HUMBOLDT Application Scenario: Protected Areas

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1 CC by Erlend Schei Copyright by Kecko Copyright by Michael Bezzina CC by Gunnar Ries Copyright by Michael Bezzina Copyright by Michael Bezzina Copyright by Michael Bezzina CC by fs999 CC by Jordan Nielsen HUMBOLDT Application Scenario: Protected Areas USER REPORT SUPPORTING THE HARMONISATION OF SPATIAL INFORMATION IN EUROPE

3 Table of contents Application context...3 Summary of pre-humboldt state...4 Integration of HUMBOLDT solutions...5 Summary of HUMBOLDT-enabled state...7 HUMBOLDT tools in action: application examples...7 Conclusions

Application context The global perspective of the Protected Areas scenario focuses on the support for integrated management of Nature resources by national and regional bodies, also at a trans-border

This implies the transformation of geoinformation, managed by park authorities, combining multiple information sources from different governance levels and exploits this newly combined information

4 Application context The global perspective of the Protected Areas scenario focuses on the support for integrated management of Nature resources by national and regional bodies, also at a trans-border level. This implies the transformation of geoinformation, managed by park authorities, combining multiple information sources from different governance levels and exploits this newly combined information for the purposes of planning, management and tourism promotion. The scenario works in three areas, Portugal, Spain and Italy, and different levels of administrations. Portuguese data is provided by the HUMBOLDT partner IGP and is mostly referred at a single natural Park. The scenario Application was implemented in the Douro/Duero river Transboundary Catchment between Portugal and Spain. Italian data is from an external data provider, Regione Liguria, as managing body of a network of protected areas. Scenario geographic extent. Left: This area has a protected status: the International Douro Natural Park on the Portuguese side (green) and los Arribes del Duero Natural Park on the Spanish bank. Right: Ligurian parks data is used when working with HALE to create an alignment between Italian Protected Areas dataset and the Inspire Protected Sites schema. The Protected Area Scenario demonstrates best practices on how to achieve data and service harmonisation using the HUMBOLDT Framework and its strong relation to INSPIRE principles. For the use cases of this Scenario detailed user stories have been told to address and investigate management, planning and tourism valorisation of Protected Areas. These Use Cases had been lately transformed in specific Application Cases available in the Training Material. The scenario supports and tests harmonisation processes in interaction among various local stakeholders and management bodies for joint projects and monitoring actions at the national and trans-national level. The Protected Areas scenario participated in the INSPIRE testing and exploits the Annex I Protected Sites data theme for INSPIRE-compliant data provision In the Component 2 of this scenario training material the relation between the scenario Protected Areas and the data Specification for Protected Sites from INSPIRE is explored. 3

5 Summary of pre-humboldt state Nature does not know borders is not only a slogan but as well a complex reality faced by many stakeholders all across Europe. Several problems of harmonization must be addressed in various tasks related to the use of datasets related to Nature Protection. The solution to these problems is key to:! Allow the public to query and view information about Protected Sites locally and regionally.! Allow experts to visualise, analyse and manage Protected Sites locally, regionally, nationally and Europe-wide. To help the identification of these harmonisation issues in the Protected Areas domain, different use cases have been identified in the specification process of the scenario. This is a brief description of some of them: Management of a Protected Area: This use case refers to the management of the area. Users of geographic information are planners and officers, but the management of a Protected Area is a decision maker s responsibility; in general, all of them are professional users at different levels, mutually exchanging information. The objective is to embed geographic information in a seamless flow that gathers information from all available sources and exploits it for planning and management. The main task is to create plans and managing the protected area. Tourism valorisation in a Protected Area: This use case refers to the promotion of the area and implies access to geographic information especially by citizens and commercial operators who are also final users looking for browsing tourism information. The objective is to embed geographic information in a seamless flow that gathers information from all available sources and exploits it for promotion. The main task is to exploit at the best the area and enjoy its offer of nature. The scenario counts on a good and representative catalogue of datasets to enable understanding of harmonisation issues and the use of the HUMBOLDT tools, as well as the need of using and integrating several data layers. A number of interoperability and data harmonisation issues are addressed within the Scenario. The following data harmonisation requirements have been identified for the different Protected Areas use cases:! Data formats: There s a need for the creation-modification of Web Services (WMS, WFS) with standardized syntax! Spatial reference systems: There s a need for a common reference system.! Metadata Profile: Different metadata profile had been identified for the data made available for the scenario.! Conceptual schemas (data models): Since the data structure for the datasets object of study in our scenario is different, there s the need for the creation of a Common Protected Areas Target data model for heterogeneous data from different protected areas data providers. The used approach is to be as much as possible compliant with the recent Protected Sites INSPIRE data model! Classification schemes: Datasets have been created on different classification schemes. 4

