to the erosion window.
30 USACERL ADP 95/13

Plot# MM/DD/YYYY 

Wind Ero Water Er

 NoEvd x NoEvd x

 Drift x Sheet x

 Scour x ActGul x

 PedPl x PedPl x

 DbrDam x

F4 Activ F5 Line 

Figure 22. Erosion evidence

window.

Plot# MM/DD/YYYY 

 Ground data 

Loc D Cover 

 0.5 x xxxxxx 

 1.5 x xxxxxx 

 2.5 x xxxxxx 

 3.5 x xxxxxx 

F4 Erosn F5 Line2 

Figure 23. Line transect ground

cover data window.

Use the four cursor keys (8967) to move between

the nine available fields.

Press X to check a land use field or SPACE to

clear an erosion field. Leave the field blank if

it does not apply.

Press F4 to return to the other maintenance

window.

Press F5 to go to the line transect ground window.

Use the up and down cursor keys (8 9) to move

between the available fields. 

Use the left and right cursor keys (6 7) to move

between fields and within Cover (6 will move

to the vertical window from the Cover field).

Press ENTER in Cover to move to next D.

Press SHIFT-8/SHIFT-9 to move up/down ten

entries.

Press F1 to copy the previous Cover value.

Press F2 to backspace within a field.

Press F8 to toggle on/off prostrate plant value.

Press F9 (SHIFT-F4) to add a species to the list.

Press F4 to return to the erosion window.

Press F5 to go to the line transect vertical window.

Installations recording nearest neighbor can enter data to right of Cover.

D: N, R, P, T, or O.

 Cover: Species code, LICHEN, MOSS, ALGAE,

DG, DF, DS, DT, DW, LG, LF, LS, LT, G, F, S,

T, RO, GR, or BG.

 Press F8 to toggle on/off prostrate plant value (“p”

appears after the species name when on).
USACERL ADP 95/13 31

Plot# MM/DD/YYYY 

 Vertical data 

Loc Species Ht

xxxx xxxxxx xxx

xxxx xxxxxx xxx

xxxx xxxxxx xxx

xxxx xxxxxx xxx

F4 Line1 F5 Belt 

Figure 24. Line transect vertical

data window.

Plot# MM/DD/YYYY 

 Min height: xxx 

 Trans width: x 

 ExcSpps Width 

 xxxxxx x 

 xxxxxx x 

 xxxxxx x 

F4 Line F5 Belt2 

Figure 25. Belt transect plot

dimensions window.

Use the up and down cursor keys (89) to move

between the available fields. 

Use the left and right cursor keys (67) to move

between fields and within individual fields. 

Press SHIFT-8/SHIFT-9 to move up/down ten

entries.

Press ENTER in Ht to move to the next Species.

Press F1 to copy the previous Species value.

Press F2 to backspace within a field.

Press F9 (SHIFT-F4) to add a species to the list.

Press F10 (SHIFT-F5) to sort height within plot.

Press F4 to return to the line transect ground cover data window.

Press F5 to go to the belt transect plot window.

Loc: 0.5 to 99.5 in 1.0 meter increments.

 Species: Species code, LG, LF, LS, LT, DW, G, F,

S, or T.

 Ht: 0.1 to 8.6 in 0.1 meter increments from 0.1 to

2.0, and in 0.5 meter increments from 2.0 to

8.5. 8.6 represents heights above 8.5 m.

Use the up and down cursor keys (89) to move

between the available fields. 

Use the left and right cursor keys (67) to move

between fields and within individual fields.

Press F2 to backspace within a field.

Press F9 (SHIFT-F4) to add a highlighted species

code to the species list.

Press F4 to return to the line transect vertical

data window.

Press F5 to go to the belt transect entry window.

Min height: 0.1 or 1.0 meters only.

Trans width: 1.0 to 6.0 in 1 meter increments only.

ExcSpps: Species code.

 Width: 1.0 to 6.0 in 1 meter increments only.

 
32 USACERL ADP 95/13

Plot# MM/DD/YYYY 

 TransLoc: xxx.x 

 SideDis: x.x 

 Side: x 

 Species: xxxxxx 

 Height: x.x 

 Status: x 

F4 Belt1 ESC exit 

Figure 26. Belt transect data

entry window.

Random azimuth value

 

 Left azimuth: 0.0 

Right azimuth: 360.0

 

Random azimuth: xxx

 

ESC Exit F5 Random

Figure 27. Random azimuth

generator window.

 *

 *

*

*

*

*

*

*

Figure 28. Plot comments

window.

Use the up and down cursor keys (89) to move

between the available fields. 

Use the left and right cursor keys (67) to move to

other entries and within individual fields.

Press SHIFT-8/SHIFT-9 to move ten entries.

Press F1 to copy the previous Species value.

Press F2 to backspace within a field.

Press F9 (SHIFT-F4) to add a highlighted species

code to the species list.

Press F4 to return to the belt transect plot

window.

Press ESC to go to the main menu.

TransLoc: 0.0 to 100.0 to the nearest 0.1 meter.

SideDis: 0.0 to 3.0 to the nearest 0.1 meter.

 Side: L (left) or R (right).

 Species: Species code.

 Height: 0.1 to 8.6 (meters).

 Status: L (live) or S (snag) [or D for dead].L is the

default status value.

Use the up and down cursor keys (8 9) to move

between the two azimuth values. 

Use the left and right cursor keys (6 7) to move

within an azimuth. 

Press F2 to backspace within a field.

Press F5 to generate a random azimuth between

the left and right azimuth values. 

Press ESC to return to the main menu. 

Use the up and down cursor keys (89) to move

between the comment lines. 

Use the left and right cursor keys (67) to move

within a comment. 

Press F2 to backspace within a comment.

Press SHIFT-8/SHIFT-9 to move up/down one

page.

Press ESC to return to the main menu.

Each comment line can be up to 18 characters

long.
USACERL ADP 95/13 33

4 plots 

 WS-4-5.47 

 WS-4-5.48 

 WS-4-6.49 

 WS-4-6.50 

 

ESC Exit ENTER Read

Figure 29. Retrieve existing plot

data window.

 PLOT FILE EXISTS! 

 

 Do you want to 

 overwrite this 

 file (y/n)? 

 

Figure 30. File overwrite

warning message window.

 

File cannot be saved

 because plot number

 is not defined. 

Press ENTER to 

 continue. 

 

Figure 31. Plot number not

entered warning message

window.

Use the up and down cursor keys (89) to move

between the files.

Press ENTER to retrieve the highlighted file and

return to the main menu. 

Press ESC to return to the main menu without

retrieving a file.

Use the cursor (89) keys to move down the screen

for other files (when more than six files are

available).

This window appears if the data file already exists

on the computer.

Press Y to overwrite the data file.

Press N to not overwrite (and not save) the data

file.

This window appears while trying to save data to

a disk file when the plot number is not

specified. The plot number can be defined in

the plot data window.

Press ENTER to continue.
34 USACERL ADP 95/13

 

 Changes made. 

 Do you want to 

 save these changes 

 to disk (y/n)? 

 

Figure 32. Save changes

warning message window.

 

 Do you want to 

 exit (y/n)? 

 

Figure 33. Program exit

window.

Plot# MM/DD/YYYY 

 SLOPE 

 Loc PctSl Len BA

 0m xx.x xx.x xx.x

 50m xx.x xx.x xx.x

100m xx.x xx.x xx.x

 

F4 Aspect F5 Soil 

Figure 34. Modified slope

window for basal area option.

This window appears when exiting the program

and changes have been made to the plot data.

Press Y to save the LCTA handheld Options

Compiler program changes to a disk file.

Press N to not save the data. 

This window appears as the last prompt before

leaving the program. 

Press Y to exit to DOS.

Press N to return to the main menu. Data

previously entered is still available for editing

and saving.

If data is missing from the land use, maintenance,

or erosion windows, a message noting this will

appear.

Use the four cursor keys (8967) to move between

the six available fields.

Use the left and right cursor keys (67) to move

between fields and within a field. 

Press F4 to return to the aspect window. 

Press F5 to go to the soil depth window. 
USACERL ADP 95/13 35

Plot# MM/DD/YYYY 

 Ground data 

Loc D Cover Near 

0.5 x xxxxxx xxxxxxx

1.5 x xxxxxx xxxxxxx

2.5 x xxxxxx xxxxxxx

3.5 x xxxxxx xxxxxxx

F4 Erosn F5 Line2 

Figure 35. Modified line

transect ground cover window

for user defined option.

Plot# MM/DD/YYY

Loc Form Num

xx.x xxxxxxx xxxxx

xx.x xxxxxxx xxxxx

xx.x xxxxxxx xxxxx

xx.x xxxxxxx xxxxx

xx.x xxxxxxx xxxxx

F4 Line2 F5 Belt

Figure 36. Optional table and

user defined variables window.

Use the up and down cursor keys (89) to move

between the available fields. 

Use the left and right cursor keys (67) to move

between fields and within Cover (6 will move

to the vertical window from the Cover field).

Press ENTER in Cover to move to next D.

Press SHIFT-8/SHIFT-9 to move up/down ten

entries.

Press F1 to copy the previous Cover value.

Press F2 to backspace within a field.

Press F8 to toggle on/off prostrate plant value.

Press F9 (SHIFT-F4) to add a species to the list.

Press F4 to return to the erosion window.

Press F5 to go to the line transect vertical window.

Installations recording optional user defined values can enter data to right

of Cover.

D: N, R, P, T, or O.

 Cover: Species code, LICHEN, MOSS, ALGAE,

DG, DF, DS, DT, DW, LG, LF, LS, LT, G, F, S,

T, RO, GR, or BG. 

 Press F8 to toggle on/off prostrate plant value (“p”

appears after the species name when on).

Near: Species code or other text values.

Use the up and down cursor keys (89) to move

between the available fields. 

