1. Template library tool and Kestrel training
Whitney Weber

2. Template Library Tool Web-based application:
Author new templates or customize existing ones
A template is equivalent to an electronic field form.
In most basic form, a template is a data structure for a
record; a collection of attributes
An attribute is a field; single unit of data entry
Support the re-use of individual attributes or common groupings (clusters) of attributes
Discover how others collect and organize observation data
Facilitate and promote use of common standards to improve consistency of data
Download templates for use in Kestrel, the Mobile Observation System, and other systems
Localizable (English, French, Spanish)
by providing ability to;
Re-label attribute
Customize help text for existing attribute
Use different domain/pick list values

3. Template Library Tool Current and Planned
The current release is a prototype for viewing, creating and editing attributes and template objects. Not all listed features are currently functional
Future milestones include;
Viewing, creating and editing other objects (i.e., attribute clusters - to allow selection of common groupings of attributes for re-use rather than having to add them one at a time.)
Security and user access framework.
Logical searches for templates, attributes and other objects
Systematic implementation of versioning

4. Kestrel Secure, web-based access
ArcGIS Server mapping (ArcGIS 9.3, Web ADF)
Extensible, template-driven data model (currently supports taxon- based protocol)
Localizable user interface (English, French, Spanish)
Links to taxonomic web service published from Biotics (other sources possible)
Bulk upload of spatial and tabular observation data
Export GML, CSV

5. Use of templates with Kestrel/

6. Template-driven Data Model
Kestrel utilizes an extensible, template-driven data model
What is a template?
How do I create a template?
Why can’t I see the new template in Kestrel?

7. Review of Terms and Concepts

8. Template
In most basic form, a template is a data structure for a record; a collection of attributes
Attribute = a field; single unit of data entry
Can contain subforms for information that needs to appear as a list or in a repeated form.
Can contain headings.
Defines information about how an attribute is used. Can customize:
attribute's label
attribute's help text
whether a value is required
whether comments can be entered for the attribute
validation rules - can be made more specific, but not more general
Other metadata similar to attributes: label, documentation, unique name, organization, version
Also has a Record Type. For now, choices are Observation, Person, User, Survey, Field Visit 8

9. How do I create a template?
Templates are developed within the Template Library Tool:
Create a new template
Create a copy of a template

10. Some Best Practices
Try to think ahead as to how other people might conceivably use an attribute
Use general names - don't name attributes "1a, 1b," etc. Those are often very specific to a particular field form.
For domain lists, think carefully about whether it will make sense for individual templates to define their own sets of values.
If something like "highway", then allow templates to add/remove values
If using a standard set of codes that have real business meaning, then not allowing modifications may be more desirable 11

11. Types of Attributes String Date/Time Range Text Boolean Integer
Decimal
Date
Date/Time
Date/Time Range
Boolean
Location
Taxon
Reference
All attributes include label, help text, documentation about purpose of attribute, and optional validation rules. Label and Help Text can be localized into other languages

12. Types of Validation Rules
Numeric Range
Date Range
String Length
String Pattern
Domain (each display value can be localized into other languages)

13. A Few Things About Templates
Templates can always customize the display values in any language for individual domain values
If the attribute definition allows it, templates can add new domain values or remove domain values defined by the attribute
As a convenience, a template can clear all values defined by the attribute. If desired, values can be added back individually by customizing them. 14

14. ** Compatibility with Kestrel **
To ensure a template can be used with Kestrel
The template's record type must be Observation
The template cannot contain subforms
The template cannot contain headings
The first five attributes must be, in order:
Species
Observation Date
Location
Primary Observer
Sensitive
The five attributes listed above must be indicated as Yes within the Required? field in the Template Usage tab of the Attribute Details dialog. 15

15. ** Compatibility with Kestrel **
All attribute references must support comments
Included attributes can only use the supported validation rules which include: numeric range, max days beyond today (date), string pattern, domain values
Additional validation rules cannot be specified by the template. For example, a template cannot add, remove, or modify domain values.
Attributes that have a data type of "Reference" can only reference Person records
The "Taxa Present" property of the template must be set to "Present"
Any customizations made to an attribute's help text or label will be ignored and any headings will be ignored
More information including screenshots can be found in the Template Library Help 16

16. Why can’t I see the new template in Kestrel?
Prior to use in Kestrel, the template needs to be published for use in Kestrel.
To have a template published for use in Kestrel:
Submit an issue to Kestrel Technical Support
Indicate Application of Kestrel and Component of Template Library Tool
Identify:
Name and version of the template
Name of any new/edited attributes

17. Publishing the Template to Kestrel
NatureServe will verify the template is compatible with Kestrel
The template will be published to the test server
A GoToMeeting held to review the template is as desired
NatureServe will publish the template to Kestrel production

18. Demo of Template Library Tool

19. Session II: Kestrel

20. What is a Survey? A unit for containing Observations Defined by: Name
Description
Owner
Template
Authorized Users and their roles
Configurations include Lists of:
Species
Observers
Observed Locations

21. Demo of Kestrel

22. Getting Started
Accessing Kestrel:
Kestrel for Parks Canada:
Log in:
Username: firstname.lastname
Password: password
Contact Dave Clark if you do not have access
Use the Tutorial in the Kestrel Help as a good workflow for getting started in Kestrel. The Tutorial contains links to each of the related Help topics with step-by-step instructions.

23. Q & A