Task 4.1.1.1--Provide Guidance and Automation Oversight in Accordance with Departmental and Agency Policies and Procedures
Task 4.1.1.2--Develop and Update Automation Guidance Documents
Task 4.2.1.1--Modify or Replace Substandard Hardware and Software and Acquire Additional Needed Capabilities
Task 4.2.1.2--Develop and Update Network and Communications Systems
Task 4.2.1.3--Maintain Hardware and Software
Task 4.3.1.1--Support Database Development and Management Activities, Including Standards for Data Processing and Storage
Task 4.3.1.2--Develop, Maintain, and Enhance GIS and Remote Sensing Analysis Capabilities
Task 4.3.1.3--Support Spatial Analysis Efforts Using Automated Tools
Task 4.4.1.1--Develop, Edit, Publish, Produce, and Distribute LTRMP Information
Task 4.4.1.2--Support to LTRMP Staff in Publishing Articles in Peer-reviewed Journals, Making Technical Presentations, and Hosting Professional Meetings
Task 4.4.2.1--Conduct Hands-on Training
Task 4.4.2.2--Develop Capabilities to Query and Retrieve Long Term Resource Monitoring Program Data
Task 4.1.1.1--Provide
Guidance and Automation Oversight in Accordance with Departmental and Agency
Policies and Procedures (Modified Title)
FY 1996 Accomplishments: Ongoing management of automation assets continued as in past years. The scheduled update to the Information Management Plan was postponed because of the merger into USGS. Time that would have been spent completing this Task was redirected and funded by Biological Resources Division (BRD) to participate in and provide input and support to USGS/National Biological Service (NBS) merger and transition of information services. Funding Allocation: $17.5K
Scheduled FY 1997 Activities and Products: Ongoing management of automation assets will continue. Science Review Committee and Management Review Committee recommendations will be reviewed and incorporated as necessary. New departmental and agency guidelines, policies, and procedures will be implemented regarding management and acquisition of automation hardware and software and services as applicable. Work on updating the Information Management Plan will begin in the fourth quarter. (POC: N. Hildrum and L. Leake) Funding Allocation: $37.4K
Task
4.1.1.2--Develop and Update Automation Guidance Documents
FY 1996 Accomplishments: Existing computer security user orientation program (PC-based slide show), along with documentation to introduce users to established security policies and procedures was enhanced. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were developed for Creating New User Accounts on UNIX-March 1996, Archive UNIX Data to Tapes-June 1996, Restore UNIX Data from Archive/Backup Tapes-July 1996, Steps to Create a CD-ROM-July 1996, Install Hard Disk on UNIX-August 1996, Aquatic Areas Database Production, and Jukebox Management Procedures. Reference document of land cover summaries for trend pools was not completed because of personnel changes. Appropriate automation support policies and procedures were updated. The Information Transfer and Media Services Group produced the following internal SOPs: Report Production Team Assignments-August 1996, ISSD Work Request-updated June 1996, Errands-updated June 1996, Virus Check-August 1996, Status Report-August 1996, External Publications-July 1996, Administrative Filing-updated July 1996, Life Cycle of a Letter-updated July 1996, Cabinets and Store Room-updated July 1996, Request for Publications-June 1996, Request for Training-updated August 1996, Trip Report-August 1996, News Releases-August 1996, Media Contacts-August 1996, News Clips-July 1996, Government Printing Office-August 1996, Print Order Procedure-August 1996, SF1 Procedure-August 1996, Camera-ready Copy Checklist-August 1996, Reorder Reports-August 1996, Acquisitions Request-July 1996, Procedure for Report Submission-August 1996, River Almanac-August 1996, Volunteers-August 1996, Inventory-August 1996, Completed Reports (other than LTRMP series)-August 1996, LTRMP Display-August 1996, Due Dates-August 1996, Dropped Report-August 1996, Templates-August 1996, Newsletter and Report Labels-updated September 1996, Editing Manual-February 1996, Photography-June 1996, How to Scan Graphics-June 1996, Video-June 1996, and Outreach-June 1996. Funding Allocation: $44.0K
Scheduled FY 1997 Activities and Products: Reference document of land cover summaries for trend pools will be completed. The SOPs and automation support policies and procedures will be reviewed and updated. New SOPs will be developed as they are needed. (POC: L. Leake, T. Owens, and N. Hildrum) Funding Allocation: $39.5K
Task
4.2.1.1--Modify or Replace Substandard Hardware and Software and Acquire
Additional Needed Capabilities
FY 1996 Accomplishments: LTRMP funds for hardware and software replacement have been very limited for the past 2 fiscal years. To date, the Program has almost $2 million worth of hardware and software. Normal life-cycle management practices for automation assets suggest a usable life of between 5 and 7 years. Accordingly, the LTRMP should be investing between $285,000 and $400,000 per year to modify, replace, and upgrade automation assets. Only $15,000 of LTRMP funds were made available in FY 1996; however, more than $53,000 in external funds were used to purchase hardware and software to support external activities. Occasionally, these resources are available to support LTRMP activities. During the year, some software was upgraded to provide access to those personal computers that were running Windows 95. Several personal computers and monitors were replaced to meet the demands of Program requirements (Pentium-based PCS replaced 386 and 486 PCS, a monitor on the bathymetric boat, several 15-inch monitors were replaced with 17-inch monitors.) Other personal computers were upgraded by adding additional memory, hard drives, or tape backup systems. Several laptop computers were purchased for use by staff providing flexibility for standalone and business travel use. Minimal upgrades for PC-Xware, WordPerfect, and Netscape were purchased. During the year, SAS, XpressWare, Splus, ARC/INFO, and Solaris were upgraded on the UNIX to the latest version. New software installations included Kerberos, S-Plus/GISLink, and Arcscan. Server online storage was increased to support heavier analytical work.
