Publishing and Distribution of Environmental Information in Civil Engineering Based on Spatial Metadata Description

Abstract

This article introduces a new approach of managing and (pre-) processing spatial data in heterogeneous software and network environments. Within a joint research project between the Technical University of Darmstadt and the CIP Engineering Ltd. a prototype - covering the publishing, the internet-based distribution and the subsequent access to the relevant spatial and environmental information in civil engineering - has been developed. The description and management of the required information is implemented using an ISO 19 115 conform data model. Due to the holistic approach of this standard a broad exchange of the collected Metadata across regional and national borders is guaranteed. Furthermore this structured data pool can be used as a meta-search engine for alpha-numerical, space- and time-dependent requests. As a result of these requests, access to the original data can be provided using a 2-tier service- oriented architecture (SOA) based on webservice technology.