Centralizing Alaska’s Lake Data with an Interactive Map Viewer
Back to InsightsIn Brief
Alaska’s Division of Sport Fish faced difficulties in synthesizing insights about the state’s lake system due to fragmented data held in various locations. Resource Data developed a consolidated, centralized database and custom web application for the Division to access this data. The web application includes an interactive map that allows users, including the public, to filter and export data on Alaska’s lakes.
Challenge
Managing data for 1,300 lakes and answering related queries was daunting for the biologists in Alaska’s Division of Sport Fish due to the siloed nature of the data, which was scattered across multiple spreadsheets, databases, and paper files. Resource Data was approached to help identify and prioritize the Division’s needs. Consolidating lake-related data into a single database, accessible via a map-based interface emerged as the Division’s top priority.
Solution
Resource Data designed a comprehensive database to store the Division’s lake-centric data, integrating it with other databases within the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G). A custom web application was also built with both administrative and public components.
Through the administrative component, Division staff can:
- Maintain lake data
- Query and extract data for analysis and reporting
- View data using an interactive map
The public interactive map viewer, utilizing a Google Earth interface, offers features such as:
- Filtering lakes by criteria like species or stocking dates, aiding anglers in finding ideal fishing spots
- Exporting data
The new system, dubbed the Alaska Lake Database (ALDAT), has been well received, as noted in the Division’s You can also try out the site yourself here.
Approach
The project began with the development of architectural and database designs based on the Division’s existing SQL Server lake database. Enhancements included adding and reorganizing tables to support new datasets.
For the interactive map in the new web app, Google Earth was utilized per the Division’s request. The web app was developed using the ASP.NET Model View Controller (MVC) design pattern, enabling easier adaptation to ADF&G-mandated database and graphic design changes.
The project was executed using the Scrum methodology, with a Division staff member serving as a key Scrum team member and Product Owner. She prioritized user stories and tested each one thoroughly to ensure project success.
