Modelling for Indicators

This fundamental work of the IDA programme developed indicators to respond to environmental reporting frameworks. The aim was to try to overcome current barriers to data use and analyses needed to establish environmental reporting indicators.

Working with end-users and data custodians, the programme developed next generation data analysis and modelling techniques, including domain-specific logic to derive statistical indicators for soil health, land use, and species occupancy at a national scale. Creation of re-usable data pipelines and production of information about provenance and data sources of the indicators was an important goal.

As well as producing environmental indicators in land, soil and species occupancy, the programme successfully engaged with key end users and stakeholders who then used the data created for reporting purposes (Weeks & Collins 2015). The IDA programme also contributed expertise to reviews of existing indicators, discussions on indicator development and methods to maximise the reuse of disparate and variable data in biodiversity and land domains.

Reference

Weeks E, Collins A 2015. Environmental Monitoring and Reporting (EmaR) land and soil indicators workshop. NLRC report for Waikato Regional Council.