Sent: Monday, May 09, 2005 8:50 PM
To: Volunteer water monitoring
Rita;
Excel does graphs (Access does not, afaik.) But for building datasets with stability, a database like Access is by far preferred.
Marian Beddill
WA State
"If you cannot trust the way your votes are counted, nothing much else in politics matters."
Date: Wed, 11 May 2005 14:30:23 +0000
From: Tony Thorpe <thorpet@missouri.edu>
Subject: re:[volmonitor] Database useage; set volmonitor ack
Muns,
The Lakes of Missouri Volunteer Program has volunteers fill out data sheets in the field. Since our volunteers process samples for laboratory analysis, the data sheets stay with the samples until they are picked up. The data is entered by LMVP staff (that's me) into Excel.
Our Excel spreadsheet is becoming entirely too cumbersome, however, and I think it's time for us to make the jump. We have both Access and Filemaker Pro and I'm considering the latter for it's friendly interface.
For what it's worth, I'd join a volunteer database forum if it existed. I have LOTS of questions on the subject that I won't pepper the listserve with!
Tony Thorpe
Coordinator, Lakes of Missouri Volunteer Program
302 ABNR University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, MO 65211
Phone: 1-800-895-2260
Fax: 573-884-5070
www.lmvp.org
Date: Wed, 11 May 2005 13:08:46 -0400
To: "Volunteer water monitoring" <volmonitor@lists.epa.gov>
From: Karen Diamond <karen.diamond@unh.edu>
Hello everyone,
I have been reading portions of this conversation as my supervisor (Ann Reid) passes them along.
Here at Great Bay Coast Watch, we use a combination of Excel and Access to store our data in. We used Excel exclusively until the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) wanted to include our data in their database. Since the form they wanted it in was very different from ours, we decided to use Access to make it more pliable. It worked very well for this. It also works well for when another groups wants specific information, but not the entire data set.
However; there were several complications that arose from this. We found that we did not have the graphing ability that we have in Excel. We have volunteers enter our data at home from copies of the data sheets. We cannot expect them to have Access on their home computers. I am the only person here, currently, that knows how to program in Access, so when we need a new query, form , report ... from it, I am the only one who can do it.
Our process now is to have the data entered in Excel, verified at the office and imported to the database. We use the Excel for calculations and graphs in our Annual Report. We use the database to shuffle the data around into the format for NHDES, and export it back to Excel for them. The Excel data pages are yearly, the database is the entire data set.
I created the database myself, as well as the one we use for tracking all of our grants and volunteer activities. (I am a programer, which is rare for a volunteer organization to have.) If your group wants to use a database, the MOST important thing you need to know before you start is what you want out of it. If you don't know yet, don't waist the time. Changing a database is much more complicated than doing it right from scratch. Also, computers are binomial, they do not do "sometimes" well.
I hope this helps some of you understand the advantages and disadvantages better,
Karen
GBCW Mission
The Great Bay Coast Watch is citizen volunteers, working within the UNH Cooperative Extension/NH Sea Grant Program, protecting the long-term health and natural resources of New Hampshire?s coastal waters and estuarine systems through monitoring and education projects.
*********************************
Karen Diamond
GBCW Assistant
Kingman Farm
Laboratory Leader
Phone: (603) 749-1565
Fax: (603) 743-3997
karen.diamond@unh.edu
*********************************
Date: Wed, 11 May 2005 18:27:01 +0000
From: Tony Thorpe <thorpet@missouri.edu>
Subject: [volmonitor] Fwd: re:Database useage; set volmonitor ack
Thanks Karen (via Anne!),
I like the notion of using Excel for the present year, but then moving everything to the database. I think I'll implement that this year.
Does anyone else here use Filemaker? I bought it for managing the volunteer contact information, since I can include photos (my inability to connect names to faces is pathetic). I was thinking about using Filemaker to house the data too.
Tony Thorpe
Coordinator, Lakes of Missouri Volunteer Program
302 ABNR University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, MO 65211
Phone: 1-800-895-2260
Fax: 573-884-5070
www.lmvp.org
Date: Wed, 11 May 2005 13:26:08 -0700
From: Marian Beddill <beddill@nas.com>
Subject: Re: Fwd: re:[volmonitor] Database useage; set volmonitor ack
I support and concur with Karen's mixed-method.
I, too, have programming experience, and I do my own civic activities just like she described -- a diverse crowd enters data in Excel (we pre-specify the fields and formats) data-fixing is done there if needed, then the sets are imported (appended, etc) into Access. Output may go directly from a Report function in Access, or exports to Excel for graphics or sharing out.
Marian Beddill
http://lakewhatcom.org/ ,
http://www.dazzlegoestocollege.org/
Date: Wed, 11 May 2005 21:13:22 +0000
From: Katznelson Revital <rk@rb2.swrcb.ca.gov>
Subject: [volmonitor] Data management functions
Reading yesterday's and today's chain of responses from VolMon folks about the recent data management question is very illuminating. Been there! I have done a lot of digging into various local, State, and National WQ databases over the years, and ended up creating a set of spreadsheets.... in an Excel workbook. The Workbook takes care of a very basic function, often overlooked, which I call (1) "Documentation & QA/QC". This function is separate from all consecutive functions of a data management system: (2) storage & sharing (3) retrieval, and (4) interpretation & presentation.
Function (1) - Documentation & QA/QC - should be done at the monitoring Project level by folks who know about the project. This is where we need a platform for data entry & documentation, error calculation, data verification and validation, and all other manipulations related to measurement quality. This is where all essential metadata is captured as well. It can be done in Excel by most people, or in a combination of Access and Excel, if there is an Access guru available.
Function (2) - storage - is very easy if all the information is already captured and can be stored as is, at the Project level. However, sharing data with others must be selective, because others never need all the nitty-gritty detail in a central database. We can take a sub-set of essential information fields - for example, the Water Quality Data Elements - to put on our Project website or to export into a central database, be it Regional, State, National, or Worldwide.
Function (3) - retrieval - requires that information is organized and interlinked in a way that allows any data user to sort, filter, group, and do any other query activity using anything from basic Excel tools to sophisticated Access or Oracle tools. If you follow the three normal forms of database structure and you provide for effective linkage between data tables (for example, Station ID is the link between the Location table and the Results table), any search engine and query tool can be applied to retrieve your data from just about any relational database.
Function (4) - data interpretation & presentation - can be done ONLY after your retrieval tools extract the desired information from the database tables effectively, AND you will need additional tools for plotting, mapping, or running statistical comparisons. Some programming-endowed folks like to automate it in sync with the retrieval. Here the sky is the limit.
