Useful field notes separate what happened, what was observed and what still needs verification. This makes later writing more accurate and more honest.
Why this matters
Record time, place, conditions, names and direct observations first. Mark interpretation and follow-up questions clearly instead of blending them into fact.
Make the plan usable
Separate direct observation, attributed information and interpretation while details are fresh. Record the details that would be difficult to recover during a delay, and leave enough margin to change the plan when the evidence changes.
Questions worth answering
- What did you observe?
- Who said it?
- What needs verification?
- Which detail locates the reader?
Verify before travel
Schedules, access, prices, policies and conditions can change. Check current official information and confirm any detail that would determine whether the trip works.
