Data Collection
Learn how to collect and input your research data into EvoNEST.
Overview
EvoNEST provides three main methods for collecting research data: manual entry forms, file uploads for experiments, and CSV bulk imports. This guide covers the actual workflows for entering sample, trait, and experiment data.
Data entry methods
Sample data entry
Create sample records through forms with required taxonomic and metadata fields.
Getting Started:
- Navigate to any Samples page
- Click "Add Sample"
- Select sample type
- Fill required fields and submit
Required Fields:
- Family, Genus, Species (taxonomic classification)
- Type
- Responsible person (from existing users)
Auto-Generated Features:
- Sample IDs generated automatically based on genus/species
- Nomenclature (scientific name)
- Geographic coordinates from location name, if provided
- Parent-child relationships for subsamples
Form Tabs:
- General: Basic sample information
- Location: Geographic data with GPS lookup
- Notes: Additional metadata
Trait data entry
Record measurement data with optional file attachments.
Basic Workflow:
- Navigate to any Traits page
- Click "Add Trait"
- Select trait type from configured options
- Enter measurement data
- Optionally attach images
- Submit with validation
Form Structure:
- General: Trait type and equipment selection
- Details: Responsible person and measurement date
- Values: Sample selection, measurements, and units
Measurement Input:
- Single values: Enter one measurement
- Multiple values: Enter comma, semicolon, or space-separated list
- Automatic calculations: System calculates average and standard deviation
- Units: Auto-populated from trait type configuration
File Attachments:
- Image support: JPG, PNG, TIFF formats
- Automatic renaming: Files renamed with sample name prefix
- File linking: Images automatically linked to trait records
Experiment data entry
Upload and process experimental data files from testing equipment.
Supported File Types:
- Documents: PDF, TXT, DOC files
- Images: JPG, PNG, TIFF files
- Data files: Custom parsers for tensile testing equipment
File Upload Process:
- Navigate to Experiments page
- Drag and drop files or click upload
- System processes files and extracts metadata
- Review auto-generated experiment names
- Select responsible person and sample
- Add optional notes
- Submit for processing
File Processing Features:
- Automatic parsing: Extracts specimen names and metadata
- Image compression: Large images automatically compressed
- File size handling: Files >10MB require manual file path entry
- Data extraction: Mechanical testing data automatically parsed
Current Limitations:
- Only basic file type detection implemented
- We are happy to implement advanced data parsing of document if provided a template
Bulk data import
Import multiple samples from CSV files with intelligent field mapping.
CSV Import Process:
- Navigate to Samples → Import
- Upload CSV file
- Map CSV columns to EvoNEST fields
- Review validation errors
- Run import with progress tracking
Special Mappings:
- Nomenclature: Splits "Genus species" into separate fields
- Responsible Person: Accepts names, emails, or user IDs
- Hierarchical Import: Animals with multiple subsamples
Field Validation:
- Required fields checked automatically
- Data type validation (dates, numbers)
- User account verification
- Duplicate detection
Current Import Limitations:
- Only CSV format supported
- Limited to sample data (not traits or experiments)
- No custom field creation during import
- Hierarchical imports require specific column formats
File management
EvoNEST handles file storage and organization automatically.
File Storage:
- Files saved to server filesystem
- Organized by type and entry ID
- Automatic backup in configured storage path
File Linking:
- Files automatically linked to samples, traits, or experiments
- Metadata stored in database
- Download functionality available
File Size Limits:
- Standard uploads: Up to 10MB
- Large files: Manual file path entry required
- Image compression: Automatic for web display