Database Management Using the Brownfields Inventory Tool BiT

In our previous activities we used spreadsheets to manage our data. Spreadsheets are easy to use when your dataset has a simple structure, however, the utility of spreadsheets is limited when you have a complex structure (for example, multiple programs each with many sites, inventory data that includes reports and photographs, or site data that evolves over time as the property is assessed and cleaned up). Rather than having many tabs in a spreadsheet, or multiple spreadsheets in a file, you may want to use a database program that can query and integrate data from different tabs and fields, and that can house different tools like maps and report generators within the database platform. 

The Brownfield Inventory Tool (BiT) is just such a database. It is a comprehensive brownfield program management tool that can be used to track your properties before they are categorized as brownfields; you can create an inventory that includes sites of social, cultural, or environmental significance; and if a site is designated as a brownfield and granted EPA funding you can generate reports and use the BiT to ACRES interface to streamline your process. 

You may enter detailed site data, upload documents and data, and generate and export a variety of reports, including a  Property Profile Form. BiT includes a simple map that can be used to visualize your data and to export map data for use in GIS. BiT Mobile has an editable version of the map that can be used for ground-truthing your site locations. 

BiT users are asked to create a user name and password for privacy protection. BiT can also be used as a collaborative tool, i.e. specific inventory data can be accessed by multiple users if permission is granted by the primary user. By granting permission to co-workers you create a secure database management system that allows you to maintain a site inventory even when there is a change in personnel.