Use the left and right cursor keys (67) to move

between fields and within Form.

Press F2 to backspace within a field.

Press F4 to return to the line2 window.

Press F5 to go to the belt window.

Location: values are filled by the program.

Form: values are filled by the program.

Num: Integer number.
36 USACERL ADP 95/13

 Land Condition 

 Trend Analysis 

Monitoring Program

 

 Fort Hood 

 Texas 

 

USACERL-EN 01 May 94

Figure 37. Title window.

 LCTA monitoring 

 1) Enter plot 

 2) Edit past plot 

 3) Enter comments 

 4) Save data 

 5) Exit 

 6) Option: x 

 

Figure 38. Main menu window.

 Date: MM/DD/YYYY 

 Plot #: xxx 

 Plot type: xxxxx 

 Surveyor 

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 Recorder 

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

ESC Exit F5 Plot2 

Figure 39. First plot information

window.

LCTA Short-term Monitoring Program

Window and Title Window Instructions and Valid Entries 

This screen appears for a few seconds and

automatically moves to the Main menu.

The name will vary for each installation. 

Press 1 to enter a new plot or edit current plot.

Press 2 to read a past plot file from disk. This

option will not work if changes to the current

data have not been saved.

Press 3 to enter comments. 

Press 4 to save the current data to disk. A

warning will appear if the data file exists. 

Press 5 to exit. A warning will appear if changes

to the current data have not been saved. 

Use the up and down cursor keys (8 9) to move

between the five available fields. 

Use the left and right cursor keys (6 7) to move

through an individual field. 

Press F2 to backspace within a field.

Press ESC to return to the main menu.

Press F5 to go to the plot info 2 window. 

Plot # can consist of up to three numbers.

Plot type: press C for Core, S for Special use.

Surveyor and recorder can be up to 18 characters.
USACERL ADP 95/13 37

Plot# MM/DD/YYYY

 PLOT INFO 

 

 Tr.Area: xxxxxxxx 

 Veg: xxxxxxxxxxxxx

 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

F4 Plot1 F5 Land 

Figure 40. Second plot

information window.

Plot# MM/DD/YYYY

Military land uses 

 None x Foot x

 Wh'led x Bivou x

 Tr'ked x Demol x

 Excav x Other x

>xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

F4 Soil F5 Land2 

Figure 41. Military land use

window.

Plot# MM/DD/YYYY

Non-military uses 

 None x Row cr x

 Sheep x Forest x

 Cattle x Hay x

 OthrGr x Other x

>xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

F4 Land1 F5 Activ 

Figure 42. Non-military land use

window.

Use the up and down cursor keys (89) to move

between the four available fields.

Use the left and right cursor keys (67) to move

through an individual field.

Press F2 to backspace within a field.

Press F4 to return to the plot info 1 window.

Press F5 to go to the land use window. 

Use the four cursor keys (8967) to move between

the nine available fields.

Use the left and right cursor keys (67) to move

within the Other entry field.

Press X to check or SPACE to clear a land use

field. Leave blank if not applicable.

For unspecified land uses, enter X in Other and

specify in the bottom entry field (# 18

characters).

Press F4 to return to the plot data window.

Press F5 to go to the non-military land use window.

Use the four cursor keys (8967) to move between

the nine available fields.

Use the left and right cursor keys (67) to move

within the Other entry field.

Press X to check or SPACE to clear a land use

field. Leave blank if not applicable.

For unspecified land uses, enter X in Other and

specify in the bottom entry field (# 18

characters).

Press F4 to return to the military land use

window.

Press F5 to go to the maintenance activity window.
38 USACERL ADP 95/13

Plot# MM/DD/YYYY

Maintenance Activity

 None x Mowing x

 PrBurn x Seedng x

 AcBurn x Plant' x

 Till x ChemAp x

 

F4 Land F5 Act2 

Figure 43. Standard

maintenance activities window.

Plot# MM/DD/YYYY

Maintenance Activity

 ChemAp (type) 

>xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 Other 

>xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

F4 Act1 F5 Erosn 

Figure 44. Other maintenance

activities window.

Plot# MM/DD/YYYY 

Wind Ero Water Er

 NoEvd x NoEvd x

 Drift x Sheet x

 Scour x ActGul x

 PedPl x PedPl x

 DbrDam x

F4 Activ F5 Line 

Figure 45. Erosion evidence

window.

Use the four cursor keys (8967) to move between

the eight available fields.

Press X to check a land use field or SPACE to

clear an activity field. Leave the field blank if

it does not apply.

Press F4 to return to the non-military land use

window.

Press F5 to go to the other maintenance window.

Use the up and down cursor keys (89) to move

between the two available fields. 

Use the left and right cursor keys (67) to move

within an individual field. Specify the type of

chemical or other applications (# 18

characters).

Press F2 to backspace the cursor within a field.

Press F4 to return to the maintenance window.

Press F5 to go to the erosion window.

Use the four cursor keys (8967) to move between

the nine available fields.

Press X to check a land use field or SPACE to

clear an erosion field. Leave the field blank if

it does not apply.

Press F4 to return to the other maintenance

window.

Press F5 to go to the line transect ground window.
USACERL ADP 95/13 39

Plot# MM/DD/YYYY 

 LINE TRANSECT 

Loc D Cover Canopy

 0.5 x x xx 

 1.5 x x xx 

 2.5 x x xx 

 3.5 x x xx 

F4 Erosn F5 Line2 

Figure 46. Monitoring line

transect window.

Plot# MM/DD/YYYY 

 Min height: xxx 

 Trans width: x 

 ExcSpps Width 

 xxxxxx x 

 xxxxxx x 

 xxxxxx x 

F4 Line F5 Belt2 

Figure 47. Belt transect plot

dimensions window.

Plot# MM/DD/YYYY 

 BELT TRANSECT 

Spp Cond Ht Num 

xxxxxx x xxx 

xxxxxx x xxx 

xxxxxx x xxx 

xxxxxx x xxx 

F4 Belt1 ESC Exit 

Figure 48. Monitoring belt

transect data window.

Use the up and down cursor keys (89) to move

between the available fields. 

Use the left and right cursor keys (67) to move

between fields (6 will move to the nearest

neighbor window from the Canopy field).

Press ENTER in Cover or Canopy to move to next

D.

Press SHIFT-8/SHIFT-9 to move up/down ten

entries.

Press F1 to copy the previous Cover value.

Valid Disturbance entries are N, R, P, T, O.

Valid Cover entries are B, L, R, P.

Valid Canopy entries are N, A, P, AP.

Press F4 to return to the erosion window.

Press F5 to go to the belt transect window.

 Installations recording nearest neighbor can enter

data in subsequent optional window.

Use the up and down cursor keys (89) to move

between the available fields. 

Use the left and right cursor keys (67) to move

between fields and within individual fields. 

Press F2 to backspace within a field.

Press F9 (SHIFT-F4) to add a highlighted species

code to the species list.

Press F4 to return to line transect vertical data

window.

Press F5 to go to the belt transect entry window.

Use the up and down cursor keys (8 9) to move

between the available fields. 

Use the left and right cursor keys (6 7) to move to

other entries and within individual fields.

Press SHIFT-8/SHIFT-9 to move four entries.

Press F2 to backspace within a field.

Press F1 to add 1 to the Num (frequency) value.

Press F3 to subtract 1 from the Num value.

Press F9 (SHIFT-F4) to add species to list.
40 USACERL ADP 95/13

Plot# MM/DD/YYY

Loc Form Num

xx.x xxxxxxx xxxxx

xx.x xxxxxxx xxxxx

xx.x xxxxxxx xxxxx

xx.x xxxxxxx xxxxx

xx.x xxxxxxx xxxxx

F4 Line2 F5 Belt

Figure 49. Optional table and

user defined variables window.

Plot# MM/DD/YYYY 

 LINE TRANSECT 

Loc Gopher 

 0.5 xx 

 1.5 xx 

 2.5 xx 

 3.5 xx 

F4 Line1 F5 Line3 

Figure 50. Optional line transect

user defined data window.

Press F4 to return to the belt trans options window.

Press ESC to go to the Main menu.

Cond: values are L (live), S (snag).

Ht: values are 1 (Min-1.0), 2 (1.0-2.0), 3 (2.0-3.0), 4 (3.0-4.0), 4.1 ( >4.0).

Use the up and down cursor keys (89) to move

between the available fields. 

Use the left and right cursor keys (67) to move

between fields and within Form.

Press F2 to backspace within a field.

Press F4 to return to the line2 window.

Press F5 to go to the belt window.

Location: values are filled by the program.

Form: values are filled by the program.

Num: Integer number.

Use the up and down cursor keys (89) to move

between the available fields. 

Use the left and right cursor keys (67) to move

between fields.

Press F4 to return to the line1 window.

Press F5 to go to the next data type window.

Installations recording nearest neighbor can enter

data in subsequent optional window.

Micropalm PC/4000 Handheld Computer

General Information 

The PC/4000 will operate for approximately 8 to 12 hours on one charge. The unit

must be charged overnight following every field day to prevent down time or data loss

in the field. The 50-pin receptacle must be screwed tightly to the computer to ensure

good electrical contact for an adequate charge. The PC/4000 will shut off

automatically after 5 minutes of inactivity to lengthen battery life.

When the batteries become too weak to operate reliably, the computer displays the

warning message in Figure 51.
USACERL ADP 95/13 41

WARNING LOW BATTERY

Must be charged 

before continuing

Figure 51. Battery warning

message window.

The computer saves the current program and data and

turns power off automatically after approximately 10

seconds. Do not attempt to operate the computer

during low battery conditions; doing so can corrupt

programs and data. After the power is off, replace the

batteries with alkaline cells until the nickel cadmium

batteries can be recharged.

