Tools in the Global Monitoring Plan Data Warehouse
version 3
September 2015
Stockholm Convention Regional Centre in the Czech Republic and
Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment
Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
RECETOX Report no. 531
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Tools in the Global Monitoring Plan Data Warehouse
version 3
Šebková K., Gregor J., Borůvková J., Kalina J., Klánová J.
Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment
and Stockholm Convention Regional Centre in the Czech Republic
Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
September 2015
RECETOX Report no. 531
Citation:
Hůlek, R., Borůvková, J., Gregor, J., Šebková, K., Kalina, J., Bednářová, Z., Melkes, O., Šalko, M.,
Novák, R., Jarkovský, J., Dušek, L., Klánová, J.: Tools in the Global Monitoring Plan Data
Warehouse, training material, version 3, Stockholm Convention Regional Centre in the Czech
Republic, Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment (RECETOX), Masaryk
University, Brno, Czech Republic, RECETOX report no. 531, September 2015, 26 pages.
2
Contents
Acknowledgements .............................................................................................................................. 2
Abbreviations ....................................................................................................................................... 3
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 5
What is Global Monitoring Plan Data Warehouse? ......................................................................... 5
GMP DWH structure and arrangements .............................................................................................. 6
GMP DWH arrangements................................................................................................................. 6
Data Repository .................................................................................................................................... 8
Data import(for storage and archiving) ........................................................................................... 8
Track changes ................................................................................................................................. 11
Completeness check ...................................................................................................................... 11
Tools for data validation and approval .......................................................................................... 11
Data Visualization............................................................................................................................... 15
Tools for GMP Data Visualization .................................................................................................. 15
Spatial Distribution ........................................................................................................................ 15
Data Availability ............................................................................................................................. 17
Summary Statistics ......................................................................................................................... 18
Time Series ..................................................................................................................................... 19
Data Exports ................................................................................................................................... 22
Other tools ......................................................................................................................................... 24
User Administration ....................................................................................................................... 24
Security ........................................................................................................................................... 24
Access ............................................................................................................................................. 25
Help desk ........................................................................................................................................ 26
Acknowledgements
Authors of this document would like to acknowledge support in preparation of this training
material by the Small Grant Project provided for by the Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and
Stockholm Conventions as well as the contribution of the RECETOX research infrastructure
through its GENASIS core unit whose expertise is supported by the projects of the Ministry of
Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic (LM2011028) and (LO1214).
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Abbreviations
AMAP Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme
COP Conference of the Parties (to a Convention)
DDD Metabolite of DDT
DDE Metabolite of DDT
DDT Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane
dl‐PCB Dioxin‐like PCBs
ECD Electron capture detector
EMEP Co‐operative Programme for Monitoring and Evaluation of the Long‐Range
Transmission of Air Pollutants in Europe
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
GAPS Global Atmospheric Passive Sampling Survey
GC Gas chromatography
GCG Global Coordination Group for the Global Monitoring Plan
GEF Global Environment Facility
GENASIS Global Environmental Assessment Information System
GMP Global Monitoring Plan
GMP DWH Global Monitoring Plan Data Warehouse
HBB Hexabromobiphenyl
HCB Hexachlorobenzene
HCHs Hexachlorocyclohexanes
HPLC High performance liquid chromatography
HRMS High resolution mass spectrometer
LOD Limit of detection
LOQ Limit of quantification
LRMS Low resolution mass spectrometer
LRTAP Long Range Transboundary Air Pollution Convention (UNECE)
MS Mass selective detector
ND Not detected
NGOs Non‐governmental organizations
4
OC Organochlorine
OCP Organochlorine pesticide
PBDEs Polybrominated diphenyl ethers
PCB Polychlorinated biphenyls
PCDD Polychlorinated dibenzo‐p‐dioxins
PCDF Polychlorinated dibenzofurans
PCP Pentachlorophenol
PFOS Perfluorooctane sulfonate
POPs Persistent organic pollutants
PUF Polyurethane foam
QA/QC Quality assurance and quality control regimes
RECETOX Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment
ROGs Regional organization groups for the Global Monitoring Plan
SOP Standard operating procedure
TEF Toxic equivalency factor
TEQ Toxicity equivalents
UNECE United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
UNEP United Nations Environment Programme
WHO World Health Organization
XAD Styrene/divinylbenzene‐co‐polymer resin
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Introduction
This training document describes in detail the tools available in the online Global Monitoring Plan
Data Warehouse. This document is a second of the set of four materials prepared to support use
of the electronic tool. This document covers a whole range of tools available in the Global
Monitoring Plan Data Warehouse in its three sections ‐ data repository, data visualization and a
core layer.
