A Data Management Application to Support Long-Term Monitoring of Riparian Ecosystems

Abstract

The extents of riparian ecosystems are in decline in the American Southwest largely due to land development practices. Unfortunately, there is a paucity of scientific research regarding the direct and indirect impacts of urbanization on riparian ecosystems. To date, research has focused on specific ecological functions and propagation of declining species without regard to the effects of urbanization on the riparian resource. A long -term ecological monitoring project was initiated along Rincon Creek in Tucson, Arizona with the objective of monitoring targeted parameters to see how they are affected by urbanization. To support research and scientific effort toward that end, a relational database and data management system were created to facilitate input, storage, manipulation, and documentation of raw data collected along Rincon Creek. The raw data tables were normalized to at least third normal form to enhance flexibility and reduce inconsistent and redundant data. Standardized graphs, queries, and reports were also developed to facilitate derivation and dissemination of information. Finally, the relational design provides a template for other agencies or organizations collecting similar monitoring data that wish to incorporate comparable data management systems.