A Web-based system enabling the integration,analysis, and 3D sub-surface visualization of groundwater monitoring data and geological models

The 3D Water Chemistry Atlas is an intuitive, open source, Web-based system that enables the three-dimensional (3D) sub-surface visualization of ground water monitoring data, overlaid on the local geological model (formation and aquifer strata). This paper firstly describes the results of evaluating existing virtual globe technologies, which led to the decision to use the Cesium open source WebGL Virtual Globe and Map Engine as the underlying platform. Next it describes the backend database and search, filtering, browse and analysis tools that were developed to enable users to interactively explore the groundwater monitoring data and interpret it spatially and temporally relative to the local geological formations and aquifers via the Cesium interface. The result is an integrated 3D visualization system that enables environmental managers and regulators to assess groundwater conditions, identify inconsistencies in the data, manage impacts and risks and make more informed decisions about coal seam gas extraction, waste water extraction, and water reuse.     

The Department of Agriculture and pasture improvement, 1892–1914

Abstract:  Even before 1900, the emphasis in New Zealand agriculture shifted from extensive agriculture to more intensive use of existing farmland through pasture improvement. Examination of the contribution of the Department of Agriculture, which together with the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research activated the later 'grasslands revolution', shows both the extent and the limits of its role in pasture improvement before 1914. It is suggested that until then, the prime agents in this transformation were not Department of Agriculture staff but rather enlightened farmers, with co-operation between them on an equal footing towards the end of the period.