# Large Scale Projects
An important feature of the PhotosynQ platform is the ability to connect plant physiological data with key metadata such as genotype, treatment, etc. However, in large scale projects featuring 10’s to 100’s of different populations, it can be very time consuming for data collectors to scroll through long lists of options to answer project questions. To overcome this constraint you can upload a .csv file with the answers to project questions in order, allowing data collectors to use the auto-increment feature to drastically reduce the time spent answering project questions in the field.
# Planning Data Collection
# Setting up CSV File
Any spreadsheet software including Excel, Numbers, Calc, etc. can be used to create a csv file. When setting up the file to upload multiple Project Questions, the first row will be used as the question and all subsequent rows as answers. Each column represents a new question. Make sure there is an equal number of answers to each question.
Note
When saving the csv file, make sure to select a comma as a separator.
# Ordering the Data
The order of the answers has to reflect the path the data collector would take through the field. That means that answers may not be in numerical order. When deciding on how to walk through a field make sure to minimize the walking distance and allow for more measurements.
# Example
Based on the example field layout above, four Project Questions would be generated from the provided csv file: POT #, Genotype, Irrigation, and Replicate.
Note
The example assumes there is only one measurement per pot. If more measurements are supposed to be collected, it needs to be reflected in the csv.
# Setting up Project Questions
To set up Project Questions from a csv file, select Upload Questions/Answers from spreadsheet (.csv) from the Add a question dropdown menu during the Questions for collaborators step in the project creation.
# Taking Measurements
When using the Mobile Application for collecting measurements, Project questions have the option for auto incrementing answers. Check the Auto Increment box, to automatically add the next answer with each question.
Once the Auto Increment box has been checked, all available answers are listed. Select the answer that is supposed to be used as a starting point. Depending on the number of answers you will have to scroll a bit to find the answer that is needed. Repeat the steps with the rest of the answers to the Project Questions.
Tip
When multiple people are collecting data in the field, they should start at different locations to randomize the data collection. This will be easier to accomplish when using the preset Question/Answer combinations as they guide the data collectors through the experiment.
# New Measurement
After each measurement, the Mobile Application will automatically input the next answers when a New Measurement is selected.
Note
The Desktop Application does not support this function.