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.

This project developed the iMarDIS Portal - a single point of access to data and associated metadata derived from the collaborative research carried out between MRE industries and Bangor University at Marine Centre Wales. It is a single page application (SPA) that offers a pleasant and responsive user interface on top of the wide range of data services provided by the iMarDIS Web API.

From the portal, it is straightforward to search for datasets using keywords, an intuitive query builder and geographic filtering via the map. You can visualise the results on the map, view detailed metadata and create dynamic charts to help assess the suitability of a dataset for purpose. Both raw and derived datasets can be directly downloaded in the browser. The system also supports multiple languages and includes notifications, comprehensive help, articles, and a feedback mechanism.

For more information contact Andy Brewer.

Exegesis was commissioned by GeoPlace in 2019 to build findmystreet.co.uk, a public web platform to publish the National Street Gazetteer (NSG). The NSG is used by local authorities, statutory undertakers, contractors and anyone who needs to work with official street information in England and Wales.

findmystreet.co.uk publishes information about the location of a street, its official name and who is responsible for the maintenance of the street.

The site is built using the cloudscribe content management system with a backend process which draws down the complex NSG data and processes it into a user-friendly interactive map and separate list format.

Further information from Crispin Flower.

Exmoor National Park Authority (ENPA) commissioned Exegesis to upgrade their existing Exegesis HER website to use the current version of HBSMR Web. The site provides information on all known archaeological sites and historic buildings within the National Park; from the earliest recorded human history to recent times. Earthworks, ruins, buildings, landscapes, industrial remains, historic boundaries and routes, military sites and find sites are all included. 

HBSMR Web sites are built within a cloudscribe Content Management System, which gave ENPA the ability to control the appearance and content of web pages within the site. The new site also provides the ability to perform powerful but simple google-like searching across all HBSMR modules. 

Visit the Website: www.exmoorher.co.uk.

Further information from Crispin Flower.

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.

The project outputs consisted of a web interface for configuring the mapper, a modern and feature-rich web application for displaying maps, and consultancy services to JNCC in managing their database and web mapping services.

The project drew on our knowledge of managing large spatial datasets, optimising web mapping services, familiarity with marine habitat classification systems, and expertise in creating interactive web mapping applications.

The new system is currently used to display marine protected area boundaries (MPAs) in UK waters by JNCC. It is also used for a diverse set of habitat and environmental variable datasets as part of the European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet).

The mapper can be configured by JNCC staff, who decide which layers should be available, which are displayed by default, and how they may be filtered. It is not restricted to marine mapping and could be configured to display any tiled web mapping services.

Users of the map can search and browse layers, view information about specific habitats by clicking on the map, zoom to areas of interest using a gazetteer, change base maps, and filter layers for specific habitats for species. A permalink system allows users to save their current view of the map and share it with others via a URL.

The mapper is easily deployed and can run as a standalone application or it can be displayed within a content management system to maintain corporate identity. The styling of the mapper itself is customisable so that it can also be themed to meet the style guidelines of the hosting organisation.

This mapper has been one of several marine mapping web applications we have created over the last few years including the United Kingdom Directory of Marine Observing Systems (UKDMOS) ArcGIS desktop application and the Integrated Marine Data and Information System (iMarDIS) https://portal.imardis.org/.

Further information from Andy Brewer.

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.

The Greenlane Association (GLASS) commissioned Exegesis to rebuild their TrailWise website, a site that maps the byways of England, Scotland and Wales for 4×4 vehicle drivers. TrailWise2 has been designed with the importance of route conservation and responsible driving at the forefront, with each route recording closure status, permit system and driver experiences.

The site allows users to view the routes on a full-screen map or individual details page where they can see details about responsible authority, closure status and permit system. GLASS will be working to record byways in areas where their data is incomplete and to keep the details for the current data up to date.

Further information from Crispin Flower.

• 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.

In 2017 the Institute for Name Studies at the University of Nottingham began a project to add to the collection of historic place-names recorded for the county of Staffordshire. Researchers in place-names had been moving towards digital recording, which led the University of Nottingham to commission Exegesis to build a website where volunteers and specialists can record place-names. These place-names can then be searched and viewed by the public in list-form and on a map. 

Volunteers, led by place-name specialists, continue to enter data into the Staffordshire place-names website.

Further information from Crispin Flower.

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.

ESDM were commissioned to create a website to support Green Shoots that serves to capture and manage the data generated from this programme securely. BASC members can map and describe their shooting areas; identify the species and habitat types that are found on them; and report on their shooting activity. There are also administration tools so club officers can enter data on behalf of their members. There are reporting tools for sharing data with the National Biodiversity Network and other national organisations.

The website needed to be responsive to a wide range of device formats from phone to desktop. It also had to be fun and easy to use by non-experts. This provided a challenge because the data required by Green Shoots is relatively complex, consisting of shoot boundary geometries, points of interest, species records and shooting returns. We worked closely with BASC staff and members in an iterative design process so the website met these usability goals. At the same time, we ensured that the data is captured faithfully with plenty of feedback and validation to users at the point of data entry.

Further information from Andy Brewer

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.

To support local authorities in meeting their duty to provide route maps of existing safe footpaths and cycle-ways, Exegesis were contracted to specify the structure of datasets and design a web based data management system. At the same time Sustrans carried out an initial survey of existing paths and infrastructure to populate the system.

Exegesis created a structured national road and public rights of way network ready for the survey, then presented the survey data via a web mapping interface. The Sustrans survey data was added and thematically displayed. The LAs then defined their routes by clicking on the existing paths and roads and entering route details. The routes were inspected to assess the condition, hazards and suitability for an Active Travel route.

The resulting data could be visualised and edited on the web site by all of the Welsh LAs, minimising costs and helping to ensure that a consistent data set was created. The public consultation maps could then be printed directly from the website, providing consistently styled and annotated maps.

The Active Travel data set became the first national system for managing Active Travel paths and cycle-ways in the UK and will be used to improve the network and plan for the future.

Further information from Crispin Flower.

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.

exeGesIS was contracted by the JNCC to provide documentation for the REST API. This was aimed at hobbyist programmers and included a ‘cookbook’ showing how to make a REST call and interpret the response for the following types of request:

• Show a species map
• Show a species map on an interactive map
• Get a species list for a 10 km square
• Get a species list for a site
• Show the taxonomy tree for a species
• Log in to the NBN Gateway
• Get species records for a 10 km square
• Get species records for a polygon
• Get species records within a radius surrounding a point

Further information from Andy Brewer.

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.

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.