The CD-ROM servers were found not to be as practical as other, low-cost direct access medium storage (i.e., magnetic, optical, and others). Investigations of the capabilities and performance of Windows NT, Windows 95, and OS2 were completed. OS2 is not a viable operating system for the Center at this time; however, Windows 95 is viable and cost-effective. Funding Allocation: $22.4K
Scheduled FY 1997 Activities and Products: Windows NT will continue to be evaluated because indications are that a migration in that direction may be feasible. The UNIX tape backup system, which is no longer supported by the manufacturer because of its age, will be upgraded. A review of UNIX systems and server will be accomplish to initiate a strategic plan for replacement and upgrades for the SPARC2's and 690 servers, which will have reached their end of life in March 1997. After that time, these systems will not be able to handle software upgrades, and hardware components will not be supported. To maintain consistency, some personal computers at both the EMTC and Field Stations will require upgrades from Windows 3.1 to Windows 95, plus additional memory to meet the hardware demands of SAS, Version 6.12, and ArcView, Version 3.0. (POC: L. Leake) Funding Allocation: $36.4K
Task
4.2.1.2--Develop and Update Network and Communications Systems
FY 1996 Accomplishments: The installation and configuration of two dial-in mail routers at EMTC using the terminal server and Internet Protocol addressing were established to provide Field Station remote connectivity for cc:Mail. Internet connectivity was extended to the Field Stations by using a dial-up modem and connecting to the EMTC. Additional disk drives were installed in one of the Novell servers along with upgrading the disk array to RAID 5 technology. Excess telephone equipment was acquired from Fish and Wildlife Service at no hardware cost to expand the EMTC telephone system with an additional 24 telephone stations. The EMTC local area network was reconfigured using subnetting and the installation of a fiber cable to an ethernet switch and the replacement of the router. Network monitoring scripts were developed to monitor network activity. The investigation and analysis were completed on available computer shareware tools, network monitoring software, viewers, HTML editors, and telnet/File Transfer Protocol (FTP) capabilities. Several packages were purchased in support of LTRMP such as Paintshop, Netscape, LView, and Hotdog Pro. Funding Allocation: $19.9K
Scheduled FY 1997 Activities and Products: Continue network and Novell server monitoring to ensure a high level of performance and reliability, along with providing user support and troubleshooting. As network connectivity increases in the north end of the EMTC building, an ethernet switch will need to be acquired to provide additional network ports and increase network performance. Additional telephone (40 stations) and network wiring (48 ports) will be installed to provide services for the newly constructed offices. Two older cc:Mail routers will be replaced with refurbished personal computers to support Field Station cc:Mail activity. Monitoring of modems and routers will continue to ensure reliability and connectivity of cc:Mail between the EMTC and Field Stations. Client and post office cc:Mail upgrades are expected to be available for installation at both EMTC and Field Stations. A newer version of SAS is expected and, when released, will be installed on the network servers at the EMTC and Field Stations. New versions of software will be installed and configured on network servers at the EMTC and Field Stations to make efficient use of the 32-bit architecture contained in Windows 95. Assistance will be provided to Field Stations in evaluating the current hard drive capacity of network servers. The EMTC terminal server will be evaluated to determine if additional capacity is needed for remote connectivity. (POC: L. Leake) Funding Allocation: $34.6K
Task
4.2.1.3--Maintain Hardware and Software
FY 1996 Accomplishments: In FY 1996, more than 450 requests for customer assistance were received, including information requests, installation of hardware and software, telephone and onsite Field Station support, and troubleshooting problems at the EMTC and Field Stations, plus 350 requests for the archiving and restoring of data. About 300 pieces of hardware and software at EMTC and the Field Stations were maintained. The Lake City Field Station was visited to provide hardware and software preventive maintenance, software installations and upgrades, technical assistance, and user training. Hardware and software maintenance requirements were closely scrutinized, and those services deemed critical to the mission were contracted. Funding Allocation: $245.8K
Scheduled FY 1997 Activities and Products: Maintenance contract requirements for FY 1997 will be completed in October 1996 for critical hardware and software. An older UNIX workstation will be retired from production work and reconfigured to be used as a domain name server and system monitor. About 300 pieces of hardware and software at EMTC and the six Field Stations, which include personal computers, network servers, network hubs, data lines, laptop computers, printers, tape backup devices, and modems will be maintained. Field Station visits to perform technical assistance, hardware and software upgrades, and preventive maintenance for computer support will be scheduled on an as-needed basis. (POC: L. Leake) Funding Allocation: $257.1K
