The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) Office of Aquatic Invasive Species (OAIS) has surveyed over 260 waterbodies across Connecticut since 2004 to document native and invasive aquatic plant species. This extensive data collection aims to map species locations and abundances, track the spread of invasives, and monitor changes in aquatic plant communities over time. These data are crucial for lake associations, lake management consultants, and government officials in managing aquatic invasive species and preventing their spread.
The goals of this project were to enhance public access to the data and transform the way OAIS communicates information with the public using ArcGIS Experience Builder. Achieving these goals required a comprehensive overhaul of the data management system. In this session, you will learn about the necessity of the project, its implementation, and the challenges encountered along the way.