• Update the underlying technology, to ensure long-term viability of the website.
• Refresh the design, aligning it with the new GiGL design standards and ensuring a seamless transition from their main site (in WordPress) to the mapping site (in mojoPortal).
• Simplify the mapping interface, making it accessible to a greater number of potential users.
• Have multiple versions of the web map, each displaying different suites of data.

We started the project with a discovery phase involving ESDM managers, developers and technical architects working alongside GiGL staff. The discovery phase explored the requirements and potential solutions, culminating in the development of approved interactive mock-ups that demonstrated the new design.

The new Discover London website was developed using Agile methods and followed the mock-ups and GiGL design standards. Significant difference between the old and new websites included:

• Radical simplication of the map controls, which decluttered the map and met modern expectations for online mapping.
• Use of expandable menus to hide more complex controls and information when not in use.
• Combined place name, postcode and grid reference search functionality that was previously separate.
• Grouping data into switchable themes, providing a much simpler view on related map data. We also ensured that it was possible to link directly to or embed individual themes.
• Removing the ability to turn individual layers on and off. Instead everything can be achieved by switching between themes, which ensures no overlapping data.
• Use of a different map projection, allowing GiGL to benefit from existing mapping services such as OpenStreetMap and Bing.
• Fully responsive design, allowing interaction with the online map via mobile devices.

Exegesis are continuing to support, maintain and develop the Discover London website for GiGL.

Further information from Crispin Flower.

Exegesis were contracted to create web mapping for iGiGL, the online data portal of the capital's environmental records centre. The portal provides access to detailed information on London's wildlife, parks, nature reserves, gardens and other open spaces.

The finished mapping system reveals different data depending on the role of the web site user, allowing GiGL to securely distribute datasets to only the people who require them. This is combined with a Content Management System, which allows much of the site and data to be edited by GiGL staff.

Further custom development work has:

• Allowed surveys designed by GiGL staff through the CMS to be submitted to an Indicia Warehouse.
• Added full layer editing functionality to specified layers.

Further information is available from Crispin Flower.

Data were collated to create a dataset of candidate Greenspaces, an access network dataset and an access point dataset, all of which were checked by local authority staff. In addition the data was validated by undertaking a survey of greenspace type, condition and access points for a sample of 250 non-Local Authority sites. 

Population for each settlement was calculated from national census data. Analysis was undertaken to determine the area within the distance criteria for each Greenspace access point.

These data were then used to calculate the percentage of the population in each settlement which passed the criteria. The results were reviewed by local authority staff via a website, which allowed comments to be left and read by others. The data was then reprocessed to produce the final outputs.

Further information from Claire Lush.

Data were collated to create a dataset of candidate Greenspaces, an access network dataset and an access point dataset, all of which were checked by local authority staff. A dataset showing population distribution was created from national census data. Analysis was undertaken to determine the distance between each postcode and the nearest access point on the nearest Greenspace. With 14,000 postcodes, 12,000 candidate Greenspaces and 12,000 kilometres of access network this represented a significant data processing task.

Additional analyses were carried out that assessed the slope of each section of the access network and reanalysed the data excluding sections of the access network regarded as being too steep.

Further information from Kathryn Steemson.

Working with a number of local authorities, under a project led by the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) and part funded by the Heads of the Valleys Regeneration Programme, exeGesIS were able to build comprehensive and consistent greenspace datasets - making good use of MasterMap data, aerial imagery and workshops with authority staff. This dataset was used to assess whether the target standards were met. Network analysis techniques were employed to ensure the shortest walking distances from every postcode area, to the nearest greenspace could be identified and measured.

The results showed that whilst the total area of greenspace in the region was generally high, it often wasn't near to, or accessible from the residential areas. Because of this even in the best served area, some 25% of the population fell outside the 400m target.

Further information about the Greenspace project can be found here.