EDDMapS Alaska

Developing and Maintaining a Web-based Interactive Interface for the Alaska Exotic Plant Information Clearinghouse Database

Project Narrative:

The Alaska Exotic Plant Information Clearinghouse (AKEPIC) Database is a collaborative effort to compile information on the distribution and abundance of exotic and invasive plant species in Alaska. The project is carried out by a network of partners who contribute to data collection, compilation, and online presentation. The University of Georgia’s Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health has developed a user-friendly web-based invasive species reporting and distribution system using Microsoft SQL Server, Adobe ColdFusion, FlashMaps and Google Maps dubbed EDDMapS or Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System. This project will adapt EDDMapS to work specifically for the AKEPIC Database. It will be available via newly designed web site specifically for the AKEPIC Database designed by and hosted on servers at the University of Georgia’s Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health. The Center staff will work closely with AKEPIC cooperators to ensure the site meets current and future needs of the group. Specific enhancements to EDDMapS through this project include:

• The ability to select data by: 1) any attribute or combination of attributes in the database and 2) a rectangle on a map and then following the query download all or only a part of it.
• Download data in a variety of formats, including Excel (with 2007 and earlier versions), tab delimited text files, and KML (Google Earth format)
• View the data (all points, all species) on-line using Google Maps. Click on a data point and see the list of the species occurring at that point and then click on one of those species to see all the data associated with that species at that point.
• Track who is using the data and for what applications with a short, simple form (including name, affiliation, use of data, and optional email address) that must be filled-out prior data download.
• Include a form that can be filled-out to report an infestation.
• Create a no-occurrence database separate from AKEPIC to view absence and presence data simultaneously.
• Provide a user friendly interface for public, with links to related information.

Contact:

Chuck Bargeron
Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health
The University of Georgia - Tifton