An internet-based spatial Decision Support System for Environmental Data

Abstract

The supervision and controlling of the groundwater situation - especially of largescaled catchment areas - is a complex challenge for all involved participants. The negative effects on the environment as a consequence of insufficient cultivation measures can be dramatically. Beside the extensive hydro-geological influencefactors, the non-uniform, non-consistent and non-shared underlying data management due to heterogeneous organisation structures is a major problem. In addition, specific tools for an efficient realtime evaluation of spatial information do not exist. This paper describes a software system, which allows the distribution and sharing of environmental information between all involved participants using the internet, realised by XML- and trigger-based replication mechanisms combined with a granular controlling of access rights. By using the portal [Grundwasser Online 2004], tables, charts and maps (like groundwater contour lines, differences and aquifer depth) can be generated in realtime on the basis of the whole shared data pool. The evaluated information can be visualised in a map server with various GI-functionalities, which offer the engineers of the water supply companies and the responsible governmental agencies the opportunity to initiate active controlling measures.