Survey of the network is a key part of the job for Eryri's wardens. The CAMS Mobile app allows efficient data collection in the field, integrating with the device's camera and GPS. As network coverage can be unreliable, it was important that the mobile app could function completely offline, without an internet connection. All the data and background mapping are held on the device for use in the field, and a one-touch operation allows the data to be synchronised with the main system when a connection is available. To help ensure quality and consistency of data, we configured the app to make certain data fields mandatory, and to ensure all updates from the field had a photo associated with them. It was also important for Eryri that the app could also be used in the Welsh language, so we worked with them to implement translations and allow the app to switch between Welsh and English at the touch of a button.

Eryri wardens have a rolling programme of rights of way to survey, and tools built into the CAMS Pro and CAMS Mobile solution assist with this. A task is created for a warden to survey a path by a particular date, and when that task is completed, the system automatically generates the next survey task based on the priority of the path and when it was surveyed this time. This process saves Eryri's senior wardens a lot of time from having to manually identify and reassign links to wardens for survey. From the perspective of the surveyors, they get a prioritised, date-based task list that they can work from, so they always know their priority tasks.

Field survey is only part of the story. In the office, Eryri staff need a system that helps them manage the rights of way network and respond to problems. The CAMS Pro solution provides this. An intuitive, easy-to-use web application provides a portal for members of the public to report issues on the path network, and for officers to track these issues through to completion. The system assists with prioritising issues and setting target dates, based on the authority's published rule base, and allows office staff to record tasks for field teams to work on. Operating fully bilingually, the website allows members of the public to submit reports of issues they encounter, and to see the and be notified about progress of their reported issues. This self-service frees up officer time to work on resolving the issues.

For officers, the public portal makes their job easier as the issue reports come to them in a standardised format, linked to a map location and using standardised descriptors. Photos may also be included. A simple interface takes the officer through the workflow of reviewing the issue, accepting or rejecting it in the system, and assigning appropriate tasks to wardens. Wardens receive all the information about their jobs on their tablets, and can update the information in the field, whether that's adding further detail for specialist teams, or signing the issue off when the work is done. This closes the loop, and the system automatically updates the complainant to let them know their issue is now resolved.

Further information from Timothy Derbyshire

A new Heritage Gateway is needed! 

Exegesis (now part of Idox Geospatial) have been involved in all stages of the planning and design of a new architecture, this time based around harvesting datasets into a central repository against which all querying and presentation would be undertaken.

To make this simple for contributing Historic Environment Records (HERs), we've created and launched the new HBSMR Gateway 2.0 API, which allows Historic England to harvest the HER data easily and quickly every few hours/days. The new API is fully configurable to control which records and attributes are published.

The new API is already working successfully for ten early-adopting HERs, and will be rolled out to others through 2025.

Further information from Crispin Flower

In parallel to this, BCT also commissioned Exegesis to build an online database for bat ringing records. The decision was made to combine the NBMP and National Ringed Bat Database into a single online portal, as much of the underlying structure and functionality could then be shared.

The NBMP portal covers roost, hibernation, field and waterway surveys, reflecting the functionality in the original portal. Each survey includes recording forms, site mapping, data downloads and reports for NBMP volunteers. The mapping varies in complexity from a simple dot map for roost locations to sectioned transect editing for field and waterway surveys (pictured). In addition, there are tools to help BCT staff run the programme, including administration pages, email notifications for volunteer activity, as well as an Access administration client that connects to the database remotely.

The Ringed Bat Database is constructed for use by advanced experts, as bat ringing requires a licence. Nevertheless, some bat ringers will also be NBMP volunteers, so a shared portal allows users to see everything in one place. Bat ringers can enter, upload and view ringing and recapture records. Records will also be provided to the relevant statutory authority, as required by bat ringing licences. Bat ringers can also purchase bat rings and manage their orders through the site.

Visit the new National Bat Monitoring Programme portal and Ringed Bat Database.

Further information from Richard Griffiths.

Deer are large animals that are a potential hazard to vehicles on the road. Each year in the UK alone, it is thought that over 700 people suffer injuries or fatalities and over £17 million is spent on vehicle repairs because of Deer Vehicle Collisions (DVCs). In Scotland, a combination of increasing deer populations, especially in the central belt, and a growth in traffic has led to an increase in DVCs.