If the computer is being used for only a few hours a

day, it is important to occasionally let the unit

discharge completely before recharging the batteries. Although the PC/4000 is set to

turn off automatically after 5 minutes without input from the keyboard, this can be

disabled and the computer left on to discharge completely. To disable the automatic

shutoff, type SHELL at the DOS prompt. Scroll down to “Go To Monitor.” Then press

F5, F3, F5, and F3. After the unit has recharged, reset the automatic shutoff with the

same sequence of commands, substituting F2 for the last F3 and entering 300. Press

ESC four times to return to the SHELL menu.

If the program halts or the computer rejects keyboard input, press the processor Reset

switch. The Reset switch is located in a recess within the battery compartment.

Pressing the Reset switch forces a warm boot and is equivalent to pressing

Ctrl+Alt+Del on a PC.

Handheld data recorders are DOS-based handheld computers designed to withstand

environmental extremes that typical computer systems do not tolerate. Frequent

backups of plot data are crucial to guarantee the integrity and safety of the collected

data. Plot data files must be backed up to several sources as frequently as possible.

Daily backups are preferred, but less frequent backups can occur. As a rule, backups

should be made no more than 3 days apart. Copy the data files to a hard disk and at

least two floppy disks. If a hard disk is not available, copy the data files to three floppy

disks.

PC/4000 Connection to Personal Computers

Table 2 describes connecting and communicating between the PC/4000 and a desktop

PC.
42 USACERL ADP 95/13

Table 2. File transfer procedure for PC/4000 handheld computers.

Step Description

1 Plug the supplied cable into the top of the PC/4000 and into the serial port in the back of the PC.

2 Enter CONN at the PC/4000 DOS prompt to start the PC/4000 communication program. 

3 From the COMMAND SHELL menu, use the down cursor key to select the “Set COM ports” option. 

4 Press ENTER twice. 

5 Use the right cursor key to set the baud rate to “19200.”

6 Press ENTER four times to return to the COMMAND SHELL menu.

7 With the down cursor key, highlight the “Go to Monitor” option. Press ENTER.

8 Press “F5” for Miscellaneous. 

9 Press “F6” (SHIFT-F1) for Comm link. 

10 PC/4000 is ready for connection when the window reads: SERIAL COMMUNICATIONS IN

PROGRESS. If the window reads PARALLEL COMMUNICATIONS IN PROGRESS, connect the cable

between the PC/4000 and the PC. Run the PC program CONNECT.EXE from the boot floppy. At this

point the serial communications should be available.

11 If starting from the boot diskette, go to step 12. If starting from the desktop boot disk go to step 13.

12 Place the BOOT DISK in drive A and turn on the desktop PC. If the PC is already on, press Ctrl-Alt-Del

with the BOOT DISK in drive A. Go to step 17.

13 Check that the two files MPCLINK.SYS and CONNECT.EXE are copied to the PC’s boot disk (hard disk

or floppy) from the PC/4000 Utilities disk. 

14 Add the following line to the boot disk file CONFIG.SYS: DEVICE = C:\MPCLINK.SYS 

15 Re-start the PC by pressing CTL-ALT-DEL. 

16 If problems occur, check for memory resident programs such as CLOCK or SideKick started within

AUTOEXEC.BAT.

17 Enter CONNECT at the PC DOS prompt. Press ENTER at the program’s prompt. Connection between

the PC/4000 and the PC should be established at this point. A comment is displayed noting which drive

the PC/4000 is emulating. Access the PC/4000 by entering the DOS change drive command: X:, where

X is the drive letter PC/4000 is emulating. Issue all commands in step 13 from the desktop PC.

18 For initial or long-term monitoring files, move to the PC/4000 subdirectory \LCTA by entering: CD\LCTA. 

For short-term monitoring files, move to the PC/4000 subdirectory \MON by entering: CD\MON.

19 Use the DOS DIR command to view the subdirectory for a list of the data files.

20 Use the DOS COPY command to copy the data files to the hard disk and to at least two floppy disks. 

21 Use the DOS DEL command to delete the backed-up data files from the PC/4000.

22 When finished, press ESC three times on the PC/4000 to return to the COMMAND SHELL menu.

23 Select “Enter DOS Commands” option. Press ENTER.

24 Type: EXIT <Enter>

25 Communication is now complete. Disconnect the cable, turn off the PC/4000, and store the data disks

in separate but secure locations.
USACERL ADP 95/13 43

Table 3 lists common problems encountered with the PC/4000 and suggested

solutions.

Table 3. Common handheld file transfer problems and solutions.

Problem Solution

A low battery message 

appears on the screen 

 

The three “C” rechargeable batteries have lost their capacity to power the

PC/4000. The computer will have to be connected, via its charging cable, to an

AC outlet to power the three nickel cadmium batteries. In the field an AC outlet is

often unavailable; therefore, replacement batteries will be needed until the nickel

cadmium batteries can be recharged. Follow instructions in the Technical

Reference Manual for replacing batteries. Replacement with heavy-duty “C”

batteries is recommended. Plot data not saved to a disk file can be recovered

once the batteries are replaced if the computer is off before the batteries are

removed. Removing a battery with the computer on results in a loss of all data

not saved to disk. Be sure the PC/4000 is off before replacing the batteries. The

PC/4000 automatically turns off approximately 10 seconds after the warning

message appears, or press OFF (SHIFT-E) to manually turn off the computer. 

To replace low batteries:

a) let the computer idle for a minute to build up a charge

b) turn the computer on and quickly save the data

 (main menu option #5)

c) exit LCTA program and turn computer OFF

d) replace batteries

e) turn computer ON and reload plot (main menu option #3)
44 USACERL ADP 95/13

Plot data lost from RAM 

 

The LCTA program automatically saves plot data to a backup file every 15

minutes. Normally this file is deleted from the disk when the program ends. If a

problem keeps the program from ending normally, such as removing a battery

before the computer is off, recovery of the data is possible by renaming this

backup file. 

The file naming convention for a data file is:

 WS-4-17.47 where:

 WS is a two character installation code

 4-17 is the month and day of recording 

 47 is the plot number.

The file naming convention for a backup file is:

 4-17-47.BAK where:

 4-17 is the month and day of recording

 47 is the plot number

 BAK is the default backup extension. 

Use the DOS REName command to rename the backup file to a data file. In the

above example, the renaming command is:

 REN 4-17-47.BAK WS-4-17.47
USACERL ADP 95/13 45

PC-4000 does not connect

to PC (1) 

On certain personal computers, such as Zenith laptops, the handheld to PC

connection will not connect easily. This is due to a hardware setup unique to

Zenith laptops. Add steps 5a and 8a to the guidelines in Table 2 of PC/4000

Connection to Personal Computers as a possible solution to this problem: 

 

 STEP DESCRIPTION 

 5a Set the following “COM ports” values: 

 Baud rate “9600” 

 Com port “1” 

 Parity “none” 

 Stop bits “1” 

 Word length “8” 

 8a Set the following “Miscellaneous” values 

 Unit “112” 

 Group “1” 

Another cause of this problem could be the Zenith’s hardware configuration,

where the number of drives are defined by dip-switches at the back of the PC.

The PC must be configured for two more drives for the handheld to PC

connection to work. See the Zeniths user’s guide for information on re-setting the

dip-switches to include two more drives. 

PC-4000 does not connect

to PC (2) 

A second, and perhaps more common, solution is to screw the 50-pin cable

connector into the top of the handheld. On some handhelds, the connection of

the 50-pin cable does not fit exactly. Using the screws on the cables will solve

this problem.

”PARALLEL

COMMUNICATIONS IN

PROGRESS” prompt when

connecting the PC/4000 to

a PC 

 

Occasionally the PC/4000 CONN (SHELL) program sets its internal

communications to parallel. Because the connection is through the serial port,

the PC/4000 has to be switched to serial communications. To fix this, connect

the cable between the PC/4000 and the PC. Then start the PC program

CONNECT.EXE from the boot floppy. At this point, serial communication should

be available.

CMT MC-V Handheld Computer

General Information

The CMT MC-V uses power much more efficiently than the Micropalm units by

automatically shutting off the power between each keystroke. As a result, the CMT
46 USACERL ADP 95/13

MC-V needs to be recharged much less frequently. A unit often can be used for

many days on a single charge.

The CMT MC-V has a feature that allows the battery power level to be checked,

which should be done before charging the unit. All nickel cadmium batteries have

a tendency to develop a “memory.” For example, if a unit is used for a few hours

only and then recharged overnight, the batteries may fail the next day after only

a few hours’ use. Do not charge if the power level is greater than 25 percent. To

check the power level, simply press SH1, then ENTER, then F1 (F2 shows the

power level of the lithium backup battery, which cannot be recharged and must be

replaced by the manufacturer).

If the unit is to remain unused for more than a month, the battery power level

should be checked and fully recharged every 1 to 3 months. Eventually, the battery

pack will have to be replaced. It must be ordered from CMT MC-V, but the

replacement can be done by the user.

Screen contrast can be adjusted at any time, even while in the LCTA program, by

pressing SH1, then + or - to darken or lighten the screen. SH1 and + or - must be

pressed separately, not simultaneously, for this to work, and the sequence must be

repeated for each increment of darkening or lightening.

There is a screen backlight that can be turned on and off at any point by pressing

SH1, then the space key. However, this back light rapidly consumes battery power

and should be used sparingly.

When using the CMT MC-V handheld computer, there are a few differences in the

operation of this computer. The LCTA program will be stored on drive D, there are

no subdirectories. The INV and MON programs are identical to the previous

versions with the exception of the F2 key, there is a backspace key on the CMT

MC-V.

The CMT MC-V is capable of running in two screen modes, 21x8 or 80x25. The

LCTA and MON programs require the 80x25 mode. If the program is not running

correctly, use the following keystrokes to put the computer back into the 80x25

mode (after first exiting the program): 

ON

F2

F2
USACERL ADP 95/13 47

ON (switches to setting mode; options will be displayed on the bottom of the

screen)

F2 (to switch to 80x25 modes)

F2 (to switch to NMAP mode)

There are a few differences in the operation of the CMT MC-V handheld computer.

