Data Resources for Rural Sustainability Research

Project Status: Completed (See Final Report Summary)
Type of Project: Scoping Study
Principal Investigator: Dr Nigel Boatman, CSL York (Email)
Website

 

Objectives

Researchers involved in the RELU programme will require access to a wide range of data and computational tools to carry out integrated analyses. This project aims to explore generic and interdisciplinary issues of data management and integration relevant to the aims of the RELU programme, and provide a wider perspective on the policy and organisation of rural economy and land use data in the UK. Data access, management and informatics requirements will be evaluated through a questionnaire survey of the RELU research community. An inventory of large-scale datasets will be drawn up and data access and availability issues will be investigated through a consultation process with data holders and managers. Information on data management models, data integration initiatives, statistical and analytical techniques will be collected through consultation and dialogue with data managers, programme managers, computer science groups, informaticians and statisticians. Developments and trends in these areas will be reviewed and the potential application of technological innovations assessed. The results will be resolved into a series of potential options for data management solutions within the RELU programme; they will also potentially inform the development of data management strategies for future research programmes, and future developments within and between the Research Councils.

PUBLICATIONS

Working Papers/Briefing Papers

McKay, H., Boatman, N., Aegerter, J., Jones, N., Stones, R., Murray, A. Short, C. and Firbank,. L. (2005) Data resources for rural sustainability research: realising their combined potential.
http://reludata.csl.gov.uk

McKay, H., Boatman, N., Jones, N. and Stones, R. (2005) Data resources for rural sustainability research: realising their combined potential. Annex A. Questionnaire survey of RELU research community.
http://reludata.csl.gov.uk

Watkins, J., Howard, D., McKay, H. and Murray, A. (2006) “Review of the countryside information system and its use in Countryside Survey Data Dissemination” Report to the Countryside Survey Steering Group.

Conference Papers and Presentations

McKay, H., Boatman, N., Jones, N. and Stondes, R. (2005) "Rural economy and land use data requirements, access and integration" Presentation to RELU Workshop ‘People and the Rural Environment: Scoping the Research Agenda’ 18 May, York.
http://www.relu.ac.uk/events/WorkshopMay05/1BBoatman.pdf