Exegesis was awarded a contract to collect and analyse data on Deer Vehicle Collisions (DVCs) in Scotland between 2019 and 2021. This work involved obtaining DVC records from a variety of sources in the public, private and third sectors, collating it into a consistent database, and analysing the data to identify trends and highlight areas of concern. This continued work undertaken since 2008 that had established data collation, processing and analysis protocols.

We added 5,479 records of DVC incidents in Scotland, bringing the total in the database for 2008 to 2021 up to 22,753 records. These were analysed in detail and a full report produced. Key findings included:

• Whilst there has been no recent significant increase in DVCs in Scotland overall, there has been a general increase in the central belt that has been offset by a decrease in northern Scotland (see map).
• Dusk is the worst time for DVCs, especially in May and June when overall numbers of DVCs are higher. This information can be used to target mitigation activities.
• There was no evidence of a decrease in DVC incidents resulting from travel restrictions introduced due to the Covid-19 pandemic (shown below). This contradicts claims of an anthropause where human impacts on wildlife were reduced. Nevertheless, the number of DVCs reported by members of the public, who would have been affected by the restrictions, were clearly suppressed. This suggests that freight traffic, which was largely unaffected by travel restrictions, was the cause of many DVCs during this time.

We also developed a new approach to analysing DVC risk on sections of the trunk road network, by using a moving window algorithm to identify the parts of roads with the most DVCs. We identified the blackspots with the highest DVC risk from the results. Most of these proved to be junctions surrounded by woodland in the more urban central belt. We recommended actions to mitigate the risk at the 10 worst blackspots.

The report has been published by NatureScot. We also produced a short non-technical summary of the key results.

Further information from Richard Griffiths.

We developed the hub using WordPress to create a mobile-friendly website comprising a comprehensive data management system and public face for the project. This included:

• Pages providing general information about red squirrels and the project.
• The development of data entry forms for squirrel sightings and a range of different surveys.
• Bespoke maps and dashboards to display records in an easy to understand way.
• News/blog pages.
• Forums for groups defined by survey type and location.
• Events manager.
• Full user authentication and management.
• A record of volunteer activities that allows users to log time spent and view their activity.
• A volunteer training record.
• A configurable messaging system that operates for all users or user groups.

We are continuing to provide technical support for ongoing operation of the website.

Visit the Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels hub.

Further information from Patrick Beasley.

Exegesis was commissioned by Zero Waste Scotland (ZWS) to develop a website and mobile app, plus the underlying database and API, to enable local authorities and other stakeholders in Scotland to monitor litter and fly-tipping incidents.

ZWS is the body responsible for reducing waste and promoting a circular economy in Scotland and has been a FlyMapper partner organisation since 2013. The Litter Monitoring System (LMS) took the pre-existing functionality of FlyMapper and added the ability to record and analyse detailed surveys of street litter. These surveys are used to support the requirements of the Scottish Government's Code of Practice on Litter and Refuse (CoPLAR).

The LMS mobile app is built using Xamarin, a cross-platform development tool that allows the sharing of a codebase between Android and iOS app versions.

The LMS web site allows management of both the fly-tipping and litter monitoring elements and is built within a cloudscribe Content Management System. It already contains details of previously recorded fly-tipping incidents in Scotland.

Data taken from the Technical support for CoPLAR Land Zoning in Scotland project is imported into LMS as local authorities continue to come on-board.

Further information from Richard Griffiths.

Prior to the National HLC (NHLC) project, virtually all of England had been characterised through individual HLC projects, but these were at county or sub-regional level, with each of the studies using slightly different methodologies and categorisation methods. In early 2016, Natural England appointed Exegesis to compile a national HLC dataset, drawing together the existing sub-regional HLC datasets and applying a common framework, structure and terminology to a new unified dataset. The aim of the project was to improve the awareness, understanding, appreciation and ability to manage and monitor the historic dimension of England’s landscape at a national scale, for both professional and non-professional end-users.

The database containing the terminology applied to all the different sub-regional datasets was cleaned and then the original terms used were mapped to a bespoke thesaurus, created to ensure that all could be mapped to a suitable, equivalent new term. The associated spatial data was also processed so that the irregular polygons were firstly imported to a merged dataset and then generalised into a gridded dataset. The gridded approach eliminated discrepancies in polygon size or accuracy, and overcame issues where there were small amounts of missing data in the original datasets.

The final gridded dataset was produced at 500m and 1000m scale, with each grid cell having a single associated record with information about the historic landscape character types (both broad types and narrower, character types) and period information. The datasets can be viewed and interrogated in GIS software packages, and when viewed alongside other datasets, the NHLC data can act as an indicator of historic landscape character and can therefore feed in to decisions about landscape management, planning, heritage asset management or research priorities.

