Interoperable Internet Mapping—An Open Source Approach

The objective of this paper is to address two issues of current Internet Geographic Information Systems (GIS) programs – interoperability and graphic image output issues – using standard-based technologies, specifically, the Geography Markup Language (GML), Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) and the OpenGIS Web Feature Service (WFS) Implementation Specifications developed by the OpenGIS Consortium (OGC). A strategy is proposed to use GML as a coding and data transporting mechanism to achieve data interoperability, SVG to display GML data on the Web, and WFS as a data query mechanism to access and retrieve data at the feature level in real time on the Web. Two case studies are reported to implement this strategy. Our case studies show that the combination of GML, SVG, and WFS has an immense potential to achieve interoperability while not requiring considerable changes to existing legacy data. Data can be in their original formats and still be retrieved using WFS and transformed into GML in real time. SVG can produce superior quality vector maps on a Web browser. More research is needed to explore the full potential of these new standards and to test them in real-world situations.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) services in academic libraries tend to differ, based on availability of GIS data, software, hardware, and staff expertise. GIS services at the University of Kansas are closely aligned with support for government information, data, maps, and statistics. Thus, our responses to users' needs are often naturally collaborative, optimizing the expertise of multiple staff members and various types of resources. The GIS and Data Specialist assists campus researchers with spatial data and software, as well as facilitating access to GIS data. Lab space for research and coursework involving spatial data is a core component of GIS services. In addition, various levels and types of GIS workshops are offered each semester, and custom training sessions are also available. "Word of mouth" and hands-on workshops are some of the most effective methods of outreach.

Most object-based approaches to Geographical Information Systems (GIS) have concentrated on the representation of geometric properties of objects in terms of fixed geometry. In our road traffic marking application domain we have a requirement to represent the static locations of the road markings but also enforce the associated regulations, which are typically geometric in nature. For example a give way line of a pedestrian crossing in the UK must be within 1100–3000 mm of the edge of the crossing pattern. In previous studies of the application of spatial rules (often called ‘business logic’) in GIS emphasis has been placed on the representation of topological constraints and data integrity checks. There is very little GIS literature that describes models for geometric rules, although there are some examples in the Computer Aided Design (CAD) literature. This paper introduces some of the ideas from so called variational CAD models to the GIS application domain, and extends these using a Geography Markup Language (GML) based representation. In our application we have an additional requirement; the geometric rules are often changed and vary from country to country so should be represented in a flexible manner. In this paper we describe an elegant solution to the representation of geometric rules, such as requiring lines to be offset from other objects. The method uses a feature-property model embraced in GML 3.1 and extends the possible relationships in feature collections to permit the application of parameterized geometric constraints to sub features. We show the parametric rule model we have developed and discuss the advantage of using simple parametric expressions in the rule base. We discuss the possibilities and limitations of our approach and relate our data model to GML 3.1.

Integration of BIM and GIS: Geometry from IFC to shapefile using open-source technology

This study aims to improve the interoperability between the application domains of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) by linking and harmonizing core information concepts. Many studies have investigated the integration of application schemas and data instances according to the BIM model IFC and the GIS model CityGML. This study investigates integration between core abstract concepts from IFC and ISO/TC 211 standards for GIS—independent of specific application schemas. A pattern was developed for conversion from IFC EXPRESS schemas to Unified Modelling Language (UML) models according to ISO/TC 211 standards. Core concepts from the two application domains were linked in the UML model, and conversions to implementation schemas for the Geography Markup Language (GML) and EXPRESS were tested. The results showed that the IFC model could be described as an ISO/TC 211 compliant UML model and that abstract concepts from ISO/TC 211 standards could be linked to core IFC concepts. Implementation schemas for BIM and GIS formats could be derived from the UML model, enabling implementation in applications from both domains without conversion of concepts. Future work should include refined linking and harmonization of core abstract concepts from the two application domains.

Geographic information systems (GIS) refers to the computer hardware and software that supports the management and analysis of spatial information. There has been a recent increase in the development of Internet accessible GIS applications, called Web- GIS (Al-Kodmany, 2001; Carver, Evans, Kingston, & Turton, 2000). Web-GIS facilitates participation among stakeholders through disseminating user interfaces for storing, accessing, and analyzing spatial information using the Internet (Al-Kodmany, 2001; Carver et al., 2000; Dragicevic & Balram, 2004). Participatory and community GIS approaches focus on system design that supports collaboration among organizations serving and representing interests of many constituent groups, including nontechnical users (Carver, 2003; Craig, Harris, & Weiner, 2002; Drew, 2003; Elwood & Ghose, 2004; Elwood & Leitner, 2003; Ghose, 2005; Ghose& Elwood, 2003; Kyem, 2004; Seiber, 2003).

