Analysis of Water Quality Data Web Site Examples
Connecticut Data Collaborative / Farnam Associates, LLC
DRAFT / February 21, 2013
With the integration of the multifaceted and interactive data visualization platform, Weave, at
the Connecticut Data Collaborative (CTData.org) users are able to visualize, compare and
manipulate standard and custom dataset in a flexible yet simple interface.
The majority of websites and portals researched use maps for visualizing data. Some sites use
web based platforms such as Google or Bing as a base map with custom points containing basic
data and metadata. This provides for less control and customization by both the users and the
developers.
A GIS style mapping layout, with layers which can be turned on or off, allow users to view
various layer types over a standard base map. Point data is important in displaying output as
most websites focused on monitoring stations while having watersheds as a selectable layer for
geographic reference.
Data is typically selected while viewing the map instead of through a searching and/or filtering
system. This makes it easy for entry level users as they can see their selections appear on the
map as they select the choices. Some portals allow the selection of individual parameters or
parameter groups before getting to a visualization. The selection of parameters affect the end
output available, e.g. determining whether data is displayed in graphs, charts, tables or maps.
The best sites display data in a simple yet effective way showing which data is available instead
of requiring random searches which often lead to no results.
The best websites also allow for a wide variety of users from beginners, intermediate and
advanced. Having wide customization, either searching or filtering makes it easy for the user to
find what they are looking for. Dynamic output and a range of visualizations will allow the user
to feel comfortable as they can change variables as they see fit. Static maps, graphs and bar
charts, do not feel as useful as the data cannot be compared or it may feel dated.
Searching and filtering are important in allowing the user to find what they are looking for. Some
portals are very intricate while others are so basic as to be of little use. On the other hand,
intricate filtering may be less useful to basic users as they might not understand technical terms.
The amount of ‘clutter’ varies widely by portal, some having minimal manual input, allowing
users to navigate easily while others have dozens of boxes with obscure wording, making it
difficult for users to determine which are required.
A wide variety of output is also important as users may feel more comfortable with a web based
table or Excel table while others may want to take it further such as using .KML files in Google
Earth or creating their own custom visuals.
There were very few if any which allowed for visualization of the user’s data, most of the sites
only allowed for searching and filtering at basic levels. Comparisons, side-by-side, or having
multiple parameters on a single map or another output are rare.
Table1 analyzes the features of a selection of web sites displaying water quality data.
DRAFT 2-­‐21-­‐13 / Page 1 CTDATA
Value added
•
Integration with a wide range of socio-economic and a wide variety of other data
•
Weave integrated data visualization platform – Mapping, Graphing, Tables and Charts
•
Analytical capabilities
•
Comparable geographies through visuals and selections
•
Temporal comparisons through visuals and tables
•
Weave is a flexible and multi-layered system capable of all the features listed in Table 1
Sampling of Sites
National Level Portals
USGS National Map Viewer http://viewer.nationalmap.gov/viewer/
•
Many layers of data available, selectable layers, GIS style mapping
•
Maps are editable, advanced features available for adding to and searching within the map
•
FAQ http://viewer.nationalmap.gov/help/The%20National%20Map%20Updates.htm
National Water Quality Monitoring Council http://www.waterqualitydata.us
•
Data is available in a wide variety of formats for downloads
•
No mapping is available, simple table output is available
•
Good usage guides for, personal data uploading is available
EPA Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR) Pollutant Loading Tool http://cfpub.epa.gov/dmr/
•
Many searching and filtering tools for finding specific data
•
Data explorer shows national map for searching and displaying data, focused on facilities
•
Limited data exploration, metadata. Wide array of tutorials and user documents available
USGS River Watershed Atlas http://apps.gcs-research.net/usgs/ctriveratlas/ •
CT River atlas – lots of data. Not too much interactivity.