OK folks. If anyone has seen a data management system that does it all, please let me know ASAP!
Thanks
Revital
============================================
Revital Katznelson, Ph.D.
Regional Citizen Monitoring Coordinator
State Water Resources Control Board
Mailing address:
San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board
1515 Clay Street, Suite 1400
Oakland CA 94612
Office Phone: (510) 622 2470
Cell Phone: (916) 947 4816
Fax: (510) 622 2460
Email: RKatznelson@waterboards.ca.gov
(please note new email address, Nov 2004)
Clean Water Team website: www.waterboards.ca.gov/nps/volunteer.html
Date: Wed, 11 May 2005 11:02:03 -0400
From: Mayio.Alice@epamail.epa.gov
Subject: [volmonitor] Volunteer Database Management Forum
Dear Folks,
Several of you have expressed interest in a volunteer database management forum of some sort. Does anybody have any ideas re: what form this would take? are you thinking of a separate list serve? some other technology? a meeting?
Exchanging ideas and approaches re: database management certainly seems like a worthwhile topic for an extended volunteer monitoring workshop session at the upcoming National Water Quality Monitoring Council conference in San Jose, CA next May (7-11), and is duly noted!
However, we can clearly make progress before then if people see a need and a way to foster info exchange on this key topic. Personally, I'd vote against a separate listserve; people can always delete messages they don't want to read simply by looking at the subject line.
I'm assuming, as well, that everyone has read the most recent issue of the Volunteer Monitor on Data Documentation and Interpretation. If not, check it out at http://www.epa.gov/owow/monitoring/volunteer/newsletter/volmon17no1.pdf
Alice Mayio
USEPA (4503T)
1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20460
(202) 566-1184
Date: Wed, 11 May 2005 11:32:40 -0400
From: Danielle Donkersloot <Danielle.Donkersloot@dep.state.nj.us>
Subject: Re: [volmonitor] Volunteer Database Management Forum
I've been following this topic closely too. I agree that we need to have some kind of meeting of the minds with this topic. I also agree that this is a much needed discussion at the 2006 conference. But I
need this now, I'm interested because in NJ we are gearing up to create a data management system for the volunteer community to use as a powerful tool for their own data comparisons and interpretation with the bonus of us (DEP) having access to their data. (We've been closely following what our neighboring state of PA is doing as a model, great stuff!)
However, the last thing we want to create, is another unused database. It would be great to have the insight and support from our larger national community of volunteer programs so we don't try to reinvent the wheel. We are only going to be given funding for this once...
In the idealistic world where we had money to travel... it would be great to see what everyone is doing in a more intimate setting. I would love to see 20/30 minute presentations on the successes and failures of data management and data use. And I would even take it to the next level and say, have the discussion over several days. However, in the real world of budget woes, an internet based data discussion over several weeks or months may be the way to go. Maybe we can always post to the
list serve with the subject line reading DATA DISCUSSION. That way people that do not want to be involved can just delete it, or we may need to set up another list serve?
"In order to achieve something, you must get started" Fortune Cookie wisdom
Danielle Donkersloot
609-633-9241 (direct line)
609-633-1458 (fax)
PO Box 418
Trenton, NJ 08625
http://www.nj.gov/dep/watershedmgt/volunteer_monitoring.htm
Date: Wed, 11 May 2005 16:15:52 +0000
From: Tony Thorpe <thorpet@missouri.edu>
Subject: Re:[volmonitor] Volunteer Database Management Forum
Just a thought.
What if somebody were to set up a Yahoo forum or something similar?
I suspect such a forum would be very active for a month or so, then fizzle out (and therefore probably not warranting a seperate EPA listserve). Also, I have a lot of questions that I feel hesitant to ask to the general listserve. The answers to these questions will certainly invite more questions, ad infinitum, which would generate lots of emails for everyone. I don't think I'd feel as inhibited in a more specific "database forum".
Tony Thorpe
Coordinator, Lakes of Missouri Volunteer Program
302 ABNR University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, MO 65211
Phone: 1-800-895-2260
Fax: 573-884-5070
www.lmvp.org
Date: Wed, 11 May 2005 12:40:02 -0400
From: Linda Green <LGreen@uri.edu>
Subject: RE: [volmonitor] Volunteer Database Management Forum
Hi all,
This also could be a topic for a workshop and associated paper sessions at the May 2006 national conference in CA. At that conference there will also be opportunity for more informal side meetings too. The call for abstracts for this conference will be coming out with in a month. It will get posted
to this list serve when it does!
Linda Green
URI Cooperative Extension Water Quality
Department of Natural Resources Science
1 Greenhouse Road
Kingston, RI 02881-0804
401-874-2905
www.uri.edu/ce/wq/
www.usawaterquality.org/volunteer
Date: Wed, 11 May 2005 10:09:35 -0700
From: Stacy Renfro <renfro@pdx.edu>
Subject: Re: [volmonitor] Volunteer Database Management Forum
Please keep discussing this topic here - my 2 cents
I'd prefer that the conversations take place here - though I may not need the information right now - I often save discussion threads that are of interest and when I get a moment scan through them for morsels of knowledge that might feed our program or my imagination -
Having to join yet another list to partake of the information and see the questions asked is more cumbersome than I'd like - I find it easy to delete what I don't want
Stacy
Student Watershed Research Project
Date: Thu, 12 May 2005 11:38:59 -0400
From: URI Watershed Watch <uriww@etal.uri.edu>
Subject: RE: [volmonitor] Data management functions
Hello all:
The data management discussion has been really interesting to read - and
really highlights the fact that there is a tremendous amount of useful
information out there within the volunteer monitoring community, and that we
need to find an effective way to store and share. Unfortunately we have also
discovered that there is not an easy solution - a fact that the professional
monitoring agencies have also discovered (hence the development of the much
maligned STORET...)
As has already been mentioned - this is definitely a topic that will be
addressed as part of the volunteer monitoring component of the National
Water Quality Monitoring Council conference next May. As one of the
individuals working on that aspect of the conference, I would be very
interested in any specific issues that should be part of a several hour
workshop as well as suggestions of folks we should get involved in the
development of that workshop.
In the meantime (and for those unable to attend the conference) as part of a
national facilitation of Extension volunteer monitoring efforts we have been
working on a factsheet addressing data management for volunteer programs.
Initially we had been trying to create a template for a web-based volunteer
monitoring database, but discovered pretty quickly that there were just
enough individual differences between programs to make a 'one-size-fits-all'
approach impossible. So we now hope to offer a factsheet that helps guide
you in developing your own data management system (the combination of a
spreadsheet based system for short-term management, calculations and
graphing, with relational database for long-term storage seems to be an
effective and popular option!) The factsheet will rely on the experiences of
a number of volunteer monitoring coordinators and database managers. Please
check out our website at www.usawaterquality.org/volunteer/ to learn more
about our project or to contact us about participating in the database
survey. We also appreciate any comments or corrections to any materials
found on the website.
