biostudies-literatureUnknown9Manoharan A<h4>Background</h4>We sketch our species identification tool for palm sized computers that helps knowledgeable observers with census activities. An algorithm turns an identification matrix into a minimal length series of questions that guide the operator towards identification. Historic observation data from the census geographic area helps minimize question volume. We explore how much historic data is required to boost performance, and whether the use of history negatively impacts identification of rare species. We also explore how characteristics of the matrix interact with the algorithm, and how best to predict the probability of observing a previously unseen species.<h4>Results</h4>Point counts of birds taken at Stanford University's Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve between 2000 and 20BMC bioinformatics150https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC2322985biostudies-literatureOptimizations for the EcoPod field identification tool.PMC2322985Stamberger JManoharan APaepcke AYu YfalseOptimizations for the EcoPod field identification tool.<h4>Background</h4>We sketch our species identification tool for palm sized computers that helps knowledgeable observers with census activities. An algorithm turns an identification matrix into a minimal length series of questions that guide the operator towards identification. Historic observation data from the census geographic area helps minimize question volume. We explore how much historic data is required to boost performance, and whether the use of history negatively impacts identification of rare species. We also explore how characteristics of the matrix interact with the algorithm, and how best to predict the probability of observing a previously unseen species.<h4>Results</h4>Point counts of birds taken at Stanford University's Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve between 2000 and 202008-01-01T00:00:00Z2008 Mar2025-04-04T10:42:26.73Z2019-03-27T02:44:46ZS-EPMC23229851836664910.1186/1471-2105-9-150