6 ! Scale / resolution: It is important to be able to deal with de different planning and management levels.! Spatial consistency of data: The geometry of real-world objects must be consistent between different datasets.! Multiple representation of the same spatial objects. The process of data harmonisation is addressed to make interoperable the information shared by the different data providers. It is important to distinguish data harmonisation on different levels (conceptual schema, logical schema or physical schema). The Main Harmonisation issues of the scenario that had been investigated and documented in the Demonstrator Application cases are mapping of different schemas and transformation of the structure and geometry of datasets of Protected Areas. Portuguese, Spanish and Italian datasets used in the scenario currently are not based on a Data Model. The creation of a Common Protected Areas Target data model (or the use of existing ones like INSPIRE) is a major need for the schema mapping and transformation tasks. Also high priority is given to spatial and thematic consistency (seamless and consistent map layers using edge matching techniques). The tools available from HUMBOLDT allowed us to meet all requirements of harmonization that were specified in the process of creating use cases. Furthermore, the particular approach of the HUMBOLDT allowed us to establish the harmonization process as a single workflow that would solve the various problems faced as a whole. Integration of HUMBOLDT solutions The following HUMBOLDT Framework components had been used and tested within the Protected Areas Scenario:! HUMBOLDT Alignment Editor (HALE): to describe the matching between source and target schemas Conceptual Schema Translation Service (CST): to perform the schema transformation (based on the file created using HALE) HUMBOLDT processing components: Coordinate Transformation Service and the Edge Matching Service (EMS) All the operations have been done using Opensource tools: From the pre-processing of the data sets to the visualisation of final results. 5

HUMBOLDT Tools and Components used and tested in the Protected Areas scenario To carry out the harmonization between heterogeneous data structures, a process of specification of the available data

The scenario data model derives from the scenario specification that was developed considering all cases relevant for the scenario.

7 HUMBOLDT Tools and Components used and tested in the Protected Areas scenario To carry out the harmonization between heterogeneous data structures, a process of specification of the available data resulted in the creation of a common data model (target model) needed for the task of schema mapping in HALE. The scenario data model derives from the scenario specification that was developed considering all cases relevant for the scenario. One of the main challenges of our scenario is to identify what belongs in the data profile for the Protected Areas domain. The analysis of the information from our data providers states a high level of heterogeneity. The multi-disciplinary approach to environmental issues implies the management of seamless geo-information in different application fields. As a first step toward the harmonisation process using the HUMBOLDT tools, the objective of the scenario was the creation of a common data profile and common data model as much as possible compliant with the INSPIRE specifications. The HUMBOLDT Protected Areas scenario schema 6

8 Summary of HUMBOLDT-enabled state The aim of the Protected Areas scenario was to integrate information from multiple sources and make it exploitable for an integrated planning, management and promotion of protected sites. This objective was achieved through the use of the tools that the project provided. The output harmonised datasets could be used not only for scientific reasons and for the management of the Protected Areas but as well for the diffusion of information to citizens and for environmental information. More specifically, the benefits that the use of the HUMBOLDT tools can have in the Protected Areas are:! Reduced cost of transfer and sharing Natural Resources information between different levels of Administration! Efficiency benefits such as process improvement and optimisation, including more efficient National and ESDI Protected Areas data management.! Easier access to relevant information for citizens! Integrated management of transboundary Natural Areas On the other hand the use of tools was very efficient in a context of harmonisation according to the INSPIRE principles. The tests carried by the scenario using the HUMBOLDT tools had a strong relation to the INSPIRE requirements for coordinate transformation and about connections between spatial objects at international boundaries. But the most important impact related to INSPIRE was the matching, mapping and conversion to a Protected Sites INSPIRE-compliant dataset using the HUMBOLDT Alignment Editor. All the experiences gained in using the HUMBOLDT Framework tools and services in the Protected Areas HUMBOLDT Scenario are documented in the form of training material accessible from the training platform at The Scenario related courses (Level 3) offer access to best-practice examples of how to achieve data and service harmonisation in this domain demonstrating the advantages of the HUMBOLDT Framework. HUMBOLDT tools in action: application examples The Scenario Demonstrator aimed to transform the Use Cases defined in the scenario System Specification in Application Cases. These Application Cases are documented examples of the use of the HUMBOLDT tools with real Protected Areas data to solve the harmonisation needs specified in the use cases. The Application Cases are mainly referred to solve harmonisation issues for the integrated management of cross border Protected Areas. The Scenario Training Module is the main point of access to the description and the demonstration of the various examples of the use of the HUMBOLDT tools with Protected Areas data sets, and is available from the HUMBOLDT Training Platform after subscription to the Level 3 The HUMBOLDT Scenarios Protected Areas training module. The aim of this training module is to introduce good-practice examples of how to achieve data and service harmonisation in the Protected Areas domain demonstrating the advantages of the HUMBOLDT framework and its strong relation to INSPIRE principles. The Component 2 of this training module is based on 2 Application Cases (or good-practice examples) focused on schema mapping and transformation of the structure and geometry of datasets of Protected Areas. Application Cases developed in the Scenario training Module: 7

