Data validation

In Biolovision we value data quality.

Errors may occur when typing or identifying species, but on occasions, exceptional observations may take place. To ensure the quality of the data in our systems, validation filters are applied when observers submit data. These, search for exceptional data in areas covered by a local portal, and may ask observers to provide more details in order to validate or reject the observation:

• Automatic validation
  

Filter locally set by administrators of the Local portal covering the area the observation takes place at. When an observation falls outside the parameters determined by the local administrators, a yellow or blue mark is automatically displayed next to the observation (see table below for meaning of markings). The observer then receives an automatic e-mail to inform them.

• Manual validation:
  

The yellow or blue mark indicating the observation is exceptional is displayed manually by an authorised validator. The observer can receive either an automatic or a personalised e-mail informing them.

Please, consider the valuable work of validators and stay polite. See who can become a validator at…

NOTE: When data is submitted through NaturaList, filters apply at synchronisation. Data submitted from areas with no local partner is not validated.

	Automatic filter	Manual filter	Visible to other users	Action needed
	YES	YES	YES	YES
	YES	YES	NO1	YES
	NO	YES	NO1	NO

¹ Visible to observer and administrators.

After verification, an observation may be:

-Accepted: all markings disappear and the observation becomes visible to all users.

-Rejected: the yellow or blue marking associated to an observation becomes red. The observation remains at the observer’s list of observations but is invisible to other users.

Homologation by the Rarity Committee

Besides Biolovision’s validating system, some exceptional observations may be sent to the local rarities committee for homologation. When this is the case, a module will open asking for additional details. See more about the Rarity Committee Module at Web interface > Modules > Rarity Committee Module.

A Rarity Committee is an independent group of ornithologist evaluating if uncommon observations could be considered for scientific purposes. They are normally concerned about the area and time of the year the observation takes place, and data of first breeding.

See all rarity committees in Europe at www.aerc.eu.