Update: NPSTORET and Natural Resource Database Template NRDT

1. Update: NPSTORET andNatural Resource Database Template(NRDT) Dean Tucker, Water Resources Division Margaret Beer, I&M, WASO

2. Version 0.96 Currently Available http://nrdata.nps.gov/Programs/Water/NPStoret/NPSTORET.ZIP Current efforts focusing on importing data NPSTORET is currently at version 0.96. Version 1.00 should be available in May or June. Major components that need to be added before the release of Version 1.00 are an automated installation program and a wizard to automate data submissions to WRD. Over the last couple months, development has focused on the ability to seamlessly import stations, metadata, and results from the EPA’s Modern STORET Data Warehouse, Legacy STORET, and the USGS’s National Water Information System so that users can use the reports and analytical capabilities of NPSTORET to analyze existing data from other providers. This functionality is now essentially complete – although we continue to tweak it to handle odd data situations (e.g. dates that are missing months and days – 1958-00-00). The NPSEDD (say ‘Eddy’) electronic data deliverable format specifications are now available at the Vital Signs Water Quality Data Management website (http://www.nature.nps.gov/water/infoanddata/index.cfm) or http://nrdata.nps.gov/Programs/Water/NPSEDD/NPSEDD.ZIP for those networks that elect not to use NPSTORET. Specifications exist for projects, stations, and results in Excel format. The results Excel spreadsheet has many worksheets to capture sample collection, analytical procedure, and other metadata. For more information and hands-on use of NPSTORET, come to the NPSTORET Workshop Friday at 8:30am (shameless plug!) or contact Dean.NPSTORET is currently at version 0.96. Version 1.00 should be available in May or June. Major components that need to be added before the release of Version 1.00 are an automated installation program and a wizard to automate data submissions to WRD. Over the last couple months, development has focused on the ability to seamlessly import stations, metadata, and results from the EPA’s Modern STORET Data Warehouse, Legacy STORET, and the USGS’s National Water Information System so that users can use the reports and analytical capabilities of NPSTORET to analyze existing data from other providers. This functionality is now essentially complete – although we continue to tweak it to handle odd data situations (e.g. dates that are missing months and days – 1958-00-00). The NPSEDD (say ‘Eddy’) electronic data deliverable format specifications are now available at the Vital Signs Water Quality Data Management website (http://www.nature.nps.gov/water/infoanddata/index.cfm) or http://nrdata.nps.gov/Programs/Water/NPSEDD/NPSEDD.ZIP for those networks that elect not to use NPSTORET. Specifications exist for projects, stations, and results in Excel format. The results Excel spreadsheet has many worksheets to capture sample collection, analytical procedure, and other metadata. For more information and hands-on use of NPSTORET, come to the NPSTORET Workshop Friday at 8:30am (shameless plug!) or contact Dean.

3. NPStoret User Board

4. Natural Resource Database Template A standardized yet flexible database core for developing natural resource-related applications.

5. Why NRDT? Realization that 32 networks would each be creating databases --some kind of guidelines were needed! and… NRDT standardizes data elements that are common to most I&M data sets (e.g., locations, events). This sets the stage for higher-level integration of data sets across networks or regions. and…Economy of scale in application development

6. Why should I use NRDT? NRDT decreases the level of database divergence among the 32 networks. Data managers and data users can easily familiarize themselves with a variety of data sets when a similar core structure is used.

7. Why should I use NRDT? NRDT is supported by staff at the NPS Washington Service Office (WASO). It is also a peer-supported system: NRDT users across the country can share code, share approaches or solutions to specific problems, and use a common database vocabulary. The direction and standards of NRDT are determined by the users, via an active user board and subcommittees.

8. Core Tables

9. Exceptions There may be situations where NRDT standards are simply not practical or applicable. legacy data, remotely-sensed data, etc. Let the NRDT User Board know of situations where compliance isn’t possible. This may lead to a revision or extension of standards, or the development of a data model that could benefit multiple networks.

10. NRDT User Board The NRDT User Board, established in January, 2006, comprises members from the NRDT user community. The board is responsible for guiding the overall direction on NRDT; evaluating, establishing, and revising standards; and promoting NRDT use among parks and networks. Any NRDT user can submit suggestions to the user board for changes or improvements to NRDT. Charter, minutes, other board material will be posted on intranet

11. User Board – NRDT

12. Primary Keys NRDT v3.1 Options for Primary Keys Option 1 GUID as binary Option 2 GUID as text string Option 3 Aggregate text string Option 4 Autonumber

13. Upcoming Documenting enterprise approach to NRDT Geodatabase model Expert database review Extended models and templates Ability to provide more tech support BOFAT hasn’t been forgotten…