Using WeBS (Wetland Bird Survey) Support

Patch 262 introduces a new recording system for WeBS (note this Patch requires Replicator 207 or later).  To download this patch click here.  Choose to 'Open' the file, ‘Yes’ to replicate now and when Replicator starts just click on the Synchronise Button.  This will only take a few seconds.  Note this is optional and currently experimental - please feedback your comments to support.  This MapMate entry system was devised by the RSPB and is currently on trial.  Due to popular request we have released it for you to try out. Requires MM release 208 or later and context sensitive help is available if you F1 in the forms discussed below.  Important: If your software is behind this then 'Smart Update' before running this patch.

The WeBS patch 262 introduces the following new elements:

• A new recording form for ‘WeBS Events’

• A new recording method called ‘WeBS’

• New reports for:
  WeBS Count for a <site> in <year>
  WeBS Report

• Plus 2 other queries useful to birders:
  Breeding Summary for a <site> in <year>
  Monthly Maxima for a <site> in <year>

• All associated term lists for Tides, Coverage, Activities and Birds of Prey

How does this patch work? The patching system utilises the programmability of MapMate to create new recording systems, reports, term lists and structures required by the scheme.  This is fully automatic - all you need do is run the patch.

Recording Model and 'WeBS Events'


The idea is that each time you go out and do a WeBS Survey this is an individual ‘WeBS Event’. You can create a new WeBS Event from MapMate Data Entry using Records > 'Add New' > ‘Webs Events’. This will open the WeBS Event data entry form:

Enter the details of this particular event - like the sample provided above.  Note that a maximum of one sample per day is permitted with the current system - the date of that particular day going in the 'Date' field.  You can state the sample start and end times and use standard terms for Activities, Birds of Prey and annotate these as disturbances.  In any field you can press F2 for a list of possible value and choose from this.  The Activity and 'B of P' fields are explained a bit more below as these allow multiple selections.

Activity Input

To assign an activity observation click or tab to the Activity field and press F2.  You'll see a screen like this:

You can select any combination of Activities either by clicking the tick box with your mouse or with keyboard only entry using:

• Cursor Up and Down to scroll the list

• Enter to select or de-select an item

• Press 'x' on you keyboard to set or switch between disturbing and not disturbing

When done click OK or Tab to the OK button and press Enter.

Birds of Prey Input

Birds of prey are inputted in a similar way to that above.  Click in or Tab to the 'B of P' field and press F2 to see options.

Recording WeBS Species

To complete the WeBS recording process all individual species recorded during the visit (=WeBS Event) are simply entered as normal with Data Entry - but using the WeBS method.  Please ensure that these records are all identified by entering 'WeBS' in the Method field and then locking it.

You can then enter the species and other attributes as required.  Note that the records for species should match the Date for the WeBS Event and have the same Site for the species records to be 'associated' with the scheme and a particular 'Event'.

Your records under WeBS can then be combined with general MapMate querying - including species lists for a site say - or they can be isolated and reported under the WeBS Scheme.

WeBS Reporting

Two reports are provided for WeBS Reporting, these are:

• WeBS Count for a <site> in <year>
  Lists WeBS Summary by month for given year at given site

• WeBS Report
  Provides full WeBS details

These queries can be used to build others.  Queries are available from Analysis > 'User Queries' section.

Additional Reporting

Two additional queries are exposed for you to use.  These are:

• Breeding Summary for a <site> in <year>
  Summarises species where they have been records using the Status Terms: Breeding (Confirmed), (Possible) and (Probable).

• Monthly Maxima for a <site> in <year>
  Provides the maximum day count per species for each month in given year at given site.

Queries are available from Analysis > 'User Queries' section.

For further details please see the WeBS Standard paper Recording Form and F1 Help in MapMate.

Issued: 22 Aug 2003, Revised 11 Oct 2003 for Replicator 207.

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