The document is also closely linked to other training documents ‐ to the one on Global Monitoring
Plan Data Warehouse (GMP DWH) Overview that explains the necessary background to any
stakeholder in relation to the development of and implementation of the Global Monitoring Plan
and two practical materials “user guide document for data providers” and “user guide for decision
makers” who show users through typical tasks and how to work with tools provided in the GMP
DWH.
Further, the authors would like to bring attention to additional short complementary material –
Tools in the GMP DWH Factsheet ‐ showing the key information in a handy two page document
covering data repository and data visualization.
What is Global Monitoring Plan Data Warehouse?
Global Monitoring Plan for Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) under the Stockholm Convention
(GMP DWH) is an online tool developed for handling, storage, approval and visualization of POPs
monitoring data generated in the frame of the Global Monitoring Plan (GMP) worldwide on the
basis of the decision by the COP SC‐6/23. The tool comprises two main parts ‐ data repository and
visualization portal ‐ and is available on www.pops‐gmp.org. In addition, tools for statistical
processing and analyses as well as presentation modules and export tools are available to users.
Access to GMP DWH is only available online via Internet on www.pops‐gmp.org. Standard web
browsers are to be used (Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome) and their most recent
versions are recommended.
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GMP DWH structure and arrangements
The Global Monitoring Plan Data Warehouse is composed of three layers that hold relevant tools:
Data layer for data import, online data collection, data standards (code lists) and archiving;
Core layer for data management, validation, recoding, transformation, and background for
data services (GIS, analytical and statistical tools, data processing, workflow);
Presentation layer for visualization, presentation tools and web services.
Figure 1 – Scheme of the GMP DWH layers
The data layer thus encompasses tools for data import, storage and processing (compiling and
archiving) of both primary data as well as aggregated data as a part of Data Repository. The core
layer of the data warehouse contains tools for data access management, validation, system
security, workflow management and statistical and analytical tools (in relation to system
architecture and software solution) ‐ as shown in Core layer tools.
Finally, tools in a Data visualization serve to create outputs ‐ such as data selection, spatial
distribution of data in map, data availability over time and per collected chemicals, statistical tools
and explanation about mathematical tools applied, and time series analyses including trends and
creation of country/regional overviews. In addition, core layer also contains administration and
management of users and workflow.
GMP DWH arrangements
The electronic GMP DWH is a fully standardized system based on hierarchical structure of data
fields, standardized parameters with predefined content (code lists) in all ontology dimensions
necessary for future data processing (values, units, measurement method, LOQs, description of
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data aggregation, etc.). The scope of the data collection system is adjusted to data from
monitored environmental matrices (ambient air, human milk, human blood, and water) and data
for each individual matrix are collected separately in GMP data collection branches.
All four data collection branches contain three common key items in relation to data:
Site
Sampling attributes
Measurement
While the key data structure remains identical for each branch, range and content of each key
item differ slightly depending on a branch/ individual matrix. More details on the data structure
are provided in the document “User Guide on Global Monitoring Plan Data Warehouse for Data
Providers and Users”1.
