Unit = the measurement type for a metric value (e.g., acres, feet, pounds, dollars, or count).
In FieldDoc, a metric unit is the label that tells you what the metric is measured in—so the number you enter has clear meaning and can be compared or summed correctly.
What a “unit” does
Clarifies the value: “10” of what? Acres, feet, trees, pounds, dollars, etc.
Keeps reporting consistent: Everyone records the same kind of quantity the same way.
Prevents bad rollups: You can safely total acres + acres, but not acres + feet.
Common examples
Acres (e.g., “Acres treated”)
Linear feet / miles (e.g., “Stream restored (feet)”)
Count (e.g., “Trees planted (count)”)
Square feet (e.g., “Impervious area removed (sq ft)”)
Pounds / tons (e.g., “Nutrients reduced (lbs)”)
Dollars (e.g., “Match funding ($)”)
Each / sites / structures (e.g., “Rain gardens installed (each)”)
A quick rule of thumb
If you can’t read the metric out loud as:
“[number] [unit] of [metric name]”
…then the unit probably needs to be clarified.
