Analysis and Visualisation
Ensuring the best use of CS data will consider methods for maximising the use of CS data in the context of AS. CS provides a powerful approach to collating largescale and long-term information critical for understanding biological invasions and informing decision- 11 making. However, since information is gathered by volunteers, often at places and times convenient to them, this can lead to biases in sampling, leading to multi-dimensional (spatial, temporal, or data quality) data biases. WG4 will consider approaches to address such biases and ensure maximum utility of the data and effective communication of outputs to all relevant end-users through using cutting-edge analytical tools and creative visualisation.
Task 1: Review current methods of analysis and how these are appropriate to different CS datasets and different purposes (unstructured vs. structured monitoring; experimental designs (e.g. adapting BACI experimental design for CS), presence-only, presence-absence, sessile organisms (plants, leaf miners etc) vs. motile animals. Developing recommendations for standards for data collection, preparation and analysis, and identifying best practice examples for scientific uses.
Task 2: Explore strengths and limits of methods used for managing different kinds of CS data to provide relevant information for end-users. This include the i) testing of different proxies for recording intensity (e.g. using co-variates, applying self-learning algorithms), ii) testing tools for data quality (e.g. assessor self-rating rules, groups assessment tools), iii) identification of uncertainties (spatial, temporal), and iv) testing of proxies for recording likelihoods as a function of the novelty of a record (to account for the fact that abundant AS are less likely to be reported than emerging ones).
Task 3: Explore creative ways to analyze and illustrate the data gathered in CS to inform the public and decision makers effectively. This includes using real-time data and output visualization tools and innovative mashups of data from different domains (linking to WG3) that allow to rapidly report AS, and that provide additional relevant information (e.g. level of uncertainty). We will review existing analytical and data presentation and visualization tools and identify emerging tools and developments.
1. Published review on current methods of analysis and how these are appropriate to different CS datasets and different purposes (Task 1).
2. Publication (opinion or review piece) on strengths and limits of methods used for managing different kinds of CS data to provide relevant information for end-users (Task 2).
3. Guidance document on best practice in analysing and illustrating the data gathered in CS to inform the public and decision makers effectively (Task 3).