9 ! Harmonizing Protected Areas data using the HUMBOLDT Coordinate Transformation Service (CTS) and Edge Matching Service (EMS).! Harmonizing Protected Areas data using the HUMBOLDT Alignment Editor (HALE) Application cases have been developed as support products for users wishing to use the harmonisation tools in specific situations and thus make a distinction of types of users participating in the process. For this Application Cases we can distinguish between: 1. Data Integrators: Represented by a programmers and IT experts responsible for maintaining the IT-infrastructure (for instance, a technician in a Protected Areas management agency). This actor has to download and deploy the HUMBOLDT components (in this case EMS and CTS) needed and is responsible of the infrastructure preparation. In this case that means setting up the server environment and the Web Processing Services client 2. End User: This actor could be a regional officer at the Territorial Planning Department that needs to prepare the datasets to be published in the web portal. In this case this actor will use the EMS and CTS for transforming the datasets to a common SRS, cleaning and aligning the geometries. This user is therefore responsible of the data processing: Coordinate Transformation, Data Cleaning and Coverage Alignment. The first Application Case Harmonizing Protected Areas data sets using the HUMBOLDT Coordinate Transformation Service and Edge Matching Service is referred to solve harmonisation issues for the integrated management of cross border Protected Areas and the intention is to show understandable documentation for the use of some HUMBOLDT Components in a training prospective. In this application case the challenge is to match two cross-border data sets from two neighbour countries on the same theme, in this case Protected Areas. The datasets have a similar level of detail but different Coordinate Reference Systems and different geometries. To perform the harmonisation, two HUMBOLDT tools will be used: 1st: The Coordinate Transformation Service (CTS); a HUMBOLDT Web Processing Service that allows to transform coordinates between various geographic reference systems. 2nd: The Edge Matching Service (EMS); that is a HUMBOLDT Web Processing Service for cleaning and aligning geometries. The application case exposes the context, the problem and, of course, the solution/tools applied. The Edge Matching application case is implemented in the Douro/Duero river Transboundary Catchment between Portugal and Spain. 8

provides the visualisation of scenario web services and the possibility to compare the original data with those harmonised using the HUMBOLDT tools.

10 The harmonisation requirements to cover are: Coordinates transformation, Data Cleaning and Spatial Consistency. The related INSPIRE requirements to cover are : Common CRS and Management of connections at international boundaries The Edge Matching application case also provides the visualisation of scenario web services and the possibility to compare the original data with those harmonised using the HUMBOLDT tools. Description of the steps to perform the Data Cleaning process in the Edge Matching Application Case Visualisation of the before and after harmonisation datasets in the HUMBOLDT Edge Matching Service Application Case 9

The second Application Case, Harmonizing Protected Areas data using the HUMBOLDT Alignment Editor is divided in two different examples based on Protected Areas datasets from Italy and Spain.

11 The second Application Case, Harmonizing Protected Areas data using the HUMBOLDT Alignment Editor is divided in two different examples based on Protected Areas datasets from Italy and Spain. This Application case has a focus on INSPIRE data provision, that is the creation of a new data structure for protected areas datasets based on the INSPIRE schema for Protected Sites. But an example shows also a schema harmonisation case using the data model created in the scenario. Tests developed:! Alignment between an Italian Protected Areas dataset and the INSPIRE Protected Sites schema.! Alignment between a Spanish Protected Areas dataset and the HUMBOLDT Protected Areas schema (The data model developed in the scenario) All these tests are made in collaboration with data providers and modelling experts. Matching table between a Spain Protected Area dataset and the Inspire Protected Sites Full Schema as data preparation (mapping rules) in the harmonisation process using the HUMBOLDT Alignment Editor (HALE). Visit the Component Two Harmonizing Protected Areas data using the HUMBOLDT Alignment Editor for more information. The tests are designed as tutored step-by-step test examples on how to use the HALE tool covering different aspects and functions in terms of data import and attribute transformation options. All of them are real examples of schema transformation using as target the Inspire Protected Sites Full application schema and the Protected Areas HUMBOLDT schema. 10

12 Step-by step alignment process using HALE as described in the training documentation Conclusions The scenario of Protected Areas is not only a good example to study the harmonization problems in the context of European data on Natural Conservation but also a good practice and guide for the solution of such problems using the HUMBOLDT Framework tools. The creation of harmonised data is an essential precondition for fast and consistent decision making in operational situations (cross-border Protected Areas Management) but also in other tasks related, for instance, tourism valorisation. The HUMBOLDT framework provides the functionalities for covering this process. On the other hand the use of tools are particularly useful to support the application of INSPIRE principles for the generation of accessible, interoperable and harmonized dataset and the use of Spatial Data Infrastructures for nature conservation and Protected Sites management. 11

13 Contact: Giorgio Saio Subscribe to the Protected Areas Training Material at HUMBOLDT Project Office: zeitform Internet Dienste Fraunhoferstraße Darmstadt Germany Phone: Fax: po@esdi-humboldt.eu 12

Exploitation towards Thematic Communities, Training Framework and stakeholders involvement

Exploitation towards Thematic Communities, Training Framework and stakeholders involvement Giorgio Saio GISIG eenvplus Workshop INSPIRE Conference, Florence (IT), 24 June 2013 Exploitation prospects eenvplus