Looking forward to hearing more on this important subject!
Elizabeth Herron
Program Coordinator
URI Watershed Watch
Phone: 401-874-4552
Fax: 401-874-4561
Web: http://www.uri.edu/ce/wq/
Date: Fri, 13 May 2005 15:54:25 -0400
From: ALLARM <allarm@dickinson.edu>
Subject: re: [volmonitor] Fwd: re:Database useage; set volmonitor ack
Tony -
We use filemaker for our member information and access for our water quality data. I like filemaker and think it would work well for a water quality database. Our reason for not using it is more a matter of history and staff who had more experience with Access. We use excel for data summaries and graphing and the ease of use with Access is pretty good; not sure if this would be true with filemaker.
Lauren Imgrund
Date: Sun, 15 May 2005 23:22:42 -0400
From: Muns Farestad <mufarestad@sprintmail.com>
Subject: [volmonitor] DATA DISCUSSION; set volmonitor ack
I think the data management discussion to this point has been very broad, covering a lot of information and even coming up with
a ?popular option? of a ?mixed-method? which I will try to summarize:
Volunteers work with data sheets; pass them along to a central location for data entry into either an intermediate spreadsheet
or the database itself. If there is an intermediate spreadsheet, the data can be imported as a block into the database with an append
query. The database is the ultimate repository of program data and can then export data in several forms, one of which is a back to
a spreadsheet. Spreadsheets facilitate data sharing, charting, and (I?ll add) some statistical analysis.
I?ve tried to keep this summary simple and recognize that there may be in place efficiencies like using on-line tools, but add to it
as you see fit.
My further questions may be a bit more difficult to answer, and I thank all for the time spent so far.
What is the justification for building a database tool? I assume it must be based on improving some valuable output.
What is the cost of building a database tool? Unless a volunteer group has a capable volunteer, building their own database may
be unaffordable.
What is the cost of operating a database? I think that the main cost is data entry but not too different from whatever is happening
now, while the main expertise is in query building. I could be convinced that report writing is not as necessary since queries can be
exported to Excel, which is what most inquirers want anyway.
Are there any snags (other than version) in the waiting for Access users? Is there a limit to the size of the database?
Does putting an intermediate data transfer spreadsheet add annoying complications to the data append to the database? Can this
be controlled with a template that allows volunteers to be a bit ?creative??
Is there anybody that is willing to share some of the tools they have already developed?
This is too long. If you get here, thanks again.
--- Muns Farestad
--- Delaware Inland Bays Citizen Monitoring Program
--- mufarestad@sprintmail.com
Date: Mon, 16 May 2005 10:46:41 -0400
From: URI Watershed Watch <uriww@etal.uri.edu>
Subject: RE: [volmonitor] DATA DISCUSSION; set volmonitor ack
I would say that your summary of how data is entered and managed is pretty good.
In terms of justification for building a database tool I will offer the reason our program is in the process of doing so. The URI Watershed Watch program is starting its 18th year of monitoring – with some sites have been monitored hat entire time. We have data on in excess of 250 individual sites (lakes, ponds, tributaries, rivers, salt ponds, open marine…) We use Excel spreadsheet files in a variety of formats for managing that information (individual site files for primarily field data (i.e. water clarity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, weather and also lab analyzed chlorophyll concentration.) For other lab analyzed parameters (i.e. nutrients, bacteria, chloride, pH and alkalinity) we use a parameter specific multi-sheet spreadsheet. These files have been created to facilitate BOTH data entry and our reporting mechanisms. And for annual data this works out quite well. Where we have problems is when we start to ask questions like “what was the lowest water clarity in ABC Pond over the ten years of monitoring and when?” We have to go back through 10 Excel files to manually determine that information – we can’t just do queries easily through that many files. And unfortunately spreadsheets of the size we would need to keep ALL this data in one set of spreadsheets it would be way too cumbersome and slow.
So the database will allow us to do trend analyses, other comparisons and assessments much more easily – as well as allow us to customize data output via queries for various data users (such as our state environmental agency and the many consultants that use our information.)
Unfortunately entering data directly into the database (which was created by the RI Dept of Environmental Management for their use and being modified to better reflect our needs) is would make it much more difficult, and slow down our proofing process considerably. So we will continue to use Excel as our ‘intermediate’ data management tool (as well as for graphing, calculations, etc.) with a well defined template set-up to reduce errors in appending information into the database.
Our program has two full-time staff and multiple undergraduate students responsible for managing the program including volunteer training, equipment maintenance, laboratory analyses, data entry and management, etc. so it is difficult to assess what portion of our time is spent specifically on the database. However, once a system is set-up, I would expect that given today’s level of computer sophistication that a well trained volunteer could enter and manage the data fairly easily. The big expense would be the up front cost of setting up a system.
Unfortunately as I wrote earlier, we had investigated developing a web-based database for volunteer programs, but found that programs differed too much to really be able to do that effectively. That said, there are some good examples to help guide development of your own database (or other data management system.) A couple that come to mind are the Missouri Stream Team on-line database, another was developed for Wisconsin (please see http://www.uwex.edu/ces/csreesvolmon/DataReporting/ for more information.) I’d love to hear about other good examples…
Elizabeth Herron
Program Coordinator
URI Watershed Watch
Phone: 401-874-4552
Fax: 401-874-4561
Web: http://www.uri.edu/ce/wq/
Date: Mon, 16 May 2005 18:44:59 -0700
From: Revital Katznelson
Subject: RE: [volmonitor] DATA DISCUSSION; set volmonitor ack
To: Volunteer water monitoring <volmonitor@lists.epa.gov>
Folks
I am happy to read the discussion and learn about all the combinations people use; it seems like we are all aware that an "interim" platform is needed and that data might need to be bounced around for different functions. Here are my 9 cents.
California is too big for a centralized system for citizen monitoring that will cater for all data management needs (and all quality assurance needs that are an essential part of it). Our Clean Water Team - two part-time citizen monitoring coordinators plus a couple of part-time student assistants - needs to support multiple monitoring Projects done by many groups in our nine Regions for a variety of data users. Data entry cannot be centralized (unfortunately), nor can we centralize our data quality management. All we can do is deploy, and provide training for, a set of tools: templates and guidance documents.
