D8.4 SIOS Interactive web portal

Transcription

1 Svalbard Integrated Arctic Earth Observing System (SIOS) D8.4 SIOS Interactive web portal Final version July SIOS-PP WP5 and WP8 A combined delivery of D5.6 Establishment of SIOS information point "Access to Svalbard" and D8.4 Interactive web portal as an integrated element of the implementation of the Knowledge Centre Lead author: Thorbjørn Gilberg (RCN) Co-authors: Halvard Ranestad Pedersen, (RCN/SSF) and Ragnhild Rønneberg (RCN) 1

2 Contents 1. Introduction Description of the service... 3 Purpose... 3 Description of service... 4 System Description... 4 Resource availability and skill sets... 4 Constraints associated with product interfaces Management Overview... 6 Description of Implementation... 6 Major Tasks... 6 Tab page - Explore data... 6 Tab page - Access to infrastructure... 7 Tab page Seek Logistical Support... 7 Tab page Access to Svalbard... 7 Tab page RiS database Main actors and content providers Suggested time plan... 8 Suggested time plan for the Interactive web portal Cost estimates for the implementation phase... 9 Suggestion for a concrete web-portal project

3 1. Introduction A SIOS interactive web-portal will be the main entry point for users of SIOS-KC services. It shall be developed with focus on operational areas (functionalities) and maps being key issues to SIOS. The portal must be simple and intuitive and clearly provide information and access to services of added value to the users. It must be design in a way that easily adopts to future development/requirement for changes in services, maps, videos and animations. This document describes the implementation plan for the interactive web portal, which has been developed in a combination of work package 5 and work package 8. Several documents and workshops have formed the basis for preparation of this document. Main documents include: D2.2 Final proposal of a SIOS governance structure including observation platforms D4.5 Policy and Statutes for Access to SIOS Research Infrastructure Platforms D5.6 Implementation Plan for Logistics D6.6 Implementation Plan for the Distributed SIOS Data Management System D7.8 Implementation Plan for the Remote Sensing Service D8.2 SIOS Observations Coordination Plan D8.3 Knowledge Centre Implementation Plan - Functions and Services Definition 2. Description of the service SIOS Knowledge Centre (SIOS-KC) is described in the document SIOS Knowledge Centre The central operational unit for coordination and integration (ref. D8.3 Concept Paper). The Interactive web portal is a tool that SIOS-KC will use to deliver many of the SIOS services described in several of the implementation plans (Access Logistics, Data Management etc.) and by in this way give input to the overall implementation plan for the Knowledge Centre. This deliverable (D8.4) can be seen as a separate "stand alone" deliverable or as a chapter in the implementation plan of the SIOS KC (D8.3). The SIOS-KC will be the entry point for in situ services in addition to services offered to remote users, and it will serve as the integration node. This document describes the implementation plan for Interactive web portal elaborating the needs and estimated total cost for the first three years, from October 1 st The Interactive web portal will be the interface with SIOS for most of the users. It will be the contact point for users and stakeholders and it will be the focal point for the delivery of most of the services provided by SIOS merged together with possible other information services for scientists being active or wanting to be active in and around Svalbard. Purpose The purpose of the implementation plan for the web portal is to identify and describe the actions required to develop an integrated test version of the portal. 3

4 Description of service The system to be implemented is an interactive SIOS web portal, giving both access to the SIOS data sets and a wide range of information and support services. The portal addresses the relationship between SIOS-KC and the Svalbard Science Forum (SSF) secretariat. To provide the best services and as an example of integration, best management practice and user friendliness the Web Portal integrates SIOS services with similar services provided by SSF and other providers. By developing an attractive web portal with a high level of functionality it is anticipated that the portal will become the portal for Science in Svalbard. System Description The logic of the web portal is to provide services within the main fields and to the main user group. The portal should provide information (and booking) for: 1. Access to data /explore data 2. Access to infrastructure including an e-book for infrastructure 3. Logistical services 4. Information on research in Svalbard (ref. Svalbard Science Forum and Governor) 5. Research in Svalbard (RIS-database) (either separate or integrated with point 1) 6. Calls for proposals 7. Other relevant information for SIOS-users a. ESS highlights b. Reports/newsletters c. Meetings/conferences/courses/events d. Aob. All areas above being continuously updated otherwise they will be outdated very fast. The main user group is researchers utilizing data from/in Svalbard and researchers conducting data collection in Svalbard. A high activity on these functions is also what will be the success criteria for the portal. In addition, the portal will provide services for other user groups. Other user groups are also identified as future networks and observing programmes that might develop and make use of Svalbard data. The web portal will focus on delivery of services and not reflect the organisational structure of SIOS. The SIOS consortia will be visible, but it is not the consortia in itself that provides added value to the researchers, it is the outcomes of the consortia and it is these services the web portal promotes. The portal will be clearly divided into the four (or more) main fields and have extensive use of interactive maps (GIS presentations) and news. Resource availability and skill sets The test version is designed with the assumption that there will be skilled staff at the SIOS KC to maintain, update and write on a content management programme. Maintenance, updates and editing can also be done from any other location and tasks can be split between several locations. During implementation it is suggested that these tasks are done from the SIOS KC. 4

