South Florida Ecosystem Program database development

Abstract

Purpose The South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Program is an intergovernmental effort to reestablish and maintain the ecosystem of south Florida. One element of the restoration effort is the development of a firm scientific basis for resource decision making. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is one of the agencies that provides scientific information as part of the South Florida Ecosystem Program (SFEP). The program, which was begun in fiscal year 1995, provides multidisciplinary hydrologic, cartographic, geologic, and biologic data that relate to the mainland of south Florida, the Florida Bay, and the Florida Keys and Reef ecosystems. A database with established transfer formats, definitions, and spatial registration greatly promotes dissemination of scientific data and information in a cost-effective manner. Shared databases may help elevate the quality and quantity of available information. By acquiring data from the database, individual users can certify and evaluate data. With appropriate management oversight, this generally leads to improved consistency and increased reliability in the database.