View the outputs.

Further information from Abby Hunt.

The Welsh version is accessed here: https://enwaulleoeddhanesyddol.cbhc.gov.uk/

and the English version here: https://historicplacenames.rcahmw.gov.uk/

Exegesis worked with David Parsons (Senior Fellow at the Centre for Advanced Welsh and Celtic Studies) to design appropriate database structures and user interfaces, and to import and enhance around 350,000 records from existing sources including Cynefin and Cwmru 1900. 

The bilingual website allows a user to view all recorded place-names down the ages in an interactive map, or to search for names through a options including period of origin, County and Parish, and by bibliographic and archival sources.

Full details of every recorded name are included, including links to other names in the vicinity and other occurrences of the same name anywhere in Wales.

Staff at RCAHMW and CAWCS are now adding to and enhancing the online records to ensure the site continues to evolve as the most comprehensive resource for Welsh historic place-names.

The dataset is also provided as a series of OGC web services for direct access within other applications in Local Authorities and the Historic Environment Records.

Further information from Crispin Flower.

Church Heritage Cymru contains over 1,350 records for church buildings in Wales. As well as GIS information for each record, Church Heritage Cymru contains fields for a wide range of heritage data. Examples of this include church plans, architectural information, archaeological descriptions and statutory designation information. It is also possible to add details about building fabric and other church features using terms from the FISH thesaurus. The system also gives users the ability to link people (architects, authors, etc.) and sources (articles, manuscripts, etc.) to a number of church assets. There is also the option to enter information about worship times and facilities, as well as links to local church websites. 

The information contained within has been developed and added to through desk-based research and fieldwork reports, as well as through local initiatives and thematic projects. 

Further information from Crispin Flower.

The work involved consultation with staff at JNCC and the British Oceanographic Data Centre (BODC) to ensure a faithful import and production of meaningful layers that are useful to JNCC marine staff when assessing the current extent of UK marine monitoring according to each, broad marine discipline (e.g. biodiversity, physical oceanography and fisheries). In addition, users can create custom layers, selecting only the monitoring parameters that may be relevant to a particular analysis.

Further information from Andy Brewer

A major aim of the project was to develop an online faculty application system for the Church of England. This system is used to digitally process applications which propose changes to the fabric of church buildings, features within the church and the churchyard. The system aims to simplify the faculty application process by automatically inputting information about each asset from the Church Heritage Record (which has shared development with Church in Wales Church Heritage Record).

Exegesis have developed a number of tools to simplify and automate the faculty application process. The system allows for the creation of legal forms for each application, required by the Church of England. It also allows users to keep up to date with their workload, providing them with a dashboard showing the applications and messages relevant to their role and any cases which require their attention. Users are also notified by email if they are required to work on an application. We have added a number of other useful tools, for example the automatic production of meeting agendas for the Diocesan Advisory Committee.

Since its launch at the beginning of 2015, 21 dioceses have signed up and well over 1000 applications have been processed.

Further information from Crispin Flower or Steve Ellwood.

The FishMap Mon tool was redeveloped by Exegesis for Natural Resources Wales based upon ScotMap. The tool is an ArcGIS 9.3 map document that provides a series of forms and digitising tools that allow fishermen to draw fishing areas and enter the associated data. The data was stored in an ESRI Personal Geodatabase.

During this work the tool was further refined to capture:

• current and historical fishing areas
• hotspots
• migration routes
• nursery areas
• areas of conflict with other activities

In addition more detailed questions were added regarding the types of gear used by the fishermen, and functionality was added so that fishermen could rank the fishing areas and provide details on economic importance.

Further information from Claire Lush.

Find out more about FlyMapper.

The system is currently in use by 12 Local Authorities in Scotland and 15 in Wales and had recorded over 80,000 fly-tipping incidents since 2014.

FlyMapper has two components: FlyMapper Web and FlyMapper Mobile. These are two ‘views’ onto the same dataset (if you add a record on the mobile you see it on web and vice versa):

FlyMapper Mobile:

• Smartphone app utilising GPS
• Simple to use
• Works on Android and iOS devices
• Works on and off-line (using local mapping)

FlyMapper Web – similar functionality to the mobile app plus:

• User registration management
• Analysis and reporting
• Data export
• WMS
• Optimised for office use on standard web browsers

Further information is available from Richard Griffiths.

