Plant Identification

Part I, Identifying biodiversity: Why do we need field guides? * How do we 'know' nature? Classifying, naming and recognizing * Field guides * How to use this book * Part II, Producing a successful guide: Principles, purpose, people and process * What makes a successful guide? * Purpose * Principles * People * Process * Part III, Planning and budgeting * Step 1: Identify the needs and purpose of the guide with the stakeholders * Methods for consulting * Step 2: Review the scope in relation to available resources * Step 3: Prepare an action plan and agreements with stakeholders * Summary: Checklist of questions for the planning stage * Part IV, Plant names and botanical publication * Naming, identification and classification * The spectrum of botanical literature * Landmarks in the spectrum of field guides today * Your field guide within the spectrum of types * Part V, Identification: Keys and other access methods * Types of guide: Types of access * Choosing access methods and the medium for your field guide * Part VI, Plant characters suitable for field guides * Characters of younger stems and leaves * Characters of whole plants or plant populations * Part VII, Information: Finding it and presenting it * Kinds of information * Managing information in a database * Nomenclature * Selecting, sampling and recording your sources of information * Primary data: Information direct from people * Secondary sources: Information from existing documented sources * Ownership, intellectual property rights and copyright * Accuracy and reliability * Writing * Part VIII, Illustration * The content of a picture: Some general principles * The options for illustrative material * Use of computers for handling illustrations * Conclusions: Choosing and using imagery * Part IX, Testing the field guide * Overview of the testing process * Methodology * Organizing workshops for testing * Preparing materials for testing * Documentation: Instructions and forms for the test * Using the results of tests and workshops * Part X, Publishing the field guide * Choosing a publisher * Do-it-yourself publication * Desktop publishing * Finalizing content * Printing * Getting your guide to the users * Follow-up: Tracking the success of your field guide *