2008 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) 1) Provide support to the existing CEAP database effort in acquiring and vetting watershed data to gain an understanding of the extent and complexity of the conservation-research data that exists at a variety of research locations. Possible locations may include CEAP watersheds (Cropland & Grazing Lands), REAP, and GRACEnet locations. 2) Provide website design and development support with the primary effort in acquiring research data, GIS data, and research metadata from watershed data producers; and, populating web pages with acquired content. 3) Provide additional support the ArcGIS Server-based CEAP data delivery system through system development and system configuration skills. 4) Examine additional data visualization techniques and delivery opportunities with a focus on Google Earth using web-based data management techniques and programming skills. 5) Provide support to the development of web-casts and other informative sessions to assist data producers in moving their data into the database system. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) This project facilitates on-going development and enhanced functionality for web-based research information management systems, such as, the STEWARDS (Sustaining the Earth’s Watersheds, Agricultural Research Data System) database. The STEWARDS database has been developed to enable users to search, visualize, and download agricultural research data from CEAP watersheds. Personnel assigned to this project will work with NSTL information management staff and CEAP, REAP, and GRACEnet scientists at the ARS research watersheds to populate databases with agricultural research data in a timely manner, provide programmatic support to the development of web-based data delivery systems, and develop educational tools for research personnel. In addition, programming and data visualization techniques will be developed for retrieval, display, and downloading of data by Agency and non-Agency scientists to help quantify the short- and long-term benefits of conservation practices throughout the nation. 3.Progress Report The purpose of this agreement is to support the development of the existing Conservation Effects Assessment Program (CEAP) efforts to develop a comprehensive database for watershed resource efforts. This database is constructed around a geographic information system base which is linked through a relational database structure and includes a methods catalog for detailed description of the data collection methods. This project helped to support the website design to provide a user with more descriptive details on each watershed project. Data screening methods have been developed to ensure data integrity as data are moved among data providers to data users. These efforts have been used to identify potential problems with current data being collected and quality parameters that need to be evaluated in the routine data collection and archival processes. Progress is evaluated through monthly meetings with project personnel.