Task
4.3.1.1--Support Database Development and Management Activities, Including
Standards for Data Processing and Storage
FY 1996 Accomplishments: Annual acquisition of the COE' water elevation and USGS water discharge data was accomplished in July and August. Processing, distribution, and corrections to the LTRMP data is an ongoing process; requests for FY 1996 were completed in a timely manner. The RBase review-edit-verify standalone PC application was prepared and distributed to the Field Station for use during FY 1996 data collection season. Development of a new LTRMP data review-edit-verify software package is still in progress and under development by the contractor. Remote dial-in access was implemented for all Field Stations to access the LTRMP data on an ad hoc basis. The archival tape catalog system initiated in FY 1994 was updated in FY 1996. The LTRMP and special projects financial tracking database systems were upgraded, revised, enhanced, and implemented. Upgraded MetaMaker to National Biological Information Infrastructure MetaMaker Version 2.00 database for the collection and distribution of biological and geospatial metadata datasets. Funding Allocation: $38.9K
Scheduled FY 1997 Activities and Products: The LTRMP data entry contract will be monitored, and statistics will be gathered on performance to ensure the contract obligations are met. The ASCII text file of the LTRMP component data from the data entry contractor will be processed into the LTRMP master database. Files by Field Station and component will be distributed by email for use in the data review-edit-verify standalone RBase application at the Field Stations. Development of a new LTRMP data review-edit-verify software package is still in progress and under development by the contractor, EMTC staff will continue to work with the contractor to provide input on program problems. Plan, develop, and maintain a property database for LTRMP in Microsoft Access, Version 2.0. Maintain and upgrade EMTC's LTRMP budget and special budget database programs in Microsoft Access until USGS, BRD decides on a standard budget program for implementation. A network database to support LTRMP address and mailing list needs will be developed. (POC: L. Leake) Funding Allocation: $54.4K
Task
4.3.1.2--Develop, Maintain, and Enhance GIS and Remote Sensing Analysis
Capabilities
FY 1996 Accomplishments: (1) Cartographic support was provided and a 1995 Field Station photointerpretation was completed; (2) a report by Owens and McConville on "Estimating the spatial accuracy of coordinates collected using the global positioning system" was completed that includes a literature survey and describes a statistical method for measuring the spatial accuracy of points; (3) field data have been collected for the study on the comparison of aerial photo-derived spatial data with field data of submersed vegetation; (4) studies of the effects of different photointerpreters and comparing the spatial accuracy of zoom transfer scope technologies were not completed due to personnel attrition; and (5) an automated database was initiated to log EMTC's aerial photo collection. Pools 1-8 were completed and this process will continue as time allows. Funding Allocation: $33.4K
Scheduled FY 1997 Activities and Products: A study will be initiated to evaluate three emerging remote sensing technologies (videography, AVIRIS [airborne visible-infrared imaging spectrometer], and HYDICE [hyperspectral digital imagery collection equipment]), to aid in vegetation mapping and monitoring effort and will complete a (1) Scope of Work, (2) complete uncalibrated land cover/use map from HYDICE and AVIRIS data, (3) present preliminary results at UMRCC, (4) attend hyperspectral training class, and (5) become proficient in hyperspectral analysis software. Other products will be (6) complete field station photointerpretation of 1996 aerial photography, (7) the study on the comparison of aerial photo-derived spatial data with field data of submersed vegetation will be completed and an author's draft of the report completed, and (8) an author's revised draft of the report on accuracy assessment of databases generated using the stereo zoom transfer scope and digital ortho quarter quads will be completed. (POC: L. Robinson, P. Gowda, H. Langhrer, and T. Owens) Funding Allocation: $87.0K
Task
4.3.1.3--Support Spatial Analysis Efforts Using Automated Tools
FY 1996 Accomplishments: In 1996, the LTRMP changed from using EPPL7 as the main PC-based GIS software package to ArcView. The changeover was made because (1) EPPL7 program support and upgrades were not keeping pace with development in computer technology, (2) EPPL7 graphic and printer driver technology had not been upgraded for several years, and (3) the Minnesota Land Management Information Center did not have any plans to create a Windows-compatible program. To aid LTRMP personnel in learning ArcView 2, the EMTC hosted an ArcView 2 training class. A CD-ROM containing GIS data for the entire UMRS floodplain was distributed to EMTC and Field Station staff. The CD-ROM contained ArcView 2 project files for each river pool/study area, designed to provide users with a starting point for using the data. Additional ArcView support was provided on a case-by-case basis.
