A monitoring data A monitoring data summary toolsummary tool

Alan WilliamsAlan Williams2008 GIS / Data Management ConferenceMarch 31 – April 3, 2008 Fort Collins, CO

GoalGoal

Efficiently generate data summaries quick and easy consistent repeatable accurate using your live monitoring data

ChallengesChallenges

There are many summary challenges with a large growing dataset.– Timely data summaries

• When can we get it done?• Is it easy to do?

– Consistent results year to year• Are the data summaries repeatable?• Can your replacement do them after you leave?

– Can adjustments be made easily• Can summary calculations be easily checked?• Can edits, additions or subtractions be made?

ApproachesApproaches

Export data to a package for summary calculation and analysis Excel, SAS, SYSTAT

Do summary calculations in your database Use Queries and other database tools

Some combination of the two

Our StrategyOur Strategy

Use tools in Access to calculate summary metrics in a sister summary database– Use a separate database to capture and

define the database snapshot that the summary represents

– Compartmentalize each metric calculation• Ensure calculations are done properly• Facilitate updates, additions, and edits

– Document calculations and keep that and the means of calculation with the data

Our ImplementationOur Implementation

Define a standard input data format

Collaborate to design and document a set of queries that calculate a metric

Automate exporting metrics into a results table

Analyze, display and report with metrics from the results table

ExampleExample

Data TablesData Tables Summary TablesSummary Tables

Automated CalculationsAutomated Calculations Re-run the calculations after significant data additionsRe-run the calculations after significant data additions

Calculated metric output is “time stamped” to provide an Calculated metric output is “time stamped” to provide an audit trail audit trail

Summary ViewerSummary Viewer

Allows side-by-side comparisons of metricsAllows side-by-side comparisons of metrics

Summary ReportsSummary Reports Provides detailed overview of metrics that can be exported to Provides detailed overview of metrics that can be exported to

PDF for inclusion in a report.PDF for inclusion in a report.

Summary Export and AnalysisSummary Export and Analysis

Metrics then also available for exportMetrics then also available for export

Collaborative effortCollaborative effort

Forest vegetation monitoringForest vegetation monitoring A number of networks in the east worked A number of networks in the east worked

together during protocol development together during protocol development

Despite similar approaches differences in Despite similar approaches differences in protocols and database design existprotocols and database design exist

Working to share development of some Working to share development of some data summary toolsdata summary tools

Agree on common data transfer tablesAgree on common data transfer tables Develop lists of desired summaries Develop lists of desired summaries

Summary Tool ModelSummary Tool Model

1) Transfer 1) Transfer TableTable

4) Summary 4) Summary Queries & Queries &

ToolsTools3)Results Table3)Results Table

2) Calculation 2) Calculation QueriesQueries

AdvantagesAdvantages

Summary tool featuresSummary tool features Standard input tablesStandard input tables

Compartmentalize each calculationCompartmentalize each calculation

Share work of query developmentShare work of query development

Test datasets will be employed to test Test datasets will be employed to test calculation accuraciescalculation accuracies

Timestamp calculations to track errors and Timestamp calculations to track errors and help with summary versioninghelp with summary versioning

Questions…Questions…

Alan WilliamsEcologist / Data Manager

Natural Resources - NCRShenandoah National Park3655 USHWY 211 ELuray, VA 22835

Phone:540-999-3431Email: Alan_Williams@nps.gov