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Welcome
Innovative Solutions at the interface of Ecology, Noreca is an innovative environmental and IT-consulting firm based in Wolfville, Nova Scotia (Canada). We offer high quality products and services at the interface of Environmental Science, Ecology and Information Technology. We develop computer simulation models and web applications for ecological system analysis, natural resource management and decision support. Noreca was founded in 2006. Over the years we have successfully completed numerous research and consulting projects both nationally and internationally. Together with a wide network of associates and IT professionals we offer the unique combination of scientific expertise in the ecological and environmental science sector and state-of-the-art knowledge in software, database and web application development. We are dedicated to provide our customers with quality solutions, products, and services based on a broad background of experience and diverse competencies. We are located in the beautiful Annapolis Valley region in Nova Scotia, Canada. Please use the contact form if you wish to get in touch with us. Solutions
Innovative Solutions at the interface of Ecology, Many of our projects require a unique combination of technological and environmental approaches. Information TechnologyWe offer a wide range of IT solutions to service our clients. Our technology and framework solutions are carefully chosen to meet the needs for each individual project and client. We deliver stand-alone desktop applications and user-friendly web applications embedded with spatial data analysis tools and relational databases. If you have a simulation model that requires a user-friendly interface or a web-based implementation we would be happy to assist you. We also offer web development services including PHP, J2EE, JavaScript, CSS and HTML. PHP"PHP is a general-purpose scripting language originally designed for web development to produce dynamic web pages. For this purpose, PHP code is embedded into the HTML source document and interpreted by a web server with a PHP processor module, which generates the web page document." [...] Read more at [wikipedia.org]. MySQL"MySQL is a relational database management system that runs as a server providing multi-user access to a number of databases. It is named after developer Michael Widenius' daughter, My. The SQL phrase stands for Structured Query Language." [...] Read more at [wikipedia.org]. C++"C++ is a statically typed, free-form, multi-paradigm, compiled, general-purpose programming language. It is regarded as an intermediate-level language, as it comprises a combination of both high-level and low-level language features." [...] Read more at [wikipedia.org]. Java"Java is a programming language originally developed by James Gosling at Sun Microsystems (which is now a subsidiary of Oracle Corporation) and released in 1995 as a core component of Sun Microsystems' Java platform. The language derives much of its syntax from C and C++ but has a simpler object model and fewer low-level facilities." [...] Read more at [wikipedia.org]. XML"Extensible Markup Language (XML) is a set of rules for encoding documents in machine-readable form. It is defined in the XML 1.0 produced by the W3C, and several other related specifications, all gratis open standards." [...] Read more at [wikipedia.org]. Javascript"JavaScript, is a prototype-based, object-oriented scripting language that is dynamic, weakly typed and has first-class functions. It is also considered a functional programming language like Scheme and OCaml because it has closures and supports higher-order functions." [...] Read more at [wikipedia.org].. XSLT"XSLT (Extensible Stylesheet Language Transformations) is a declarative, XML-based language used for the transformation of XML documents. The original document is not changed; rather, a new document is created based on the content of an existing one. The new document may be serialized (output) by the processor in standard XML syntax or in another format, such as HTML or plain text. XSLT is most often used to convert data between different XML schemas or to convert XML data into web pages or PDF documents." [...] Read more at [wikipedia.org].. Environmental ManagementNoreca Consulting provides highly qualified personnel and expertise in the field of ecological system analysis, simulation modeling and specialized IT-services. We place the highest importance on the multidirectional flow of ideas and communication. We offer attention to detail, a high level of expertise, and state-of-the-art software technologies. Most importantly, we have a strong commitment to excellence. We will deliver a product that meets the very highest of standards, on time and within budget. Ecol. ModelingEcological models are applied at different levels of biological organization. One can differentiate between individual-based models, population models, community models or ecosystem models that deal with processes at the ecosystem level. We are well experienced in all of the above fields. In the past, we have frequently developed and applied PVA models to assess management and conservation scenarios for endangered wildlife species. Population Viability Analysis (PVA) is a tool for identifying threats and assessing the likelihood of persistence for a given time into the future. We use both custom-made software applications and standard PVA packages (e.g. RamasGIS) to provide meaningful management solutions. Natural Resource ModelingAt Noreca we develop and apply state-of-the-art computer simulation models in forestry, agriculture and other land use management sectors. Our service spectrum ranges from spatial optimization tools and landscape simulators to decision support tools for land use management. Simulation ModelingIn addition to our expertise in the environmental and biological science field our consultancy offers unique services and products in the vast field of simulation modeling including socio-economic modeling, supply chain simulation and network optimization. We have recently started to expand into these domains and would be happy to discuss our range of services with you. Products
Innovative Solutions at the interface of Ecology, Below you'll find a short selection of simulation models and web applications we have developed for some of our clients. CBMN WebappThe CBMN web application is an interactive mapping and database application developed for the community-based monitoring network (CBMN) Pilot Study commissioned by the NWMB and in collaboration with IMG-Golder Corp. The front-end consists of a PHP Model-View-Controller Framework with latest JavaScript and Ajax technologies. The back-end is based on a MySQL relational database. The application is developed around a modular concept and consists e.g. of an upload module, a data analysis tool, a download module for GIS import, an automated timesheet tool for payment of community data clerks, and several interactive mapping features (Google Map API).