5 Software and other technology will be reused or purchased. The test version of the portal will utilise of the shelf software products and follow the principals of open source. Constraints associated with product interfaces Even though the test vision will not have implemented the advanced functions foreseen for data access and infrastructure access, some constraints have been identified in relation to the technicalities of harvesting data from a variety of platforms in addition to various degrees of willingness to share information on a new portal. A web editing team is required to implement the test version. Principals of what the graphic design could look like is shown below. The figure is as an attempt graphically to communicate the purpose of SIOS and the services SIOS delivers. In the implementations process external competencies must be used to find the balance between delivering services to frequent users and at the same time use the portal as a tool for outreach. Too see more of the first version of the web portal access the following link: 5

6 3. Management Overview The major task is seeking acceptance from the Steering Board for a portal that to a large extent integrates existing services and presents them in a new and highly integrated way through a common web portal This portal with equal partners presents information based on agreements in a unified format. Description of Implementation A phased approach of implementation is required as several of the advanced services require an operational SIOS KC and SIOS organisation in place. It is recommended that the Implementation of the web portal is closely linked to (and perhaps part of) the KC-setup team. Major Tasks Create a design, programme and utilise the information/products already available through the SIOS PP and the SSF website. Develop a test version of the Web portal. Reserve relevant URLs as: As the 4 major fields ( 1) access to data, 2) access to infrastructure 3) logistical services and 4) information on research on Svalbard) are expected to be used by different users or the same user at different times the 4 tab pages should be able to function independent of the other, but within the overall frame of the web portal. This also indicates that the portal can be active despite not having all the tab pages fully developed. Further tabs could be developed as Funding, RiS Portal etc. More details are given below conserving the success and request for some of these tabs. Tab page - Explore data Success: Monitor user pattern. Are the users finding what they are looking for? Another indicator is volume of visitors. One question in developing this tab page is if it should be split in two Access to data and Access to SIOS data. Instead of a split this functionality can also be accomplished when selecting parameters when conduction a search. The main element of this tab pages is a web map showing SIOS data with selective parameters also not exclusively requiring a geo position. The metadatabase is a task separate from the design of the web portal, but the design (architectural and technical) should take this into account. It is expected that the metadabase is described in D6.6 Implementation Plan for the Distributed SIOS Data Management System. 6

7 Key responsible for developing the tab page is suggested to be: the KC-setup team with content provided by AWI, NPI, SSF and MET.no. Tab page - Access to infrastructure Success: Monitor user pattern. Are the users finding what they are looking for? Another indicator is volume of visitors. One question in developing this tab page is if it should be split in two Access to infrastructure and Access to SIOS infrastructure. Instead of a split this functionality can also be accomplished when selecting parameters when conduction a search. The main element of this tab pages is a booking form (like for booking services in stations in Ny-Ålesund in the new RiS Portal) and a web map with selective parameters also not exclusively requiring a geo position. Key responsible for developing the tab page is the KC-setup team with content provided by initially SSF and subsequently other providers. Tab page Seek Logistical Support Success: Monitor user pattern. Are the users finding what they are looking for? Another indicator is volume of visitors. The main element of this tab pages is a currently not developed. It is foreseen that this tab will have several elements: information on logistics infrastructure and services available at specific SIOS locations at specific time, maps with logistic activities and a calendar. Key responsible for developing the tab page is the KC-setup team with content provided by NP and UNIS and eventually also facilities from other stations. Tab page Access to Svalbard Success: Monitor user pattern. Are the users finding what they are looking for? Another indicator is volume of visitors. The main content has already been developed by Svalbard Science Forum, under the heading Access to Svalbard : The information can be copied as it is. Key responsible for developing the tab page is the KC-setup team with support from SSF. Tab page RiS database When the tab is open a short text describes the RiS database and Portal and indicates that by continuing to RiS the user is leaving the SIOS environment (or to some extent integrate it in the SIOS web portal). 7

8 4. Main actors and content providers Main actors and content providers are the service providers of SIOS. Below follows a table summary of the main service providers identified/suggested. Content provider Name Webmaster NN, SIOS-KC Access to data NN, AWI, NPI, SSF and MET.no, Access to infrastructure NN, institution X Logistics NN, NP and UNIS and other stations Access to Svalbard NN, SSF RIS NN, SSF GIS development NN, institution X Metadatabase development NN, AWI, NPI, SSF and MET.no Agreements need to be established with the various content providers once they have been established. 5. Suggested time plan The figure shows the suggested time plan for the implementation of SIOS The suggested time plan for the implementation phase of the Interactive web portal is 10 years, which is the same time span as the implementation of SIOS. The portal will gradually adopt more levels of interaction and services as these are being developed. It is anticipated that the first version can be presented 6 months after the set up team has become operational. The model for the web portal enables a gradual development of independent services. Services can be developed at different speeds and can be integrated through the web portal. Suggested time plan for the Interactive web portal The suggested model also enables the establishment of the web portal shortly after the Setup Team has been established. The SIOS Data Management System (SDMS) makes use of the rhetoric distributed data management system and one could say the same about the 8

