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Overseer Science

Helpdesk
  • Updated

Overseer is committed to fostering trust and confidence in OverseerFM amongst OverseerFM users and stakeholders by improving visibility of how the Overseer science model works.

To enable this, we have put in place an approach to deal with requests for technical information regarding the Overseer science model.

This new approach will ensure that we maximise the benefits of OverseerFM to users and stakeholders while minimising the risks associated with the disclosure of Overseer Limited’s Intellectual Property, for the benefit of its Licensors and the public who have made investments in the development of OverseerFM.

 

Overseer science model

We have a range of information and tools available if you are interested to know more or gain a greater understanding of the Overseer science model.

On the Overseer website (www.overseer.org.nz/our-science) you will find our Technical Manual Chapters which provide details of the calculation methods used in the Overseer science model, model descriptions and an interactive science model diagram which shows inputs, model components and results.

See below for an illustration of the Overseer science model.

These resources will help you understand how the Overseer science model works.

 

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If you are interested in diving a little deeper into the Overseer science model to check if it is working as it should, you can do this by gaining access to OverseerSci. OverseerSci is a science product designed to support research that benefits New Zealand farms to be environmentally and economically sustainable. It currently supports both bulk data analysis and science usage.

Read on to find out how you can access the information and tools we have available that support the Overseer science model.

 

Where to find information on the Overseer science model, how to make a request to gain access to OverseerSci or to view the Overseer science model code

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Process for finding more information on the Overseer science model, making a request for access to OverseerSci or to view the Overseer science model code

The flowchart below shows the process for finding out more information on the Overseer science model, making a request for access to OverseerSci or to view the Overseer science model code.

Note that OverseerSci uses the exact same model as OverseerFM. Originally created for internal use, OverseerSci enables expert users to test and analyse how the model behaves to effectively manage risks inherent to any models that are large and complex. Using OverseerSci, experts can test a hypothesis relating to the Overseer science model such as analysing input/output data relationships for a group of farms or comparing modelled and measured data.

OverseerSci continues to evolve as a key tool to meet the needs of researchers. New functionalities have been and will be added to support specific purposes based on user feedback on a case-by-case basis.   

 

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Frequently Asked Questions 

1. When can I make a request?

  • Requests to access OverseerSci can be submitted at any time for assessment on a case-by-case basis by the Overseer management team.
  • Requests for access to view the Overseer science model code are invited twice a year during the months of March and September for consideration by the Board at meetings in May and November.  A cyclical approach will ensure we have the resource required to manage the process.


2. What information do I need to provide when making a request to access OverseerSci?

You will need to complete a request form to gain access to OverseerSci. The information you will need to supply includes:

  • Organisation/application details
  • Project details, e.g. purpose, description, benefits, project sponsor, beneficiaries, timelines etc.

Click here for the OverseerSci access request form.

2. What information do I need to provide when making a request to view the Overseer science model code?

You will need to complete a request form to gain access to view the Overseer science model code.

To access the request form you will need to:

1. Be a registered OverseerFM user. If you are not already registered you will need to register with OverseerFM and verify your email address.

Click here to register - https://fm.overseer.org.nz/#/pub/register

 

2. Once you are registered with a validated email address in OverseerFM you can click the following link to access the request form.

Please click here to access the request form - https://support.overseer.org.nz/hc/en-us/requests/new?ticket_form_id=4808084835993


The information you will need to supply includes:

  • Organisation/application details
  • Project details, e.g. purpose, description, benefits, project sponsor, timelines, reason for requiring access to view specific components
  • People involved – who will require access
  • Work already completed, g. assessment of the relevant information including the relevant Technical Manual Chapter, quantitative testing using OverseerSci.

Each request we receive for access to view the Overseer science model code will be formally assessed using our standard assessment criteria as follows:

  • Completeness[1]of the information provided in the application
  • Conflicts of interest
  • Purpose
  • Work under way that involves specific components for which access to view is requested
  • Evidence of the applicant’s knowledge or understanding of Overseer, e.g. use of OverseerSci.

[1] Includes evidence that the applicant completed a pre-requisite action e.g. a review of the technical information already available e.g. Technical Manual Chapter, Overseer science model description, testing of hypothesis with OverseerSci.

The above criteria reflect that the Overseer science model is of significant value to New Zealanders and that Overseer Limited’s board are committed to providing transparency in a way that will benefit New Zealanders. 

 

3. Who do I contact if I have a question in relation to the request process?

 

4. Who do I contact if I want to find out more about OverseerSci?

 

5. Who do I contact if I have a general technical question in relation to Overseer and the Overseer science model? 

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