|
RHP |
South African
River Health Programme |
|
|
|
THE RIVERS DATABASE (version 1.03) |
| The Rivers Database was designed specifically for the collation and management of information collected as part of the River Health Programme (RHP). It provides a facility for the storage of information and allows extraction of information via a Query Centre. |
|
The need for a database The driving force behind the development of the database was the apparent need to develop mechanisms and structures for data storage and management. During the implementation design phase of the RHP, the Rivers Database contributed to the formulation of a standard protocol for the collection of biomonitoring data. Within the last year it has become evident that the development of procedures for the management of such data would contribute significantly to the operational effectiveness of the RHP. Thus, it is anticipated that the Rivers Database will become the primary storage and management mechanism that will be used at regional levels, enabling the transfer of information to the national level. Structural components of the Rivers Database The Rivers Database is divided into two broad components:
Users Any organisation applying the RHP may have access to a copy of the Rivers Database for managing data collected at a regional level. These include both government institutions and private enterprises interested in monitoring the "health" of rivers in a region. Those who would like their data to contribute to the national Rivers Database will need to work through their regional "champion" (details available on RHP website: www.csir.co.za/rhp/) who will be responsible for facilitating and regulating the capture of data at a regional level. For security purposes, all users will need to register with the central body that will manage the Rivers Database at the national level. Once registered, users will be allocated a user name and password. The user will become the "owner" of all data entered and will be the only user able to edit data entered under their user name. Nevertheless, all users will be able to view all data. |
|
|
Data transfer between a regional and national Rivers Database During the current Anchoring Phase of the RHP, Southern Waters will function as the central body that will manage the Rivers Database at a national level. Southern Waters will ensure that all data captured at a regional level are transferred and synchronised into a single, national database that will be available to all users via the internet. It is envisaged that the transfer of data at all levels will take place via an FTP site on the internet. Link between the Rivers Database and the Water Management System (WMS) Mechanisms of linking the Rivers Database with the WMS will be explored as part of the current phase of the RHP. The WMS is currently being developed by DWAF and will ultimately house all water resource related data. Data currently housed on the Rivers Database The Rivers Database currently houses data for Mpumalanga, mostly within the Crocodile, Sabie and Olifant River catchments. This includes data collected as part of the RHP pilot study and historical data (mostly SASS, water chemistry and habitat characteristics) collected by the Institute for Water Quality Studies (IWQS) since 1993. Plans currently underway to develop and refine the Rivers Database As part of the Anchoring Phase of the RHP, the following components of the Rivers Database will be further developed:
The ultimate aim is to see the Rivers Database up and running in as many provinces as possible. It is only through broad testing and use of the database that improvements may be made such that the RHP ultimately ends up as a sound and efficient mechanism for the storage and extraction of RHP information. Obtaining a copy of the Rivers Database |