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News and latest site updates and additions

Latest SOTO news

22nd April 2009

• Over the next few months, Speaking of the Otways is will be rebuilt using the ExpressionEngine content management system.

What next for SOTO?

• Data management for the site will be shifted from text files that are currently used to the EcoGeographica mySQL database.
• A zoom function will be added to the image galleries.
• The sub-tab arrangement that has been used with the Phytophthora pages will be developed further so that is can be used to present sub-pages for other subjects. For example, it will be used present description, image, media and map subpages for each fauna species. So, with the fauna species lists (such as that for Arboreal mammals) if a species has the 'description' and' photo' buttons highlighted, then clicking one of them will open that creature's page showing a 'description' and an 'images' tabs, and the tab corresponding to the button that was clicked will be selected.
• A image upload feature is planned. It will enable users (just myself initially) to select a set of images on their computer and will then resize them to the maximum that is required, upload them to the website server and collate them for use on pages.
• A user registration and login feature will be implemented.
• Users will be enabled to add and edit pages.
  

Previous SOTO news

22nd April 2008

• The Ecogeographica database that will be acting as the back-end data store for SOTO has been installed on the web host and is

13th March 2008

• An auto-generated thumbnail gallery feature has been added. This enables image sets that are uploaded in bulk to be automatically presented as a grid of thumbnails. An example can be seen here. A zoom feature will be added next.

16th Feb 2008

• The Phytophthora section has been further updated, including the implementation of a 'sub-tabs' page navigation system (which will be implemented throughout the rest of the website).
• Complete list of Otway butterfly species added (no descriptions or images yet - volunteers needed).

14th Feb 2008

• The phytophthora pages have been significantly updated.
• A system for the display of maps and linked images have been devised and is being implemented for the phytophthora pages.

7th Jan 2008

• This news page added (it was previously a heading at the bottom of the About the website page).
• Climate and weather theme added
• Key map added to the sea level rise introduction page.
• The caveat about the site being in development was added to every page on the site (to prevent confusion if users arrive at a sub-page via an internet search).

30th Dec 2007

I added a very brief and rough page with technical details of the project.

I also worked out how to add google maps, and added an interactive map page to the home theme. Not exactly a core feature I know, but the idea grabbed me and I couldn't resist. At some time in the far distant future, the site will include the capacity of visitors to mark the geographic location of their observations and images.

27 Jan 2007

I've solved the issue of various hiccups appearing in the layout depending on the browser software used by users. It should now work fine in Firefox, Internet Explorers 6 and 7, and in Opera. It's still a little wobbly in places in Internet Explorer 5 - but why on Earth would you still be using that! I haven't checked for issues in Safari yet, but will look at that later. If you notice any problems I haven't picked up, please email me.