Portfolio https://www.esdm.co.uk/portfolio http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification mojoPortal Blog Module en-GB 120 no Deer Vehicle Collisions in Scotland Analysis th, td { padding-left: 20px; }

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.

Change in the average number of DVCs per kilometre of road per year between 2008 to 2017 and 2018 to 2021 for the entire road network, calculated using all DVC records. White cells represent the average change rather than zero change, red cells indicate an above average increase in the number of DVCs per kilometre of road per year, whilst green cells indicate a blow average change. © Crown copyright (and database rights) 2022.
Change in the average number of DVCs per kilometre of road per year between 2008 to 2017 and 2018 to 2021. © Crown copyright (and database rights) 2022.

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.
DVC frequency per week in 2020 (red line) and the average DVC frequency per week from 2015 to 2019 (blue line) from data not collected by volunteers. The start and end of the period where travel restrictions were enforced in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic is shown as vertical red lines. The two lines on the chart are almost identical, suggesting that the number of DVCs per week were not affected by lockdown
DVC frequency per week in 2020 and the average DVC frequency per week from 2015 to 2019. The start and end of the period where travel restrictions were enforced in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic is shown as vertical red lines.

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 Mike Lush.


Mike Lush]]>
https://www.esdm.co.uk/deer-vehicle-collisions-analysis https://www.esdm.co.uk/deer-vehicle-collisions-analysis https://www.esdm.co.uk/deer-vehicle-collisions-analysis Mon, 25 Jul 2022 15:57:00 GMT
Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels website Scottish Wildlife Trust commissioned Exegesis to create an online information management system and community hub for staff and volunteers involved in their Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels project. This project aims to secure the long-term future of red squirrels in Scotland by building capacity among communities of volunteers and land managers, empowering them to take on and take ownership of some of the essential protection measures required to save the nation’s red squirrels.

Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels - Developing Community Action Information Management System and Community HubWe 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 Mike Lush.


Mike Lush]]>
https://www.esdm.co.uk/saving-scotlands-red-squirrels-website https://www.esdm.co.uk/saving-scotlands-red-squirrels-website https://www.esdm.co.uk/saving-scotlands-red-squirrels-website Tue, 14 May 2019 11:08:00 GMT
Scottish Litter Monitoring System Zewro Waste Scotland Litter Monitoring System

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.


Mike Lush]]>
https://www.esdm.co.uk/scottish-litter-monitoring-system https://www.esdm.co.uk/scottish-litter-monitoring-system https://www.esdm.co.uk/scottish-litter-monitoring-system Mon, 19 Nov 2018 14:30:00 GMT
National Historic Landscape Characterisation (NHLC) Project Historic Landscape Characterisation (HLC) is a technique that allows the classification and presentation of historic aspects of broad landscapes. HLC is regularly used to support management, enjoyment, protection and planning, or to stimulate more detailed research.

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.

Extract from the 1km grid NHLCThe 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.


]]>
https://www.esdm.co.uk/national-historic-landscape-characterisation-nhlc-project https://www.esdm.co.uk/national-historic-landscape-characterisation-nhlc-project https://www.esdm.co.uk/national-historic-landscape-characterisation-nhlc-project Mon, 07 Aug 2017 14:49:00 GMT
Historic Place Names of Wales The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales (RCAHMW) appointed Exegesis to build an accessible and bilingual website in line with the Historic Environment (Wales) Act 2016, which required Welsh Ministers to compile and maintain a list of historic place names in Wales.

Historic Place Names of Wales website

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.


]]>
https://www.esdm.co.uk/historic-place-names-of-wales https://www.esdm.co.uk/historic-place-names-of-wales https://www.esdm.co.uk/historic-place-names-of-wales Fri, 17 Mar 2017 14:00:00 GMT
Church Heritage Cymru Church Heritage Cymru is a digital database of church buildings with integrated GIS. Exegesis developed the system (which has shared development with the Church of England Church Heritage Record) in 2015 for the Church in Wales in order to capture information on all its churches.

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.