1 Šebková, K., Gregor, J., Hůlek, R., Borůvková, J., Kalina, J., Šalko, M., Novák, R., Klánová, J..: User Guide on Global Monitoring Plan Data Warehouse for Data Providers and Users, training material, version 3, Stockholm Convention Regional Centre in the Czech Republic, Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment (RECETOX), Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic, RECETOX report No. 532, September 2015
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Data Repository
The system for electronic collection2 of data on POPs from environmental monitoring programmes
is built on TrialDB, an online web‐based information system with a central data repository to
acquire relevant data. The TrialDB architecture allows for online data management and
participation of multiple touch‐points collecting primary data.
This part of the training document describes tools in Data Repository (data layer) of the GMP
DWH. The tools are for data import, validation and approval as shown below. All tools must be in
agreement with other foundations of the GMP DWH and that is system layers, data structure and
information flow as described further.
Data import (for storage and archiving)
The GMP DWH can collect and archive both primary and aggregated POPs concentration data,
however it is to be noted that all information displayed in the Data visualization are only YEARLY
aggregated values in order to keep comparability among datasets. It is also important to know that
access to the data import tool is only granted to selected authorized users and user groups as
shown in Figure 7.
The GMP DWH allows (1) direct input of data (manually) as well as semi‐automatic or automatic
(2) import/transfer of information from existing databases;
Sequence of steps for manual input of data is shown in detail the document “User Guide on Global
Monitoring Plan Data Warehouse for Data Providers and Users”. Figure 2 shows interface for
entering yearly aggregated concentration values manually.
Semi‐automatic or input/import of primary or aggregated data to GMP DWH takes place via
available online forms ‐ spreadsheets (see Figure 3) on the www.pops‐gmp.org website. These
forms are organized per matrix; all imports are also performed in a single data collection branch
/matrix.
Import of data sets contained in the spreadsheets is usually performed by the GMP DWH
supporting team on the basis of request of a data provider or members of the Regional
Organization Group under the GMP (ROG). The relevant spreadsheets are in general
prepared/filled in by data providers or, upon instruction of a ROG, the GMP DWH managers may
extract data from public online database and import information into the GMP DWH by semi‐
automatic interface.
It is very important that all data sources and sets for import must be identified by a ROG member
who instructs GMP DWH administrator by e‐mail or contacts GMP DWH help desk.
2 collection here does not mean “monitoring” or “sampling”, but rather a broader meaning for data management ‐ import, storage, archiving and processing in a way that any imported value is easily attributable, located and presentable in a fully standardized and harmonized way.
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Figure 2 – Communication interface for manual input of aggregated data (concentration values)
into GMP DWH, data import tool
Figure 3 – Spreadsheets for semi‐automatic transfer of data to GMP DWH are available for
download on the website (see the orange rectangle)
The data import tool also allows for viewing and editing of the existing data sets (see Figure 4)
records as well as adding new ones (see Figure 5).
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Figure 4 – Communication window for viewing and editing of the existing data sets in the air
matrix in the GMP DWH Data repository
Figure 5 – Communication window for adding new data set/site to the GMP DWH Data Repository
of the for air matrix
The only way how to see concentration values of information stored in GMP DWH and their
statistical analysis or spatial distribution is to use the Data Visualization.
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Other tools available in the data layer of the GMP DWH are not necessarily visible to users,
however they make sure that any GMP DWH users find relevant records when requesting search,
applying a filter, or sorting information by applying various criteria. In addition, these tools
undertake comparison with code lists and flag/mark data according to information from the data
structure, status and hierarchical section of metadata.
Track changes
Tracking changes is a tool in the data repository layer which enables users tracking history of
changes made in a particular data record. This tool facilitates communication and contact with
data providers in case of observed discrepancies in data records during the verification/validation
of data by the DWH manager.
Completeness check
The completeness check is a tool in the core layer of the GMP DWH which identifies data records
that do not fulfil criteria for a completed record (all obligatory items in the data set record contain
a value). A record is identified on the basis of a missing obligatory value. It is available for Sites
(e.g., missing characteristics, coordinates) and Measurements (e.g., missing values, methods…). A
standardized table report is displayed after each data validation process.
Tools for data validation and approval
This part of the training document explains embedded concepts of user groups, their hierarchy
and data workflow that defines a sequence for data validation as described below.