Essentially, our groups need a platform for "on the ground operations" such as data entry, data manipulation, and specific communication within a Project. A big chunk of the information residing on that platform (e.g., calibration records) has nothing to do with data retrieval, interpretation, presentation, etc. In other words, this platform takes care of two of the four major functions of Data Management Systems [which are: DMS Function # (1) "Documentation & QA/QC"; (2) storage & sharing; (3) retrieval; and (4) interpretation & presentation].
I am aware of several systems used in CA, including the Data Quality Management Project File (an Excel workbook that works "underneath the database"); the Coastal Watershed Council's database (Access and Excel combined); the BayKeeper data management system (Access); and another system originally based on FileMaker. If you are interested in details about how the first two systems are applied to FIELD OPERATIONS, read on.
A. ---- DQM Project File:
This Excel workbook has been used by many groups as a platform for data capture, documentation, error calculations, and data validation at the Project level. It is also used for communication of Project-specific information between multiple field crews (e.g., the specific location and habitat unit where the Hobo-Temp needs to be deployed each time).
WHO: The file is used "on the ground" by Project personnel with basic Excel skills.
DATA ENTRY
-- Traditional mode: observations, measurements, and calibration records are captured on hardcopy forms in the field, and then entered into spreadsheets sporting the same appearance. Information on Station Locations, Instruments, Standards, Organization, etc. is entered into spreadsheets directly or from hardcopy notes, and the spreadsheets are kept in the same workbook (this is the "database setup" information).
-- PDA (New!) Mode: all field records (observations, field measurements, sampling log, GPS coordinates & associated error, calibration records, and flow discharge) are captured directly in electronic format into Excel spreadsheets on a personal digital assistant (PDA) with SpreadCE software. I have augmented the original Project File spreadsheets with drop-down menus to minimize the need for typing, and added color-coding of special cell ranges to facilitate navigation thru the spreadsheet on the small screen of the PDA. Information on Stations, Instruments, Standards, etc. is filled in the traditional way and the unique IDs of these entities feed the drop-down menus where needed.
ERROR CALCULATION is done by Project personnel (the Trainer & QA person) within the Project file spreadsheets, using a specific set of instructions to glean each Instrument's precision from repeated measurements pairs, and its accuracy from post event calibration records.
DATA VERIFICATION and VALIDATION is also done by Project personnel (the Technical Leader & QA Officer) working with the Project File spreadsheets. This includes attaching flags and qualifiers, as well as accuracy and precision information, to the Results.
TRAINING REQUIRED: Data entry can be done by any Excel user after 30 minutes training. Training someone who already has some PDA and Excel skills to capture data in the field takes about 20 minutes. Learning how to use the spreadsheets for error calculation and data validation takes about 3 hours, mostly for QA training.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) SUPPORT: Beyond basic Excel skills, the only IT support is needed to prepare and migrate batch files into a central database. If the spreadsheets are organized with a certain receiving database in mind, data migration templates can be created easily. I already have a template that takes field data from the Project File into STORET via SIM, but I need the SIM guru to take it from there.
FUNCTIONS: The Project File is used for all Documentation and QA/QC Function activities (DMS Function # 1), for long-term storage at the Project level (DMS Function #2), and as a platform to create batch files for a SUBSET of information fields for export, to share data with others (DMS Function #2 as well). Small-scale data retrieval operations (DMS Function # 3) are possible via Excel's tools to Sort, Filter, etc., and data stored in the Result spreadsheets can be easily used for plotting, comparisons with Water Quality benchmarks, basic statistical analyses, and other DMS Function # 4 operations. Excel has got a lot of good tools, however its workbooks are too small for a Region-wide or Statewide monitoring Program database.
B. ---- Coastal Watershed Council (CWC) Database:
This system was constructed in ACCESS in 2003 to accommodate the needs of a Coastwise Snapshot Day event, and has been refined since. The multiple database tables include all essential placeholders for data capture, documentation, error calculations, and data validation.
WHO: The database was used for data entry by regional volunteer coordinators, and by a Data Management Team for data entry and other activities. IT support is available most of the time.
DATA ENTRY: Field measurements and calibration records are captured on hardcopy forms, and then entered into Data Entry Forms sporting the same appearance. Data entry on the Internet is in the works.
ERROR CALCULATION was done on Excel spreadsheets generated from queries of the Access database. Once in Excel, it can be done by Project personnel (the Trainer & QA person).
DATA VERIFICATION and VALIDATION is also done by Project personnel, working with Access tables or with query products as Excel spreadsheets; there are also ways to attach flags and qualifiers to the Results.
TRAINING REQUIRED: Data entry can be done by any computer user after 20 minutes of training, if all the bugs have been worked out. Learning how to use the spreadsheets for error calculation and data validation takes about 3 hours, mostly for QA training.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) SUPPORT: This system works because we have two dedicated volunteers that are also IT gurus! Beyond all the structural programming and continuous troubleshooting done by our gurus, routine use of the system requires availability of a person with a number of Access skills (database setup, writing queries, moving batches of data between Access and Excel, etc.). As many of you folks found about Microsoft Access, the software version you are using and the setup of your individual workstation can create a lot of instability and compatibility issues. Having data entered at different workstations and then merging data tables is another challenge. Data "massaging" for export of batch files may or may not be a big task (depending on availability of crosswalks into the target database and other variables). Last but not least, management of data protection and data accessibility requires IT support too.
FUNCTIONS: The CWC database is used for all Documentation and QA/QC Function activities (DMS Function # 1), for long-term storage of data from multiple local Projects and for export of batch files into the regional database (DMS Function #2), as well as for some retrieval operations (DMS Function # 3). As in most cased, once exported or retrieved, data can be used for interpretation and presentation using Excel, SAS, GIS, or other plotting/statistical analysis/mapping tools that cater for DMS Function # 4.
Since my last email I have seen a very nice web presentation (with plots and all) on the Alabama Water Watch!
Good day,
Revital
The South Carolina Oyster Restoration and Enhancement program (SCORE) managed by the SC Dept of Natural Resources is a community-based restorationprogram. Once component of the program is a volunteer water monitoring program. Volunteers measure water quality weekly at about 20 sites
statewide. The parameters measured are salinity, DO, pH, temperature (air and water), secchi depth (or turbidity tube if at a shallow site) and associated weather and tide observations.
Monitoring data collected by volunteers for the SCORE program are managed in a Microsoft Access database which resides on a web server. There is a user-interface, or on-line form, programmed in ASP that allows the volunteers to enter their monitoring data via the Internet into the database
running in the background. Volunteers actually use paper forms in the field, then enter the data into the on-line form later (the on-line form mirrors the paper forms). Since the data are stored in a relational database such as MS Access, the SCORE program staff are able to query and manage the data
fairly easily.
