Description
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the ability of a web mapping and data distribution service and its user interface to coordinate and display sensor data on the San Diego River Watershed. A user-needs survey was administered to 33 researchers and watershed managers that established which components of a web mapping and data distribution application were necessary to ensure its effectiveness as a tool for watershed analysis and monitoring of water quality and adaptive management. Then, a web map was designed and published, including several layers of data on selected environmental components of the watershed. An array of web tools allowing for in-depth user interaction with the service were also included, as well as live viewable and downloadable data streams of various climate and water quality sensors. A test group of 139 college students studying relevant fields was organized once the web map prototype was designed, and a final usability survey was administered to 18 of the original 33 water quality professionals once the service was published and available to the public. Three major user-based components of the published mapping service were analyzed: its effectiveness as a medium for communication of data among governmental, non-profit, and research organizations, the features and data it requires to perform tasks germane to watershed research and management, and its ability to serve as a user interface for the growing network of wireless sensors and databases known as the Sensor Web.