All data reported within each GMP data collection round (every six years) are subject to a
standardized predefined workflow as shown in Figure 6 from top to bottom. Firstly, data from
POPs monitoring activities are prepared and inserted by their data providers (monitoring
programmes and institutions) via assigned data managers at the institution. Once the information
is imported to the GMP DWH, a DWH manager from the GMP DWH supporting team checks
imported data sets for formal and factual correctness (second row in the data flow in Figure 6).
Validated data from this stage are then provided to a relevant Regional Organization Group (ROG)
in line with the geographical coordinates of the data. Finally, once the relevant ROG approves
quality of data, they are further submitted to the Global Coordination Group for the use in the
global GMP report where appropriate.
In conclusion, in line with the data workflow shown in Figure 6, each specific user defined by user
hierarchy is requested to consider and attribute a particular data status to a considered data set.
This consideration may lead to approval and move to the next stage of the workflow or rejection
of information and return to a previous stage, or eventually to a deletion of a data set as shown by
options in Figure 8. The data consideration (validation) takes place individually (per each record)
as shown in Figure 9, or can be also sped by requesting a batch status change by a relevant user.
Batch status change is performed by the GMP DWH supporting team through core layer tools.
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Figure 6 – Data flow within the GMP DWH
Naturally, such data flow also requires arrangements for a hierarchy of users and user groups as
shown in Figure 7. As mentioned earlier in the Data import tool, the access to that tool is only
granted to selected authorized users and user groups as they are defined by User administration
tool (see in the part Other tools) as follows:
Data providers – members of the institutions that provide the POP data;
GMP DWH management team and help desk – system administrators responsible for
formal data validation and correctness, management of user accounts;
Members of the Regional Organization Groups (ROG) and Global Coordination Group (GCG)
– representatives of five UN regions responsible for data approval and use in regional
monitoring reports;
Consultants – environmental experts that assist the ROG and GCG members in data
assessment and compilation of monitoring reports;
Other authorized users (e.g., Secretariat of the Stockholm Convention, BRS secretariat).
Please note that data providers and consultants are identified and nominated by individual ROGs
and subsequently provided with access to the data collection system by the DWH help desk.
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Figure 7 – User groups in the GMP DWH and their hierarchy, in particular for the data import and
data validation
Data Management Workflow State Assigned system role Type
Inserted Data Manager Assistant Pending state
Completed Data Manager Assistant Decision state
Accepted for supervision Data Manager Pending state
Rejected from Supervision Data Manager Return back state
Supervised Data Manager Decision state
Accepted for validation DWH Manager Pending state
Rejected from validation DWH Manager Return back state
Validated DWH Manager Decision state
Accepted for approval ROG Member Pending state
Rejected from approval ROG Member Return back state
Rejected ROG Member Decision state
Approved ROG Member Decision state
Approval communicated GCG Head Decision state
Figure 8 – Statuses of data for different users in the GMP DWH and their hierarchy (bottom is at
the top of the figure) for the data validation
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Figure 9 – Communication window for change of data status by a data provider upon import of
data and their validation in the first stage of the workflow shown in Figure 6
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Data Visualization
Tools for GMP Data Visualization
This chapter briefly describes the following visualization tools embedded in the GMP data
warehouse:
Spatial Distribution (monitoring overview in the map)
Data Availability (sampling frequency ‐ compounds and sampling frequency ‐ years)
Summary Statistics (inspects measured concentrations)
Time Series Analysis (allows multiple site map overview through a trend map, time series
availability or individual analysis of a single time series in a chart)
Data Exports (downloads of data, summary tables or charts in various formats)
Spatial Distribution
Spatial distribution tool is for displaying all sampling sites around the world in the GMP DWH in a
map and allows for a selection of fewer sites for subsequent analyses (data selection filter) as
shown in Figure 10. The map can be scaled down or up by using the zooming tool. The sampling
sites in the map are classified (stratified) ‐ as shown in settings and legend ‐ by site type (polar,
remote, rural, sub‐urban, urban, and not classified) provided in Figure 11 or by UN region
(different colours for each UN region) as shown in Figure 10.
