Creating a new data set within SDR

Data sets can also be created and edited within Species Diversity and Richness. To create a new data set, select New from the File pull-down menu or click on the second button on the tool bar. You will be presented with the Edit your dataset box:

Add new species and new sample details using the buttons at the bottom of the screen, and input your data. To edit a species or sample name double-click in the first (title) cell of the row or column – a box appears in which you can alter the title or delete the row/column. To delete a row or column, click in a cell in it, and use the Delete Species / Delete Sample button.

NOTE: Commas are not allowed in the species name. For instance, Upright Hedge-parsley should not be entered as Hedge-parsley, Upright.

When you have finished entering data, click OK, and you will be prompted to choose a name for your new data file and save it.

By default, all samples are selected for inclusion in the analyses. If you wish to remove a sample from the analysis, but not delete it completely from the data set, use the Select Data function (4th button from left on the main program toolbar) – see Selecting the Samples to Analyse.

Remember that for larger data sets you are advised to use a spreadsheet to create your dataset, as it will give you superior editing and data search facilities. See Creating a data file using a spreadsheet.