Databases

Presentation of data from databases on the internet

Scientific data is often maintained in (sometimes sophisticated relational) databases. These data can be presented in a dynamic web application.

The data does not necessarily have to be transferred into a format that is compatible with internet databases. Data that is saved in Microsoft Office products such as Access or Excel can often very easily manipulated for database applications on the internet.

This way, results of long-term scientific studies or continuing analyses of data of a particular topic can be made accessible to the public. Data from the literature are a classical example. After the establishment of such a platform data can be added continuously. By the press of a button the most up-to-date version of an Access or Excel file can be published immediately. This is a substantial advantage of the internet over the printed media.

For example: www.climate-and-freshwater.info

An example for the incorporation of an extensive database is represented by the website www.climate-and-freshwater.info. Climate-and-freshwater.info is a product of Euro-Limpacs, a major EU-funded Integrated Project. Euro-Limpacs investigates the effects of Climate Change on rivers, lakes and wetlands, through increased temperature, altered hydrology and the interactions with other stressors.

This website illustrates the effects of climate change on freshwater-ecosystems and presents indicators that can be used to demonstrate these effects.

Almost all data of this website are being generated dynamically from a database on the server. The user is able to navigate efficiently through up-to-date lists of indicators and literature and can access details on separate, single pages. Continuous updates of the database guarantee immediacy and a modern presentation of current scientific results.