Figure 10 – Spatial Distribution tool – sampling sites around the world, stratified by UN regions
In addition, the spatial distribution map is interlinked with the data selection module and displays
only those sampling sites included in the selection. The module comprises the following items:
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matrix, matrix specification, UN regional group, country, site type, time range, data status, data
provider, compound‐chemical.
Figure 11 ‐ GMP sampling sites in Spatial Distribution tool, stratified by site type
Figure 12 – Site detail shown for Fruska Gora in a spatial distribution tool
In addition to the displayed general geographical coverage of monitoring activities as shown in
Figures 10 and 11, the user can also choose a site (by clicking on it) and the right part of the screen
then displays a site detail see Figure 12. Furthermore, the user can also choose a particular point
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in time (on the left side of the Figure 12); then the user gets the data coverage for a selected
matrix in a specified time point/interval.
Data Availability
This tool provides two views of data in a selected data set as shown in Figures 13 and 14.
Available Data – Parameters shows frequency of individual chemical parameters (congeners,
isomers). The chart shows compounds on x‐axis, sampling sites/countries on y‐axis. The more data
are available on a site for an individual parameter, the larger and darker the symbol appears in the
chart. All symbols are clickable. The user then obtains a summary table for relevant point (shown
in dark rectangle on a figure below). The data are downloadable (e.g. as PDF or PNG), a legend can
be also downloaded (blue button download legend on right side of the screen) as well as data set
summary (download button is below the chart, not seen on this screen in Figure 13).
Figure 13 – Occurrence of individual chemical parameters (congeners, isomers) on a selected set of
sampling sites. Selected point in time shows more details – dark rectangle (source:
http://www.pops‐gmp.org/visualization‐2014)
The size and colour of the point correspond to the quantity of years and occurrence of parameter
in a matrix on that sampling site. The more data are available on a site for a parameter, the larger
and darker the symbol appears. Hover the mouse over a point to see its summary table.
Please note that both the colour and size of the circle depend on the current data selection (i.e.
the same colour can correspond to a different number of samples upon selection of another set of
sites or parameters).
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The other view in this tool: Available Data – Time shows availability of data over time for a given
site in charts. Each point (rectangle) represents a unique combination of a number of parameters
(x axis) and sampling site‐year (y axis).
Green rectangles represent samples in years within the selected sampling period. The more data
are available, the larger and darker the rectangle appears. The chart is downloadable (as PDF or
PNG), as well as legend and data set summary. All rectangles are clickable. The user then obtains a
summary table for relevant point as shown in a dark rectangle below.
Please note that the colour of a rectangle describes current data selection (please note that the
same colour can correspond to a different number of parameters upon selection of another set of
sites, years and other variables etc.).
Figure 14 – Availability of data over time for a given site on a selected set of sampling sites.
Selected point in time (by clicking on it) shows more details ‐ in particular the number of
parameters available on this site in the dark rectangle (source: http://www.pops‐
gmp.org/visualization‐2014)
Summary Statistics
Summary Statistics Tool presents interval of measured concentrations for one compound in a
given matrix and site in individual year. The user selects combination of matrix, compound,
parameter, and unit to view relevant concentrations as shown below in Figure 15.
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Figure 15 – Summary Statistics tool communication interface where the user selects combination of
matrix, compound, parameter, and unit (in the middle of the screen) to view relevant
concentrations for a given site on a selected set of sampling sites (source: http://www.pops‐
gmp.org/visualization‐2014)
Upon selection in Figure 15, the chart shown in Figure 16 presents interval of measured
concentrations for a compound in a given matrix in individual year. The horizontal box‐whisker
chart shows a central point (median, mean, geometric mean) and its variability (minimum and
maximum, standard deviations, percentiles) for a set of sampling sites in individual years or for
each sampling site in a given year on selected set of sites and time interval. Please note that this
chart can also be created for a single site
Hovering a mouse over a box‐whisker line shows additional information related to displayed
concentration (dark box) as shown in Figure 16.
