MapMate is bird and wildlife recording software which has rapidly become the preferred method of record submission to the Greater Manchester Bird Recording Group.
As sightings on this forum are not used in any official capacity (and so are not used for the county database or annual report or importantly for any conservation or environmental issues) it is hugely important that once again we try to get as many county birders on board with submitting their sightings to MapMate and as such, in association with the Greater Manchester Local Records Centre, we are offering free MapMate training and free software.
Paul Barrington from the Greater Manchester Local Records Centre has provided the following information: -
WHY MAPMATE?
MapMate was written using Microsoft Access 1997 and despite it being a dinosaur in computing terms (1 year before the existence of Google, 3 years before the first home broadband and 10 years before the first iPhone) it is still the #1 UK solution for recorders and voluntary recording groups alike. Interestingly several Local Record Centres also use MapMate as their 'top copy' records store. How is this possible? MapMate has a well thought out approach to data entry and reporting. There is also a well-established community of MapMate users that provide peer to peer technical support and advice on creating custom queries.
If you are a regular recorder perhaps MapMate is the right solution for you.
We are running a two part course to cover everything from installation, basic record entry and using inbuilt reports through to understanding the fundamentals of SQL*, writing your own queries, or at least being able to modify the inbuilt queries, and how to produce professional distribution atlases over an OS base layer.
PREREQUISITES
Ideally, you need to own or have access to a Windows laptop that you can bring along to the course and you also need permission to be able to install software. If you do not have a laptop we may be able to provide one for use during the training. No prior MapMate or SQL experience is required.
BEFORE THE COURSE
I will support you to download and install MapMate. We will then ensure that it is patched up to date. I will also provide you with any Greater Manchester sites you would like to record in.
SESSION ONE
Record entry
Quick record entry tips
Quick reporting
Using the inbuilt reports
Sharing data via sync files
SESSION TWO
Once you have had an opportunity to input some records we will meet again to cover
Creating a basic distribution Atlas
Using OS base layers
SQL fundamentals
Creating custom queries
Modifying (hacking) existing queries
WHEN?
Both sessions will take place in the conference room at the Council Offices in Tameside, Ashton under Lyne. Easily accessible via train, metrolink or bus with plenty of local on-street parking.
SESSION ONE Friday 31/01/2014 10:00 - 13:00
SESSION TWO Friday 21/02/2014 10:00 - 13:00
NOTE: if you already have MapMate and have inputted more than 50 records you could just attend the second session. Get in touch using the details below.
HOW DO I BOOK?
Because there is a bit of work to do prior to the course all bookings are being managed through paul.barrington@tameside.gov.uk. If you have any queries please don't hesitate to get in touch via 0161 342 3123. This course is for Greater Manchester recorders only.
