information management & technology overview. biotics standards – handheld – kestrel –...

Information Management & Technology Overview

Standards – Handheld – Kestrel – BioticsBiotics – Web Services – NatureServe Explorer – Landscope - Vista

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StandardsStandards – Handheld – Kestrel – Biotics – Web Services – NatureServe Explorer – Landscope - Vista

Standards and Methods

Engaging the right people and Establishing the right requirements

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• Scientific and Bioinformatics Advisory Committees

• Biological Mapping Approaches Team

• Data Use and Modeling Working Groups

• EO Spatial Model (Western Data Managers

• Observation Data Working Group

Standards and Methods Development GroupsStandards and Methods Development Groups

Information Technology ProfessionalsInformation Technology Professionals• Conservation Information Engineering SpecialistConservation Information Engineering Specialist

Analysts Software Engineers

Project Managers Product Support Specialists

End UsersEnd Users• Application UsersApplication Users

•Data Managers, Local Support TechniciansData Managers, Local Support Technicians

• Data UsersData Users

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• Across disciplines

Botany, Zoology, Ecology, others..

• Across geographies

Recognize regional difference in landscapes and local environmental pressures

• Across scales of operation

Operating units with limited vrs. unlimited resources

Proper RepresentationProper Representation

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Support a wide variety of projects and protocols, with variability in data schemas, domain data, validation rules and form layout and navigation.

Develop deployable and usable hardware\software solutions that take into account current mobile technology limitations and workflow requirements of field researchers.

Capture at the time of data collection accurate location information and observation attributes.

Handheld Observation System

Standards - HandheldHandheld – Kestrel – Biotics – Web Services – NatureServe Explorer – Landscope - Vista

Data Collection and Recording

-primaryObserver-date-siteName (optional)

SimpleCollectionEvent

EIACommunityObservation

1

*

SimpleProjectMetdata

1

*

Implements: EIA Protocol

-primaryObserver-date-siteName (optional)

SimpleCollectionEvent (1)

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Handheld Observation System

Standards - HandheldHandheld – Kestrel – Biotics – Web Services – NatureServe Explorer – Landscope - Vista


The User will:

• Create templates

• Enter, clean up and validate data

• Export data to target system

The System will:

• Process a set of templates and produce field forms and a staging database

• Synch handheld data with staging database

• Provide cleanup and validation utilities

• Export records to Kestrel and assist in exporting records to other systems

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Meet needs of a variety of clients (or client with variety of needs) with an Meet needs of a variety of clients (or client with variety of needs) with an affordable solutionaffordable solution

Integrate with current systems and formatsIntegrate with current systems and formats Observation standards conformanceObservation standards conformance

• Enables data sharing (exchange and aggregation)Enables data sharing (exchange and aggregation)• Enables shared investment in analysis, especially spatialEnables shared investment in analysis, especially spatial

Build tool with potential for wide-spread adoptionBuild tool with potential for wide-spread adoption

Web-based, hosted applicationWeb-based, hosted application Support extensible observation data model through Support extensible observation data model through user authored observation user authored observation

templatestemplates Users database (authentication information) – allows survey author to determine Users database (authentication information) – allows survey author to determine

who can see or edit data (can set access rights)who can see or edit data (can set access rights) Make it easier to share data by letting users share and build on exiting templates Make it easier to share data by letting users share and build on exiting templates

(template repository)(template repository)


Standards – Handheld – KestrelKestrel – Biotics – Web Services – NatureServe Explorer – Landscope - Vista

RequirementsRequirements

SolutionsSolutions

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Kestrel


Standards – Handheld – KestrelKestrel – Biotics – Web Services – NatureServe Explorer – Landscope - Vista

• Web-based data entryWeb-based data entry

• Data: observationsData: observations

• On-line mapping viaOn-line mapping via ArcGIS Server ArcGIS Server

• National taxonomicNational taxonomic web service publishedweb service published from Biotics (otherfrom Biotics (other sources possible)sources possible)• Import point, line andImport point, line and polygon data polygon data • Basic reportingBasic reporting• Export GML, CSVExport GML, CSV

• Secure accessSecure access

• LocalizableLocalizableSlide 9

Standards – HandheldHandheld – KestrelKestrel – Biotics – Web Services – NatureServe Explorer – Landscope - Vista

Handheld ProjectHandheld Project•Flexible data modelsFlexible data models

Taxon-basedTaxon-based Location-based (gridded)Location-based (gridded)

•Template authoring tool \ template libraryTemplate authoring tool \ template library

•Upload template onto handheld unit for data Upload template onto handheld unit for data collectioncollection

•Download data collected to interim databaseDownload data collected to interim database

Kestrel ProjectKestrel Project

• Current activity - Redesign backendCurrent activity - Redesign backend More scalableMore scalable Improve performanceImprove performance

