I forget whether the memo field is fully searchable -- I recall trying to use it once and running into some problems or restrictions -- but in any case I think that there is only one memo field and that can be inhibiting. For example, you may want a long description of the location including access routes, as well as other long fields.
There are many applications where having numerous fields of unlimited length would be of value. I am surprised that none of the readily available database programs support them (although I haven't checked on this for several years). In many cases flexibility is more important than efficiency, but most databases seem designed for cataloguing auto parts. Bill Silvert ----- Original Message ----- From: "Christian Parker" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU> Sent: Sunday, July 08, 2007 8:47 PM Subject: Re: Database for field notes >I am not sure what you mean by the text field being limited but i am > going to assume that you just mean a fixed length of 255, in which case > you can use the memo field, its not efficient but i dont think you will > notice. Access will be the simplest to use so unless you are going to > have a large database (>2gigs) or you want to be able to enter/retrieve > data via the web i would stick to access. If you need to go beyond that > i would use the free version of MySQL which is more difficult to use on > its own but once its set up it can be "linked" to an access front end > and therefore make it seem like you are using access. > > -Chris Parker > > Michael Batcher wrote: >> Does anyone have suggestions for a database with which to keep field >> notes. I use ACCESS, but the text field length is limited. I want to be >> able to search notes by date, species, location, and other fields and >> develop queries and reports as a result. Thanks in advance. >> >> >