In order to QA/QC the data, we currently take the database off-line at pre-scheduled times, make the necessary edits, then repost it to the Web, but the process does not have to function this way. The database could be reviewed over the Web, and changes made directly to the database while on
the Web server as needed. We are also able to quality control some of the data entry by setting up a good on-line form. Many of the data entry fields in our form are set up with certain requirements that reduce the chance of human error during data entry. For example, if a measurement is only suppose
to be carried out to one decimal place, the on-line form will reject the user¹s entry if they accidentally enter a value carried out to two decimal places.
Some graphical display options are available online for volunteers to use. For more sophisticated displays we export the data to Excel or Sigmaplot.
Please visit our website http://www3.csc.noaa.gov/scoysters and check out the monitoring data section (both the entry portion and the display portion).
Here's a question for ya...
I want to know if anyone else is trying to organize many different groups into 1 on-line data management system? (I know PA is working on this) I have about 34 active monitoring groups in NJ and I'm trying to figure out the best way to get them all in one system WITHOUT changing
the way the normally do business.
"In order to achieve something, you must get started" Fortune Cookie
wisdom
Danielle Donkersloot
609-633-9241 (direct line)
609-633-1458 (fax)
PO Box 418
Trenton, NJ 08625
http://www.nj.gov/dep/watershedmgt/volunteer_monitoring.htm
On 5/19/05 8:37 AM, "Cooke, Ken (EPPC DEP DOW)" <Ken.Cooke@ky.gov> wrote:
Hi,
Thanks for the description of your system.
I am particularly interested in how you get Access to draw graphs for you
(as scripted in your http://www3.csc.noaa.gov/scoysters/monitor/cresults.asp ASP code.)
Can you point me to the documentation on how that is set up?
Thanks
Ken Cooke
KY Water Watch
Date: Thu, 19 May 2005 10:43:29 -0400
From: Nancy Hadley <hadleyn@dnr.sc.gov>
Subject: Re: [volmonitor] volunteer datamanagement discussion
We are using a separate program to do the graphing, as this can not be
performed within MS Access. We use a program called ChartDirector developed
by Advanced Software Engineering (http://www.advsofteng.com/). It reads
that data from the Access database and allows it to be graphed or charted on
a Web page.
This software is specifically designed for visualizing data on the Web, and
allows it to be done on-the-fly. If project managers want to do analyses
and graphing with their volunteer data, but not for the purpose of making it
readily available over the Web, they are better off pulling the data out of
Access into Excel or a stats program.
Question 2
From: Rita Jack [mailto:rita.jack@sierraclub.org]
Sent: Thursday, April 24, 2003 3:22 PM
I’d like to elaborate on a response now in relation to volunteer groups and STORET – but I’m on my way out to a meeting!
What I’d like to know is – who and how are volunteer groups using STORET? I’m interested in knowing hat volunteer groups’ data are being used by their states when the states prepare the 303(d) lists? I believe – and please correct me if I’m wrong or if I’m missing something – that if data are in STORET and they indicate that a water body is impaired or threatened, then a state should reference that data in preparing the 303(d) list. What are other folk’s thoughts on this?
Thanks!
~~Rita Jack, Sierra Club Mackinac Chapter (Michigan), Water Sentinels Project
Date: Thu, 24 Apr 2003 15:26:58 -0500
From: Lyn Hartman <HoosierRiverwatch@dnr.state.in.us>
Subject: [volmonitor] Data storage
Earth Force/GREEN (Global Rivers Environmental Education Network) has an excellent online database they developed for just this use - check it out at www.green.org
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lyn Hartman
Hoosier Riverwatch Coordinator
Email: HoosierRiverwatch@dnr.state.in.us
Web: www.in.gov/dnr/soilcons/riverwatch
Hoosier Riverwatch is sponsored by the IDNR in cooperation
with Purdue University
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
-----Original Message-----
From: NOLNACSJ@aol.com [mailto:NOLNACSJ@aol.com]
Sent: Thursday, April 24, 2003 4:01 PM
To: VOLMONITOR
Subject: [volmonitor] Re: Data storage
Kelly, I recently received an email from MA Coastal Zone Management who has offered to train a small number of our area (Cape Cod) water quality monitoring volunteers on how to use a new data management tool (MS Access based) they developed under one of their programs. This "tool" may be helpful to you regarding your efforts, but I do not know much more about it right now. I recommend you contact Bruce Carlisle at MA CZM for more information. His email address is: Bruce.Carlisle@state.ma.us
Hopefully, I did not just cause him to become inundated with emails......
Judy Scanlon
Freshwater Monitoring Coordinator
Orleans Water Quality task Force
Date: Thu, 24 Apr 2003 17:36:34 -0400
From: "J. Kelly Nolan, EST Coordinator" <ESTeam@worldnet.att.net>
Subject: [volmonitor] Re: Data storage
NYS doesn't use nor apply any weight to any volunteer monitoring data or from any other source i.e. college/universities, organizations, and or private companies in preparing its 303(d) list. "The fact is, no matter how good the data volunteers - or anyone else - collects, it is DEC's role to evaluate the data and make an assessment that is consistent with assessments throughout the state." This means the NYS DEC is the only one who gathers the data for determining the 303(d) list and needless to say the NYS DEC Division of Water, a small but dedicated staff, cannot possibly assess all of NYS waterways. Volunteer data and any other sources of data or reports are lucky to be used for the preparation of the States 305(b) reports.
HBRW is not using STORET.
Regards,
Kelly
Date: Thu, 24 Apr 2003 15:42:29 -0700
From: Revital Katznelson <Rk@rb2.swrcb.ca.gov>
Subject: [volmonitor] Re: Data storage and data quality management (DQM)
Kelly I think you hit the nail on the head, so to speak.
It is not the role of the "data users" (e.g., regulators in charge of 305(b) reporting or 303(d) listing/de-listing) to assess the reliability and quality of data submitted by citizen monitoring groups. We simply
cannot expect them to. Generally, users of monitoring data appreciate reliable, defensible, and usable data, but the tools to communicate these quality attributes often lack clarity and consistency, especially
where field activities are concerned. In the absence of unambiguous communication tools and understandable reporting formats, assumptions about data quality are often made on the basis of other notions. Too often, users choose data based on who collected the data, whether they were adequately trained, whether they used established protocols, and whether they had an approved Quality Assurance Project Plan in place. This "programmatic" approach, which relies on external perception of merit, does not provide the data user with the relevant facts regarding the actual quality of specific data sets or individual results.