Time Series
Time Series menu offers three views: Multiple sites Trend Map, shows the summary development
in the selected area (single compound and selected matrix); Time series Analysis provides time
trend on individual site for selected compound and matrix; and Time Series Bar Chart Map shows
concentration changes in bar charts for multiple sites in a map.
Trend Map
This map in Figure 17 shows a summary development of POPs concentrations per compound in
the selected data set and area in the map. Both the map and legend are downloadable. The circles
in the map show a trend over time ‐ green colour is statistically significant decreasing trend, red
colour is statistically significant increasing trend, blue is a trend that is statistically insignificant and
grey circles represent sites with no trend. Usually because the monitoring on this site has already
been discontinued.
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Figure 16 – The horizontal box‐whisker chart shows a central point (median, mean, geometric
mean) and its variability (minimum and maximum, standard deviations, percentiles) as defined by
the legend – here it is median and 5/95 percentile – for a set of sampling sites in individual years
Figure 17 – Trend map shows a summary development of POPs concentrations per compound in
the selected data set and area in the map
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Time Series Analysis
Time Series Analysis provides results of concentration changes for individual compound in selected
matrix and selected site over time.
To display the trend in the chart, the user needs to select “exponential” in Settings, Trend Type
item. If a p‐value of employed tests displayed in Trend Description is lower than 0.05, a trend is
observed in this time series. Should p‐value be higher than 0.05, observed trend is not statistically
significant and its further display is not recommended. Chart, legend, raw data as well as summary
are downloadable (blue buttons on the screen in Figure 18).
Figure 18 – Time Series Analysis provides results of concentration changes for individual compound
in selected matrix and selected site over time
Time Series Bar Charts Map
This map shows a summary development of POPs concentrations per compound in the selected
data set and area in the map.
Map, legend, raw data and summary are downloadable.
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Figure 19 – Time Series Bar Charts Map shows a summary development of POPs concentrations per
compound in the selected data set and area in the map (source: http://www.pops‐
gmp.org/visualization‐2014)
Data Exports
This tool exports several sets of summary information related to selected data for sites,
monitoring programmes, and analytical methods used/employed in the selection.
In addition, export of all data in the selection defined by user is also available in .CSV format
(comma separated values) to allow for further work on the data set by the user (i.e. by using other
tools, software etc.).
Sites Summary
The table provides a summary overview of sites used in the selected data set. It contains
information on individual sites (coordinates and site type), shows data availability for the selected
set (UN region and country) in each line and identifies data sources (Data Provider).
User can search data in the table by using search box as well as sort columns by clicking on a
column heading. Table can be exported to .XLS format by the blue button in the top right corner of
the screen.
Data Sources Summary
The table provides a summary overview of data sources used in selected data set. It shows data
availability (First Year and Last Year) in the GMP Data Warehouse, number of available compounds
therein and number of sites for each monitoring programme and matrix in the selected data set.
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User can search data in the table by using input box as well as sort columns by clicking on a
column heading. Table can be exported to .XLS format by the blue button in the top right corner of
the screen.
Analytical Methods Summary
The table provides a summary overview of analytical methods used in selected data set. It contains
information relevant for individual compounds. Additional information in each line is related to
data availability in the GMP Data Warehouse for the selected set (First Year and Last Year) and
identifies a data source (Monitoring Programme).
Please note that "not classified" for the analytical method means that more than one analytical
method was employed during a calendar year.
User can search data in the table by using input box as well as sort columns by clicking on a
column heading. Table can be exported to XLS format by the blue button in the top right corner of
the screen.
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Other tools
This section enlists tools that for internal operation of the GMP data warehouse (such as
administration of user rights and user accounts, data flow operations) or these that govern the
access, help desk and other tools.
User Administration
For data repository and core layer of GMP DWH, there is a system of user accounts and layers of
different user rights that correspond to hierarchy of users and data flow and appropriate access in
a particular point of time/data flow. It is managed by User Administration tool operated by GMP
DWH supporting team.