 


]]>
https://www.esdm.co.uk/church-heritage-cymru https://www.esdm.co.uk/church-heritage-cymru https://www.esdm.co.uk/church-heritage-cymru Thu, 21 Jan 2016 14:48:00 GMT
UKDMOS Archive Importer and Database The United Kingdom Directory of Marine Observing Systems (UKDMOS) is an online searchable metadatabase of marine monitoring conducted by UK organisations. This desktop application imports zipped archives from the UKDMOS database into SQL Server 2012 and converts the spatial data into SQL geometry layers. This allows users to run ad-hoc queries against the database and view the data as spatial layers in GIS software such as QGIS. The UKDMOS archives use the NERC SeaDataNet common vocabularies to indicate the parameters and disciplines relevant to each monitoring programme. The importer queries the SeaDataNet web services and downloads these vocabularies to provide context to the GIS layers by adding these parameters as attributes to the GIS layers.

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


Andy Brewer]]>
https://www.esdm.co.uk/ukdmos-archive-importer-and-database https://www.esdm.co.uk/ukdmos-archive-importer-and-database https://www.esdm.co.uk/ukdmos-archive-importer-and-database Tue, 06 Oct 2015 15:18:00 GMT
Faculty Application System and Church Heritage Record In 2012 the Archbishops’ Council Faculty Simplification Group commissioned a working party to make recommendations for modernising and streamlining the faculty system. As part of this endeavour, and with the financial assistance of Historic England, ChurchCare - the Church of England's national resource - together with Exegesis, developed the Church Heritage Record: a digital database of church buildings integrated with a Geographic Information System (GIS), which can be used for planning and development control, but also fulfils an educational and engagement role.

Church of England Faculty Application System and Church Heritage RecordA 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.


]]>
https://www.esdm.co.uk/faculty-application-system-and-church-heritage-record https://www.esdm.co.uk/faculty-application-system-and-church-heritage-record https://www.esdm.co.uk/faculty-application-system-and-church-heritage-record Wed, 21 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT
Fisher Knowledge Questionnaire Update Exegesis were contracted by Bangor University to adapt the FishMap Mon data capture tool so that they could use it to capture data for their Fisher Knowledge Questionnaire.

Fisher Knowledge Questionnaire UpdateThe 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.


Claire Lush]]>
https://www.esdm.co.uk/fisher-knowledge-questionnaire-update https://www.esdm.co.uk/fisher-knowledge-questionnaire-update https://www.esdm.co.uk/fisher-knowledge-questionnaire-update Tue, 15 Jul 2014 14:20:00 GMT
FlyMapper FlyMapper was created as a joint initiative between Zero Waste Scotland and Fly Tipping Action Wales for the reporting and management of fly tipping incidents. Developed by Exegesis, FlyMapper combines field recording of incidents via a mobile application and the management of data through a central database which is shared by multiple organisations.

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.


Mike Lush]]>
https://www.esdm.co.uk/flymapper-project https://www.esdm.co.uk/flymapper-project https://www.esdm.co.uk/flymapper-project Tue, 10 Dec 2013 00:00:00 GMT
CMSi Designated Sites System In this ongoing project, Natural England are extending CMSi to use it for managing all designated sites in England both replacing their ENSIS system and extending its use to Marine Conservation Zones as well. This will allow users to record the features on designated sites, their condition, the ownership on those sites, find out which other designations overlap their site including which SSSIs legally underpin Natura2000 site amongst other requirements.

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

Further information from Colin Wright.


Mike Lush]]>
https://www.esdm.co.uk/cmsi-designated-sites-system https://www.esdm.co.uk/cmsi-designated-sites-system https://www.esdm.co.uk/cmsi-designated-sites-system Tue, 03 Dec 2013 12:40:00 GMT
CMSi API The CMSi API is a set of web services based upon the Odata open standard. It allows CMSi data to be exported and imported into other systems via a standard HTTP requests and is typically used by web sites, mobile applications or other systems that need to create, read, update or otherwise interact with CMSi data. The API is available for all plugin modules to CMSi (for example the Property and Agreements module, Observations and Vegetation module) and is part of the core CMSi system.

