4 Answer Finder

The Answer Finder is an ever-growing compilation of questions and answers gleaned from conversations on the CANRI support lists, various workshops and seminars, and from the community of experts associated with the program. As such, it is useful for all readers.

The more current form of this resource is a searchable database available online at: www.canri.nsw.gov.au/diy/. In the print version of the DIY, the list is sorted alphabetically on Component/Product.

Question	Answer	User	C/P	Reference
How do I submit a dataset?	If you have a hosting arrangement with DLWC, contact the CANRI Technical Officer to review procedures. Generally, updating your data is organised according to policies negotiated between you and your host service.	DC	-	Hosting services
How do I enter or update a metadata record?	You must have a login to access the MEM and MET Online. This can be organised by application to the CANRI Technical Officer. Once you have an account, you can manage most of your metadata directly from the administration interfaces for MET Online and MEM.	DC	MET Online MEM	Managing Metadata
Can I request a dataset be added by another agency?	Generally, CANRI does not act as a broker to fulfil specific data requests. If you know which agency is responsible for the data you're looking for, contact them directly. If you're not sure, send a note to CANRI-talk and see if someone can advise you.	WT AP	-	CANRI-Talk email list
How can I contact the people who created a dataset on CANRI?	All data in the CANRI framework is registered in the NRDD. The metadata in this registry provides contact details. You will need to access this metadata record to find contact details. Many applications provide links to these metadata records from the map legend. If this is not available, try searching for the dataset using the NRA.	WT AP	NRA	NSW Natural Resources Atlas
Why are some key datasets not present?	Some agencies are still working through the issues associated with making data available outside their boundaries. There has been a tremendous amount of work done to inventory existing resources and assess priorities. This project is being coordinated through the CANRI Data Framework project. If you have a specific data requirement, please make your comments to the responsible agency and engage with the CANRI-Talk mailing list.	WT AP	-	CANRI Data Framework
What security does CANRI provide for the data?	There are no known security risks specific to CANRI. Normal web security procedures are entirely adequate preparation for providing CANRI-compliant services.	WT AP IT	-	Are there security risks?
How can I access Australia-wide datasets?	Access to a select range of national datasets is provided through the Australian Natural Resources Atlas. These datasets are not directly available to the CANRI framework currently, although plans are under way to enable this capability under the OWS initiative.	WT AP	-	Australian Natural Resources Atlas (ANRA) CANRI OWS proposal
How do I download the data behind the map?	This functionality is provided only in specific applications at the current time. The most popular of these applications is SoEDirect, which supports access to the EPA's State of the Environment reporting data. A separate CANRI project to enable data access is being undertaken through the DatEx initiative. Currently, the most reliable method for arranging data access is to contact the data custodian. This information is provided in the ANZLIC metadata record for the dataset stored in the NRDD and available through the NRA.	WT AP	DatEx NRA	DatEx (CANRI Project #11) NSW Natural Resources Atlas
Do CANRI applications provide access to documents as well as maps and data?	A collection of geo-referenced text documents can be listed as a dataset in the NRDD. Typically, the custodian for this collection would provide a map data layer through a map or feature server. The server returns the collection's mappable information (eg, point or coverage). Users clicking on this feature would be shown a data record that includes a URL to the text document.	WT	NRDD
Can the CANRI site host my GIS map?	CANRI can help you arrange for hosting at a number of CANRI agencies or network partners. We'll need to discuss the details of your requirements. Please contact the CANRI Business Development Manager.	WT AP	-	Hosting services
What software do I need to create an application?	Simple applications can be created using normal HTML markup, so you really only need a text editor and a website. More complex applications can involve almost any level of technical skills and development tools.	WT
Can CANRI tell me about the data (quality, currency) listed in the NRDD?	This information is available in the dataset's ANZLIC metadata record (which you can locate by searching the NRA). If this information is not sufficient, you need to contact the administrative contact listed.	WT AP	NRDD	Natural Resources Data Dictionary (NRDD)
Can I connect to the CANRI catalog from my own application?	Yes, but currently CANRI does not support the OpenGIS catalog protocol, so you'll need to work with the original CSGI protocols. If this is confusing, you probably need to get in touch with the CANRI Technical Officer	WT	Catalog


Community Access to Natural Resources Information	...the power of shared information