This information is shared with the public and stakeholders through the bespoke web site https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/

Further information from Colin Wright.

Further information from Laine Skinner.

Further information from Laine Skinner, or see the Property and Agreements module on our website.

Because of the biodiversity importance of OMH the habitat was identified as a Biodiversity Action Plan habitat in 2007. However, such sites are threatened by redevelopment (due to their usual status as brownfield sites), inappropriate ‘restoration’, inappropriate management or natural succession. There is very little knowledge of the distribution of OMH, as there is no data that identifies OMH sites at a national level.

exeGesIS were awarded this project in 2011, which has increased understanding of OMH in England and Wales by identifying the key features that are found within such habitats and enhancing knowledge of the distribution of such sites. This involved the development of a new survey methodology and a survey of 98 survey sites to identify OMH habitat, as well as a survey of invertebrates on 50 of the sites - the largest single survey of its kind in the UK. These surveys provided invaluable information on the importance of OMH sites to conservation and the recognition of important sites remotely and in the field.

The results of this work were:

• A handbook for the identification and survey of OMH sites.
• A provisional national inventory of OMH sites in England and Wales, along with an inventory data capture rule base.
• An integrated OMH survey website, including a map of OMH sites and survey data entry forms.
• Field survey data supplied to the NBN Gateway.

Further information from Crispin Flower.

The Norfolk Heritage Explorer website has recently been given a facelift, becoming the first of our heritage websites to use the mojoPortal CMS. One of the many benefits of the mojoPortal CMS is the amount of control this gives the client over the content and styling of their site. The Norfolk Historic Environment Service was keen to take advantage of this and created the look and feel of their new website themselves.

The website still includes all the functionality that is supplied as standard with any site published using HBSMR-web, namely a choice of search interfaces and a powerful interactive map (see below) which uses our Web Map Toolkit.

In addition, the clients are able to create and manage dynamic content, such as a News Feed, independently of HBSMR, using plug-in modules supplied as part of the mojoPortal CMS.

Further information from Crispin Flower

For this exciting project (www.hebrideanconnections.com) we developed a content management system linked to an interactive website which allows the recording and exploration of the rich cultural heritage of the Hebrides. This work was comissioned by local history societies and has become a major resource for researchers and the public from all over the world.

The main page (Figure 1) provides an introduction to the website which is constantly updated with the help of the content management system. It also shows a featured record which is automatically updated by the website. The dataset of more than 40,000 individual entries can be searched on the left of the main page. There are a number of different searches, including a Thematic Search, Advanced Search and Map Search.

The Map Search (Figure 2) shows all records and individual or multiple selections can be made to see details. A variety of different base maps allow the user to view appropriate maps for different zoom scales.

Multiple search results (Figure 3) are by default displayed grouped by types of records (e.g. People, Locations, Businesses, etc.). Results for each group can be displayed or hidden and may show associated imagery. Each result is a hyperlink which can be clicked to view more details.

Single results (Figure 4) display all the details available for an individual record including associated media and links to other records. The unique linking mechanism is the core of the unique content management system: Each record can have any number of links to any of the other records. This allows the recording of complex real-world networks of people, places and events.

If you would like to find out more about this project or if you are interested in making your local history available for the public to explore, then please contact Crispin Flower.

Figure 1: Main page of the Hebridean Connections website.

Figure 2: Map Search page of the Hebridean Connections website.

Figure 3: Multiple Results page of the Hebridean Connections website.

Figure 4: Single Results page of the Hebridean Connections website.

Support is provided for entering data as CMSi monitoring projects associated with a site and for incidental records collected by volunteers. The module features a range of input forms that can be customised to suit a variety of recording needs. Data can be browsed from an intuitive tree interface, filtered, and viewed in the standard map window alongside other CMSi layers.

In addition, sophisticated reports can be specified using a wizard, which are then generated within the module and exported to GIS.

The system includes a mobile app (iOS, Android and Windows) and an API to communicate with the backend CMSi system. The mobile app is used by field surveyors throughout the GBNL consortium on iPads and a range of Android tablets. The surveyors record observations and sync these with the backend CMSi database. They typically deal with many thousands of observations and species dictionaries and data volumes are quite large.

The mobile app is map-centric and uses the device GPS and offline mapping for the entire country. The app also provides more advanced control over the map layers and allows additional KML and ESRI shape files to be imported and overlaid by the end user.