Getting Started with MaRIP Shared Resources

If this is your first time working on a MaRIP project, follow Parts 1 to 3 below in order, completing each step as you go.

If you are already familiar with the setup and just need to find something, skip to the Quick Reference & Downloads section at the bottom of the page.

Part 1 — Download and Read SOP1a

Before doing anything else, download and read SOP1a: Project Setup and Data Management. This is the foundation document for all MaRIP projects and everything in Parts 2 and 3 refers back to it.

The Shared Resources folder is a Google Drive folder containing all MaRIP SOPs, templates, field sheets, and reference materials.

SOP1a is located at: 1_project_setup > 1.1_data_management > SOP1a - Project setup and Data management

SOP1a covers the following, all of which you will need to refer to as you work through Parts 2 and 3:

Complete project workflow (Figure 1) — an overview of the full MaRIP project lifecycle from setup to data publication
Project setup decision tree (Figure 2) — use this to confirm which setup option applies to you before starting Part 2
SOP framework overview (Figure 3) — shows how the SOPs are organised across project setup, sampling, and data extraction
Data management systems, including:
- Role-based workflow — who is responsible for what at each stage
- Template Folder System (TFS) — the standardised folder structure used across all MaRIP projects
- Unique identifier codes — how samples, fieldtrips, and projects are named and tracked
- Storage guidance — hard drive requirements and long-term archiving
Shared Resources layout (Figure 6) — a visual map of the Shared Resources folder and where to find everything
SOP Decision Tree (Figure 7) — use this in Part 2 Step 2 to identify which SOPs you need to download

Part 2 — Set Up Your Workspace

Step 1: Choose Your Setup

Before downloading anything, use the project setup decision tree (Figure 2) in SOP1a to confirm which of the three options below applies to you. Each option requires a different set of folders and resources.

Option 1 — New Project (you need permits, ethics approval, and a full project setup)

Prepare your hard drive for field sampling
Download the full Project Folder from the Template Folder System in Shared Resources: 1_project_setup > 1.1_data_management > template_folder_system
Rename the downloaded folder using your project unique identifier code (see SOP1a Section 1.2.4 for the naming convention)

Option 2 — Existing Project (the project is already set up and you are going into the field)

Prepare your hard drive for field sampling
Download only the Fieldtrip Folder from the Template Folder System in Shared Resources
Rename the folder using the fieldtrip unique identifier code

Option 3 — Video Analyst (you are analysing existing footage and are not going into the field)

Prepare your workspace:
- At SAIAB: Access videos directly from the Network Attached Storage (NAS). Arrange NAS access with SAIAB’s IT department, then create a working folder in the student workspace.
- Remote workers: Obtain the populated fieldtrip folder on a hard drive from the Platform Scientist, then create a working folder on your local drive.
Download only the Data Extraction Folder from the Template Folder System to your workspace
For shared resources, either:
- Download shared resources once to a central location outside your project folders, or
- Follow standard TFS structure and populate 1_resources in each fieldtrip folder (note: this causes duplication but matches the TFS structure)

Step 2: Populate Your Resources Folder

Once your folder is in place, you need to fill it with the SOPs and supporting materials relevant to your role. All of these come from the Shared Resources folder.

Use the Shared Resources layout (Figure 6) to understand where everything is kept, and the SOP Decision Tree (Figure 7) to identify which SOPs apply to your role and methods. The full list of SOPs is available in the Quick Reference & Downloads section below.

Save your resources to: template_folder_system > project_name > 2_data_collection > fieldtrip > method > 1_resources

Remember to print all field sheets before leaving for the field.

Part 3 — Read the Relevant SOPs for Your Role

Once your folder is set up and populated, read through the SOPs you downloaded. Each SOP contains detailed step-by-step procedures for your specific role and method. If you are unsure which SOPs apply to you, refer back to the SOP Decision Tree (Figure 7) or get in touch and we will point you in the right direction.

Quick Reference & Downloads

Already familiar with the setup and just need to find something? Use the tables below to jump straight to the resource you need.

Folder Templates

Folder	Link
Shared Resources Folder	Open ↗
Template Folder System	Open ↗
Project Folder	Open ↗
Fieldtrip Folder	Open ↗
Data Extraction Folder	Open ↗

Standard Operating Procedures & Resources

SOP	Description	Link
SOP1a	Project Setup and Data Management	Open ↗
SOP1b	Quality Control	Open ↗
SOP1c	Calibration	Open ↗
SOP2a	BRUVs sampling	Open ↗
SOP2b	Landers sampling	Open ↗
SOP2c	ROVs sampling	Open ↗
SOP2d	DOVs sampling	Open ↗
SOP2e	DropCam sampling	Open ↗
SOP2f	CTD sampling	Open ↗
SOP3a	Stationary video analysis (BRUVs \| Landers)	Open ↗
SOP3b	Video transect analysis (ROVs \| DOVs)	Open ↗
SOP3c	Still image analysis (DropCam \| ROVs \| Landers)	Open ↗

Developers

Author & maintainer: Angus van Wyk, Author: Elodie Heyns-Veale, Author: Anthony Bernard

(back to top)