A glass plate, about 25 by 30 centimetres (10 by 12 in), called a "tiger tracer"[5] is then used to trace the outline of the pugmark that was left on the PIP.
This tracing is then transferred to a protocol where over twenty pieces of information about the PIP, including the habitat, the pugmark, the direction of movement, etc., are recorded.
Beginners who wish to develop an interest in animal tracks and signs can create a few PIPs and monitor them daily.
The method also provides employment to people living in and around tiger habitats who possess skill in laying PIPs and participating in animal tracking.
Nocturnal animals, not usually seen during the day, also leave their tracks on PIPs and information can be gathered about their distribution, density and activity.