SESSION E:

Title: On-line tools for finding, viewing and interpreting scientific data

Authors: David Kramar and Peter Vaux
Senator George J. Mitchell Center for Environmental and Watershed Research, University of Maine, Orono. 581-3256.

Abstract:

The Web provides a rich resource through which scientists, educators, students and citizen groups can tap into a mine of environmental information. However, to maximize the use of on-line data resources, we need (a) effective ways for locating relevant data, as well as (b) tools for displaying, summarizing and interpreting this information. PEARL (www.pearl.maine.edu) is a clearing-house for environmental information in Maine. This website contains information ranging from water quality and biodiversity, to landscape features and climate. Subject-based and spatial-based search features provide ready access to the data. Data providers can upload and revise their own data, remotely. We are currently developing a series of tools within PEARL to provide enhanced opportunities for displaying and summarizing key sets of information. These include data visualization tools and access to information digests, reports and other interpretive materials. This presentation focuses on these new developments in PEARL.