9 Interactive web portal. It makes use of distributed content management. Initial content will focus on the SIOS organisation and existing content provided by existing organisations and to some extent collected by the SIOS-PP. The first year of implementation will require a specification of the service. The project leader shall during the first three years: Distribute web portal responsibilities among the Setup Team, reporting to the SIOS KC director, Establish agreements on technical support, Purchase necessary infrastructure, Coordinate and clarify interfaces with content providers, Set up the objectives for the first three years in yearly steps. An alternative model could be to take more ownership of the metadatabase and/or the remote sensing products and include these in the implementation of the web portal. This has been discussed with the SDMS and the RS group. To ensure a high level of flexibility and distribution of tasks it was found that initially, during implementation, it was found most appropriate to have the web portal implementation as a separate task from the main service providers. At a more mature stage of SIOS alterative models might be more appropriate. 6. Cost estimates for the implementation phase Most of the funding needed for the implementation of the Interactive web portal is related to the personnel at the SIOS-KC. There will also be construction/development costs when initially setting up the service and gradually developing integration of services. The cost of this activity will mainly be on the design and establishment of the technical framework needed to link with the various content providers. Costs for use of content management system and hosting of the site varies among solutions chosen. This can also be an in-kind contribution. The implementation plan has not elaborated on this as this can be clarified as the management of the Set-Up team is developed. It is assumed that the team at the SIOS-KC will have various responsibilities related to the web portal that are identical to the coordination activities they are responsible for. Despite this, a focus must also be kept on the possibility for further integration of services, products and activities. Suggestion for a concrete web-portal project As yet none of the SIOS partners of SIOS-PP has offered to take responsibility for the design and development of the interactive web-portal it seems obvious to invite a professional partner/company to perform this work and do this in close collaboration with the implementation plans for SDMS and the other services of SIOS-KC. Assuming that the items/areas as mentioned above in section "system description" (and if necessary additional areas) the development of the portal can begin by going deeper into the material and specify the requirements for all the different areas. Either the development 9

10 of an interactive web-portal is done "in-house" or by an external partner the following is requested: 1. Analysis of deliverables for the interactive web-portal o A list of type of pages needed for each section /service o A PDD (page description diagram) for each type of page, detailing what items will appear and their respective priority o A feature list outlining the functionality and interactions provided to the end user by each type of page. 2. Information on architecture o Design a layout of each type of page, according to the requirements gathered from point 1, with the goal to balance the specific needs of each areas with the user's need for a simple, usable and consistent interface. o Production of a mockup for each page which illustrates the size and position of each items on the page (does not deal with the graphic design). 3. Visual identity o Create a captivating visual identity that will convey the values and objectives of SIOS. o Create and share compositions throughout the design process. For the implementation of the web-portal it is suggested to set up a work team with representatives from the SDMS, RS, Logistics, Access to RI, outreach/general info about Svalbard and the external professionals. The goal should be to come up with a blueprint resulted from the design process and based on technologies that ensure the right balance between flexibility and functionality. The estimated cost for this first version of an interactive web-portal is difficult to predict, but after consulting an international company (Kairostudio 1, based in Parma, Italy) such a work can be offered at approx In addition come in-kind from SIOS partners (providing the different services) and purchase of hardware. A total sum of is therefore suggested for the first year of the web-portal implementation. Second year will require only small maintenance (at a level of ) whereas a new upgrade must be planned for in year 3 (at a level of ). A setup for an interactive web-portal integrating all the functionalities and services to be provided by SIOS-LC will require cash. One of the external evaluators of the concept of SIOS (March/April 2014) has commented that the costs for the web-portal are somehow underestimated. For the time being we have nothing else then the budget/cost-estimate from Kaoristudios to rely on. Any further external action/calls for web-design will require extra cost from the current SIOS-pot, which we cannot allow under SIOS-PP. However, the cost estimates seems to be realistic taken into consideration the close cooperation with the SDSM and RS. The indicated costs estimates includes major updates of the functionality every second year. 1 Kairostudio has performed web- and ICT-work for UNIS and they know a lot about research and outreach in and for this region (ref. Ragnhild Rønneberg) 10

11 Interactive web portal FTE 0,5 In-kind - EUR FTE 0,5 In-kind - EUR FTE 0,5 In-kind - EUR FTE= full time employee (0,5 = 6 person months) 11