ORA staff have experience in developing data informatics systems and applying in-house data-driven website design to meet the needs of a broad range of research projects, extension programs, and policy initiatives. These tools allow for the more efficient and effective flow of data between stakeholders and provide new and innovative ways of conveying information in a dynamic manner. Some of the capabilities we provide include:
- SQL-based database design and development for data management
- Expertise in multiple scripting languages (PHP, Python, R, others) to provide custom data analysis, application functionality and APIs for access database back-ends.
- Expertise in interactive web mapping applications utilizing frameworks such as ArcGIS Server/Javascript, Leaflet, and OpenLayers.
- Custom GIS datasets, analyses, and visualizations using custom python scripting.
- Interactive visualizations, dashboards and custom reports using toolkits such as Dygraphs and Highcharts.
- Experience working with Big Data and providing responsive database designs for efficient queries and access to data.
Current/Past Projects:
NJFloodMapper
Project Investigators: Lisa Auermuller (NJAES/JCNERR), Jeanne Herb (EJB/EAC), Marjorie Kaplan (SEBS/RCI), Robert Kopp (SEBS/EOAS) Richard Lathrop (SEBS/CRSSA) & Lucas Marxen (NJAES/ORA)
This project developed an online mapping tool for visualizing the potential impact of future flooding events on New Jersey localities. The application developed by ORA provides users with interactive data layers and analytical tools for understanding the impact of sea-level rise and other flooding events on a variety of infrastructure and resources.
NJ MOD IV Historical Database
Project Investigators: Marc Pfeiffer (EJB/LGRC) and Lucas Marxen (NJAES/ORA)
The NJ MOD IV Historical Database provides an over 30-year historical database of all the parcel tax records for the entire state of New Jersey. The database if fully query-able through a interactive form or mapping interface and allows users to explore and download the data records. This project was funded by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.
New Jersey Land Use + Transit Data Application (NJLUTRANS)
Project Investigators: Jon Carnegie (EJB/VTC) and Lucas Marxen (NJAES/ORA)
Developed in partnership with NJTRANSIT, the NJLUTRANS application allows users to map, report, analyze and download a range of land use, travel, public transit, demographic, and real estate development data. The data available in the application are useful to elected officials, community and economic development professionals, real estate developers, land use planners, transit service planners, and others engaged in the land use and transportation planning process.
Regional Shellfish Biosecurity Surveillance (BETA)
Project Investigators: David Bushek (NJAES/HSRL), Lisa Calvo (NJAES/HSRL), Ryan Carnegie (VIMS), Lori Gustafson (USDA/APHIS), Karen Hudson (VIMS), Jerome La Peyre (LSU), Lucas Marxen (NJAES/ORA), Jennifer Pollack (TA&M), Robert Rheault (ECSGA), Peter Rowe (NJSG), Leslie Sturmer (FSG) and William Walton (AUSL)
The Regional Shellfish Biosecurity Surveillance application provides a functional, web-accessible, regional database on molluscan shellfish health that can be used to provide the best available science to regulators and industry to maximize biosecurity while not unnecessarily restricting reasonable inter- and intrastate commerce in shellfish seed and broodstock. The project has received two rounds of funding to collect and monitor data on both the East Coast and the Gulf of Mexico. This project has received funding from the NOAA Saltonstall-Kennedy Program, the NOAA Sea Grant Advanced Aquaculture Collaborative Program, and ongoing support from the East Coast Shellfish Growers Association.
NJ Forest Adapt
Project Investigators: Richard Lathrop (SEBS/CRSSA), Jason Grabosky (SEBS/DEENR), Marjorie Kaplan (SEBS/RCI) & Lucas Marxen (NJAES/ORA)
NJ Forest Adapt was developed to inform forest stewardship and community forestry management plans, efforts to protect watersheds, resiliency planning and adaptive management in New Jersey in the face of climate change. Users can explore current and future climate projections of temperatures and precipitation as well as maps of forest carbon, tree species distribution, pest and disease risks and other factors. Automated “municipal forestry snapshots” provide users with easy access to information about the state of forest resources in every New Jersey municipality.
NJDEP Water Monitoring & Standards Interactive Mapping & Data Resources
Project Investigators: Lucas Marxen (NJAES/ORA)
This collection of four applications monitor water quality data for the NJDEP’s Bureau of Marine Water Monitoring and provide user interfaces for understanding current marine water quality throughout the state. Applications include the Rainfall Data Acquisition, Air Craft Remote Sensing, Continuous Data Monitoring Program, and Coastal Monitoring Program tools.
Parking Data App (BETA)
Project Investigators: Mike Smart (EJB/VTC), Jon Carnegie (EJB/VTC) and Lucas Marxen (NJAES/ORA)
The Parking Data App provides near real-time parking facility location and pricing information for the business districts of major metropolitan areas across the U.S. This application was funded by the American Public Transportation Association to assist planners in evaluating vehicle commuting into business districts in comparison to transit alternatives.
New Jersey Hydrologic Modeling Database
Project Investigator: Lucas Marxen (NJAES/ORA)
The NJ HMD application collects thousands of plans developed for erosion and sediment control under that are submitted to NJ Soil Conservation Districts. The application allows for the submission, review, certification and continued monitoring of all the submitted projects. This project was developed in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Agriculture.
Rutgers SARE Agricultural Market Research App
Project Investigators: Michelle Infante-Casella (NJAES/RCE), Lucas Marxen (NJAES/ORA), Brian Schilling (NJAES/RCE) and Richard VanVranken (NJAES/RCE)
The Agricultural Research Market App provides New Jersey farmers with market research data obtained through the US Census American Community Survey to better understand potential market opportunities for their produce. Specific emphasis is on the identification of specific ethnic groups and produce specific to their diets. The application links to the World Crops website to provide farmers with information about those ethnic-centric crops and how to produce them. This application was funded by the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program.