Choose a method profile
EPA RBP 200 is a working fixed-count profile, EPA NRSA 500 tracks the national laboratory target, and Local / Custom accepts a project-specific target. A profile organizes the record; it does not prove that field or laboratory work followed the cited method.
Tally organisms
Open Tally and use the plus control to add a family. Increment and decrement controls update the count, fixed-count progress, indices, feeding-group composition, and quality checks immediately.
Interpret the metrics
Indices are displayed separately. Benthoscore does not convert them into a universal condition grade because taxonomic level, season, sampling effort, tolerance values, reference conditions, and thresholds differ among programs.
Record habitat and water context
Habitat attributes use independent 0-to-20 entries. Water fields are context records only. Use calibrated instruments, preserve calibration records separately, and follow the applicable quality plan.
Resolve quality-control findings
Required findings identify missing site or method fields, invalid ranges, duplicate taxa, and other record errors. Review findings flag target-count progress or contextual values that should be checked against the responsible method.
PDF, CSV, and JSON exports
Open Indices and choose Prepare Evidence Package. PDF is a readable field report, CSV supports table-based analysis, and JSON preserves structured metadata, metrics, quality findings, method boundaries, and source URLs.
Recovering local data
The field library uses atomic file writes and keeps one local recovery backup. If the primary file is unreadable, Benthoscore attempts to restore the backup automatically. Export important completed records to a destination you control.
Scientific and regulatory boundary
Benthoscore does not replace taxonomic expertise, voucher collections, laboratory QA/QC, calibrated instruments, state-specific tolerance values, reference-site models, or current agency requirements. Consult the official links in Methods before assigning condition.
Before reporting a problem
Include the Benthoscore version, iOS or iPadOS version, device model, active method profile, screen involved, and exact steps. Export a JSON record only if it contains no sensitive project or location information.