In California we have recently begun implementing a data quality management (DQM) system which allows for each data point to "speak for itself." I got into it several years ago when I looked for a system
that will provide for the primary data management functions of documentation and quality assessment. I couldn't find any (STORET was not the answer either), so I started developing our own. We apply this
DQM system for individual, small-scale monitoring projects, i.e., manageable chunks of monitoring efforts. Today the DQM is an assemblage of tools and guidance all "talking to each other" and all revolving around a set of "placeholders" for information that needs to be captured and manipulated. The placeholders are all packaged in what I call the DQM Project File and includes the Results (Result is the outcome of a measurement or analysis) and all their descriptors. Essentially, the Project File is a simple Microsoft Excel workbook with multiple spreadsheets that hold the Results, the measurement information (i.e., the unique identity of the instrument or kit used, as well as its features and specifications), and the quality of the measurement (i.e., instrument-specific calibration, accuracy checks, and precision records). All this information is used - at the Project level and by Project personnel - to calculate error, validate the data, and generate qualifiers. When submitted to the data users, the results can be accompanied by a clearly defined set of qualifiers that inform the user about the range of associated error, whether the data have been validated, and whether they are supported by adequate documentation. Last time I sent a full DQM Project File to our Regional Water Quality Control Board staff, they had to look at a very small number of fields to quickly see all they need to know about the data. Needless to say, they were very happy to pick and choose what they can use to fit their
different needs.
Bonus: The Project File also contains placeholders for "data retrieval handles" that allow the user to sort, filter, and pool individual results based on the monitoring intent (e.g., characterization or capture of worst-case scenario), sampling design (e.g., probabilistic or deterministic), station type (e.g., outfall or
creek), conditions during sampling (wet or dry weather), etc.
I have a NWQMC 2002 paper on DQM and I can easily email it to interested folks -
Revital
=======================================================
Revital Katznelson, Ph.D.
Regional Citizen Monitoring Coordinator
State Water Resources Control Board
Mailing address:
San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board
1515 Clay Street, Suite 1400
Oakland CA 94612
Office Phone: (510) 622 2470
Cell Phone: (916) 947 4816
Fax: (510) 622 2460
Email: rk@rb2.swrcb.ca.gov
Clean Water Team website: www.swrcb.ca.gov/nps/volunteer.html
From: Rich Schrader [mailto:res13131@cybermesa.com]
Sent: Thursday, April 24, 2003 6:51 PM
To: VOLMONITOR
Subject: [volmonitor] Re: Data storage
My understanding is similiar to Rita Jack's, that if you can get your data into a format that your state and it indicates impairment that they must look at it for preparing the 303(d) list. Thus, some volunteer monitoring trainers provide databases (or even excel templates) that can dump data into Storet. EPA Region 8 and the Montana Volunteer Water Monitoring Project have been developing these tools which are on the verge of being widely used by tribes and watershed groups/teachers.
My sense is that this approach - non-STORET interface with STORET compatibility is the best direction to take if you want your state to use your data in enforcing the Clean Water Act. As usual, it depends on your monitoring goals .
-- Rich
________________
Richard Schrader
River Source
1803 1/2 Agua Fria
Santa Fe, NM 87505
505-992-0726 wk
www.riversource.net
Date: Thu, 24 Apr 2003 19:39:17 -0400
From: "J. Kelly Nolan, EST Coordinator" <ESTeam@worldnet.att.net>
Subject: [volmonitor] Re: Data storage
As I've previously mentioned, in NYS even if its in the same format following the same QA/QC NYS DEC will not use it for 303(d) listing. They may look at it... but they will not use it.
Going back to my original request: Where can I get the data bases or excel templates that are user friendly for data storage?
Kelly
From: "Alison L. Reber" <alison@streamlink.org>
Subject: [volmonitor] Re: Data storage
To: VOLMONITOR <volmonitor@lists.epa.gov>
I hate to ask newbie questions but I got on this list serv so I could get a better feel for what's happening outside the (occasional) alternate reality we call Kansas. Are the data in STORET subject to quality assurance? I can't see how data could legitimately be used for in a 303(d) without this initial step. The other question that seems looming is WHO determines the impairment or threatened status and HOW is the determination made for water bodies shown in STORET?
Here there's no shortage of 303(d) listings but there does seem to be a shortage of people who are willing to accept and pursue the long-term value of addressing problems in the "headwaters" as well as the mainstems. I can see that in states with very minimal 303(d) lists, being able to garner compulsory attention to impaired areas is a pretty valuable asset.
The program I work for, Kansas StreamLink, is almost exclusively an educational tool. We are trying to get communities (REAL people) tied into identified local (as in "this REALLY is YOUR problem") water quality issues. The 303(d) and the TMDL Implementation Plans are primary documents we put in the hands of our teams as we try to push them beyond casual (but protocol compliant, of course :) stream sampling excursions. For us, working through the schools seems to be a steady and reliable system for maintaining direct community connections.
I know this time of the year is pretty intense but I'd love to hear about some of the other programs out there. -Alison Reber
PS I'm not sure if someone from Kansas can credibly use the term "headwaters" but "uplands" just seems almost comical....
KS StreamLink
414 East 9th Street Lawrence, KS 66044-2629
785-840-0700 fax 785-843-6080
streamlink@streamlink.org www.streamlink.org
Date: Thu, 24 Apr 2003 19:51:26 -0400
From: Liu.Ed@epamail.epa.gov
Subject: [volmonitor] Re: Data storage
Good for you Alison -- Just know that you are doing the right thing. Don't expect to hear that from the DC EPA people for various reasons, the most important that contentious issues has kept any administration from bringing to the congress a revision of the clean water act since 1987. That is three cycles of the usual reauthorization (5 yrs)of major agency legislation. In sum, we are stuck in approaches that are nearly 20 years old.
Date: Thu, 24 Apr 2003 23:18:40 -0400
From: Geoff Dates <gdates@rivernetwork.org>
Subject: [volmonitor] Re: Data storage
Alison,
You may know all this, or have received similar replies, but here’s my take on it. Impairment determinations based on data in STORET (or whatever data storage system the state is using) are usually made based on the state’s assessment protocol or assessment methodology. In some states, this is a separate document. In others, it’s described in the 305b report or 303d guidance, or something similar. It usually takes the form of a “use support” determination: Fully Supporting, Partially Supporting, or Not Supporting the uses designated in the water quality standards and the conditions needed to support them described by the water quality criteria. For example, the aquatic life use is not supported if greater than 10% of the samples for dissolved oxygen violate the 6 mg/l criterion for a cold water fishery. The assessment protocol should also describe the data and data quality requirements needed for both 305b and 303d (e.g. minimum # of samples, age of data, etc.).