The LCTA program will be stored on drive D:, and there are no subdirectories. The

LCTA and MON programs are identical to the LCTA Initial and Long-term

Monitoring Program section beginning on page 25 with the exception of the F2 key.

In place of the F2 key, use the backspace key on the CMT MC-V.

The data downloading process is also different on the CMT MC-V. This handheld

uses the program KERMIT, which may be copied onto the desktop computer. There

is a KERMIT users guide included with the handheld that explains the program’s

use. Table 4 briefly describes the downloading procedure.

Table 4. File transfer procedure for CMT MC-V handheld computers.

Step Description

1 Included in theCMT MC-V package is a bag containing two cables and a number of

adapters. Place a black 9-pin serial adapter onto each end of one cable. Connect one

end of the cable to the CMT MC-V through the COM1 port and the other end to the

desktop computer through COM1.

2 On the desktop computer, at the drive containing the Kermit program, type

KERMIT R - do not press the enter key. On the CMT MC-V, at the drive containing the

data, type KERMIT S *.*. Press enter on the desktop computer and then on the CMT

MC-V.

3 When the transfer is complete, the handheld will beep and return to the prompt. The files

on the handheld can then be deleted. Always make multiple backup copies on disks to

keep at the installation.

The CMT MC-V is capable of running in two screen modes, 21x8 or 80x25. The

LCTA and MON programs require the 80x25 mode. If the program does not seem

to run correctly, use the following keystrokes to put the computer back into the

80x25 mode. Exit the LCTA or MON program before typing the following

keystrokes:

ON 

F2 
48 USACERL ADP 95/13

F2

ON (switches setting mode; options will be displayed on the bottom of the

screen)

F2 (to switch to 80x25 modes)

F2 ( to switch to NMAP mode)

Use the AC Recharger/Adapter enclosed with the CMT MC-V to recharge it

overnight before first-time use. Under normal operating conditions, recharge the

machine overnight monthly. A special System Status feature allows easy checking

of the battery power level for the system.

Table 5 lists the new command key sequences available on the CMT MC-V

machines:

Table 5. New command key sequences for the CMT MC-V handheld computers.

Operation Key Sequence Description

System Status [SH1] [ENTER] Display system status screen

Backlight Control [SH1] [SP] Toggle back light on/off

Contrast Up [SH1] [+] Darkens screen contrast

Contrast Down [SH1] [-] Lightens screen contrast

The handhelds will probably come from the factory formatted with drives D: and E:

joined to provide 256 K of storage. This configuration allows more plots to be stored

on the handheld. To confirm that these drives are joined, type ROS at the F:

prompt. Once the file listing appears on the screen, hit the Enter key; this will list

a summary of the drive configurations. Press the F5 key to exit. If these drives are

not joined, reformat the D: drive for 256 K by typing the following command at the

F: prompt:

FORMAT D: 256

Loading Files onto the CMT MC-V

The process of downloading data is different on the CMT MC-V. This handheld uses

the communications program KERMIT, which may be copied onto the desktop

computer. There is a KERMIT user’s guide included with the CMT MC-V. Below

is a brief description of the downloading procedure.
USACERL ADP 95/13 49

MS-DOS Kermit, or Kermit-MS (MS-Kermit), is a program that implements the

Kermit file transfer protocol for the entire IBM PC family, including the PS/2

series, IBM-compatible, and several other machines based on the Intel 8086

processor series (8088, 80286, etc.) and the disk operating system (DOS) family

(PC-DOS or MS-DOS, henceforth referred to collectively as MS-DOS or simply

DOS). The CMT MC-V handheld computers will come with Kermit already loaded.

The MS-Kermit program for the PC will also be supplied with the handheld on a

separate disk. Install the MS-Kermit files onto the PC in a separate subdirectory.

Use Kermit to copy all program files to drive D:. Delete old program files (i.e.,

LCTA.EXE, MON.EXE, LCTA2.EXE, or MON2.EXE) from the handheld. Use the

CHMOD command on the handheld to change the file access rights of the file if

required. After changing to drive D: use the following commands for CHMOD.

CHMOD *.EXE

at the prompt type: RWX

It is suggested that only one program is stored on the handheld computer (i.e.,

INV2.EXE or MON2.EXE) so there is more room for data files; however, both

programs can be put on the handheld without problem. Included with the CMT

MC-V is a package containing two cables and a number of adapters. Place a black

9-pin serial adapter onto each end of one cable. Connect one end of the cable to the

CMT MC-V through the COM1 port and the other end to the desktop computer

through COM1.

On the desktop computer, at the directory containing the Kermit program, type

KERMIT R - do not press the enter key. On the CMT MC-V, at the directory

containing the data, type KERMIT S *.*. Press enter on the desktop computer and

then on the CMT MC-V.

When the transfer is complete, the handheld computer will beep and return to the

DOS prompt. The files on the handheld can then be deleted. Always make multiple

backup copies on diskettes to keep at the installation. To transfer more files, follow

the same steps above. To transfer files from the PC to the CMT MC-V, follow the

steps above reversing the commands for the PC and the CMT MC-V.

Table 6 describes many of the more commonly used MS-DOS Kermit commands.

See Kermit documentation for more detailed information.
50 USACERL ADP 95/13

Table 6. Common MS-DOS Kermit commands.

Command Use

BYE To remote server, exit from MS-Kermit.

CLEAR Clear serial port buffer.

CLOSE Close files and stop logging remote session.

COMMENT For including comments in command files.

CONNECT Connect as terminal to remote system.

CWD Change local working directory.

DEFINE A macro of Kermit-MS commands.

DELETE Delete local files.

DIRECTORY List of local files.

DISABLE Disable server recognition of selected commands.

DO A command macro.

ECHO Echo a line of text on the screen.

ENABLE Enable server recognition of selected commands.

EXIT Exit from Kermit-MS.

FINISH Shut down remote server.

GET Get remote files from server.

HANGUP The phone or network connection.

HELP Information about Kermit-MS.

INPUT Specified string from serial port, for scripts.

LOG Remote terminal session and/or packets.

LOGOUT Logout remote server, do not exit from Kermit-MS

OUTPUT String out serial port, for scripts.

PAUSE Pause between commands.

PUSH Go to MS-DOS command level.

QUIT Quit from Kermit-MS (same as EXIT).

RECEIVE Receive files from remote Kermit.

REMOTE Prefix for remote file management commands.

RUN Execute a MS-DOS program or command.

SEND Send files to remote Kermit.

SERVER Mode of remote operation.

SET Sets various parameters.

SHOW Displays various parameters.

SPACE Inquiry about disk space.

STATUS Inquiry about settings.

TAKE Get commands from a file. 

TRANSMIT Transmit a file “raw” (no error checking).

TYPE Display a local file on the screen.

VERSION Display Kermit-MS program version number.
USACERL ADP 95/13 51

CMT MC-V Potential Problems

Table 7 details common problems encountered by field crews while using CMT MCV handheld computers. Recommended solutions are provided.

Table 7. Common problems encountered with CMT MC-V handheld computers.

Problem Solution

Front panel bubbles up Unscrew the silver airlock screw on the back of the CMT MC-V and push

down on the front panel to push the air out. Be sure to tighten the screw

again when in the field to keep moisture out.

Keys stick Unscrew the airlock screw and let the CMT MC-V sit for a few minutes.

Screens do not display

correctly

The incorrect display size was used. Press the On key, then F2, then

F2 again. When the program is started from the batch file by typing INV

or MON, the correct display size will be started.

Kermit not making

connection

Make sure the COM1 ports on both the CMT MC-V and the PC are

being used.

Output Data File Information

Each plot is stored on the handheld computer disk as a separate file. Each plot file

name is dependent on installation, date, and plot number. The plot file name is

automatically generated by the program. The current plot data is automatically

backed up every 15 minutes to a separate data file. An asterisk will appear in the

lower right of the screen when data backup is in progress. The backup feature

saves data to disk in case a problem develops with the computer. The backup data

file is deleted from disk when the program terminates normally.

File Naming Convention

The following standard file naming conventions are used by each version of the

handheld data recording program to store plot data. The plot file name is

automatically generated by the program. 

 Data File Name Format: XX-MM-DD.PPP

where: XX is the first two characters of the standard installation code. 

MM is the numeric month of recording (1-12).

DD is the numeric day of recording (1-31).

PPP is the numeric plot number (1-999).
52 USACERL ADP 95/13

 Backup File Name Format: XX-MM-DD.BAK

where: XX is the first two characters of the standard installation code. 

MM is the numeric month of recording (1-12).

DD is the numeric day of recording (1-31).

BAK is a fixed value designating backup file.

Output File Format

Each of the two basic file formats—initial/long-term and short-term—has several

variations depending on which data collection options were incorporated into the

sampling methodology. Tables 8 and 9 describe the basic components of each file

format. Where the file format varies because of sampling methodology options

selected, differences are noted. Line numbers are not meant to be absolute line

numbers but are provided so that references to specific data are possible.

Handheld data recorder files should generally not be edited. The formats listed

below are provided to document the file format. Attempts to edit data in the

handheld data files frequently results in corrupted files. To edit data in the

handheld files, open the files with the handheld data recording program and edit

the files using the program. The handheld data recorder will ensure that the files

are in the correct format. An alternative is to load the data in the database and

then edit the data using database editing tools. Each line of the output file can only

contain certain values. For example species codes require an 8-character value, not

genus and species names. If invalid values are added during editing, files can not

be loaded in the database.

Table 8. Initial and long-term monitoring handheld data file formats. 

(Line numbers followed by alphabetic letters indicate optional data lines that may or may not be present

depending on data collection options used during sampling.)