수로정보의 다양한 사용으로 해양지리정보의 상호운용성에 대한 필요성이 증가됨에 따라 개방형지리정보위원회(OGC)는 지리정보의 상호운용을 위한 표준인 GML을 수립하였다. GML은 지리정보의 모델링, 전송, 저장을 위해 XML 스키마 문법에 따라 작성된 XML 언어로서 피쳐, 참조체계, 지오메트리, 토폴로지, 시간, 측도 등의 지리체계를 설명하기 위한 객체를 포함하고 있다. 한편, S-57은 수로정보 전송을 위한 국제수로기구(IHO)의 표준으로 다양한 수로정보를 위한 표준임에도 불구하고 표준에서 채택하고 있는 구조의 한계로 인해 전자해도(ENC) 제작 목적으로 한정되어 사용되었다. 이를 개선하기 위해 IHO는 신규 표준을 준비하고 있으며 특히, GML은 모델링 및 엔코딩 도구로 사용될 것으로 전망되고 있다. 전자해도는 해상교통에 사용될 수 있는 가장 신뢰성 있는 정보로서 그 가치가 인정되나 전자해도 활용을 위한 GML 개발연구는 진행된 바 없다. 이에 본 연구에서는 전자해도 GML 변환을 위한 기초 연구로서 GML 작성을 위한 응용 스키마 개발기법 및 방안에 대해 연구하였다. Recently, bemuse of extensive use of hydrographic information, interoperability of Marine Geographic products is very important for efficient use of geographic information systems. Open GIS Consortium(OGC) developed the Open Geodata Interoperability Specification(OpenGIS) to support the interoperability in the distributed environment, especially Geography Markup Language(GML) Implementation Specification. Geography Markup Language is an XML grammar written in XML Schema for the modelling, transporting, and storing of geographic information GML provides a variety of objects for describing geography including features, coordinate reference systems, geometry, topology, time, units of measure and generalized values. S-57 is currently the IHO standard for the exchange of digital hydrographic data. To date, it ms been used almost exclusively for encoding Electronic Navigational Charts(ENCs). Even though, S-57 is intended to support all types of hydrographic data. In order to meet this requirement, a new standard is being developed. GML will be the core encoding rule of IHO's new standard. But there has been no study that tried to develop the GML for ENC that are recognized as base mop in the Marine GIS. This paper presents the process and results on development of application schema for converting ENC into GML.

Diversity of practices and methods in all fields is the basis of emerging standards in different areas. World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) has standardized eXtensible Markup Language (XML) as a very convenient tool to structure data for numerous purposes. OGC standardized Geography Markup Language (GML), which is an XML-based language, to store and transport geospatial data. Despite the fact that it is a medium to separate georeferenced data from presentation, GML by itself is not intended to visualize geo-referenced data. One of the solutions to visualize GML is to use eXtensible Style sheet Language Transformation (XSLT) as transformer to a visualization language such as Scalable Vector Graphic (SVG). Unlike the usual procedure, the major advantage of the proposed approach is that the transformation process is shifted to the client-side. XSLT as a median language is a general-purpose transformation tool. As it is not specialized for map cartography, map making process is very complicated using this primitive language. To facilitate transformation process, in this research, XSLT is extended to meet cartography requirements. Furthermore, a graphical user interface (XCartoT) is designed to set all the map properties interactively. XCartoT provides a user-friendly interface for cartographers to automatically generate necessary XSL files for their intended maps. The goal of this research is to develop a major step towards the geospatial Web.

GIS(Geographic Information System) based Positioning technique uses geographic information to predict which satellites are visible or invisible. GPS positioning has poor positioning accuracy in dense urban area where tall buildings block the satellite signals. In this paper, we proposed GIS based Advanced Positioning technique of Mobile GPS to resolve this problem. Particularly, this technique improves positioning accuracy in dense urban area. It is consist of ephemeris and GIS server. We will inversely estimate pseudorange by using NMEA-0183 output data of mobile GPS. After that, we can find more accurate position by using ephemeris and GIS information.

The proliferation of geospatial data demands the engagement of information organizations, such as academic libraries, for their management and diffusion.The purpose of this paper is to reveal issues related to the development of geospatial collections and explore their efficient use as required by the current information environment. Thus, a research conducted on 363 websites of academic libraries worldwide and 136 websites maintaining geospatial collections were identified. The research questions were formed based on international bibliography and we applied a content analysis method for data extraction. Findings show a significant activity of academic libraries in providing GIS services in accordance with high rates in user education programs, creating the use of geospatial collection and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) services more effective. Nevertheless, through their websites we obtained poor response to communicate geospatial collections policies. The majority of the academic libraries surveyed in this study provide commercial software to their users for managing data on a local level, while the minority of library patrons are able to use geospatial data via remote access. This paper explores aspects of development in geospatial collections in academic libraries that have not been adequately raised. Additionally, we provide an overview of geospatial collections worldwide.