• Next StepsNext Steps Able to handle gridded structureAble to handle gridded structure Add ability to utilize templates Add ability to utilize templates

created via Template Authoring Toolcreated via Template Authoring Tool

Observation Data Collection – Field and OfficeObservation Data Collection – Field and OfficeProject SynergiesProject Synergies

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Standards - Handheld – Kestrel – BioticsBiotics – Web Services – NatureServe Explorer – Landscope - Vista

Data Management andQuality Assurance

Data: taxonomy, element tracking, Data: taxonomy, element tracking, ranking and characterization, managed ranking and characterization, managed areas, sites, source features, element areas, sites, source features, element occurrences, contacts, referencesoccurrences, contacts, references

Our 8Our 8thth generation of biodiversity data generation of biodiversity data management software management software

A desktop-based, GIS database A desktop-based, GIS database management system management system

Embodies quality and consistency standards Embodies quality and consistency standards

Currently used by nearly 60 programs Currently used by nearly 60 programs

Represents a $3 million capital investment Represents a $3 million capital investment

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Database Server

TrackerMapper

ExchangerAdministrator


Multiple Tools – One DatabaseMultiple Tools – One Database


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• Biotics Implementation Support Services• Installation and data conversion support (included onsite training)• On-line Help Desk (http://support.natureserve.org) - NOTE: Same infrastructure in place for Kestrel• Custom Consulting Services including system upgrades and optimization.

• Training• Core Heritage Training• Intermediate and Advanced Biotics Training• Teleconference\Recorded Training Modules (Mapper, Tracker, Exchanger)• Training at conferences• Custom onsite training

• Documentation• Spanish and French translation of key documents• Updating on-line and other user documentation• Maintenance of on-line knowledgebase

• On-line Discussion Groups (@listserv)• Biotics 4 Users• Data Managers• Zoology, Botany & Ecology

Biotics 4 SupportBiotics 4 Support

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http://support.natureserve.org/

Biotics website: http://www.natureserve.org/prodServices/biotics/biotics-learn-more.jsp

Technology SupportTechnology Support

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http://www.natureserve.org/prodServices/biotics/biotics-learn-more.jsp

Sharing TechnologySharing Technology

Biotics 1Biotics 1 Manitoba CDC

Biotics 2Biotics 2 British Columbia

CDC

Biotics 3 & 4Biotics 3 & 4 NatureServe

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Spatial Representation Spatial Representation StandardsStandards

Western Data Managers

Sharing TechnologySharing Technology

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Replace the ArcView 3.x platform and shape file data storage with a modern GIS Replace the ArcView 3.x platform and shape file data storage with a modern GIS platform (ArcGIS 9.x\10.x) and data storage in SDEplatform (ArcGIS 9.x\10.x) and data storage in SDE

Web-based, cloud computing environment vrs. Desktop application?Web-based, cloud computing environment vrs. Desktop application?

Improve performance of GIS functionsImprove performance of GIS functions

Improve compatibility with host organizations technology environmentsImprove compatibility with host organizations technology environments

Improve customizability of the systemImprove customizability of the system

Seek compatibility with emerging “next-generation” Biotics VisionSeek compatibility with emerging “next-generation” Biotics Vision Move towards Service Oriented ArchitectureMove towards Service Oriented Architecture ModularityModularity Decoupling data from applicationDecoupling data from application

Biotics – Biotics – Next Major UpgradeNext Major Upgrade

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Biotics – Biotics – CriteriaCriteria for for Next Major UpgradeNext Major Upgrade Functionality & architecture

Usability – richness & ease of use of interface Scalability – ability to handle increasing number sof users and volume of data Architecture - application architectures – eg. Web, Client/Server; 3-tier desktop -

that the product can support Functionality - technical capability of product Customizability – extent to which the product allows users to add functionality

Costs Licensing Costs (initial and maintenance) – total per user licensing costs Development costs – cost of developing Biotics 4.5 using the product

Compatibility with emerging technology strategy Service Oriented Architecture – does the product move Biotics toward SOA Use of ArcObjects Modularity Decoupling data from application

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Biotics Upgrade – Biotics Upgrade – CriteriaCriteria Sustainability

Supportability - availability of support and skills to support product within the Network Adherence to technology standards commonly adopted by network – is the product

compatible with the technology standards of most Heritage programs Maintainability – ease of maintaining the Biotics 4.5 code if it is developed using the

product Leveraging User Skills – can skills learnt for Biotcs 4.5 platform be leveraged for other

activities Product Future – viability of the product in the marketplace

GIS Platforms ArcMap\ ArcEditor, ArcGIS Server, Arc Engine Open Source GIS (UMN MapServer, MapGuide, etc.)