Line File Contents Comments

1 VERSION 1.0 program version number

2 INVENTORYL inventory type: INVENTORYI, INVENTORYL

3 HOO 3 character installation code

4 7/31/94 measurement date; mm/dd/yy

5 54 plot number

6 CORE plot type; CORE, SPECIAL

7 F * BA * optional basal area recorded? T or F

8 F *DBH * optional DBH recorded? T or F

9 F * OTHER * optional other data recorded? T or F
USACERL ADP 95/13 53

10 * OTHER NAME * name of optional other data if recorded

11 F * OPT TABLE COUNT * optional line data recorded? T or F

12 * OPT VAR 1 NAME * optional variable 1 name if recorded

13 * OPT VAR 2 NAME * optional variable 2 name if recorded

14 * OPT VAR 3 NAME * optional variable 3 name if recorded

15 * OPT VAR 4 NAME * optional variable 4 name if recorded

16 * OPT VAR 5 NAME * optional variable 5 name if recorded

17 YYYYYYYYY * PM, PS, SLS,

BA, LU, GC, AC, BS, BT *

Used by database loading program to determine which

database tables to load with data. See section List of

Procedures on page 68 for more information on this line.

18 * RESERVED * saved for future use

19 * RESERVED * saved for future use

20 * RESERVED * saved for future use

21 gellenthien surveyor names

22 leupold recorder names

23 709722 DMCE

24 3582647 DMCN

25 355 azimuth

26 1.5 declination

27 NanKin soil series

28 4B9 training area

29 Upatoi USGS field 1

30 USGS field 2

31 pisy forest vegetation type field 1

32 dense vegetation type field 2

33 W aspect

34 8.5 slope at 0m

35 1.5 slope at 50m

36 4.5 slope at 100m

37 4 slope length at 0m

38 8 slope length at 50m

39 12 slope length at 100m

39a 10 basal area at 0m if option recorded

39b 20 basal area at 50m if option recorded

39c 30 basal area at 100m if option recorded

40 >4 soil depth

41 X no military disturbance
54 USACERL ADP 95/13

42 X wheeled vehicle disturbance

43 X tracked vehicle disturbance

44 X excavation disturbance

45 X foot traffic disturbance

46 X bivouac disturbance 

47 X demolition disturbance

48 X other military disturbance

49 X no non-military disturbance

50 X sheep grazing evidence

51 X cattle grazing evidence

52 X other grazing evidence

53 X row crop evidence

54 X forestry activity evidence

55 X hay production evidence

56 X other non-military evidence

57 BOMBS other military disturbance note

58 ORV other non-military evidence note

59 X no maintenance activity evidence

60 X prescribed burn evidence

61 X accidental burn evidence

62 X tillage evidence

63 X mowing evidence

64 X seeding evidence

65 X planting evidence

66 X chemical application evidence

67 FOLIAR chemical application type

68 other maintenance note

69 X no wind erosion evidence

70 X drift erosion evidence

71 X scouring erosion evidence

72 X wind caused pedestal plant evidence

73 X no water erosion evidence

74 X sheet/rill erosion evidence

75 X active gully erosion evidence

76 X water caused pedestal plant evidence

77 X debris dam evidence
USACERL ADP 95/13 55

78 366 number of line transect aerial observations

79 151 number of belt transect observations

80 0.5 line obs. 1, line transect location

81 N line obs. 1, disturbance

82 LT line obs. 1, ground cover vegetation code

83 line obs. 1, ground cover vegetation condition

83a XXXXXXXX line obs. 1, optional line data, gndcover table

83b1 11 line obs. 1, optional line data var. 1, f_count table

83b2 22 line obs. 1, optional line data var. 2, f_count table

83b3 33 line obs. 1, optional line data var. 3, f_count table

83b4 44 line obs. 1, optional line data var. 4, f_count table

83b5 55 line obs. 1, optional line data var. 5, f_count table

... ... observations 2 through 99, same format

84 99.5 line obs. 100, line transect location

85 N line obs. 100, disturbance

86 LT line obs. 100, ground cover vegetation code

87 line obs. 100, ground cover vegetation condition

87a XXXXXXXX line obs. 100, optional line data, gndcover table

87b1 11 line obs. 100, optional line data var. 1, f_count table

87b2 22 line obs. 100, optional line data var. 2, f_count table

87b3 33 line obs. 100, optional line data var. 3, f_count table

87b4 44 line obs. 100, optional line data var. 4, f_count table

87b5 55 line obs. 100, optional line data var. 5, f_count table

88 0.5 aerial line obs. 1, transect location

89 1.4 aerial line obs. 1, measurement height

90 FASY aerial line obs. 1, vegetation code

... ... observations 2 through but not including the value listed

on line 77 

91 99.5 aerial line obs. listed on line 77, transect location

92 8.6 aerial line obs. listed on line 77, measurement height

93 QURU aerial line obs. listed on line 77, vegetation code

94 0.1 minimum belt height

95 6.0 default belt width

96 3 number of belt exception species

97 PRSP exception species 1, vegetation code

98 1.0 exception species 1, belt width
56 USACERL ADP 95/13

... ... exception species code and belt width 2 through but not

including the value listed on line 95

99 QURU exception species number listed on line 95, vegetation

code

100 3.0 exception species number listed on line 95, belt width

101 0.2 vegetation location of 1st belt transect observation

102 3.0 side distance of 1st belt transect observation

103 R side of 1st belt transect observation

104 FASY vegetation code of 1st belt transect observation

105 5.0 plant height of 1st belt transect observation

106 L vegetation condition of 1st belt transect observation

106a optional real data value of 1st belt transect observation if

recorded

... ... location, side distance, side, code, height, condition, and

optional values of observations 2 through but not

including the value listed on line 78

107 0.2 vegetation location of the observation value listed on line

78

108 3.0 side distance of the observation value listed on line 78

109 R side of the observation value listed on line 78

110 FASY vegetation code of the observation value listed on line

78

111 5.0 plant height of the observation value listed on line 78

112 L vegetation condition of the observation value listed on

line 78

112a optional real data value of the observation value listed

on line 78

113 This plot was measured ... plot note messages

Table 9. Short-term inventory handheld data file formats.

Line numbers followed by alphabetic letters indicate optional data lines that may or may not be present

depending on data collection options used during sampling.

Line File Contents Comments

1 VERSION 1.0 program version number

2 MONITORING inventory type

3 HOO 3 character installation code

4 7/31/94 measurement date; mm/dd/yy

5 54 plot number

6 CORE plot type; CORE, SPECIAL

7 F * BA * optional basal area recorded? T or F
USACERL ADP 95/13 57

8 F *DBH * optional DBH recorded? T or F

9 F * OTHER * optional other data recorded? T or F

10 * OTHER NAME * name of optional other data if recorded

11 F * OPT TABLE COUNT * optional line data recorded? T or F

12 * OPT VAR 1 NAME * optional variable 1 name if recorded

13 * OPT VAR 2 NAME * optional variable 2 name if recorded

14 * OPT VAR 3 NAME * optional variable 3 name if recorded

15 * OPT VAR 4 NAME * optional variable 4 name if recorded

16 * OPT VAR 5 NAME * optional variable 5 name if recorded

17 YYYYYYYYY *

PM,PS,SLS,BA,LU,GC,AC,BS,B

T *

Used by database loading program to determine

which database tables to load with data. See

section List of Procedures in this manual for more

information on this line.

18 * RESERVED * saved for future use

19 * RESERVED * saved for future use

20 * RESERVED * saved for future use

21 pisy forest vegetation type field 1

22 dense vegetation type field 2

23 X no military disturbance

24 X wheeled vehicle disturbance

25 X tracked vehicle disturbance

26 X excavation disturbance

27 X foot traffic disturbance

28 X bivouac disturbance 

29 X demolition disturbance

30 X other military disturbance

31 X no non-military disturbance

32 X sheep grazing evidence

33 X cattle grazing evidence

34 X other grazing evidence

35 X row crop evidence

36 X forestry activity evidence

37 X hay production evidence

38 X other non-military evidence

39 BOMBS other military disturbance note
58 USACERL ADP 95/13

40 ORV other non-military evidence note

41 X no maintenance activity evidence

42 X prescribed burn evidence

43 X accidental burn evidence

44 X tillage evidence

45 X mowing evidence

46 X seeding evidence

47 X planting evidence

48 X chemical application evidence

49 FOLIAR chemical application type

50 other maintenance note

51 X no wind erosion evidence

52 X drift erosion evidence

53 X scouring erosion evidence

54 X wind caused pedestal plant evidence

55 X no water erosion evidence

56 X sheet/rill erosion evidence

57 X active gully erosion evidence

58 X water caused pedestal plant evidence

59 X debris dam evidence

59a 4 basal area at transect location 0 if measured

59b 6 basal area at transect location 50 if measured

59c 8 basal area at transect location 100 if measured

60 151 number of belt transect observations

61 0.5 line obs. 1, line transect location

62 N line obs. 1, disturbance

63 LT line obs. 1, ground cover code

64 A line obs. 1, aerial cover code 

64a XXXXXXXX line obs. 1, optional line data, linemon table

64b1 11 line obs. 1, optional line data var. 1, f_count table

64b2 22 line obs. 1, optional line data var. 2, f_count table

64b3 33 line obs. 1, optional line data var. 3, f_count table

64b4 44 line obs. 1, optional line data var. 4, f_count table
USACERL ADP 95/13 59

