geographical coordinates and accuracy

[Steve at]

It's far safer and much more universal to record the accuracy of coordinates
as a distance error (preferably in meters) than as a code (1-5 or whatever).
Anyone using your data can interpret a distance but no one other than local
users will understand the codes.  Arguably a standard set of codes could be
developed (1 = within 10m, 2 = 11-50m, etc) but given the independent nature
of taxonomists it's unlikely this would ever be agreed on never mind
accepted and implemented.

In short, if you record the accuracy as a distance there's a good chance
others will use it now and in the future; if you record the accuracy as a
code no one will use it except yourself and it will be easily forgotten.

Steve Shattuck
CSIRO Entomology
biolink at ento.csiro.au