ESRI suite is industry leader and most widely adopted in the Heritage network Open Source provide alternative and eliminate licensing costs Other products have minimal adoption in the network; are not leaders; support for SDE

is problematic; and provide no licensing advantage

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Criteria Weight ArcMap ArcEngine ArcServer Open Source

Func & Arch Weights

Usability 2 4 3 2 1 1 Important

Scalability 2 2 2 3 3 2 Very Important

Architecture 1 2 2 3 3 3 Critical

Functionality 2 4 3 2 1

Customizability 1 4 1 1 1 Scores

Costs 1 Worst

Licensing 1 1 3 2 4 4 Best

Dev Costs 2 4 3 2 1

Sustainability

Support 1 4 3 2 1

Standards 1 4 2 2 1

Leveraging Skills 1 4 3 2 1

Maintainability 3 4 3 2 1

Product Future 1 3 2 4 1

Biotics 5 Compat 1 2 2 4 3

Unweighted Score 42 32 31 22Weighted Score 64 49 44 30

Biotics Upgrade – Evaluation of criteriaBiotics Upgrade – Evaluation of criteria

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Standards - Handheld – Kestrel – Biotics – Web ServicesWeb Services – NatureServe Explorer – Landscope - Vista

Access and Interoperability

http://services.natureserve.org/index.jsp - Web Services home page

Enable user to create dynamic, customized Web applications that interact directly Enable user to create dynamic, customized Web applications that interact directly with the NatureServe biodiversity databaseswith the NatureServe biodiversity databases

Expose selected sets of data (defined by XML Expose selected sets of data (defined by XML schemas)schemas)

Near real-time access to the most recent Near real-time access to the most recent biological inventories and taxonomic changes biological inventories and taxonomic changes Combine data sets from different organizations Combine data sets from different organizations into a single applicationinto a single application

Respond to requests from other applicationRespond to requests from other application

Filter sensitive data from unauthorized usersFilter sensitive data from unauthorized users

Provide detailed locations as GML to Provide detailed locations as GML to authorized usersauthorized users

ArcGIS Server displays map services and allows ArcGIS Server displays map services and allows interactive query of XMLbased web servicesinteractive query of XMLbased web services

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http://services.natureserve.org/index.jsp

“An Online Encyclopedia of Life” -- data on 50,000+ plants, animals, and ecological communities of U.S. and Canada

Standards - Handheld – Kestrel – Biotics – Web Services – NatureServe ExplorerNatureServe Explorer – Landscope - Vista


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http://www.landscope.orghttp://www.landscope.org

Standards - Handheld – Kestrel – Biotics – Web Services – NatureServe Explorer – LandscopeLandscope - Vista


Landscope Team Blog – G. Knight, FNAILandscope Team Blog – G. Knight, FNAI

A consistent, national platform for A consistent, national platform for exploring conservation across all 50 exploring conservation across all 50 states.states.

A means to access the state-level A means to access the state-level information of the natural heritage information of the natural heritage network. network.

A means of exploring the full range of A means of exploring the full range of conservation programs at work in each conservation programs at work in each state (beyond just NatureServe). state (beyond just NatureServe).

Able to view and compare the areas Able to view and compare the areas nominated as a priority for nominated as a priority for protection as put forth by various protection as put forth by various organizations, promoting different organizations, promoting different perspectives beyond just biodiversity. perspectives beyond just biodiversity.

- Landscope preview site- Landscope preview site

First full release in late 2008First full release in late 2008 - 5 pilots - 5 pilots (WA, CO, FL, VA, ME)(WA, CO, FL, VA, ME)

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Predictive Distribution Predictive Distribution ModelingModeling

Standards - Handheld – Kestrel – Biotics – Web Services – NatureServe Explorer – Landscope Vista

Expertise and Analysis

BIOCLIM DOMAIN GARP

California Yellow-legged Frog (California Yellow-legged Frog (Rana boyliiRana boylii))

Comparison of Three Algorithms for Modeling Species DistributionsComparison of Three Algorithms for Modeling Species Distributions

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Standards - Handheld – Kestrel – Biotics – Web Services – NatureServe Explorer – Landscope - VistaVista

Decision Support Systems

Identify conservation elementsIdentify conservation elements

Summarize conservation Summarize conservation values of place (reflecting local values of place (reflecting local values) values)

Generate set of proposed Generate set of proposed conservation areas and plan to conservation areas and plan to meet goalsmeet goals

Evaluate ability of plans to Evaluate ability of plans to meet goalsmeet goals

Access site-level information Access site-level information and generate mitigation plans and generate mitigation plans “on-the-fly”“on-the-fly” Efficient Defensible RepeatableEfficient Defensible Repeatable

http://www.natureserve.org/prodServices/vista/overview.jsp - NatureServe Vista websitehttp://www.natureserve.org/prodServices/vista/overview.jsp - NatureServe Vista websiteSlide 27

Questions Questions

CommentsComments

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information management & technology overview. biotics standards – handheld – kestrel –...

Documents

data export data

domain data

data schemas

recording slide

adoption web

observation attributes

variety of needs

set of templates