Who is the Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd (ESR)?

1. Didymo Samples Database- a web-based toolwww.didymosamplesdb.org.nzDonald PeterkinRuth PirieESRJuly 2007

2. Who is the Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd (ESR)? • A Crown Research Institute • Main areas of work • public health • environmental health • forensic science • Major clients include • the Ministry of Health (MoH) • the New Zealand Police (Police) • the New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) • the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology (FRST).

3. Background • ESR have recently built SurvINZ (an IT platform for our surveillance functions) • Didymo response is developing a long term management programme • Didymo sample data stored in multiple repositories • Biosecurity NZ asked ESR to develop a prototype central repository/web based applicationto assist long term management partners • Management tool for the LTM

4. Scope • The prototype web based application will enable partners in didymo surveillance to record and view results of sampling and testing for didymo presence in New Zealand waterways • All users will be able to see where samples have been taken and where positive results have been recorded. • Selected data can also be queried from the database and presented in reports and exported for use with other software e.g. GIS.

5. Project to date • Consultation with BNZ and partner representatives • Sampling form designed • User requirements gathered • Functional specification developed • Prototype web based application developed • Existing site and sample data migrated to database • Initial training provided for users participating in user acceptance testing

6. User requirements for database • Entry of completed sampling details • Searching and viewing of results on the sampling form • Addition of new sample sites • Printing of completed, partially completed and blank forms • Printing of reports for any site, catchment, region, or organisation in New Zealand.

7. What does the Didymo Sample Database offer? • Access to real time local and national didymo sample data • Search tools to find status of sites • Reports to manage sites and results • Linking of samples to sampling sites and sites to waterways • Visualisation of didymo status of rivers and other waterways in New Zealand • Aligned with existing partner systems where possible

8. System demonstration https://www.didymosamplesdb.org.nz/

9. Home Page

10. Site search page

11. Reports

12. Map

13. Map - Zoomed

14. Where to from here? • Prototype now undergoing user acceptance testing • Initial group of users to be given training and access • Data to be checked and updated to fill gaps • Feedback to be gathered on prototype (via the LTM regional groups and coordinator) • Start using the system and monitor uptake

15. Future Possibilities • System user numbers expanded to approximately 120 users • Further develop application to assist tracking of samples and entry of data • Develop additional reports • Enhance ability to link sampling details to laboratory results • Add module to record data in the field using GPS enabled PDAs • Map of didymo status accessible to public • Add data declared positive (date of first positive sample event) to sample form • Include likely environments model (currently being developed) as a layer in the map display

16. Acknowledgements • Thanks to all those who helped with this project under tight deadlines particularly • Chris Bicknell, Nadene Boyle, Lesley Wilson & John Sanson from Biosecurity NZ • Jody Richardson & Helen Hurren from NIWA for providing the waterway GIS data files • Matt Dale (Otago Regional Council) and Brett Cockeram (Greater Wellington Regional Council) for their comments on the early prototype design