64b5 55 line obs. 1, optional line data var. 5, f_count table

... ... observations 2 through 99, same format

65 99.5 line obs. 100, line transect location

66 N line obs. 100, disturbance code

67 LT line obs. 100, ground cover code

68 line obs. 100, aerial cover code

68a XXXXXXXX line obs. 100, optional line data, linemon table

68b1 11 line obs. 100, optional line data var. 1, f_count table

68b2 22 line obs. 100, optional line data var. 2, f_count table

68b3 33 line obs. 100, optional line data var. 3, f_count table

68b4 44 line obs. 100, optional line data var. 4, f_count table

68b5 55 line obs. 100, optional line data var. 5, f_count table

69 0.1 minimum belt height

70 6.0 default belt width

71 3 number of belt exception species

72 PRSP exception species 1, vegetation code

73 1.0 exception species 1, belt width

... ... exception species code and belt width 2 through but

not including the value listed on line 70

74 QURU exception species number listed on line 70,

vegetation code

75 3.0 exception species number listed on line 70, belt

width

76 QURU species code of 1st belt transect observation

77 L vegetation condition of 1st belt transect observation

78 3 height class of 1st belt transect observation

79 44 frequency count of 1st belt transect observation

... ... species code, vegetation condition, height class,

and frequency of observations 2 through but not

including the value listed on line 70

80 QURA species code of last belt transect observation value

listed on line 70

81 L vegetation condition of the observation value listed

on line 70

82 4 height class of the observation value listed on line

70

83 55 frequency count of the observation value listed on

line 70
60 USACERL ADP 95/13

84 This plot was measured ... plot note messages

Relationship Between Program Windows and Database Tables

When summarizing and analyzing LCTA data, users may have difficulty locating

data stored in the various database tables. Table 10 identifies the database tables

where data is stored for each data entry window of the LCTA Handheld Field

Computer Data Recording program. For more detailed information on the LCTA

database structure, individual database tables and columns, and valid column

values refer to the draft ADP report Land Condition-Trend Analysis (LCTA)

Program Data Dictionary (Sprouse and Anderson, April 1995).

Table 10. Relationship between the LCTA Handheld Field Computer Data Recording program

windows and the LCTA database storage tables.

Figure Window Name Database Storage

Table

12 First plot information PlotSurv

13 Second plot information PlotMast

14 Third plot information window PlotSurv

15 Aspect PlotSurv

16 Slope SoilLS

17 Soil depth PlotSurv

18 Military land use LandUse

19 Non-military land use LandUse

20 Standard maintenance activity MaintAct

21 Other maintenance activity MaintAct

22 Erosion evidence ErosEvid

23 Line transect ground cover GndCover

24 Line transect vertical data AerCover

25 Belt transect plot dimensions BeltSurv

26 Belt transect data BeltTran

28 Plot comments PlotSurv

34 Modified slope SoilLS, BasalA

35 Modified line transect GndCover

36 Optional table and user defined variables F_Count

39 First plot information PlotSurv

40 Second plot information PlotSurv

41 Military land use LandUse

42 Non-military land use LandUse

43 Standard maintenance activities MaintAct

44 Other maintenance activities MaintAct

45 Erosion evidence ErosEvid

46 Monitoring line transect LineMon
USACERL ADP 95/13 61

47 Belt transect plot dimensions BeltSurv

48 Monitoring belt transect data BeltMon

49 Optional table and user defined variables F_Count

50 Optional line transect user defined data LineMon

4 LCTA Field Data Database Loading Program

Introduction

LCTA field data collected on handheld computers with the LCTA Handheld Field

Computer Data Recording program are stored in a special file format. The LCTA Field

Data Database Loading program is used to load the handheld plot data files into the

LCTA database.

The Load Handheld Files program will load any valid file created by a handheld

program with the handheld compiler program. The loading program can handle a

variety of data collection methods:

1. The program will load data files created by the handheld program with any

variety of options specified.

2. The program will handle data collected on more than one handheld computer

and can collect the data in a variety of ways on the computers.

3. The program will handle missing data that the database will not allow into a

table.

All loaded files are checked for formatting and other common errors before the data are

loaded into the database. All old data for the same plot and measurement data being

loaded are removed from the database to prevent duplicate data storage. The program

will create an information file on the results of all the files loaded into the database.

To view this information open FILES\LOADFILE.TXT. The output file will list each

handheld file loaded into the database. Additional information detailing problems

encountered loading the handheld files may also be included. A message for each

handheld file loaded will indicate if the handheld file was renamed. 
62 USACERL ADP 95/13

System Requirements

To install and run the LCTA Handheld Field Computer Data Recording program, the

following are required:

• IBM-compatible 386 computer

• 4 MB RAM

• 200 MB hard drive

• Microsoft Windows, version 3.1 or higher

• LCTA Program Installation disks

• Gupta Technologies SQLBase, version 5.0 or higher

• LCTA database

Installation

The program files are supplied on 3.5 in. or 5.25 in. diskette(s) in a compressed format

with an installation program included. To install these files, Microsoft Windows 3.1

must be running on the computer. Complete the following steps:

1. Select <File> from the Program Manager menu.

2. Select <Run> from the popup menu.

3. In the command line field type <B:\Instalit> or <A:\Instalit> depending on the

drive where the installation disk is located.

4. Follow the installation program’s instructions.

If the D: drive is chosen for installation, the installation program will create the

following directory structures:

• D:\LCTA\PRGMS {LCTA Front End Program files}

• D:\LCTA\PRGMS\HHCOMP {LCTA Handheld Compiler files}

• D:\LCTA\PRGMS\HHFILES {Handheld data files}

• D:\LCTA\PRGMS\FILES {LCTA Front End Program output files}

Once the files have been installed and the Windows group created or updated, several

icons will be found in the group window. To start a program, double click on the icon

titled Data Editor.
USACERL ADP 95/13 63

Program Features and Menu Options

The following menu options will be displayed at the top of the LCTA Field Data

Database Loading program window (Figure 52): Database, Load, Cancel, Exit, and

About. Each topic is discussed in the following text.

Figure 52LCTA Field Data Database Loading program window.

Database

A dialog box (Figure 53) will appear allowing selection of the desired database server

and LCTA database. The current server and database are listed in the main program

window title. Select the desired database server. If the data will be loaded into a local

database, leave the server selection blank or select Local. After selecting a database

server, select a database from the drop down database listbox. A user name and

password are only required if not using the default user name and password of the

SQLBase database. See the SQLBase documentation for more information on the

default database user names and passwords. Select the OK button to accept the

current values.
64 USACERL ADP 95/13

Figure 53Database selection dialog box.

Load

To load all handheld files into the database automatically, select the <LOAD> menu

option. Only files in the HHFILES directory with the standard LCTA file naming

convention for the selected database will be loaded.

After a file has been loaded into the database, the file name is modified to prevent the

plot from later being loaded into the database. All hyphens (-) in the file name are

converted to underscores ( ). If a loaded file needs to be reloaded into the database,

the file must be renamed by converting all underscores ( ) to hyphens (-).

As files are loaded into the database, the name of the file that is loading is displayed

in the program window title bar at the top of the window. If the window has icons, the

file that is being loaded is displayed under the program icon.

As files are loaded into the database, the percent of the plot loaded into the database

and the percent of files processed are displayed in the message bar at the bottom of the

program window. A message in the message bar also describes what part of the data

files is being loaded.

If the measurement date of a plot is not the same year as the current date, a dialog

box (Figure 54) will appear prompting for the correct date. This feature is provided

because the handheld computer clocks frequently are incorrect when batteries are low.
USACERL ADP 95/13 65

Figure 54Correct date dialog box.

Cancel

Select the <CANCEL> option to stop loading files into the database. If <CANCEL>

is selected while a file is loading into the database, no data from the file will exist in

the database. All data already loaded in the database for the currently loading file are

removed. Data for previous files will still be in the database. Either all of a handheld

plot data file will be loaded or no data will be loaded into the database to maintain

database integrity.

Exit

Select the <EXIT> option to terminate the program.

About

Selecting the <ABOUT> option will bring up a dialog box (Figure 55) that shows the

program version number.

Figure 55About dialog box.
66 USACERL ADP 95/13

Loading Individual Files

Frequently there is a need to load files:

• that do not adhere to the standard handheld data file naming 

convention

• into the database individually or in selected groups

• into the database in a predetermined order

• from a directory other than the default HHFILES directory

• without renaming the handheld data file.

An alternative file loading mechanism has been provided to meet these needs.

Individual files or groups of files can be loaded into the database by dragging and

dropping files from the Windows file manager. Files do not have to adhere to the

standard LCTA data file naming convention since the user selects the desired files.

Data files can be located in any directory or drive when loading data by dragging and

dropping. When files are loaded by dragging and dropping, file names are not changed

after the file is loaded.

To load files by dragging and dropping, first open the Windows File Manager and the

LCTA Field Data Database Loading program (Figure 56). The Windows File Manager

is located in the Main group window of the Windows Program Manager. Select a

group of files from the File Manager window. Grab the files by pressing the left mouse

button when the mouse pointer is on one of the file names. Without releasing the left

mouse button, drag the mouse pointer over the LCTA Field Data Database Loading

program. Then release the left mouse button. The program will start loading the files.

For more information on dragging and dropping, see the Windows user documentation.

If the measurement date of a plot is not the same year as the current date, a dialog

box (Figure 54) will appear to prompt for the correct date. This feature is provided

because the handheld computer clocks frequently are incorrect when batteries are low.
USACERL ADP 95/13 67

Figure 56Loading data files by dragging and dropping files from the Windows File

Manager into the LCTA Field Data Database Loading program. 

Why Files Do Not Load

Error messages specifying data observations not being added to a database table are

common. The messages mean that the handheld file contains missing data that were

not loaded into the table. Many database table columns will not accept missing or

invalid column values. This database feature is referred to as referential integrity.

See the database documentation for more information on these features of the

database. To correct the problems, edit and reload the handheld file or edit the data

already in the database table. Edit the handheld file by opening the file with the

handheld field recording program. Edit the database directly by using the LCTA Users

Interface data editing features, Gupta Inc. Quest, or other third-party data editing

tools. 

