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Data Management Program

Anangu and staff collect many different types of land management data using digital cameras, geographic positioning systems, National Livestock Identification System readers or radio trackers during monitoring and survey work. This data provides a long term record of change. There are two specific projects dedicated to managing this data so that it is stored systematically, can be retrieved when needed, and can be used to make management decisions. (a) Database The Land Management database is an on-going project that has continued to develop over the past year. Through increased use and suggestions from APYLM staff, the consultant working on the database has been able to remove many glitches and improve the ease of use. The database is now separated into three distinct input sections; APYLM Administration - which contains meeting logs and minutes, personnel skills information and timesheet records APYLMS - which stores field data that is collected for bores, rock holes and water points, threatened species, patch burning, cultural information, livestock paddock information and numerous other areas APYLM Photo Database- Which stores all photos taken by people doing land management work. The APYLM database has spatial links with MapInfo, a type of computer software that enables all types of data to be used create maps of the data. Six Land Management staff participated in MapInfo training as an introduction to the software and to receive more experience in the management of spatial data and the potential for linking this to photos and other data sets maintained by the Land Management Unit. Six key Anangu from the Executive membership, Directors and Malpas (mentors) received an orientation and introduction to the strengths of having data linked spatially to maps and photos. (b) Photo Library The Photo Library is an ever increasing library of all the digital photos produced during Land Management work activities. It now includes some collections from previous staff and other agencies.  It has undergone significant changes over this financial year. A computer has been purchased specifically for Anangu to access the Photo Library and down load their own photos. Anangu have started using it to look at photos of works and assist in the cataloguing of ‘unknown’ photos. Some Rangers have been receiving on-going training in cataloguing and a login has been installed so that people need to log in to change or delete information. This computer is also a permanent workstation for scanning old photos into the database. There is now over 10,000 photos stored on the Library.