Objectives
i) To provide a full-data cycle service to the EPD, PD and CS through the enhancement of the data to information to knowledge society principles: inclusive of research design, data mining, input, warehousing, processing, analyses, monitoring, output, presentation and dissemination
ii) To provide a full SWAT service to the other Directorates and Units through its employment of highly-Skilled professional methodologies equipped With hi-end Advanced Tools, throughout the contexts of textual, tabular and spatial analysis
iii) To manage and enhance cross-thematic research initiatives and ensure high-level professional and scientific protocols
iv) To ensure open data structures, data sharing and access to technology across MEPA as established through national legislation such as INSPIRE and international standards and initiatives as established by the Group of 4 and the EEA, whilst ensuring current and future network maintenance
v) To ensure smooth interaction with the other MEPA Directorates through established flow protocols with Environment, Planning data and information initiatives integrated within Corporate Services requirements
vi) To develop initiatives that serve both as knowledge enhancers and also as income generators for MEPA within national and international projects
vii) To identify emergent processes and technologies implicit in environmental analysis and prepare strategies for local implementation and prepare the local capacity field through training and targeting of research students in the specific fields
Knowledge base employed by IRU: Full-data cycle and research background in the Scientific and Social fields, skills in project management, data and analytical literacy in textual-tabular-spatial structures, communications skills and publication expertise. And above all, an open-flexible modus operandi.
Functions
The Information Resources Unit is tasked with various functions inclusive of: i) GI & Data Cycle (Structure), ii) GI & Data Support, iii) Standardisation, Remote Sensing & Mapping and iv) Research/Project Initiatives Integration
The main Tasks include in the following:
i) Data function: this function includes the creation, warehousing, management and analysis of a series of data and information processes inclusive of data protection, the management of the data cycle, data design, acquisition/gathering, warehousing, analysis and reporting. This includes planning-environment data interactivity and synergising through textual, tabular and spatial processes;
ii) GI function: geographical information systems thematic data creation and analysis, 3D modelling, interpolation and spatio-statistical analysis, remote-sensing and analysis;
iii) Research function: survey methodology, statistical analysis, prediction modelling and reporting;
iv) NSO-MEPA contact point: data queries to NSO are channeled through the NSO website function, cced to IR to avoid redundancy and duplication;
v) Library function: document and records management and dissemination. This function will also entail the setting-up of a one-stop shop for MEPA-wide data queries and replies;
vi) Publications function: ISBN focal point, statistical reports, CD and DVD development;
iv) International project uptake and management: IR is involved in a number of EU and local projects both as tenderers/managers and in supporting roles. The largest project currently being drafted covers the Structural Funds Monitoring Project that will result in an extensive monitoring system for Air, Water, Soil, Noise, Radiation and Chemicals.;
v) EEA-EU dataflow management which is carried out through the NFP team management structure.
Contact Number(s): 2290 1578
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