All (authorized) GMP DWH users can be assigned various levels of authorization so that they have
access to all or selected functions or parts of the system. This is particularly important for complex
systems such as electronic tool for the implementation of the GMP and effectiveness evaluation of
the Stockholm Convention including GMP data collection/storage, where control of users need to
take place in both, the horizontal structure (different countries and UN regional groups), and the
vertical hierarchy of users (data providers, data managers, ROGs members, GCG members).
An encryption protocol is used for data transfer between the user and the central database to
prevent tapping the communication between the client and server (for example, tapping user
login and password). For this reason, any communication between the client and server is realized
via the secure protocol HTTPS, using the SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encryption.
In addition, automatic log‐off takes place after a predefined period of user's inactivity (20
minutes). This function is aimed to prevent a misuse of an unoccupied computer connected to
GMP DWH if an authorized user forgets to log out.
All development and implementation steps are guaranteed by ISO certificates:
EN ISO 9001:2010 (Quality Management Systems)
ISO/IEC 20000‐1:2012 (IT Service Management)
ISO/IEC 27001:2006 (Information Security Management Systems)
Security
Large databases must be secured both physically (materials used, location, safeguards against loss
of material) as well as by software tools (restricted use, pool of authorized users etc.). In the case
of the GMP DWH rights of data owners as well as the need to back up any information collected
are applied.
The tool is composed of two parts – physical security and “access tool”.
Physical security
High quality servers with hardware encryption of disc array are used. Servers are operated in
internal IBA/RECETOX data centre in the Masaryk University network with a multilevel security:
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Network traffic monitoring
Firewall of IBA/RECETOX subnet and dedicated firewalls on each server
Servers are placed in a separated subnet dedicated only for server traffic
Server operating system is updated on regular basis
Physical access to data centre is strictly limited to authorized personnel only
Data centre is under a nonstop camera monitoring, access is possible only via electronic
cards and the building has its own physical security (guards at the entrance)
In addition, GMP servers are equipped with a backup power supply and there is specialized
operating mode in case of fire or accident. Additional measures have been taken to prevent
potential data loss or damage in case of unexpected events, which are not directly related to
information technology. These measures involve fire‐stop system, air‐conditioned server rooms
etc. Finally, both the system configuration and data stored are subject to a regular backup
procedure (daily). Therefore, even in the unlikely case of the system breakdown, the entire system
can be promptly restored including data.
Access
As requested in consultations by the Stockholm Convention secretariat and experts and members
of the ROG and GMP, the portal pops‐gmp.org is accessible from anywhere with internet
connection, however, some of its parts have different rules of access. There are in particular Data
Repository and Data Visualization.
While GMP DWH Data Visualization with the latest data has public once the global POPs data were
validated by experts and regional reports were published, access to data repository and to the
core layer of the GMP DWH system is and will be permitted to authorized users only. Each
authorized user was provided with ID and password by the help desk in 2013 or early 2014. Access
page is shown in Figure 20 below.
Figure 20 – Login page to GMP DWH (source http://dwh.pops‐gmp.org)
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Help desk
Help desk tool and is available for all GMP DWH users and any other stakeholder interested in the
GMP DWH. The phone hotline works on weekdays – Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm CET and
additional support outside these hours is provided by e‐mail ([email protected]). Help desk
operators either immediately provide requested information or assistance, or in case of a more
complicated request, allocate the task to another expert/data manager. The help desk
performance is in agreement with requirements of the international standard ISO/IEC 20000‐
1:2012 and grants time to response in 24 hours.
Main tasks and duties:
Technical assistance to all GMP Data Warehouse (GMP DWH) users
Allocation of requests to appropriate data warehouse supporting team staff or DWH
manager
Administration of user accounts and associated rules
Contact point for data files from the data providers
Formal validation of data files and their transfer to relevant DWH managers
Contact point for bugs, error reports and suggestions for further software and services
development
