Support the spread of “good practice” in generating, managing, analysing and communicating spatial information Fundamentals of Note Taking Documentation By: Jon Corbett and Kasondra White Unit: M14U03

Introduction Required as a means of: –documenting local knowledge –recording observations –recording ideas community members put forth –keeping track of what has been done Organising field notes Note-taking tools Techniques for capturing information

Note-taking tools Used to: –record impromptu comments or observations –create a record of steps that have been taken Notes should be taken on a regular basis Reliable tools a necessity: –notebook –writing utensils

The notebook Durability and portability are the two most important features Large enough to write on, small enough to carry Hard cover Numbered pages Waterproof paper

Writing utensils Important for ensuring recorded data does not fade, blur or run Pencils –medium lead –avoid mechanical pencils Ballpoint pens –back-up choice if a pencil is unavailable Avoid felt-tipped or fountain pens

When to take notes May be inappropriate to take notes in some situations Could become disengaged Could make some people uncomfortable

Organising the notebook Include name and contact information on inside cover Leave a few blank pages for a table of contents Categorising observation types

Formatting Begin each new day or interview with a new page Record date and time in a consistent format May include names of people present Record location –could involve a sketch of the area

Recording observations Objective note taking –avoid writing note taker’s own interpretation –record actual occurrences –personal ideas can be briefly noted and explored later in a personal diary Organise into multiple sections May wish to summarise at the end of each series of notes

Personal diary Place to record personal thoughts and ideas Structured similar to notebook Date and time recorded Not necessarily used to inform the map or future reports

Note-taking techniques Each person will have their own Develop a system that works for you Techniques for recording more information in less time: –mind mapping –shorthand and abbreviations

Mind mapping Diagram used to organise thoughts through words, concepts and images Begin with one central idea and work outwards Used to illustrate relationships Enhance with colours, symbols, icons and arrows

Using shorthand Quicker to write in point form Abbreviate words and use symbols Note takers may wish to develop their own shorthand Always keep a legend of abbreviations or symbols that have been used