A timesaving, accurate method for locating and re-locating plants in ecological field studies

We present a method for increasing the accuracy and acquisition rate of the initial location data of plants within fixed areas. Using a personal digital assistant (PDA) to create a link between various electronic measurement devices (pantograph, micrometers etc.) and a database of the study individual's location information, has significantly increased measurement reliability and speed in a demographic field study. The method also provides a means to quickly and accurately re-identify the same individuals during subsequent visits to the study plot. Application of the same method can be used in all ecological field studies with sessile organisms in permanent plots, increasing speed and accuracy of coordinate measurement.