Once you've checked your counters and prepped them for the summer, the next step is to keep your data flowing seamlessly. Here's part 2 of our summer counting guide!
Congratulations! If you completed the above steps, your counters should be in great shape. Now, the next challenge—solidifying the groundwork of your count program. Want to set yourself up for effortless counting this summer? Here's what we recommend:
Before traffic spikes in your park or on your roads, it’s a good idea to revisit why each counter is where it is. Are you still monitoring the right locations for your goals?
❓ Questions to ask:
🌟 Stay curious: Relocating counters or revisiting objectives can sometimes be very validating and insightful for your count program.
Summer data is gold—think about how you want to use and share it. Jot it down it at the beginning of the season so you have something to look forward to at the end. Don’t let it sit in a database unused!
🧠 Ideas:
📑 Easy-peasy: Use automated reports in Eco-Visio to visualize your data and export it in multiple formats.
Even if everything is running smoothly in June, issues can creep up by July or August. Proactively scheduling mid-season data checks helps catch data anomalies before they become serious gaps.
🗓️ What to do:
⛑️ To the rescue: See an anomaly? Contact our team to get advice on what to do. In certain cases, you can take advantage of the data editing and reconstruction tools in Eco-Visio (but this isn't always the best solution!)
Overgrowth is a common summer issue, even if you cleared the area around your counters at the start of the season. Make sure you check on your counters to stop branches, grasses, cobwebs and other debris from blocking sensors or causing fake counts.
🌿 Maintenance tips:
👻 Spooky: One plant blowing in the wind (and warmed by the sun) can repeatedly cross an infrared beam and cause hundreds of ghost counts per day—throwing off visitor analysis until it's cleared away.
Seasonal staff are your front-line eyes on counter health. Help them get prepared with a quick training!
🧑🔧 Training checklist:
💬 Keep in touch: A simple group chat gives seasonal staff the power to report on problems as soon as they see them.
Up next: Part 3 - Use Your Data like a Pro.
Go back: Part 1 - Prep your Counters.