q-Core is a database and interface system designed primarily for ecological and environmental studies, particularly long-term monitoring or large-scale sampling programs. The q-Core model was developed jointly by Matt Edmunds, Adrian Flynn and Adam Abdul-Rahman. The functions of q-Core include:
- A repository for field sample data and observations;
- Efficient recording and describing of survey activity, metocean conditions and deployments while in the field;
- Registering specimens and sampling products such as biological specimens, images and electronic datafiles;
- Provide an efficient sample barcode labelling and tracking system, including for validation, inventory and chain of custody purposes;
- Record and dashboard program progress;
- Facilitate OHS, environmental and QAQC management of projects, including dash-boarding the status projects;
- Facilitate data checking and rapid data exploration;
- Facilitate efficient output of regular data and reporting products; and
- Enable centralised storage of any type of ecological and environmental data.
The q-Core system consists of three components:
- PostgreSQL database;
- User interfaces for data entry, exploration and export; and
- Directories for storage of electronic imagery, documents and files.