Permaculture Database

["Lawrence F. London, Jr." <lfl@intrex.net>]

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: [permaculture] database, wiki, blogs, forums, etc
Date: Thu, 14 Dec 2006 00:26:13 -0500
From: Lawrence F. London, Jr. <lfl@intrex.net>
Reply-To: permaculture <permaculture@lists.ibiblio.org>

negiliblek wrote:

> LL wrote:
> > At one time there was interest in this list in creating an online 
> > permaculture relational database,
> > showing relationships between elements in a permaculture system. I had 
> > hoped that this would become a global project
> > that would offer the opportunity for people to enter data from their 
> > own bioregion for the benefit of others in that
> > part of the world and those elsewhere interested in learning from their 
> > work. 

> Lawrence:
>
> If you're still interested in creating a database, I like the clarity a 
> relational database brings to complex systems.

That is what I keep hearing, an RDb is the best way to go. Others suggest 
merging a Rdb with wiki software, i.e. MediaWiki.

> If you have a server with mysql, apache, and php to which you are willing to 
> give me ssl  and ftp access, I can guarantee one day a month to:
> designing the database layout,
> creating the database;
> creating tables, indexes, constraints;
> and writing simple php pages (non object oriented coding) to both access and 
> enter data.

I do have access to all of the above and thanks. I will have to point you to 
them so they can set up your account and
the accounts for the database.

Also needed is a website and possibly a blog; Wordpress is a good choice.

> While I'm aware that one day a month isn't much, it's what you can be assured 
> of from me   ....and I'd be in it for the long haul.

This is very generous of you. I have been interested in this since the idea 
of having a PC database for online users
came up in this list many years ago.

> I'd need a much clearer idea of how you envisioned the database 

A database allowing queries of data about elements in a permaculture system 
and reveal relationships between these
elements. It could be used as a discovery tool to find new guilds and useful, 
compatible components of a system.

> and I'd need an expert in each field of study to point out the key data point to collect from people: 

List members or anyone else interested are welcome to volunteer to be in a 
group knowledgable in a particular field or
offer their expertise individually. Farming, landscaping, terramechanics, 
alternative architecture and construction are
my main areas of expertise.

> -say for a wind turbine generator installation:
>
> windProject table: 
> ( rowID, projectID,projectName, longitude, latitude, windZone, expectedDaysUseableWind,towerHeight,towerMaterialConstruction,testedVAOutputAvg)
>
> windMeasurement table: (rowID,projectID,dateMeasured,measuringTowerHeight,timeMeasured,avgWindSpeed ) 
>
> windTurbine table:
> (rowID,projectID,turbineType,turbineMake,turbineModel,minWindSpeed,minOutput,maxWindSpeed,
>  maxOutput,turbineWeight,turbineDimensions,turbinePropDimensions)
>
> whatcha think?
>
> negiliblek

Looks wonderful; I will put you in touch with the server staff so we can get 
going.
Other considerations:

A name for this project.

Do we want a .org, .net or .info domain and have that hosted instead of using 
the server's name?

I'll donate a domain for 3 years if that's the direction we want to take.

Some sort of peer review process to filter data entered; or a ranking system 
to evaluate data quality and usefullness
A registration or user authentication component as we will not want anonymous 
data entry

LL