What Is VGS

Widespread interest in VGS has been generated because the software generally meets the needs of both field personnel and administrative level managers.  One reason for the success of VGS is that both office and field data entry forms are designed to fit specific combinations of sampling methods and forms in the most efficient manner for a particular sampling protocol.  Data entry forms are designed to minimize the amount of writing, clicking and scrolling involved in entering data and navigating a form.  Additional field and/or office modules for VGS to support your specific protocols and specifications can be developed.

For vegetation data, VGS implements the entire USDA NRCS Plants Database, but allows the user to create their own more limited template species lists.  Users may also use their own common names and functional categories for species as desired.  Scroll down for a list of features and specifications below.

VGS Main Screen

Image of VGS Main Screen

 

Features

 
  • SQL Server database for use both in the office and in the field.
  • Ability to organize and filter study areas or sites based on as many hierarchical classification systems as desired (such as management responsibility or vegetation classifications) using a folder paradigm similar to organizing files on a computer.
  • Data entry modules for a variety of vegetation sampling methods.
  • Data forms designed for your specific protocols and needs.
  • Data forms for entering existing historical data.
  • Integrated GPS capabilities.
  • Ability to synchronize data among field tablets and with central office database.
  • Reports for summarizing and presenting data in the field and office (designed to your specifications).
  • Species names and symbols are those provided by the national level USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database.
  • Species can be qualified in any manner desired.  For example species can be separated by age or size class.
  • All categorical lists are user configurable.
 

Specifications

 
VGS is built on the Microsoft .Net Framework and is written mostly in the C# language.  The backend database may be any version of Microsoft SQL Server.  The software application has the following requirements:
 
VGS version 4.0
  • VGS version 4.0 operates on any computer or device using Microsoft WindowsTM operating system version 7 or later.  Tablet PCs are recommended for use in the field.
  • All prerequisites required for the operation of VGS are licensed for distribution with VGS and are automatically installed when VGS is installed if they do not already exist on the workstation or field PC.  Prerequisites include:
  • Microsoft .NET Framework (currently version 4.5.1)
  • SQL Server Compact Edition 3.5 SP2.
  • Installations on workstations with multiuser access to a central server database require Microsoft SQL Server Express edition or higher (Microsoft licensing requirements apply for versions higher than Compact and Express editions). 
  • GPS unit support currently requires testing until a verified list of supported devices has been established.
 
VGS version 3.2 (Deprecated)
  • VGS version 3.2 operates on any computer or device using the Microsoft WindowsTM operating system - specifically Windows XP Service Pack 2 or later, Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 or later, or Windows 7 or 8.  Tablet PCs are recommended for use in the field.
  • All prerequisites required for the operation of VGS are licensed for distribution with VGS and are automatically installed when VGS is installed if they do not already exist on the workstation or field PC.  Prerequisites include:
  • Microsoft .NET Framework (currently version 4.0)
  • SQL Server Compact Edition 3.5 SP2.
  • Installations on workstations with multiuser access to a central server database require Microsoft SQL Server Express edition or higher (Microsoft licensing requirements apply for versions higher than Compact and Express editions). 
  • GPS unit support currently requires testing until a verified list of supported devices has been established.