Integration of BIM and GIS: IFC geometry transformation to shapefile using enhanced open-source approach

Open source origin might appear like a major prospective change which is qualified to deliver in various industries and also competing means in developing countries. The leading purpose of this research study is to basically discover the degree of adopting Open Source Software (OSS) that is connected with Geographic Information System (GIS) application within Malaysia. It was derived based on inadequate awareness with regards to the origin ideas or even on account of techie deficiencies in the open origin instruments. This particular research has been carried out based on two significant stages; the first stage involved a survey questionnaire: to evaluate the awareness and acceptance level based on the comparison feedback regarding OSS and commercial GIS. This particular survey was conducted among three groups of candidates: government servant, university students and lecturers, as well as individual. The approaches of measuring awareness in this research were based on a comprehending signal plus a notion signal for each survey questions. These kinds of signs had been designed throughout the analysis in order to supply a measurable and also a descriptive signal to produce the final result. The second stage involved an interview session with a major organization that carries out available origin internet GIS; the Federal Department of Town and Country Planning Peninsular Malaysia (JPBD). The impact of this preliminary study was to understand the particular viewpoint of different groups of people on the available origin, and also their insufficient awareness with regards to origin ideas as well as likelihood may be significant root of adopting level connected with available origin options.

Community-based development through collaboration amongst software developers and researchers distributed globally has led to a wealth of feature-rich applications of Free and Open Source Software for Geoinformatics (FOSS4G). In the FOSS4G, development model online source code repository, mailing lists, and a Wiki provide the software developers and users with a virtual and ubiquitous platform for the implementation of new methods, algorithms, and tools as well as for refinement and enhancements of the existing code. For end users, this development model provides highly interoperable, sophisticated software at no cost. This approach is both flexible and immune to vendor lock-ins. Further, the reproducibility of results and quality assessment of methods is greatly facilitated since full access to the underlying algorithms is guaranteed. The source code is typically published under free and open source software licenses with end-user rights to run the program for any purpose, to study how the program works, to adapt it, and to redistribute copies including modifications. The FOSS4G offers software libraries for map projection and data format conversion, desktop Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Web mapping/Web–GIS, spatial databases, geostatistics, and metadata catalogues. Most FOSS4G software packages run natively on common operating systems and may be installed and used without restriction in any commercial or non-commercial environment at no cost for the end users. Open Source Geospatial Foundation (OSGeo, http:// www.osgeo.org) serves as an umbrella organization whose mission is to support the collaborative development of FOSS4G and promote their widespread use. OSGeo provides a common forum and shared infrastructure for improving cross-project collaboration. Acceptance of a project to OSGeo depends on a successful incubation process which includes a detailed source code audit to identify any license incompatibilities in the code. This incubation process also confirms that the project is supported by a healthy community, including validation of the rules and processes governing the project's management. Since its inception in 2006, OSGeo has been providing organizational support for building a vibrant international community to advance geospatial technologies and solutions using open source software, open data and open standards. This special issue is brought forth with the aim of presenting the rich capabilities of FOSS4G to foster original research and enable deployment of innovative solutions. The issue covers a broad range of topics, highlighting the diversity of methods, tools, and applications of FOSS4G. The first two papers introduce new tools and applications for vegetation analysis, first as a M. A. Brovelli (*) Environmental, Hydraulic, Infrastructures and Surveying Engineering Department, Politecnico di Milano-Campus Como, Via Natta 12/14, 22100 Como, Italy e-mail: maria.brovelli@polimi.it

This paper outlines the research and development of a complete open source geographic information system (GIS) that offers real-time geoprocessing over the Internet. The premise of the geoprocessing is to locate mineral exploration targets that have high potential for success based on parameters chosen by the end-user of the system. Components integrated in the system include a spatial database PostGIS, a GIS processing engine GRASS, a GIS server GeoServer, a web server Apache, and front-end technologies OpenLayers and GeoExt. Appropriate data was sourced from the Geological Survey of Ireland to be used for the geoprocessing. With all the components of the GIS integrated, an individual not specialised in the use of a GIS can interact with and interrogate the data through a web browser. The GIS then provides a vital role as a decision support system for locating mineral exploration targets. Keywords-Open source; GIS; GRASS; GeoServer; Geoprocessing; Mineral exploration

Flood damage assessment (FDA) provides an effective basis for the flood risk management process to evaluate and treat risks. Current FDA methods, however, are ill-equipped to account for the distinctiveness of buildings in the analysis. This is mainly due to their limited input data that on the one hand requires complete building information (well-represented in building information models [BIM]) and, on the other hand, the flood information (commonly managed by geographic information systems [GIS]). While such requirements cannot be satisfied via independent use of BIM or GIS, their integration can potentially be used for this purpose. The current BIM-GIS integration methods, however, are limited or application-specific. Therefore they fall short in satisfying the micro-level FDA information requirements. This paper presents a new data model as a profile of Geography Markup Language (GML) for BIM-GIS integration to support the detailed assessment and 3D visualisation of flood damage to buildings. The model was further evaluated using a case study and found effective for this purpose.