FRED :: The Fossil Record Electronic Database

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q:		I've found a fossil bone. Where can I get it identified?
A:		Try the district museum, or Museum of New Zealand Te Papa, or the geology department of a university. If they can't identify it themselves, they should be able to direct you to specialist advice. Provide details about where and when it was collected, and these can then be recorded in FRED.

Q:		There is a site on the FRED map close to my home, but why can't I find any fossils there?
A:		The New Zealand Fossil Record File is a scheme for recording the localities of collection or occurrence of fossils relevant to stratigraphic or paleontological research. Most such occurrences are of scientific interest only: many are of rock samples collected for extraction of microscopic fossils (e.g. foraminifera, pollen and spores) and there is little or nothing to be seen "on the ground". For localities where fossils may be seen and possibly collected, it is best to contact a local museum or rock and mineral club.

Q:		Why have some FRED localities only a grid reference, but others have more information? Some recent collections are missing altogether!
A:		Full locality data has been entered for most collections held by NZ Geological Survey and GNS Science, for over 50000 localities. This has left about 30000 localities, mainly representing collections held at universities and elsewhere. Grid coordinates were entered into the database for most of these remaining localities in 2000, but some more recent localities will not yet be entered. In late 2005 we have commenced a systematic program to enter full locality data for all localities, and are moving to online registration to obviate a further backlog of unentered data.

Q:		Some fossil localities on the FRED Map are clearly in the wrong place!
A:		Some positions are frankly wrong, due to original misreading of coordinates by a collector, or errors in transcription from the original record forms. The positions of most localities were recorded by reference to 1:63360 or 1:50000 scale maps, and given as grid references to the nearest 100 m. Some older maps have inaccurate depiction of topography in some areas, particularly in steep terrain, so locations plotted according to the topography will have slightly incorrect modern grid coordinates. Please give us feedback on major errors in position (>1000 m).

Q:		How many folders can one make for data entry? How many records per folder?
A:		There is no limit, but folder lists take more time to display with large numbers of records. Best to remove submitted records and delete folders once a project is finished. If necessary, you can later restock folders with database records by using Query.

Q:		My question is not answered here.
A:		Send us Feedback!