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The National Environmental Information Exchange

Network

Lessons Learned in Data Exchange

Mitch West, Executive Coordinator

Portland, Oregon

January 22, 2010

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Introduction to the Exchange Network

• What is the Exchange Network?• How did we build it?• Why should you

care?

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What is the Exchange Network?

HTTP servers using SOAP messaging and a common WSDL to enable synchronous and

asynchronous blah-blah, blah-blah...

An Internet and standards-based method for exchanging environmental information

between partners.

A common approach to sharing data that lets you use your partners’ data as if it is a part of

your own systems.

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Chesapeake Bay Watershed

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BMP Challenge:

• No standard template

• No set technology to deliver the data

• A requirement for data manipulation prior to modeling due to disparate spatial scales and processing discrepancies.

• Coordinated (federal and state) financial and business processes involved

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The Exchange Network is

• A Federal, State, tribal and territorial partnership

• Jointly governed by its members

• Focused on Exchange, and only exchange

• Technology neutral

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The Parts (your names may vary)

• Data Standards• Data Exchange

Templates (Schema)

• Trading Partner agreements

• Access protocols• Transport

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Keys to success

• Set expectations early—no losers– Let’s talk Fork Length– An exchange standard is not a business rule

• Demonstrate success—extract value, and more will follow– Avoid perfection– Search for a visionary leader– Find a real world problem, big enough to me meaningful, small

enough to tackle

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Potholes and Rabbit Trails

• “Let’s take this opportunity to solve world hunger”

• Confusing exchange standards with business practice standards

• Designing applications rather than exchanges

• “A comprehensive data warehouse”

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How and Who

Project:• Assemble

partnership (avoid 900 pound gorillas)

• Define success• Start with subject

matter experts• IT comes later• “A” team only

Resources• Exchange

Network• Existing

standards• NIEM• Professional

Facilitation• Staff with time for

real work!

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Technology Continuum

• “Sneaker Net”• …• FTP• …• Web Query Tools• …• Web Services

“Take only what you need”

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Not Just for EPA Projects

• NatureServe species, habitat data.– Secure, repeatable

• The Climate Registry• Earth 911—Beach Advisories• Local projects• Interagency

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Questions? Need Info

www.exchangenetwork.net

Mitch.West@exchangenetwork.net