Data Management

The goal of the NPS I&M Program is to provide scientifically and statistically sound data to support management decisions for the protection of park resources. Sound data management ensures the quality, interpretability, security, longevity and availability of ecological data and related information resulting from resource inventory and monitoring efforts. The CAKN Data Management Plan (DMP) outlines the procedures and work practices that support effective data management. The DMP also serves as guidance for current and future staff of the CAKN, to ensure that sound data management practices are followed in any new data gathering efforts conducted or otherwise administered by the CAKN. Additionally, the DMP serves, where appropriate, to guide the enhancement of legacy data to match formats and standards put forth in the plan. Data management within the CAKN focuses on the development and implementation of the monitoring program in the three Network parks. To that end, the first phase of data management involves a robust seach of existing data and knowledge that may support the monitoring program. A brief document on these "data mining" efforts was submitted in Nov. 2002 ( Data Mining Status). Results from data mining are housed in two primary databases: the NPS NatureBib (for bibliographic information - login required) and the NPS NR-GIS Data and Metadata Store. Implementation of the DMP is concurrent with monitoring program startup. DMP implementation includes development of a database system infrastructure initially planned as a MS SQL Server database spine with related file servers containing supporting data and information. In 2006, data and related products for the ten vital signs CAKN is implementing will be housed largely in MS Access databases based on NPS servers in Fairbanks, Alaska.

Data and Information Specifications

• National Park Service Inventory and Monitoring Data Management
  Follow this link to access I&M Program data management resources including database design specifications, naming conventions, database tips, strategies and fundamentals.
• NPS Apps & Databases
• CAKN Report Specifications
• GPS Specifications
• Oakley et al., 2003, Protocol Guidelines

Data Management Reports

• CAKN Data Mgmt. Plan (2005) (1.5Mb pdf)
• Data Mining Status (2002) (77Kb pdf)
• Wrangell-St. Elias Metadata Summary (163Kb pdf)
• Denali Metadata Summary (78Kb pdf)
• Yukon-Charley Metadata Summary (33Kb pdf)
• Database Management and Status Report, Denali LTEM (623Kb pdf)