•
GIS Style mapping tools, zooming, panning, measurements and search dropdowns
•
Can turn layers on and off, categorized symbology
EPA Surf you Watershed http://cfpub.epa.gov/surf/locate/index.cfm –
•
Allows you to find and bring up data on a particular watershed
•
Tabular data with map that takes you to EPA My Waters Mapper. Some complexity, not very intuitive
•
Switching between levels of geography and between background web sites and site specific data takes
time to grasp
State Level Portals
CT ECO http://www.cteco.uconn.edu/index.htm
•
Easy to use website with various level of user ability from simple to advanced mapping
•
GIS style mapping with selectable layers
DRAFT 2-­‐21-­‐13 / Page 2 •
Simple yet comprehensive searching and filtering by location but not by parameter other than
selectable layers
•
Comparisons are difficult if at all possible
Delaware DEOS GeoBrowser http://www.deos.udel.edu/geobrowser.html
•
Simple mapping interface with selectable layers and simple filtering
•
Selecting a point on the map will bring up a box with various data parameters for that site with basic
information along with in-depth visual analysis including charts and maps
Oregon Explorer http://oregonexplorer.info/ -•
Very comprehensive site from Oregon State University
•
Many different features, environmentally focused
•
Various issues measured, wide range of data in data library
New Found land Water Quality Data Portal http://maps.gov.nl.ca/water/mapbrowser/Default.aspx
•
GIS style mapping with many tools including selectable layers
•
Results table and graphs displayed at same time map is updated
•
Map focused with wide ranging tools for queries and selections, difficult to make work
EWEB McKenzie Water Quality Data http://reach.northjacksonco.com/EWEB/
•
Effective and simple filtering and selection of specific data through radio buttons
•
Parameters and station listed and selectable for display on a map and in tables
•
Difficult time running data queries and loading data
DNREC Water Quality Monitoring Network Data Portal http://www.deos.udel.edu/odddivas/wquality.php
•
Click on monitoring stations to get data table ( or search by town or station #)
•
Pop-up Graphs available to show latest year of monthly data, historical range, relation to standards
•
Generates complete pdf data report with graphs, tables and description of parameter.
•
Does not allow comparison across monitoring stations
•
Limited analytical tools
Delaware Water Quality Portal http://apps.dnrec.state.de.us/StoretWQXPortal/webservice.aspx -•
The Water Quality Portal (WQP) is a cooperative service sponsored by the United States Geological
Survey (USGS), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Water Quality Monitoring
Council (NWQMC) that integrates publicly available water quality data from the USGS National Water
Information System (NWIS) and the EPA Storage and Retrieval (STORET) Data Warehouse.
•
Very complex filtering/query system. Seems designed for expert technical user to access raw data
Maine Public Data Portal
https://gateway.maine.gov/cognos
•
Simple layout for selecting various outputs, charts, tables, maps & Ready-Made Data
•
Mapping interface allows for selection of indicators and instant mapping updates with PDF output
support
•
Easy to jump to different visualizations while keeping data constant
Maryland Water Quality Mapping http://mddnr.chesapeakebay.net/sim/dataflow_data.cfm
•
Very simple, uncomplicated interface with links and single selection list and combo boxes
•
Selecting a year and pressing view selected maps brings up static maps for the selection
•
Comparisons are difficult and overall feel is basic
DRAFT 2-­‐21-­‐13 / Page 3 NC Division of Water Quality http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/wq/ps/mtu
•
Focused on Total Max Daily Loads
•
Maps allows selection by river basin which brings you to basic text based data report
•
Users can submit their own data to be used once verified for quality
Local Level Portals
DB HYDRO Southern Florida http://www.sfwmd.gov/dbhydroplsql/show_dbkey_info.main_menu
•
Clean and simple layout for searching and filtering by various features and parameters
•
Can be confusing if you do not know terminology or understand how it works
•
Difficult to get to map unless you are using Google Earth. Output to KML is possible.
Galveston Bay Water and Sediment
http://galvbaydata.org/WaterSediment/WaterandSedimentQuality/DataPortal/tabid/214/Default
.aspx
•
Able to select by tributary and or parameter from a map and listing
•
Simple walkthrough of steps. Only able to do one thing at a time, hard to mess up
•
Bar graphs and tables display data next to the map and data is downloadable
Shenandoah River Data Query http://www.fosr.org/maps/ -•
Starts with simple map with monitoring stations
•
Various layers can be turned on or off for spatial visuals
•
Clicking on one leads to ability to query data to produce graphs over time
Suwannee River Water Management District http://www.srwmd.state.fl.us
•
Basic Google Map layout with monitoring station points which are selectable to view more data
•
Data displayed in a static scatter plot, line graph for selected monitoring station
•
Data downloadable in XLS format, limited to no data comparison opportunities
Long Island Sound Study http://longislandsoundstudy.net
•
Pre–defined visualizations including maps, tables and graphs
•
No way to search or filter by any attributes
•
Visuals are interactive with pop-up and visual displaying active parameter
Chesapeake Bay http://mddnr.chesapeakebay.net/eyesonthebay/
•
Google map display of bay overview, searching by year and parameter type with selections
•
Individual points and markers symbolize site types
•
Marker selection brings up information for specific sites
Narragansett Bay http://www.watershedcounts.org/index.html
•
Simple output of PDF style graphs, charts and large format maps
•
Filter by large scale overview type of measure such as fresh water, environmental resources
•
Clean layout with simple links to resources and good descriptions of measures
DRAFT 2-­‐21-­‐13 / Page 4