This printable field data collection sheet template gives researchers a structured two-page, 33 question form for recording observations in the field, where connectivity is unreliable and a paper sheet is the most dependable tool. Each sheet covers one site or plot visit and takes a few minutes to fill in by hand.
What this survey measures
The sheet opens with the essentials for every record: a site or plot ID, the observer, the date, start and end times, GPS coordinates, and elevation. A weather section records sky, wind, visibility, temperature, cloud cover, ground conditions, and disturbance. A habitat section captures the main habitat type, features present, and plant height and cover. Sampling fields record species and individual counts, the method used, and survey effort, and the last section logs photo numbers, sample references, follow-up needs, and free notes for anything the fixed fields do not cover. Together these give you a consistent, comparable record across every site you visit.
How to use it on paper
Print a stack of sheets and carry them on a clipboard into the field, where phones and tablets often lose signal or battery. Fill the checkboxes and number boxes with a blue or black pen, and write notes clearly in the open box. When you return to the lab, scan the completed sheets in batches: PaperSurvey reads the checkboxes with optical mark recognition and converts the handwritten counts and notes to text automatically, so your data lands in the dashboard without manual entry.
Customize this template
Add your project logo, rename the count fields to your target species or variables, and add or remove habitat and condition options to match your protocol. The paper layout reflows automatically as you edit, and every sheet you print stays scannable.
Preview the PDF above, or use this template to start collecting field data today.