Further information from Laine Skinner.


Mike Lush]]>
https://www.esdm.co.uk/cmsi-api-1 https://www.esdm.co.uk/cmsi-api-1 https://www.esdm.co.uk/cmsi-api-1 Fri, 22 Nov 2013 00:00:00 GMT
CMSi Property & Agreements Module Working with GBNL and Natural England, exeGesIS created a set of modules for CMSi that allowed ownership data, all property transactions, agreements, rights and assets to be integrated with site and management plan data held in CMSi. This allows work carried out traditionally by land agents to be viewed by site managers as it affects their work and transforms CMSi into a complete site management system rather than just about conservation planning and recording.

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


Mike Lush]]>
https://www.esdm.co.uk/cmsi-property-agreements-module https://www.esdm.co.uk/cmsi-property-agreements-module https://www.esdm.co.uk/cmsi-property-agreements-module Fri, 05 Jul 2013 23:00:00 GMT
Definition and mapping of open mosaic habitats on previously developed land: phase 2 testing methods and developing the habitat inventory Open Mosaic Habitats on Previously Developed Land (OMH) are found mainly in urban and formerly industrial areas and have high biodiversity value. This value includes rare plants, mosses, lichens and a large number of rare invertebrates, especially bees, wasps and beetles. Between 12% and 15% of all nationally-rare and nationally-scarce insects are recorded from OMH sites. One of the other key features of OMH is the unusual groups of plants present; combinations which are often unique to OMH and currently little studied.

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.

Cefn Garnyrerw coal spoil tip

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 Mike Lush.


Mike Lush]]>
https://www.esdm.co.uk/definition-and-mapping-of-open-mosaic-habitats-on-previously-developed-land-phase-2-testing-methods-and-developing-the-habitat-inventory https://www.esdm.co.uk/definition-and-mapping-of-open-mosaic-habitats-on-previously-developed-land-phase-2-testing-methods-and-developing-the-habitat-inventory https://www.esdm.co.uk/definition-and-mapping-of-open-mosaic-habitats-on-previously-developed-land-phase-2-testing-methods-and-developing-the-habitat-inventory Wed, 24 Apr 2013 23:00:00 GMT
Norfolk Heritage Explorer Working closely together with Norfolk Landscape Archaeology we developed the Norfolk Heritage Explorer, a sophisticated website making Norfolk's rich Historic Environment Record data accessible to the public. Data is served up directly from HBSMR using the HBSMR Gateway, which allows a fine degree of control over which records/parts of records are published. Thematic content is created and maintained within the HBSMR Themes Module.

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.

Norfolk Heritage Explorer home pageThe 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

Norfolk Heritage Explorer map search


Sylvina Tilbury]]>
https://www.esdm.co.uk/norfolk-heritage-explorer-new https://www.esdm.co.uk/norfolk-heritage-explorer-new https://www.esdm.co.uk/norfolk-heritage-explorer-new Sun, 31 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT
Hebridean Connections website

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.


Main page of the Hebridean Connections website
Figure 1: Main page of the Hebridean Connections website.


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


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


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


Mike Lush]]>
https://www.esdm.co.uk/hebridean-connections-website https://www.esdm.co.uk/hebridean-connections-website https://www.esdm.co.uk/hebridean-connections-website Wed, 13 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT
Species Observations and Vegetation Recording Module Species observation and vegetation recording module for the Conservation Management System CMSiThe observations and vegetation mapping module for CMSi was developed to allow managers to integrate wildlife records and vegetation surveys with their site data.

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.


Mike Lush]]>
https://www.esdm.co.uk/species-observations-and-vegetation-recording-module https://www.esdm.co.uk/species-observations-and-vegetation-recording-module https://www.esdm.co.uk/species-observations-and-vegetation-recording-module Mon, 11 Mar 2013 14:12:00 GMT
National Bat Monitoring Programme Recording Website and Database Field survey transect editingExegesis upgraded the National Bat Monitoring Programme (NBMP) recording system from a Microsoft Access database to SQL Server with an accompanying website that allows volunteers to record their roost counts online.