Once a water body is determined to not be supporting its designated uses, it may or may not go on the 303d list. Again, the assessment methodology should describe the conditions under which an impaired water body would not go on the 303d list. In PA, for example, there are 3 reasons why an impaired water would not go on the 303d list:
1) The impairment is not being caused by a pollutant as defined in the Clean Water Act. Impairment can result from physical barriers, exotic species, prolonged drought and other sources. DEP does not place these waters on the list since there is no pollutant load to allocate through the TMDL process.
2) Impairments are being, or will be, addressed by required pollution control efforts. DEP determines that eliminating the impairment is better addressed through existing enforcement and compliance pollution control efforts. 3) The waterbody already has an EPA-approved TMDL developed for identified causes of impairment. However, these waters remain in the 305(b) report as impaired until the designated use is fully supported.
(Note: this is from 1999, things may have changed).
Each state is different and I’m not familiar with Kansas, but try to get a copy of the assessment protocol.
--
Geoff Dates
River Watch Program Director
River Network
Home Office:
6 Poor Farm Road
Hartland Vt 05048
802-436-2544
email: gdates@rivernetwork.org
River Network Web Site: www.rivernetwork.org
Rich Schrader <res13131@cybermesa.com>
To: VOLMONITOR <volmonitor@lists.epa.gov>
Subject: [volmonitor] Re: Data storage
Alison,
Look what a storm of competing visions you provoked !!!
Tina Laidlaw of EPA Region 8 has an excel template and access database format that seems robust and is STORET compatible using an SIM interface that uploads the data to STORET. The tool was developed for tribes and comes along with training for the tribal monitoring audience. I've got a copy but don't feel at liberty to share sinces it's not my tool to hand out. You might try to contact Tina Laidlaw (Montana office) directly or wait for a response from her (I think she's on this listserve since she turned me on to it).
Rich
________________
Richard Schrader
River Source
1803 1/2 Agua Fria
Santa Fe, NM 87505
505-992-0726 wk www.riversource.net
Date: Fri, 25 Apr 2003 13:11:45 -0500
From: "Alison L. Reber" <alison@streamlink.org>
Subject: [volmonitor] State 303ds
Thanks for the information, Geoff! The 303d determinations for Kansas' 305b report are technically made exclusively by our Dept. of Health & Environment even if identical protocols are used. This is consistent with what Kelly in NYS is saying as well. I know Kentucky incorporates Water Watch data into their 305b - that must have been either a legislative feat or sheer desperation to stay out of court! It sounds like states are free to make their designated use impairment determinations as per their established & EPA accepted (?) prerogative, I mean, protocols - murky water to say the least!
Explaining all this to an arm chair audience is very difficult since there are so many twists and turns in the strands of information. I see the drama in it all but most find it pretty dry. (as in the Sahara!) -A
Date: Fri, 25 Apr 2003 15:50:07 -0400
From: Linda Green <lgreen@uri.edu>
Subject: [volmonitor] Re: State 303ds
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To: VOLMONITOR <volmonitor@lists.epa.gov>
Cc: "Alison L. Reber" <alison@streamlink.org>
Reply-to: VOLMONITOR <volmonitor@lists.epa.gov>
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Original-recipient: rfc822;kfstepenuck@facstaff.wisc.edu
Hi Alison,
Just wanted to let you know that RI incorporates the volunteer monitoring data from the URI Watershed Watch program into its 305b report, and relies on it for 303d listing for locations and parameters we monitor. As a matter of fact we are in the midst of a 5 year grant from RI DEM where they provide us with a list of lakes/ponds with no/little/old monitoring information. We recruit volunteers to join URIWW and monitor these locations so that RI DEM will have data on which to base 303(d) list or not-listing. This was after we did a QA/QC assessment of our monitoring and successfully compared it side-by-side on-site with "professiional" monitoring.
I represent the volunteer monitoring community on the National Water Quality Monitoring Council and have appreciated all the comments on this situation. And its not just volunteer monitoring. I know of 2 unnamed state environmental agencies that are unable/unwilling to use US Geological Survey monitoring data for their assessments.
Linda Green
Program Director,
URI Watershed Watch
URI Cooperative Extension
Natural Resources Science Department
College of the Environment and Life Sciences
1 Greenhouse Road, CIK
Kingston, RI 02881
401-874-2905 voice
401-874-4561 fax
http://www.uri.edu/ce/wq/ww/html/ww.html
http://www.usawaterquality.org/volunteer
Date: Mon, 28 Apr 2003 18:42:08 -0600
From: Laidlaw.Tina@epamail.epa.gov
Subject: [volmonitor] Re: Data storage
EPA Region 8 has developed an Excel template that can be uploaded to a website (managed by Gold Systems) and migrated to STORET. The template tries to explain and simplify the requirements for metadata (data about your data). The web address is: http://www.goldsystems.com/reg8tribes/reg8_tribes.
There are several other tools (STORET compatible web-entry tool for small data sets, access databases, etc) for getting data into STORET. If your goal is to have a state consider your data, I would encourage you to consider making your data STORET compatible and be sure to include the metadata describing your data.
Building upon Geoff's email that explains how states conduct assessments - I think it is important to clarify the distinction between state uses of "data" versus "assessments". As Geoff explained, most states have assessment methodologies that explain (some in clearer terms than others) the data requirements and process used to establish whether a waterbody is meeting its designated uses. In most states, the only entity making those "assessment" calls is the state environmental agency. Whether or not a state chooses to use volunteer data to make the use assessment (determination of fully supporting, not supporting) is based, in part, on the state's described assessment methodologies and the explanation of the level of rigor needed for the data. Some states even specify the format needed for submitting data.
Thanks my two cents.
Tina
Tina Laidlaw
USEPA Montana Office
10 West 15th Street, Suite 3200
Helena, MT 59626
406-457-5016
Date: Sat, 26 Apr 2003 11:35:27 -0500
From: Jason Pinchback <jason.pinchback@geo.swt.edu>
Subject: [volmonitor] Texas 305(b) and volunteer monitoring
Greetings from Texas Watch,
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) accepts limited amounts of quality assured data into its database that develops the 305(b) report. From our ~300 active sites, 22 sites submit data (via Texas Watch) to TCEQ. In response to the laborious nature involved with data validation of these
data collection activities, Texas Watch facilitates our monitoring efforts through two QAPP's. After supporting these efforts for nearly four years, we have decided the resources required to complete all prescribed QA validation measures are too intensive.
The BEST use our resources and data are at the local level.
If we have additional resources in the future, we will once again create this awesome opportunity for citizen monitors to positively contribute to official state assessments.
P.S. The TCEQ is still willing and able to accept certified volunteer water
quality monitoring data.
