1 Batch Indexing, Enviromapper, Web Services, and GIS Tools Randy Hill, Kevin Christian US EPA OWOW/AWPD/MB November 28, 2007

2 What is a Web Service?  A web service is a computer-to-computer protocol that allows for the direct sharing of information.  Web services allow for data from multiple sources to be packaged together in one layout, web presentation, or application.  Typically, a web service has input parameters, and pre-defined output format  These are the basic principles under which the Exchange Network functions

3 A common web service example  Weather bug: The weather bug software is something that many are familiar with. It runs on a very basic web service. The weather bug software is something that many are familiar with. It runs on a very basic web service. It has basic input parameters: zip code It has basic input parameters: zip code It has a defined output format (xml file) It has a defined output format (xml file) The actual weather data does not need to be stored on your computer, it just pulls the data via a web service, and then displays that information in a user friendly format. The actual weather data does not need to be stored on your computer, it just pulls the data via a web service, and then displays that information in a user friendly format.

4 What Web Services are being planned?  Four core services are being developed: Watershed/Station Catalog service – provides summary information on what data are available Watershed/Station Catalog service – provides summary information on what data are available Project Catalog service – provides summary information by projects based on an input of min/max latitude/longitude Project Catalog service – provides summary information by projects based on an input of min/max latitude/longitude Stations service – provides specific station information Stations service – provides specific station information Results service – provides results for modeling, analysis, and decision making Results service – provides results for modeling, analysis, and decision making

5 Where do Web Services fit? Data in/out services via WQX Data out services through direct access to the WH WH services available via Exch. Net.

6 So What?  Web Services allow for more accessibility to the data.  Allows for any application that can consume a web service to be able to access the data that are available in STORET Includes: Includes: Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Excel Mapping ApplicationsMapping Applications ModelsModels Or any other custom applicationOr any other custom application

7 Why Web Services?  Allow for you to create one method for accessing data that can be reused in multiple ways  Some example applications: EPA’s Watershed Summary reports EPA’s Watershed Summary reports The next release of Enviromapper for Water The next release of Enviromapper for Water An example Virtual Earth application An example Virtual Earth application

8 This is all driven by STORET web services

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10 All Done with Web Services!!

11 Virtual Earth  RANDY: Either live demo or slides like Enviromapper

12 Batch Indexing  New development that EPA is working on  Allow for any new stations submitted via WQX to be automatically georeferenced to the NHD+  The Georeferenced reach codes would be returned to the data provider, as well an opportunity to QA the georeferenced locations  This will use a concept called ‘Rain Drop’ to ensure that points are tied to the correct NHD reach

13 If the two points represent Accuracy/Precison issues then note how raindrop results in same indexed location Note how upper point with straight snap would go to wrong catchment Note how the path does trace the topo delineation for water

14 Why this is Important?  Allows for monitoring data to be easily linked to other types of data (i.e. Impaired waters, assessments, permits, etc.)  Allows for upstream/downstream analysis  Greatly expands the usability of monitoring data

15 Batch Indexing Timeline  This capability should be available Fall of 2008  Deployed as a service that any data flow could use (not just for WQX)  Also provide some Geospatial QA services (i.e. is the lat/long in the county/HUC/state that the user specified)

16 Questions?  Contacts: Randy Hill Randy Hill , Kevin Christian Kevin Christian , STORET STORET ,