Markdown Research Brief

---
title: "Research brief"
subtitle: "Mapping shade along a campus walking route"
fontsize: 11pt
papersize: a4
geometry: margin=0.8in
colorlinks: true
---

# The question

Which parts of a campus walking route offer the least shade during the
warmest part of the day? This brief sets out a small observational study.
Replace the example with your own question and study setting.

# Why this is worth studying

A route can be short and still be uncomfortable to walk. Measuring shade
along the path can help identify where a tree survey or a seating study
would be most useful. This project describes the route; it does not estimate
health effects or recommend a construction plan.

# Scope and evidence

| Decision | Working plan |
|:--|:--|
| Study area | One marked route with ten observation points |
| Observation window | Three clear afternoons in the same week |
| Record | Time, shaded fraction, surface type, and weather notes |
| Keep fixed | Camera position and the order of observation points |
| Check | Repeat the first point at the end of each walk |

# What we will make

- A route map with numbered observation points.
- A tidy table with one row per point and observation time.
- A short report showing how shade varies along the route.

# Before the first observation

1. Walk the route and confirm that every point is safely accessible.
2. Test the recording sheet with two points.
3. Agree on how to classify partial shade and record uncertain observations.
4. Save the protocol and label any changes made after data collection begins.


Agree on observation times and a rule for interrupted weather before the first
full walk. Keep later changes in a dated protocol log.