Jason Pinchback
Texas Watch Project Coordinator
Southwest Texas State University
512.245.9148
JP30@swt.edu
Date: Mon, 28 Apr 2003 15:28:21 -0400 (EDT)
From: Treedncr1@aol.com
Subject: [volmonitor] Re: Data storage
Alison,
What a great "newbie" question! I have enjoyed the responses regarding other organizations' approach to the TMDL issue. We coordinate a volunteer program in the St. Johns River Basin in Northeast Florida. It has been listed in the state's plan as a priority watershed under the TMDL program. While our data is not on STORET (due to the same difficulties that everyone encounters), it has been requested by state project managers responsibile for assessments. The volunteer data is covered by an extensive QA plan and program, so is providing supplemental data to the process due to its temporal and spatial coverage (approximately 30 sites on the river proper, another 30 in tributaries are monitored on a weekly to monthly basis). However, we have found the most effective application of our volunteer efforts applied at a local basis where local agencies provide a list of critical sites. We recruit and assign volunteers to these sites where they conduct ambient monitoring and collect samples for local agencies to analyize for nutrients and metals. QA issues of these collected samples are covered by the labortory's QA plan.
We are striving to make our data more useful as well through integration with STORET as we have made great efforts to provide a solid QA program. If you or anyone else learns of ways to integrate Excel or Access programs to STORET and can share or offer at a low cost the programs, we would be very interested!
It is great to see volunteer efforts progress in the application to such high profile program such as TMDL. Any additional tools to further the cause would be great!
Annette M. Paulin
Program Director
Community Watershed Fund
apaulin@cwfund.org
Date: Mon, 28 Apr 2003 15:39:50 -0400 (EDT)
From: Treedncr1@aol.com
Subject: [volmonitor] Re: Data storage
Rita and Kelly,
Our group (Watershed Action Volunteers; St. Johns River Water Management District) does not use STORET. However, we have developed a solid QA program and QA data management system using Access. Our water quality data and QA data are maintained in separate tables and linked by a common parameters (volunteer name or assigned number). All results from QA checks are provided in the QA table and include standards, results, corrective actions, and corrections factors to apply. The results qualify a specified period of the dataset (QA conducted on a yearly basis). We have found this system to work well for our data users. However, we would like to see our data become more accessible through the STORET system. What would be most helpful is a tool for integrating the information kept under more manageable systems such as Excel or Access to STORET. If anyone has such a tool, we would very interested in learning more!
Annette M. Paulin
Program Director
Community Watershed Fund
apaulin@cwfund.org
From: mark a kuechenmeister <markkstreamteam888@juno.com>
Subject: [volmonitor] data storage
To: VOLMONITOR <volmonitor@lists.epa.gov>
mark keuchenmeister,stream team 888- Mo. stream teams.I,am level 3 certified. This is currently the highest level that I can attain as a volunteer.I attend many learning seminars and field trips. We monitor Maline creek 4 times a year.This takes about 2 hours. We fill out a visual data sheet, a chemical data sheet, a macroinvertibrate data sheet, and a stream discharge worksheet. We then send it to the Mo. dept.of Natural Resources where they check it out. If there are any problems they will contact us.They post our results on their web site for anyone to ues or view.They put our results to good use. I'am not sure how or what they use to store the data. I personally store our data on data sheets in a binder.We've been doing this for the past 6 years. I would like to find a way to just enter it onto my computer using a program that can also displays graphs. This will show trends in our creek. This would also help others to see whats going on with our creek and how to make it better since our creek is very, very impacted - mayors, civic leaders, council men, etc. Please check out the mo.stream teams website it is an invaluable resource for me! It is very up to date. mostreamteam.org
Question 3
Date: Fri, 02 Mar 2007 11:38:05 -0500
From: christine rodick <christine.rodick@gmail.com>
Subject: [volmonitor] Databases for Volunteer data
I am looking for a database that volunteer monitoring groups can use. We have two groups near us in GA who have asked us to assist them with data analysis and each have lots of historical data, but no organized way to store it and make it user friendly for analysis.
Does such a database already exist? If yes, please let me know who I could contact for more info.
We could provide some support for getting the database up and running for each group, but we're looking for a really user friendly one that a volunteer group could easily use without having to depend on us for tech support.
Many thanks, Christine
--
Christine Rodick
UGA River Basin Center
110 Riverbend Road
Athens, GA 30602-1510
(706) 542-9745
Responses
Date: Fri, 02 Mar 2007 12:55:25 -0500
From: Robert McCall <mccall.57@cfaes.osu.edu>
Hi all,
I am in the process of initiating discussion with others on the below topic for watershed groups in NW Ohio as well and would be interested in seeing any responses anyone might have.
Thanks,
Robert D. McCall
Watershed Educator
Ohio State University Extension
Center at Lima
1219 West Main Cross, Ste 202
Findlay, Ohio 45840
Ph: 419-422-6106
Fax: 419-422-7595
Cell: 419-306-9407
Email: mccall.57@cfaes.osu.edu
Date: Wed, 07 Mar 2007 11:15:34 -0500
From: Muns Farestad <mufarestad@verizon.net>
Christine and Robert…
I am interested in your question. I am the database creator and manager for Delaware’s Inland Bays Citizen Monitoring Group. I use Microsoft Access.
I have been waiting to see if anyone responded to your questions with a definitive answer; if so, please let me know.
What data do your monitoring groups collect? How do they use their data now? How do they organize their data now, e.g. paper data sheet, spreadsheet, etc.? Can you describe how your monitoring groups would use this database tool? Are you looking to consolidate their data into an existing central database?
Muns Farestad
Date: Wed, 07 Mar 2007 11:43:09 -0600
From: Kris Stepenuck <kris.stepenuck@ces.uwex.edu>
Hi
We recently completed a learning module about online databases for volunteer monitoring programs which is available at: http://www.usawaterquality.org/volunteer/Outreach/Databases.pdf
Within that module is a listing and links to online database of numerous programs across the country as well as information about some developing networks for data sharing. In our research, we've found that it's extremely difficult for an online database to work for multiple programs since parameters that are monitored are often different among programs. But, there are some possibilities for sharing databases mentioned/explained in the module that I think would be of interest (e.g., data exchange networks, world monitoring day database, nature mapping, PA Environmental Alliance for Senior Involvement, or the Clean Water Team of the California Water Resources Control Board which has a template that can be modified for individual program needs).
I think it will provide you with some good resources and links
Cheers,
Kris Stepenuck
for the USDA-CSREES Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring National Facilitation Project
http://www.usawaterquality.org/volunteer/
Also see STORET listserv discussion
Also see compiled list of online databases
Also see data storage discussion
Updated
Friday, 16-Nov-2007 12:49:16 CST
