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BirdTrack Working Group on exchange
of bird records Background Currently most County Bird Recorders maintain some form of computerized database although some still rely on paper records. A variety of different systems are used. Observers also use a variety of systems to computerize their observations. In some areas standardized Excel spreadsheets have been quite widely adopted for recording and exchanging computerized bird records but in general there is a need to develop better methods of data exchange between observers, bird recorders and national projects. Some clubs have started to collect records via their websites but there is much scope for further development here. BirdTrack could potentially help County Bird Recorders by providing a mechanism for on-line data collection. BirdTrack is a project that uses the Internet to collect large numbers of bird records and is organized by the BTO on behalf of BTO, RSPB and BirdWatch Ireland. The emphasis of the project is on the collection of complete lists of all birds seen and heard rather than on particularly interesting or unusual records. BirdTrack is committed to passing on all records to the relevant County Bird Recorders provided that the observers have given their permission. It would also like to develop methods that will allow it to receive data from other computer systems used by County Bird Recorders or individual observers. BirdTrack has the potential to provide a web-based system of data gathering for those recorders and clubs that would like to use it. This Working Group is seen as a mechanism for consultation between County Bird Recorders, Bird Clubs and the BirdTrack team in order to facilitate developments that will be of mutual benefit. Role of the Working Group Specific objectives 1. To develop standard protocols that can be used to exchange data between BirdTrack, County Bird Recorders and individual observers. As far as possible these approaches should be independent of particular software packages. 2. Initially emphasis will be on identification of key fields and an agreed coding scheme (at least for data exchange). However, in the medium term the group should also examine issues concerned with the identification of sites and observers. 3. It is envisaged that initially data exchange may need to be based on simple fixed format or comma delimited ASCII files. However the long-term aim should be to develop XML based approaches in line with current developments in data handling. This would pave the way for fully automated data exchange systems based around Web Services. 4. To promote the implementation of the protocols from 1-3 by encouraging modification of existing software packages and by identifying and planning any software tools that may be needed to translate data into formats that can be read by specific software packages. 5. To advise the BirdTrack partners on the development of facilities for the provision data gathered through BirdTrack to County Recorders, and on the frequency with which such data should be supplied. This will include both the development of web-based access for County Recorders and the supply of files that they can import into their own systems. 6. To develop standards for data validation, particularly with a view to their implementation within the BirdTrack project. To advise the BirdTrack partners on how BirdTrack software can be developed to support such validation and to enable County Recorders to collaborate with BirdTrack over data validation issues. 7. To advise on the BirdTrack Partners on the development of BirdTrack outputs that will be of particular interest to County Bird Recorders and Bird Clubs. It is envisaged that these will generally be web-based outputs but other forms of output could also be considered. 8. To advise the BirdTrack Partners on the development of particular software tools within the BirdTrack application that will be of use to County Bird Recorders, Bird Clubs and individual observers. This might include facilities to produce particular sorts of ad-hoc queries, graphs or maps. Reporting The working group will make a written report to the BirdTrack Steering Group at least once per year. The BirdTrack Steering Group will then determine what developments can be undertaken within the BirdTrack budget. Minutes of the Working Group’s meetings will be published on the web and circulated to County Bird Recorders and Bird Clubs. It is intended that other documents produced by the group, particularly specifications for data exchange and related issues, will be made freely available to County Recorders, Bird Clubs and others. Duration The working group will operate during 2005 and 2006 and it is envisaged that the main issues identified above will be covered on that timescale. Before the end of 2006 future consultation arrangements will be reviewed so that appropriate arrangements can be put in place. |
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BirdTrack is organised
by the BTO for the BTO, RSPB and BWI |
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