Jonathan Cooper

Database, GIS and web developer, Biological Records Centre

Speciality

Relational databases, GIS, Java programming and developing web applications

Details

I have evolved from being someone who worked on birds in the field to now living in the virtual world of biological records and digital maps. I am especially interested in taking forward the opportunities that current technologies provide for the sharing of biological information.  In turn, this benefits conservation, research, planning and biological recording itself.

Over the last four years I have been one of the technical team responsible for building the National Biodiversity Network’s Gateway (www.searchnbn.net).  This provides access to around 20 million biological records through a variety of interfaces. I have specialised in developing the spatial components of the system. These include setting up spatially enabled relational databases and developing strategies for controlling access to and presentation of biological records in maps and reports on the internet.

I have recently become involved in two other strands of work that require internet mapping. Firstly, a European project called Delivering Alien Invasive Species Inventories for Europe, which will do what it says on the tin. Secondly, I developed a bespoke internet mapping interface to demonstrate how CEH spatial data can be delivered across its sites.

My specific technical abilities (May 2005) are:

• GIS and on-line mapping: formal training and in-depth knowledge of ESRI’s ArcSDE on SQL Server. Confident at setting up map services in ArcIMS and building / customising Javascript html viewers. Experienced at building server side Java classes for connecting GIS clients to ArcSDE and other spatial data sources.  Strong understanding and regular use of other GIS systems.
• Java programming: strong understanding and implementation of Java object oriented programming.  Most commonly used for Java Server Pages, server side Java beans and servlets.
• Relational databases: (SQLServer, Oracle and Access) strong understanding and implementation of relational database design, building and optimisation.  Particular experience and formal training with SQLServer.