If the current date and the date the plot was measured are not in the same year, the

program perceives this as a common data recording error, and a dialog box (Figure 54)

will be displayed. The dialog box allows the plot measurement date to be changed

before data enters the database. Most data files are loaded into the database the same

year the data were collected. Field recorders with battery problems frequently have
68 USACERL ADP 95/13

incorrect computer clocks. The program assumes that if the measurement year and

current year are not the same, the measurement year is incorrect because of battery

problems. If the measurement date is correct, simply quit the dialog box and continue

loading the data.

If the handheld data file has been edited and is not in the specified format, a windows

error message is often displayed, and the program will crash. If a handheld file must

be edited, save a copy of the file before editing. When editing the file, do not change

the file structure. Correcting altered data files can be extremely time consuming. For

information on the handheld data file format see OUTPUT FILE FORMAT on page 51.

Loading Data From Mixed Data Collection Techniques

Currently LCTA offers two data collection options, initial inventory/long-term

monitoring and short-term monitoring. When collecting data with the handheld field

computers, two separate programs are used, INV2.EXE and MON2.EXE. In the past,

having two programs for each data collection method was acceptable. However,

installations have expressed an interest in using both data collection methods for each

plot. Many of these installations are collecting inventory line data and monitoring belt

data to provide more meaningful data, reduce data collected, and save time in the field.

Until new data collection devices and programs are developed, both the inventory and

monitoring data collection programs will have to be used to address this situation.

The use of the two programs to record data for a particular plot will require more

intensive data management. However, the procedures are fairly simple and can be

easily performed by installation personnel. Below is a list of procedures for loading

data into the database when using both the inventory/long-term monitoring and shortterm monitoring data recording programs for a plot.

Potential Problems

Handheld files for a particular plot measured on the same day will have the same file

name.

Result: could lose data

Files for a particular plot may have differing dates.

Result: data will not be loaded into the database due to referential integrity
USACERL ADP 95/13 69

Data recorded for a particular plot on each program (i.e., land use data recorded using

the inventory and monitoring program)

Result: duplicate data or overwriting of the correct data

The data file has an invalid file name. 

Result: the file will not be loaded with the load command

An invalid installation code was used to identify the installation.

Result: the data will not be loaded into the database

List of Procedures

1. When downloading files to the PC, keep two separate subdirectories, one each

for inventory/long-term monitoring files and for short-term monitoring files.

2. If an older version of the handheld programs was used to collect field data, the

output file format will have to be modified before the files can be loaded. The

only portion of the file that needs to be modified is the header section (Table 11).

Newer file formats contain additional lines of information. These additional

lines of information identify the format of the rest of the file. Lines 1 and 7

through 20 may need to be added. If these lines are not in the file, add the lines

exactly as shown in Table 11. 

Table 11. Handheld file header format.

Line Number Contents

1 VERSION 1.0

2 MONITOR

3 KNOX

4 10/27/1993

5 2

6 CORE

7 F *BA*

8 F *DBH*

9 F *OTHER*

10 *OTHER NAME*
70 USACERL ADP 95/13

11 F *OPT TABLE COUNT*

12 *OPT VAR 1 NAME*

13 *OPT VAR 2 NAME*

14 *OPT VAR 3 NAME*

15 *OPT VAR 4 NAME*

16 *OPT VAR 5 NAME*

17 YYYYYYYYY * PM, PS, SLS, BA, LU, GC, AC, BS, BT *

18 *RESERVED*

19 *RESERVED*

20 *RESERVED*

3. Use a text editor to open both the inventory/long-term and monitoring files for

a particular plot. With the Windows Notepad program, start the Notepad

program twice and arrange the windows so that both files are visible.

4. Check the date in both files on line 4. If they are different, correct one of them.

5. For each file, correct the loading options in line 17. Each Y in the line

corresponds to the table listed to the right of the row of Ys. Refer to Table 12

for the table codes. Change the Y to N for those tables that are not to be loaded.

If only belt data were collected using the monitoring program, change all but

the 8th and 9th Ys to Ns. This assumes all other data were collected using the

inventory/long-term program.

Table 12. Conversion table for handheld header file table

codes to LCTA database table names.

File Header Code LCTA Database Table Name

PM PlotMast

PS PlotSurv

SLS SoilLS

BA BasalA

LU LandUse

GC GndCover

AC AerCover

BS BeltSurv

BT BeltMon or BeltTran
USACERL ADP 95/13 71

6. Once all files have been corrected, copy the files containing PLOTMAST or

PLOTSURV data to the /LCTA/PRGMS/HHFILES directory. Load these files

first, following the procedures for loading handheld files.

7. After the files have been loaded, move those files from the /LCTA/PRGMS/

HHFILES directory and copy the rest of the handheld files to this directory.

Load these files following the procedures for loading handheld files.
72 USACERL ADP 95/13

5 LCTA Data Entry and Editing Program

Introduction

While most installation LCTA field data are recorded with handheld data recorders,

there are times when data must be recorded on paper. When measuring field plots

require camping out for several days without the ability to recharge batteries,

handheld recorders fail, and data is more easily recorded on paper. The LCTA Data

Entry and Editing program allows the user to enter LCTA field data collected on

paper. The edit windows are designed to closely match field sheets to ease data

entry.

System Requirements

Installing and running the LCTA Data Entry and Editing program requires the

following:

• IBM-compatible 386 computer

• 4 MB RAM

• 200 MB hard drive

• Microsoft Windows, version 3.1 or higher

• LCTA Program Installation disks

• Gupta Technologies Inc. SQLBase, version 5.0 or higher

• LCTA database.

Installation

The program files are supplied on 3.5 inch or 5.25 inch diskette(s) in a compressed

format with an installation program included. To install these files, Microsoft

Windows must be running on the computer. Complete the following steps:

1. Select <File> from the Program Manager menu.

2. Select <Run> from the popup menu.
USACERL ADP 95/13 73

3. In the command line field type <B:\Instalit> or <A:\Instalit>, depending on

the drive where the installation disk is located.

4. Follow the installation program’s instructions.

If the D: drive is chosen for installation, the installation program will create the

following directory structures:

• D:\LCTA\PRGMS {LCTA Front End Program files}

• D:\LCTA\PRGMS\HHCOMP {LCTA Handheld Compiler files}

• D:\LCTA\PRGMS\HHFILES {Handheld data files}

• D:\LCTA\PRGMS\FILES {LCTA Front End Program output files}

Once the files have been installed and the Windows group created or updated, several

icons will be found in the group window. To start a program, double click on the Data

Editor icon.

Program Features and Menu Options 

The following menu options are displayed at the top of the LCTA Edit Window

(Figure 57): About, Database, Basic, Yearly, Help, and Exit. Each topic is discussed

in the following text.

Figure 57LCTA Data Entry and Editing program window.

About

Selecting the <About> option will bring up a dialog box (Figure 58) that shows the

version number of the program.
74 USACERL ADP 95/13

Figure 58About dialog box.

Database

A dialog box (Figure 59) will appear allowing selection of the appropriate database

server and database. The current server and database are listed in the window title.

Select the appropriate database server. If accessing a local server, select local or

leave the selection blank. After selecting the database server, select the appropriate

database from the drop down list. A user name and password are required if the

default database values are not appropriate. See the SQLBase database documentation for more information on default user names and passwords. Select <OK> to

accept the selected values.

Figure 59Database selection dialog box.

Basic

The basic form contains all information on a plot that does not change with each

periodic remeasurement. This form should be filled out only when a plot is first

established. The data may be edited at any time if found to be inaccurate. 

This form should also be filled out (or already exist) before attempting to enter data

in the other forms. Data integrity features of the database will not allow certain data

to be added to the database unless other data already exists. 
USACERL ADP 95/13 75

Figure 61Year-plot selection dialog box.

A basic form for a plot can be edited, viewed, or a new form added (Figure 60).

Viewing a form will only display the plot data, values cannot be changed. Adding

a form displays an empty form. Editing a form displays the plot data and allows

values to be changed. Select the appropriate menu selection.

Figure 60Basic menu subselections.

If <View> or <Edit> was selected, the year-plot dialog box (Figure 61) will appear.

Select the appropriate year and the appropriate plot. Select <OK> to use the selected

values.

The basic plot information form

will be displayed (Figure 62).

Enter all required data. Installation requires the three character

installation code. Plot number is

a value between 0 and 9999.

Date is the date the plot was

established. DMC-E is the universal transverse mercator coordinate easting value obtained

from the global positioning system (GPS). DMC-N is the Universal Transverse Mercator coordinate northing value obtained from the GPS. USGS

Quad is the U.S. Geological Survey 7.5 minute topographic survey map. Azimuth is

the azimuth of the line transect. Declination is the angle between the geographic

meridian and the local magnetic meridian. R-Value is the R value for the USLE soil

loss equation and is obtained from the Soil Conservation Service (SCS). See the

LCTA Program Data Dictionary (Sprouse and Anderson, April 1995) and U.S. Army

Land Condition-Trend Analysis (LCTA) Plot Inventory Field Methods (Tazik et al.,

February 1992) for more detailed information on valid data values. Double clicking

the left mouse button when the cursor is over the date field will display a calendar.

The value selected on the calendar will be added to the date field. Use the OK button

to save changes to the database. Use the cancel button to discard all data changes.
76 USACERL ADP 95/13

Figure 62Basic plot information data entry

form dialog box.

Yearly

The following menu options are

displayed in the pull down menu once

the Yearly option in the Main menu has

been selected. Plot information can be

viewed, edited, or a new form added.

<View> will only display data; values

cannot be changed. <Edit> will display

data and allow changes to the data.

<Add> will display an empty form

selected from the appropriate menu

subselection. Yearly forms display data

that is collected or changes annually.

Land use, plot map, belt transect, and

line transect data forms are available.

Select the appropriate menu subselection (Figure 63).

Figure 63Yearly menu subselections.

If <View> or <Edit> was selected, the Year-plot dialog box will appear (Figure 64).