The NBMP comprises seven distinct surveys, which will be built over several years. The database and website have been designed in a modular way, allowing each survey to be fully implemented without dependencies on the others. So far, the roost, hibernation, field and waterway surveys have been implemented.

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.

Further information from Andy Brewer.


Mike Lush]]>
https://www.esdm.co.uk/national-bat-monitoring-programme-recording-website-and-database https://www.esdm.co.uk/national-bat-monitoring-programme-recording-website-and-database https://www.esdm.co.uk/national-bat-monitoring-programme-recording-website-and-database Thu, 17 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT
Lincolnshire Heritage @ Risk Project TScreenshot of the Lincolnshire Heritage @ Risk websitehis innovative project has successfully created a network of several hundred volunteer Heritage Stewards who carry out 'Heritage at Risk' surveys on the survival and condition of Lincolnshire's heritage. The volunteers are trained to survey all types of heritage asset and feed the information into a central 'at risk' database, giving an unprecedented level of information about Lincolnshire's historic environment and informing the strategy for its management. During the first stage of the project in 2009 Exegesis developed the web site for the project, designed to allow the project staff to manage all aspects of the project in one place. As well as tools for signing up and managing volunteers and training courses, it has a news page, events calendar and other supporting functions. After the successful pilot phase, Heritage Lottery Funding plus partnership from English Heritage and Lincolnshire County Council allowed the project to run for 3 years with a dedicated team of staff. And in 2014, the project was further extended to cover North and North-East Lincolnshire Council areas.

The core of the site is the interactive map of heritage assets, including listed buildings, places of worship, historic gardens, conservation areas, and a 5% sample of the county’s archaeological sites. Map and attribute data are drawn live from the Lincolnshire County HER via the HBSMR Gateway, rather than being managed in a separate database. The map uses the OpenLayers API, with free Ordnance Survey Open Data and Bing maps.

From the map, volunteers download and print a user-friendly survey-pack for the sites/buildings they wish to survey, including everything known about the site, a location map, and a site-specific survey form. Once the fieldwork has been done, the volunteers enter the survey results back into the web site, along with digital photos. Project staff validate the surveys to ensure consistency, and can also view on-line statistics on the complete dataset as it accumulates, and download the data for further analysis.

Further information is available from Crispin Flower, Liz Bates at the Heritage Trust of Lincolnshire on 01529 461499 or www.lincshar.org.


Mike Lush]]>
https://www.esdm.co.uk/lincolnshire-heritage-at-risk-project https://www.esdm.co.uk/lincolnshire-heritage-at-risk-project https://www.esdm.co.uk/lincolnshire-heritage-at-risk-project Mon, 31 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT
Wales Coast Path Condition Survey Photo of Ceredigion Coast, part of the Wales Coast Path (Photo: PB)Following a successful pilot survey in 2011 which defined a methodology, Exegesis and Natural Resources Wales (NRW, then the Countryside Council for Wales) worked to complete a full survey of the coastline of Wales (approximately 1,200km) in summer 2012.

In addition to the survey, the actual path line for the Wales Coast Path was digitised and categorised based on BS7666 standards.   

The survey was completed with the goal of providing a summary of the condition of the Wales Coast Path. It was also intended to act as a resource for local authorities responsible for maintaining the path as it passes along the coast.

After the survey all data was made available to NRW via a dedicated data management system. The Wales Coast Path Quality Management System is hosted and supported by Exegesis and available to NRW staff for the purposes of managing the Wales Coast Path.

For more information, please contact Simon Allen


Richard Coppock]]>
https://www.esdm.co.uk/wales-coast-path-condition-survey-2012 https://www.esdm.co.uk/wales-coast-path-condition-survey-2012 https://www.esdm.co.uk/wales-coast-path-condition-survey-2012 Mon, 10 Dec 2012 16:30:00 GMT