Resource

Database for Synthesis of Information on Ecosystem Services (SynES)

Author/Contact:

Ralf Seppelt: ralf.seppelt@ufz.de

Publication date:

Images

Resource description:

SynES is a database that was developed to synthesis site-specific biophysical and socio-economic information on ES. It allows a consistent integration of information by multiple users and from multiple sources. It is a flexible tool that can be used within an individual ES assessment/project or if desired for the integration of ES information from multiple assessments, projects and databases.

Requirements:

  • To run SynES version 1.1 Microsoft Access is required. In case of increasing demand stand-alone version will be developed.
  • The SynES application and guide is available on request.

Advantages:

  • Facilitates synthesis work in ES assessment/project or across multiple assessments, projects and databases - Orientation for reporting: ‘blueprint protocol’ to report ES studies in a structured way, allowing for rigorous and efficient synthesis.
  • Standardisation and links to already existing standards allows for a consistent integration of ES information by multiple user and from multiple sources. Easy to use interface.
  • Extendable, due to user needs: SynES updates are in progress and it can be evolved in accordance to specific user requirements

Constraints:

  • SynES version 1.1 runs only wih Microsoft Access
  • SynES version 1.1 features only basic search and visualization functions
  • Integration of entire new database in SynES version 1.1 is time consuming

Additional information:

SynES is available upon request, therefore, please contact Stefan Schmidt <stefan.schmidt@ufz.de>.

Seppelt R, Dormann CF, Eppink FV, Lautenbach S, Schmidt S. 2011. A quantitative review of ecosystem service studies: approaches, shortcomings and the road ahead. Journal of Applied Ecology 48:630–636. 
DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2664.2010.01952.x

Licence:

  • Free, no licence

Development stage:

  • Early access - alpha phase