Select the appropriate year and the appropriate plot. Select <OK> to accept these

values.
USACERL ADP 95/13 77

Figure 64Year-plot selection dialog box.

If <Add> was selected for line or belt transect data forms, the select inventory dialog

box will appear (Figure 65). Select the appropriate inventory type to determine what

data form should be displayed. Select <OK> to use the selected value.

Figure 65Select inventory type dialog box.

Land use form. Enter the required data on the land use plot information form

(Figure 66). The land use plot form records all visible evidence of military, nonmilitary, and maintenance use of the 6 m x 100 m plot, as well as erosion evidence.

Mark the occurrence of an activity by pressing the left mouse button when the cursor

is over the appropriate list item. A text edit box is available to document other

activities. See the LCTA Program Data Dictionary (Sprouse and Anderson, April

1995) and U.S. Army Land Condition-Trend Analysis (LCTA) Plot Inventory Field

Methods (Tazik et al., February 1992) for more detailed information on valid data

values. Double click the left mouse button when the cursor is over the date field to

display a calendar. The value selected on the calendar will be added to the date field.

Select <OK> to save changes to the database. Use the cancel button to discard all

data changes.
78 USACERL ADP 95/13

Figure 66Land use data entry form dialog box.

Plot map form. Enter all required data on the plot map information form (Figure

67). Installation is the three character installation code. Plot number is a value

between 0 and 9999. Survey date is the date the plot was measured. Inventory type

lists the type of methodology used. Plot type lists the plot as part of the core

allocated plots or special use allocated plots. Surveyor is for the names of the

surveyors. Recorder is for the names of the data recorders. Training area is the

measurement years training area name. Vegetation type is the installation-defined

vegetation type of the plot. Steepness is the slope of the plot. Length is the length

of the plot slope. Plot note is used to record general comments about the plot and

data measurements. See the LCTA Program Data Dictionary (Sprouse and

Anderson, April 1995) and U.S. Army Land Condition-Trend Analysis (LCTA) Plot

Inventory Field Methods (Tazik et al., February 1992) for more detailed information

on valid data values. Double click the left mouse button when the cursor is over the

date field to display a calendar. The value selected on the calendar will be added to

the date field. Select <OK> to save changes to the database. Use the cancel button

to discard all data changes.
USACERL ADP 95/13 79

Figure 67Periodic plot data entry form dialog box.

Line transect form. If the initial and long-term inventory line transect plot information form (Figure 68) is displayed, enter all required data. Scroll bars allow the

display of various portions of the transect data. Disturb is the disturbance code for

the transect location. VegID is the vegetation code or ground cover code. VegCond

is the vegetation condition. Opt Text is an installation defined variable. The lower

half of the form stores vegetation codes. See the LCTA Program Data Dictionary

(Sprouse and Anderson, April 1995) and U.S. Army Land Condition-Trend Analysis

(LCTA) Plot Inventory Field Methods (Tazik et al., February 1992) for more detailed

information on valid data values. Double click the left mouse button when the cursor

is over the date field to display a calendar. The value selected on the calendar will

be added to the date field. Use the save-exit button to save changes to the database.

Use the cancel-exit button to discard all data changes.
80 USACERL ADP 95/13

Figure 68Inventory and long-term line transect data entry form dialog box. 

Figure 69Monitoring line transect data entry form dialog box.

If the monitoring line transect plot information form (Figure 69) is displayed, enter

all required data. Scroll bars allow the display of various portions of the transect

data. VegLoc is the vegetation transect location. Disturb is the disturbance code for

the transect location. GndCov is the ground cover code. AerCov is the aerial cover

code. Opt Text is an installation defined variable value. See the LCTA Program

Data Dictionary (Sprouse and Anderson, April 1995) and U.S. Army Land ConditionTrend Analysis (LCTA) Plot Inventory Field Methods (Tazik et al., February 1992)

for more detailed information on valid data values. Double click the left mouse
USACERL ADP 95/13 81

button when the cursor is over the date field to display a calendar. The value

selected on the calendar will be added to the date field. The delete line button deletes

the current line. The add line button adds a new data line. Use the save-exit button

to save changes to the database. Use the cancel-exit button to discard all data

changes.

Belt transect form. The belt transect form has two versions: monitoring and

initial/long-term. The correct form is displayed based on dialog box option selections.

If the initial and long-term inventory belt transect plot information form (Figure 70)

is displayed, enter all required data. Scroll bars allow the display of various portions

of the transect data. VegID is the vegetation code. Loc is the transect location. Dist

is the distance from the transect location. Side is the side of the transect. Ht is the

height of the plant. Cond is the condition of the plant. Begin, end, and area define

the area occupied by large clumps. Opt Real is a real number installation defined

variable. See the LCTA Program Data Dictionary (Sprouse and Anderson, April

1995) and U.S. Army Land Condition-Trend Analysis (LCTA) Plot Inventory Field

Methods (Tazik et al., February 1992) for more detailed information on valid data

values. Double click the left mouse button when the cursor is over the date field to

display a calendar. The value selected on the calendar will be added to the date field.

The delete line button deletes the current line. The add line button adds a new data

line. Use the save-exit button to save changes to the database. Use the cancel-exit

button to discard all data changes.

Figure 70Initial and long-term inventory belt transect data entry form dialog box.
82 USACERL ADP 95/13

If the monitoring inventory belt transect plot information form (Figure 71) is displayed, enter all required data. Scroll bars allow the display of various portions of

the transect data. VegID is the vegetation code. Cond is the condition of the plant.

Min-1m, 1-2m, 2-3m, 3-4m, >4m are the number of plants in each height category.

See the LCTA Program Data Dictionary (Sprouse and Anderson, April 1995) and

U.S. Army Land Condition-Trend Analysis (LCTA) Plot Inventory Field Methods

(Tazik et al., February 1992) for more detailed information on valid data values.

Double click the left mouse button when the cursor is over the date field to display

a calendar. The value selected on the calendar will be added to the date field. The

delete line button deletes the current line. The add line button adds a new data line.

Use the save-exit button to save changes to the database. Use the cancel-exit button

to discard all data changes.

Figure 71Monitoring inventory belt transect data entry form dialog box.

Global

The <Global> menu selection is a utility function that makes certain common

complex data changes easier. Two utilities are provided: global vegetation code

changes and plot number/plot date changes (Figure 72). 
USACERL ADP 95/13 83

Figure 72Global menu subselections.

Frequently plants are misidentified during field data collection. The global change

vegid utility (Figure 73) allows vegetation codes to be changed easily. Enter the

incorrect and correct vegetation codes. Select the appropriate year and plot where

changes should be made. Select <OK> to make the changes to the database.

Figure 73Global vegetation name change dialog box.

The LCTA databases use referential integrity constraints to help maintain the

integrity of the data stored in the database. Referential integrity means all

references from one table to another table are valid and accurate. For example, plot

information cannot be added to the plotsurv table if the plot does not exist in the

plotmast table. In other words, plot data cannot exist for a plot that does not exist.

While this database feature is important in maintaining the integrity of the data,

some types of errors are difficult to correct.
84 USACERL ADP 95/13

Because of referential integrity constraints in the LCTA databases, changing the plot

number and plot measurement dates for data can be difficult. The plot date utility

makes these changes easier. Select the existing plot and date value from the drop

down list (see Figure 74). Enter the correct plot number and/or plot measurement

date. Select <OK> to change the database data values.

Figure 74Global plot/date change dialog box.

Help

This menu selection provides access to the help session for the LCTA Edit Data

program. This help session works like other Windows help sessions. All green text

with dotted underlines will bring up a definition box when the text is clicked on.

When the green text with solid underlined is clicked on, the program will jump to

that subject. Topics can be browsed by clicking on the left and right arrows in the

menu bar. The help session contains a copy of the handheld program manual. For

further information on using a Windows help session, consult the Windows user

manual.

Exit

Select this menu item to exit the LCTA Edit Data program.
USACERL ADP 95/13 85

References

Sprouse, William L., and Alan B. Anderson, Land Condition Trend Analysis (LCTA)

Program Data Dictionary: Version 1.0, ADP Report EN-95/03/ADA295608 (U.S.

Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratories [USACERL], April 1995).

Tazik, D.J., S.D. Warren, V.E. Diersing, R.B. Shaw, R.J. Brozka, C.F. Bagley, and W.R.

Whitworth, U.S. Army Land Condition-Trend Analysis (LCTA) Plot Inventory Field

Methods, TR N-92/03/ADA247931 (USACERL, February 1992).
86 USACERL ADP 95/13
USACERL ADP 95/13 87

Appendix: Forms
88 USACERL ADP 95/13

Problem Report Form

User Name:_____________________________ Date:__/__/__

Database:_______________________________

Type of Problem: Major Error: [] Minor Error: []

Request for Improvement: []

What error occurred or what would you like

improved?______________________________________________

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

Did any error messages appear on the screen? Yes[ ] No[ ]

If yes, please list the error message:

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

Under which menu item did the error occur or is an improvement

requested?______________________________________________

 
USACERL ADP 95/13 89

Installation Information Form

User Name:_______________________________________________________

Installation Name:_______________________________________________

Address:_________________________________________________________

 __________________________________________________________

 __________________________________________________________

 __________________________________________________________

Phone:___________________________________________________________

FAX:_____________________________________________________________

Date of Installation:____________________________________________

Programs Installed:

LCTA Windows Front End ___ Version Number ____

LCTA Handheld Compiler ___ Version Number ____

 (Version numbers can be found by starting the programs and clicking on the About menu item.)

DOS Version Number:____________

Windows Version Number:________

Computer Brand:________________

Computer Model:________________

YES NO Version

Do you have Turbo Pascal for DOS installed? [] [] ____

Do you have SQLBase installed? [] [] ____

Do you have Quest for SQLBase installed? [] [] ____