Generate Individual Data Import Template

Creates an Excel template for importing individual tree data with proper column structure, validation rules, and example data. The template includes two sheets: core individual data and optional individual features.

Usage

get_individual_template(
  method = NULL,
  include_features = TRUE,
  output_file = "individual_template.xlsx",
  con = NULL,
  return_data = FALSE
)

Arguments

method: Method type (e.g., "1ha-IRD", "Large"). If NULL, includes all possible columns. Use method_list() to see available methods.
include_features: Logical. If TRUE, includes a second sheet for individual features (traits). Default TRUE.
output_file: Path where the Excel template should be saved. Default: "individual_template.xlsx"
con: Database connection. If NULL, creates temporary connection.
return_data: Logical. If TRUE, returns the template data structure without writing to file or printing messages. Useful for Shiny apps. Default FALSE.

Value

Invisibly returns the template data structure. Main effect is creating the Excel file.

Pre-requisite - Taxonomy Standardization

**IMPORTANT**: Before importing individuals, you must standardize taxonomic names to obtain `idtax_n` values. Two options:

1. **Automatic matching**: Use `match_taxonomic_names()` function 2. **Semi-automatic with validation**: Use the Shiny taxonomic matching app (exports CSV/Excel with `idtax_n` column added)

The `idtax_n` column must not be empty for any individual.

Template Structure

**Sheet 1: "individuals"** (Core individual data) - Mandatory columns: plot_name, tag, idtax_n, original_tax_name - Optional columns: herbarium_nbe_type, herbarium_nbe_char, multi_tiges_id - Method-specific requirements apply

**Sheet 2: "features"** (Optional individual traits) - Dynamic columns from traits_list() - Links: plot_name, tag (to identify individual) - Optional: census_date or census_id (for temporal measurements)

Workflow

1. Generate template: `get_individual_template()` 2. Standardize taxonomy (separate step!) 3. Fill in template with your data 4. Import: Use `map_individual_columns()` → `validate_individual_data()` → `import_individual_data()`

Examples

if (FALSE) { # \dontrun{
# Generate template for specific method
get_individual_template(method = "1ha-IRD", output_file = "my_individuals.xlsx")

# Generate template with all possible columns
get_individual_template(output_file = "full_template.xlsx")

# Without features sheet (individuals only)
get_individual_template(include_features = FALSE)
} # }