Computing is a high performance endeavor at NCEAS, whether we are dealing with optimization modeling, GIS applications, or other ecological computing applications. We strive to deliver sufficient power to address extremely computationally challenging problems, and to provide excellent computing and technical support for resident and remote researchers. Visitors have access to advanced PC, Macintosh, and Linux workstations running a broad range of software for accomplishing all phases of ecological analysis. High performance computing is available for memory- and or processor-intensive modeling, statistical, visualization, and data management projects.
NCEAS’ computing systems are maintained by our resident scientific computing staff, who are also available to provide analytical and general technical support and advice. Areas of staff expertise include statistical analysis and experimental design, programming in a variety of 3GL and 4GL languages, server and desktop computer hardware and software support, database design and implementation, and data management. Several staff have graduate degrees in the ecological sciences in addition to their technical skills. We seek to provide high-end, scalable solutions to computing needs in ways that ecologists will find easy to learn and use. We also closely follow emerging technical and analytical developments, testing or implementing these where relevant towards enhancing innovative, collaborative, and integrative research in the ecological sciences. Training visiting scientists to use robust and scalable software for data analysis, and familiarizing them with network-based opportunities for collaboration, are among our high priorities.
Our services are divided into three main topic areas:
We provide a wide array of standard computing services to help you effectively set up and use hardware, software, network services, and other technical equipment.
Scientific computing and informatics
We provide specialized services for analysis and informatics. Areas of expertise include data acquisition and integration, statistical analysis and modeling, and data documentation and archiving. Our scientific programmers/quantitative analysts are available for consultation on a variety of critical computational tasks, such as:
Organizing and managing your complex data sets
Locating and acquiring additional data sets
Selecting appropriate quantitative methods and scientific software
Designing custom analytical solutions
Describing and registering data products with Ecological Metadata Language
Online collaboration services for working groups
For working groups in particular, we provide an array of services that facilitate online collaboration among participants even after you have returned to your respective institutions. Examples include password-protected group web areas; archived email lists; and remote access to servers.