Guideline
File format. IndiCATor accepts vegetation data in CSV format with comma-separated values (.csv). The file must contain a header row with column names. During processing, all column names are automatically converted to lowercase.
Required columns. The dataset must include a mandatory column named "species", containing taxon names.
Plot columns. At least one column must represent a plot (releve). Plot columns must begin with the prefix "plot" (e.g. plot1, plot2, plot_a). All columns whose names start with "plot" are interpreted as separate releves.
Abundance values. Abundance values (e.g. percentage cover) must be numeric. If Braun-Blanquet symbols such as "+" or "r" are used, they should be converted to numeric values before upload (e.g. "+" -> 0.5, "r" -> 0.1). Zeros are automatically treated as missing values (NA). Empty cells may be left blank or filled with zeros, and zeros are automatically treated as missing values (NA).
Taxon naming. Although IndiCATor automatically resolves taxonomic synonyms, taxon names should preferably follow the Euro+Med PlantBase standard to ensure optimal matching. If aggregates are included, they may be indicated as "agg." or "aggr." (with a trailing period). Infraspecific taxa may be indicated as "v." or "var." (with a trailing period).
Optional layer column. The table may optionally contain a column named "layer" indicating vegetation layer. If this column is present, tree layer records can be excluded from analysis. In the "layer" column, the tree layer may be denoted as "A", "t1", "t2", or "t3". Information on other layers is not used. If the "layer" column is absent, all records are included and selective exclusion of the tree layer is not available.
Validation. If the file does not meet these requirements (e.g. missing required columns or incorrect delimiter), the upload will fail with an error message.
Test file. A test file can be downloaded here: Download test_file.csv.
Contact. If you have found errors or inaccuracies on our website, or if you have any suggestions or comments, you can contact us by email at icat.eco.info@gmail.com.