Two reports were published that described geospatial applications that had been developed: (1) "Geospatial application: A geographic information system interface designed for use in river management" by McConville et al. that describes an interface that allows river managers who were not expert in GIS to access spatial data for Calhoun Point in Pool 26, and (2) "The spatial query tool: Analyzing Long Term Resource Monitoring Program data using geospatial technology" by D. Olson that describes an interface that allows river researchers and managers to access GIS data for the Finger Lakes HREP on Pool 5. Funding Allocation: $72.2K
Scheduled FY 1997 Activities and Products: Continue providing support to LTRMP staff on a case-by-case basis and by updating the distribution of spatial data and interfaces by CD-ROM with newer software programs, such as ArcView 3. (POC: C. Lowenberg, D. Olsen, L. Leake, and T. Owens) Funding Allocation: $91.1K
Task
4.4.1.1--Develop, Edit, Publish, Produce, and Distribute LTRMP Information
FY 1996 Accomplishments: Reports facilitate regular communication among the LTRMP Analysis Team and Field Stations, the Environmental Management Program Coordinating Committee, the Upper Mississippi River Conservation Committee, the Upper Mississippi River Basin Association, and other UMRS agencies. As of September 30, 1996, 236 reports and related publications have been published (Appendix D). In addition to normal distribution, another 350 requests for reports were received. The Geospatial Application Division fulfilled 156 requests for LTRMP data, maps, and analyses. The relevant Scientific Assessment and Strategy Team data were put online on the EMTC Home Page and a link was made to the Scientific Assessment and Strategy Team Home Page. The MetaMaker program was completed and the major spatial datasets had metadata entered using the program. About 25 LTRMP reports and related publications were produced during the fiscal year, including an author's guide for LTRMP report preparation. In addition, the LTRMP display was used for 24 events and Program information was distributed to a variety of schools, agencies, and private individuals. The Program video was not updated because of organization realignment with U.S. Geological Survey. Funding Allocation: $315.9K
Scheduled FY 1997 Activities and Products: Completion of Federal Geographic Data Committee-compliant metadata for all spatial data served on the EMTC Home Page. Continue to respond to requests for LTRMP spatial data and maps. Continue to coordinate, produce, and distribute LTRMP series publications including 10-15 project status reports and 4-6 River Almanacs. A report will be completed that graphically depicts the bathymetry data in a series of charts for Pools 4, 8, 13, and 26. The cost effectiveness of updating the LTRMP video will be examined (July). A status report will be completed describing the availability of spatial databases created and archived at the EMTC. (POC: N. Hildrum and T. Owens) Funding Allocation: $189.4K
Task
4.4.1.2--Support to LTRMP Staff in Publishing Articles in Peer-reviewed
Journals, Making Technical Presentations, and Hosting Professional Meetings
FY 1996 Accomplishments: Publishing in peer-reviewed journals, making presentations, and hosting symposia and workshops are high priorities for EMTC and LTRMP Field Station staff. The Information Transfer and Media Services Group staff directly support these efforts by providing technical editing and graphical and coordination assistance. The first LTRMP-sponsored workshop was held in 1990. These activities will continue throughout the term of the Program. FY 1996 Products: (1) Provided support to LTRMP staff in publishing articles in peer-reviewed journals, (2) provided support to LTRMP staff in making professional presentations, and (3) added Home Pages for LTRMP water level and discharge data plus updated LTRMP FTP water level and discharge to include the years 1990 to 1995. Funding Allocation: $64.9K
Scheduled FY 1997 Activities and Products: (1) Continue to provide support to LTRMP staff in publishing articles in peer-reviewed journals, (2) continue to provide support to LTRMP staff in making professional presentations, (3) modify report processing procedures to increase quantity and quality of reports produced, and (4) continue to provide editing support to EMTC's Home Page development. (POC: N. Hildrum) Funding Allocation: $17.0K
Task
4.4.2.1--Conduct Hands-on Training
