RaTouf - Chiroptera Data Analysis#
Specialized application for integrating and analyzing data from bat ultrasonic recordings to optimize validation and transmission processes to ECO-MED’s SIN.
🎯 Objective#
RaTouf facilitates the transfer of chiroptera acoustic data from SonoChiro to ECO-MED’s Naturalist Information System (SIN). The application automates species identification validation and calculates activity levels according to scientific references.
🔍 Problem Solved#
Before RaTouf, chiropterological data integration was entirely manual:
- Tedious import of SonoChiro CSV files
- Individual validation of thousands of identifications
- Manual activity level calculations
- Transcription error risks
- Considerable processing time for experts
⚡ Main Features#
Smart Import and Parsing#
- Automatic analysis of SonoChiro CSV files
- Adaptive detection of formats and structural variations
- Robust handling of missing or inconsistent data
- Data preview before processing
Assisted Scientific Validation#
- Taxonomic correspondence with TAXREF reference
- Phonic group management (acoustically similar species)
- Intuitive validation interface for experts
- Automatic flagging of doubtful identifications
Automatic Activity Level Calculation#
- Multi-reference algorithms (Barataud, TeamChiro, etc.)
- Contextual adaptation according to season and habitat
- Automatic classification: Low, Moderate, High, Very High
- Traceability of calculation methods used
SIN Integration#
- Direct communication with SIN’s ArcGIS API
- Retrieval of existing recording sessions
- Duplicate avoidance through intelligent matching
- Secure transmission of validated data
🖼️ User Interface#
Main Analysis Screen#
RaTouf’s interface clearly presents:
- Recording sessions to process
- SIN correspondence status
- Detailed data per species
- Calculated activity levels
Taxonomic Visualizer#
Advanced tool for navigating chiroptera taxonomy, allowing exploration of relationships between species and phonic groups.
Session Correspondence Management#
Interface for matching SonoChiro sessions with SIN sessions, with exception case management.
Identification Details#
Species Found in SIN#
Detailed view for species already present in SIN, with data comparison.
New Identifications#
Interface for processing new identifications not present in SIN.
🛠️ Technical Architecture#
Technology Stack#
- Frontend: Vanilla JavaScript, HTML5, CSS3
- Backend: Node.js, Express.js
- Integration: ArcGIS REST API, SonoChiro CSV
- Database: MongoDB (via ECO-MED Hub)
- Authentication: JWT integrated with Azure AD
Specialized Services#
ChiroptereService#
- Chiroptera taxonomic data management
- Correspondence between phonic codes and CD_NOM
- Species identification validation
ActivityLevelCalculator#
- Implementation of activity calculation algorithms
- Multi-reference support (Barataud, TeamChiro, etc.)
- Contextual adaptation according to season and habitat
DataProcessor#
- Robust parsing of SonoChiro CSV files
- Imported data cleaning and validation
- Automatic anomaly detection
SessionValidator#
- Correspondence between SonoChiro and SIN sessions
- Temporal and geographical consistency validation
- Exception case management
🔬 Scientific Innovation#
Phonic Group Management#
RaTouf innovates in managing acoustically similar species groups. Unlike traditional taxonomic approaches, the application recognizes that certain species (e.g., Cryptic Myotis/Escalera’s Myotis) cannot be differentiated by their ultrasonic emissions.
Adaptive Activity Algorithms#
The application implements contextual algorithms that adapt activity thresholds according to:
- Time of year (reproduction, migration, hibernation)
- Habitat type (forest, prairie, wetland)
- Weather conditions
- Recording method used
📊 Results and Impact#
Operational Gains#
- ⏱️ 90% reduction in data processing time
- 🎯 95% reliability in validated identifications
- 📈 100% automation of activity calculations
- 🔄 Elimination of manual transcription errors
Regulatory Compliance#
- ✅ Automated transmission to INPN via SIN
- ✅ Compliance with SINP and TAXREF standards
- ✅ Complete traceability of data and processing
- ✅ Scientific validation by experts
🎓 Skills Developed#
Technical#
- Complex data parsing and validation
- Acoustic analysis algorithms
- Third-party API integration (ArcGIS)
- Taxonomic data management
- Performance optimization
Business#
- Applied chiropterology expertise
- Knowledge of activity references
- Understanding of conservation issues
- Scientific validation processes
RaTouf represents a major innovation in chiropterological data processing, combining scientific expertise with advanced technical solutions to optimize ECO-MED’s processes and contribute to better knowledge of bat populations.