Avian Knowledge Network (AKN):
the Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How
DoW AKN Regional Training, Cobscook Institute, ME August 11-13, 2026
Agenda
Tuesday, August 11
All times Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
0800 (65 min) — Welcome, Introductions, and the Avian Data Lifecycle
Welcome to the DOW / AKN workshop on using the AKN technologies for managing and utilizing avian data in the AKN.
- Welcome and introductions
- Review the workshop agenda
- Logistics and facilities
- What to do if you encounter technical problems
- The Avian Data Lifecycle
0905 (40 min) — AKN Project Data 101: project database, programs, protocols, and sampling units
We will cover how the AKN represents observational data and how to find the best way to organize and curate your data in a project database.
- How the AKN organizes data
- What is a Program?
- What is a Project Database?
- STRETCH BREAK
- What is a Protocol?
- Choosing and managing protocols (DEMONSTRATION of Project Leaders for configuring protocols, linked from the DOD AKN Portal)
0945 (60 min) — Managing Project Metadata – Protocols and Sampling Units
We will continue to cover how to create and manage metadata in our Project Database.
- What are Sampling Units?
- EXERCISE 1: Creating the Point Count sampling unit hierarchy (PDF)
- Download the sampling units into a GIS file (DEMONSTRATION of Project Downloader for downloading sampling units, linked from the DOD AKN Portal)
- What are Researchers?
- Demonstration – Adding researchers (DEMONSTRATION of Project Leaders for adding researchers to your project, linked from the DOD AKN Portal)
1045 (35 min) — Entering Observation Data
We will cover how to enter observation data into the Project Database that is defined by the metadata we created.
- EXERCISE 2: Enter and proof a point count field survey (PDF)
- Downloading your point count data (DEMONSTRATION of Project Downloader for downloading observation data, linked from the DOD AKN Portal)
1125 (30 min) — Bulk loading data to a Project
We will cover how to bulk load data into the Project Database.
- Templates for uploading, and batch processing
- EXERCISE 3: Bulk loading sampling locations (PDF)
1155 (5 min) — Editing Observation Data
1200 (60 min) — Lunch Break
1300 (120 min) — Local Presentations
1500 (30 min) — Introduction to field exercise and logistics for Wednesday
- Field Exercise and Data Entry (Part 1)
- Introduction to field protocol and datasheets
- Volunteers can upload Google maps
1530 (30 min) — Day 1 Wrap-up
- Plus, Delta
- Setting the stage for Wednesday
1600 — Adjourn
Wednesday, August 12
All times Eastern Daylight (EDT)
0800 (30 min) — Meet at the classroom
- Divide up into groups for each transect, hand out field forms as needed
- Bring clipboards, pencils, binoculars, and a timer (e.g., your phone or watch).
0830 (3 hrs) — Point Count and Area Search surveys in small groups
- See “Field Exercise and Data Entry” for an example filled out field form.
1130 (120 min) — Data entry and lunch
- Field Exercise and Data Entry (Part 2)
- Upload Sampling Units
- Enter data
1330 (30 min) — Day 2 Wrap-up
- Plus, Delta
- Setting the stage for Thursday
1400 (120 min) — Office Hours
1600 — Adjourn
Thursday, August 13
All times Eastern Daylight (EDT)
0800 (20 min) — Data Sharing Levels
We will give an overview of what data sharing levels we have and how the project leader controls them.
- What data sharing levels are available?
- Motivations for sharing data.
- Setting data sharing levels (DEMONSTRATION of Project Leaders for setting sharing levels, linked from the DOD AKN Portal)
0820 (25 min) — AKN Warehouse Data 101
We will cover how data flows and is made available to other tools and users across DoW and the AKN.
- What is a Data Warehouse?
- Case Study: USFS Region 8
- Downloading data from a Warehouse using Data Download (DEMONSTRATION of Data Downloader for downloading Level 5 data from the Warehouse, linked from the DOD AKN Portal)
0845 (5 min) — Data Ownership, Sharing, and Contractors
0850 (55 min) — Discovering observation data
We will cover how to discover other projects using the AKN.
- (DEMONSTRATION of R.A.I.L. Tool for exploringavian species regionally, linked from the DOD AKN Portal)
- EXERCISE 4: Create a species list with RAIL Tool (PDF)
- 15-min BREAK
1035 (10 min) — Avian Data Life Cycle Roundup
1045 (60 min) — DOW AKN Update
We will cover plans and updates for DOW and the AKN.
- DOW AKN Program Overview
- AKN Tools and Resources
- Case Study: Colonial Waterbird
1145 (15 min) — Next Steps for You
We will show how you will add new users as a Project Leader.
- Creating a new log-in for a User or Project Leader (DEMONSTRATION of steps to register and approve a new user)
- Assigning roles to project personnel (DEMONSTRATION in ProjectLeaders)
- Creating a new unregistered researcher (DEMONSTRATION in ProjectLeaders)
1200 (30 min) — Wrap-up, Pluses and Deltas
We will evaluate the day and make sure everyone is clear on Office Hours.
- Pluses and Deltas
- Parking lot review
- Reminder of office hours
- Final questions
1230 (60 min) — Lunch/Adjourn
You are free to leave at this time if you are not signed up for office hours after lunch.
1330 (2 hrs) — Office Hours
1530 — Adjourn
Exercises
Field Exercise (optional extra credit for virtual training)
- EXERCISE: Download exercise (PDF)
Extra credit:
Slides
Slides
- Workshop slides (PDF)
Resources
This page contains helpful resources for after training, such as field data sheets, overview videos, and additional ways to get help
Post-training support
- Office Hours sign-up here
- Need technical support with the tools? Send an email to support@pointbluehelp.zendesk.com to submit a ticket. Please include your installation/project, what tool you are using, and any error messages or screenshots that would help!
- Have a DoW-specific question about your project? Email Liz and Zoe at dodakn@erdc.dren.mil