1. Didymo Samples Database - a web-based tool www. didymosamplesdb. org
Didymo Samples Database - a web-based tool Donald Peterkin Ruth Pirie ESR July 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 application to 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

9. Home Page
Contingency slides if internet access not working

10. Site search page
Contingency slides if internet access not working

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