Acoustic Data Management Class
The Acoustic Data Management training classes are designed to help users responsibly interpret bat detector studies required by agencies and clients. This training provides a background in current acoustic survey techniques for properly deploying both passive and active full-spectrum bat detectors. The focus is on data organization and management workflows, featuring both Kaleidoscope PRO and SonoBat software programs. Students receive guided practice with how to interpret "auto-classification" decisions and how to manually confirm or reject the computer-generated "probable species presence" results. Participants will be empowered to compare results of multiple auto-classifiers themselves rather than relying heavily on outside contractors for data analysis.
You can customize your experience or address specific training needs by selecting from one or more single-day / single topic lessons at every venue:
- Acoustic Survey Project Planning and Passive Deployment Tips
- Data Collection, Off-loading, Organization and Post-processing for AutoID
- How to Identify Bat Calls and Introduction to Manual Vetting
- Reporting, Vetting, and Data Upload to the NABat Partner Portal
- Designing, Conducting, Interpreting and Sharing Mobile Acoustic Transects
Demonstrations and Practicums will vary at each venue and according to group interests and/or local conditions during the training. Additional details are available from the venue links above and are described more fully below.
Additional Program Details
The Data Management portions of our classes provide intensive, classroom-based training with hands-on, in-field components. Geek sessions are planned during "down-time" each day for students to take advantage of 1-on-1 time with instructors. If desired, students may bring their own full-spectrum recordings from previous projects. Time will be allotted for instructor-led review of cryptic or confusing files with the entire class. This allows everyone to appreciate the types of issues that may arise during typical acoustic survey efforts in the region, avoiding common pitfalls others have suffered, and maximizing survey efficiency for the upcoming season.
Our guided classroom demonstrations and hands-on experience with recordings acquaints participants with the full range of methods, techniques, and technologies available for surveying bats in any North American habitat. Participants will learn how to speed post-processing and enhance call analysis. This class will illustrate the short-comings of simply accepting the output results from automated classifiers. Students will learn how to manually review recordings to ensure accurate identification and occupancy results. Instructors will also guide participants on how to interpret the automated outputs generated by Kaleidoscope Pro and SonoBat. Students learn how the MLE values are calculated to predict species presence.
This course will provide students with realistic examples of call-collection and processing that is likely to occur during actual acoustic field surveys. Finally, all participants will learn important survey and deployment essentials to satisfy various agency acoustic survey guidelines. This class will be suitable for participants using acoustics anywhere in North America.
Data Management Curriculum Highlights
• Bat Detector Types & Deployment Tips
• Introduction to Echolocation & Recording Ultrasound
• File Organization & Data Management
• Post-processing Acoustic Files for Analysis
• Viewing Full-spectrum Files in SonoBat and KaleidoscopePro
• Generating AutoID Outputs from Each Software Package
• Analyzing Results, Interpreting MLE Values & Determining Occupancy
• Echolocation Call Characteristics of Local Bat Species
• Using Qualitative Analysis during Manual Vetting Efforts
• Active Monitoring & Mobile Transects
• Tips for Success & Improving Recording Quality
• Caveats & Issues of Special Concern