The CBMN tool is used for wildlife management in Nunavut and part of a continuing effort to collect community-based wildlife and harvest data. Pilot communities in the 2011-2012 study include Cambridge Bay, Arviat and Sanikiluaq with approximately 40 Inuit hunters collection data via hand-held devices. The CBMN web application is lightweight and especially suited for lower bandwidths.
NWMB LibraryNoreca was contracted to develop the new, state-of-the-art online library for the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board (NWMB). It includes several modules allowing access for public users, researchers, librarians, and administrators. The library holds NWMB’s current and future traditional knowledge database with electronic documents for upload and download by registered users (PDF files, maps, audio recordings, etc).
One of the many features includes e.g. autosuggest functionality similar to a Google search and an administrator module for managing user accounts. The front-end of the application is developed in PHP with a MySQL back-end running on a CentOS Linux server. Visit the library at www.nwmb-lib.com BWCSimBWCSim 1.1 (Boreal Woodland Caribou Simulator) is a stand-alone, C++-based desktop application for non-spatial population viability and sensitivity analysis of Woodland Caribou in Canada's boreal forest. The simulation model was developed as part of Environment Canada's initiative to identify critical habitat across Canada. You can download the full report entitled "Scientific Review for the Identification of Critical Habitat for Woodland Caribou, Boreal Population (Rangifer tarandus caribou) in Canada" [here].
BWCSim 1.1 offers two main options for setting up the population structure: a stage-based Leslie Matrix with currently 2 stages or a an age-based model with up to 18 age classes (both female only). We have also developed a Java-based web version that allows online real-time analysis. To run the Java Applet please open this [link] in a separate window. If you would like to use the stand-alone version for your own research or analysis please use the contact form to get in touch with us. We will send you an MSI installation file (latest release: March, 13th 2009) SEATThe Sensitivity Analysis Tool (SEAT) is a PHP/MySQL web application for graphical data analysis of woodland caribou population viability in Canada. It plots pre-simulated data provided by BWCSimMod 1.1. Currently, simulation results from over 4000 demographic models of woodland caribou are stored in the SEAT relational database.
Thus far a total of 2.0 Million simulations have been completed and summary statistic stored in the database. SEAT is currently not available in the public domain. Please contact us if you are interested in exploring a web version of SEAT as a registered user. MPAWebDrogueMPA represents a modified and improved WebDrogue interface to assisst in the analysis of marine protected area (MPA) connectivity at the North American East Coast. WebDrogue itsself is a marine drift prediction software originally developed by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), Canada.
The new Java-based 'MPA' version is able to run simulation scenarios for multiple drift particles linked to a database for hourly wind direction and wind speed. Users are able to set up polygons for marine protected areas and simulate their connectivity. In order to install the new update you need to install the previous WebDrogue version first (DFO Website). You can download the MPA package with installation instructions here [WebDroguePortalPackage.zip] TRECOSTRECOS is an individual-based, stochastic computer model to simulate carbon dynamics of live and dead trees in a Central Amazon rain forest near Manaus, Brazil. The model, funded by Tulane University and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is based on analyses of extensive field studies caried out on permanent forst inventory plots, and synthesis of published studies. Noreca Consulting was asked to develop a cross-platform, Java-based user interface for data visualization and analysis. Over the years we have added multiple features for spatial data output and episodic mortality events such as windfalls.
