Thesis (BS Computer Science) -- University of the Philippines Mindanao, 2010

Rao?s quadratic entropy is the only ecological diversity index reflecting both species difference and abundance. Based on it, Pavoine et.al.(2004) developed a new ordination method called double principal coordinate analysis (DPCoA) that provides a graphical ordination of communities. The DPCoA, Rao DIVC and Rao DISC functions are available in the ade4 package of R. However, R has a command line interface, which cause difficulties to new users. Its input is prone to human errors that are not easily detectable. So, this study developed a system for measuring diversity using Rao?s Quadratic Entropy and an enhanced GUI for DPCoA. Here, spreadsheets and batch loading were used for data input. This system allows data input using spreadsheets and batch loading, computes the Rao DIVC and Rao DISC of communities, provides an enhanced graphical representation of DPCoA, displays an organization of results and saves these for future use. Both Microsoft Excel and ODF Spreadsheets are accepted as input. The user could opt to use recently uploaded spreadsheets. The software displays organized results with ease of access. The enhanced DPCoA graphs allows the user to zoom in. furthermore, the species and community points in the graph are easily distinguishable because they are of different shapes and colors.