FY 1996 Accomplishments: The EMTC hosted an ArcView 2 training class in February. Additional training was provided on a case-by-case basis. An introduction to ARC/INFO training class was conducted at EMTC on February 20-22, 1996 (10 students attended). Note: Two courses were canceled because of a lack of enrollment. An introduction to ARC/INFO training class was conducted at the Midwest Science Center on July 9-11, 1996 (10 students attended). The introduction to ARC/INFO training course manual was rewritten. Note: The manual was used by National Wetlands Research Center to teach the identical course. Conducted year-round training that included a weekly computer class and daily instructions on the use of computer/network hardware/software, Internet, web-related topics, and solutions to user needs. Provided technical support and instructions for five Field Stations on the setup and configuration of dial-in cc:Mail routers using Internet Protocol addressing to establish remote connectivity for cc:Mail. Funding Allocation: $43.8K
Scheduled FY 1997 Activities and Products: The EMTC will begin upgrading from ArcView 2 to ArcView 3. The upgrade will provide users with more GIS functionality, but it is a more complex program to learn. In an effort to aid in the transition, the EMTC will develop a 3-day ArcView 3 training class. The class will be designed to teach ArcView 3 basics and answer questions commonly asked by LTRMP personnel. The third day will be used to teach Field Station personnel how to produce and print random sites sampling maps, access LTRMP databases, and prepare summary information used in Field Station annual reports. The training classes will be offered on April 29-May 1, 1997, and June 10-12, 1997. Introduction to ARC/INFO training classes are to be offered at EMTC on November 5-7, 1996, February 4-6, 1997, and May 5-7, 1997. An introduction to ARC/INFO training class will be conducted at the Midwest Science Center during December 2-4, 1996.
Continue to provide minitraining classes on the Internet, the World Wide Web (Web), UNIX, Windows 95, system configurations, CU-SeeMe, and other software as requested on a weekly basis at the EMTC. The use of Internet Relay Chat (IRC) to provide access to the Field Stations for these training classes will be investigated. As requested, one-on-one training will be provided to staff on supported hardware-software. (POC: T. D. Olsen, C. Lowenberg, and L. Leake) Funding Allocation: $31.1K
Task
4.4.2.2--Develop Capabilities to Query and Retrieve Long Term Resource Monitoring
Program Data
FY 1996 Accomplishments: Trend and spatial data collected for the LTRMP and CIA are being made available to interested parties in a timely and usable format. The EMTC information servers (Web, WAIS, FTP) were maintained and enhancements made and supported throughout the year. Development of web/network-based applications for real-time queries of data residing in EMTC database were completed. Home pages for LTRMP water level and discharge data were brought online in addition to updating LTRMP FTP water level and discharge to include the years 1990 to 1995. Throughout the year, as the EMTC completed creating GIS datasets (e.g., land cover/use, aquatic areas), these data were made available through the Web. In August, work began to update all the Web pages to conform to USGS standards. About 2,000 aerial photographs taken in 1994 were scanned, indexed, and placed on the EMTC Home Page for downloading. During FY 1996, more than 10,000 photos were downloaded. Automatic query of daily river elevation data from COE was used in bathymetric analysis. Initial prototype testing of graphing LTRMP component water quality data on the Web was completed and successful. Funding Allocation: $66.1K
Scheduled FY 1997 Activities and Products: The storage of GIS data on the anonymous FTP server will be updated. A new directory structure will be implemented to aid in the storage and distribution of GIS data. In 1997, the EMTC will begin using the Web to distribute global positioning system (GPS) reference data used to differentially correct GPS data collected in the field. The GIS data distribution support through the Web will continue to be supported. The EMTC's Community Base Station files will be made available over the Internet. Scanning of 1994 aerial photos will be completed and the photos placed on the Home Page. An evaluation of collaborating tools and Java on the Web Server to extend a wider range of options for accessing data will be completed. The EMTC's Web pages for LTRMP component data, water elevation, water discharge, and National Biological Information Infrastructure MetaMaker, Version 2.10, will be updated, enhanced, and maintained throughout the year. (POC: L. Leake) Funding Allocation: $95.1K