Personnel
Clients[Agriculture and Agri-food Canada (Canada)] [Elutis Modeling & Consulting (Canada)] [Environment Canada - Landscape Science and Technology Branch (Canada)] [Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (USA)] [National Institute for Climate Change Research (USA)] [Nunavut Wildlife Management Board (Canada)] [Ontario Model Forest (Canada]) CareersNo open positions available at this time Contact
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NewsSeptember, 2012: Nancy Luse from Professional Surveyor Magazine reports about the Community-Based Monitoring Network (CBMN) in Nunavut.June, 2012: MoU signed with Acadia University and Frostbyte ConsultingMay, 2012: CBC Radio reports on CBMN Pilot Study in NunavutFebruary, 2012: Noreca Consulting welcomes new software developer Janith PedurugeNovember, 2011: Noreca welcomes Elisabeth Frost on our teamJuly, 2011: Nunavut Wildlife Management Boards awards IMG Golder and Noreca contract to design and develop wildlife monitoring programApril, 2011: Noreca Report on incidental take by mechanical operations estimate annual loss of several Million birds on agricultural lands in CanadaJanuary, 2010: Caribou Viability Assessment Portal (CVAP) releasedJanuary, 2009: Noreca welcomes Rebecca Jeppesen as a new system ecologistAugust, 2008: 3-day Workshop on Population Viability Analysis (PVA) at Acadia University's KC Irving Environmental Science Center (Oct 22-24, 2008)July, 2008: New Release for WebDrogue Marine Drift Prediction ModelDecember, 2007: Study on Hurricane Katrina's Carbon Footprint published in ScienceNancy Luse from Professional Surveyor Magazine reports about the Community-Based Monitoring Network (CBMN) in Nunavut. Living in harsh arctic conditions that provide little in the way of vegetation, the Inuit—basically translated as “first peoples of Canada”—have for centuries depended on polar bears, walrus, seals, and caribou for their food. That remains the case, but harpoons and other traditional weapons are being replaced with rifles, and snowmobiles now make following animal herds easier than walking or using a dog sled. Adding to these changes, in what has been a simple world, is a handheld computer the Inuit are using to help their government monitor wildlife populations. [Read full article]Memorandum of Understanding signed with Acadia University and Frostbyte Consulting. Noreca, Acadia University’s Student Resource Centre (SRC) and Frostbyte Consulting have teamed up to develop a customized web solution for managing exam accommodations for students with intellectual and physical disabilities. In searching for innovative solutions, Noreca’s specialization in the design of custom software was recognized and a formal funding agreement was reached. A multi-phase deployment will begin in the fall of 2012. The first phase includes implementation of a web application to provide secure and central access. Once the software suite has been sufficiently tested and deployed, Noreca and Frostbyte will market and tailor this software, beginning with regional educational institutions, many of which are currently unequipped to handle the need for disability support.CBC Radio reports on CBMN Pilot Study in Nunavut Inuit Hunters in Nunavut have been heading out across the tundra armed with hand-held computers provided by the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board. Wherever the hunters stop to observe or hunt a muskox, caribou or other animal, they tap their observations into the device. Freelancer David Kattenburg explains why this pilot project is a win-win for hunters and for the Wildlife Management Board. (Runs 6:57)Noreca Consulting welcomes new software developer Janith Peduruge. Janith Peduruge is Noreca’s new Software Developer. His education and experiences are in the fields of systems design and large scale software architecture. Janith is well-experienced in web technologies such as Java, CMS, PHP, and MySQL. In 2011, before joining Noreca, Janith was the lead developer for the Ontario Food Industry.Noreca Consulting welcomes Elisabeth Frost on our team Elisabeth Frost will join our team as a new Junior Biologist and Administrative Assisstant. Elisabeth is a recent graduate from Acadia University where she studied stressor effects on honeybee learning and memory as part of her Master's degree. We are loooking forward working with you Elisabeth!Nunavut Wildlife Management Boards awards IMG Golder and Noreca contract to design and develop wildlife monitoring program A joint venture of IMG Golder Corporation, Noreca Consulting and Juniper Systems was awarded a $1.5 Million contract to assist the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board with the design and implementation of a Nunavut-wide, community-based wildlife monitoring program. Noreca Consulting's role in the project is to develop customized Mobile Applications for ultra-rugged field devices that will allow hunters to collect important wildlife data. Noreca will also develop and host a database-driven web application and assist with the training of data clerks and Inuit hunters in three selected Inuit communities.Noreca Report on incidental take by mechanical operations estimate annual loss of several Million birds on agricultural lands in Canada In collaboration with Environment Canada Noreca developed a modeling protocol and extensive meta-analysis about bird mortality on agricultural lands. It is unique as it is the first attempt to estimate total incidental take by agricultural operations across Canada. Based on our calculations for 24 species across Canada the total annual estimated incidental take of young birds could be as high as 1,3 Million for American goldfinch. Estimated net losses to the fall flight of birds (i.e., those birds which would have fledged successfully in the absence of mechanical disturbance) were, for example 320,700 for bobolink and 455,750 for American goldfinch. For non-waterfowl species we estimated that between 0.6% and 21.9% of the total population size are annually killed through mechanical operations. |
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