Sharing geographic data across the GEF IW Portfolio: IW:LEARN Web-based GIS

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1 1 Sharing geographic data across the GEF IW Portfolio: IW:LEARN Web-based GIS March 2009 Sean Khan (Project Manager) Dr. Richard Cooper (Regional Coordinator)

2 2 OUTLINE Introduction Why GeoNetwork Opensource? Current implementation of GEF/UNEP IW:LEARN's WebGIS The Future

3 3 Introduction Sharing geographic data geographic data = geospatial, spatial data data associated with location on Earth's surface include map products (hardcopy and online), satellite images, aerial images, shapefiles, grids, coverages, etc. (but also sharing on non-spatial data) Approach adopted to facilitate data sharing creation of searchable online metadata catalogue using GeoNetwork Opensource (GN) software GN website:

4 4 Introduction Why a metadata catalogue? metadata is CENTRAL to developing any digital collection of files metadata data about data / descriptive records for datasets and information key for resource discovery and use i.e., to help projects and partners locate relevant datasets and decide whether it is useful several metadata standards used to aid authors to assign metadata to their files International standards or schema exist ISO19139 (for geographic data) Dublin Core (15 descriptors/elements; for general documents) more about metadata: see

5 5 Introduction Why open source software? cost (GN is free to download and install) avoids dependence on vendors (vendor lock-in) for support and services avoid costly upgrades and dropping of support of older software versions adoption of open standards (avoid non-standard formats and compatibility issues in proprietary software) software can be readily customised (source code can be viewed and edited by anyone) distribution to stakeholders not restricted any translation possible investment may be too great for proprietary software developer.

6 6 Why GeoNetwork Opensource? GN is a combined metadata catalogue with advanced search discovery tool, and embedded geographic data/map viewer. open source software easy to install and user-friendly framework for developing online metadata catalogue good documentation for administrators and users active community of developers allows option for search and locating datasets on local server AND remote GN sites (next slide) includes features for automatic harvesting of remote GN site metadata (next slide)

7 Why UNEP EcoMundus (GeoNetwork app) GeoNetwork Opensource 7 How GN works GEF/UNEP IW:LEARN WebGIS (GeoNetwork app) Other GN apps (e.g., FAO, IWMI, SOPAC, etc

8 8

9 9 Why GeoNetwork Opensource? demonstrated applications worldwide initiated by FAO with first release in 2001 current version represents outcome of support from FAO, WFP, UNEP, UNOCHA, Open Source Geospatial Foundation (OSGeo) used widely by international, regional and national organisations worldwide GN user gallery:

10 10

11 11 Why GeoNetwork Opensource? A word about standards GN uses international standards to describe geographic data (ISO19139) and general documents (Dublin Core) (and uses OGC WMS standards for visualising maps). Why international standards ensure metadata can be interpreted by software and users, and makes data and information resources easier to locate on internet. Adding new metadata users can be assigned editor status to add new records (i.e, do not need to rely on one or two IT administrators).

12 12 Current implementation of WebGIS GN application available from inserted into all new project websites using IW:LEARN's Website Toolkit (implemented) to be inserted into new release of IWLEARN's knowledgebase at GN is being populated with metadata from datasets from GEF IW projects and partners, and additional useful datasets (discussed later). Key features of IW:LEARN's WebGIS...(following slides)

13 Homepage of IW:LEARN's WebGIS 13 Metadata being added (see later slide) GN a combined: metadata catalogue; advanced search functionality; and embedded map viewer (for visualisation) URL:

14 14 Advanced search option Option to search resources of particular project or partners (i.e., category)

15 Search results 15 Example of results metadata, download etc Note result options Metadata, Interactive map and Google Earth (KML) file, plus Download option (not shown)

16 Metadata for selected result 16 Example of metadata

17 Metadata for selected result 17 Distribution information

18 18 GN as a geographic data and map viewer Map viewer opened Drag corner to enlarge map Select data layers to add from local or remote servers worldwide

19 Banner of new iwlearn.net 19 Mockup of WebGIS inserted into new WebGIS now inserted into project websites based on IW:LEARN's Website Toolkit

20 20 GN as a geographic data and map viewer Bathymetry data overlay Add data layer

21 21 Current implementation of WebGIS Metadata records being added by IW:LEARN and projects by IW:LEARN harvesting useful existing metadata records from existing GeoNetwork sites developed by other organisations (e.g. FAO, IWMI, SOPAC) Vietnamese site - Database of Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment manually importing existing metadata records (e.g., UNEP Nairobi Convention Clearinghouse) manually entering metadata for datasets to be archived. by projects manually entering metadata for datasets

22 22

23 UNEP/GEF Volta River Basin Project Clearinghouse 23 using IW:LEARN WebGIS inserted into project website GEF Volta site

24 24 Metadata to be imported from NCC site with help from IW:LEARN Metadata to be added by GEF Volta project

25 25

26 26 Current implementation of WebGIS Benefits to projects of using the WebGIS: assists stakeholders in finding what data exists it is possible to allow download of actual data from the WebGIS if ownership rights permit helps identify a contact person for data of interest adding metadata and developing the catalogue is relatively straightforward helps GEF IW project to better manage and archive data resources

27 27 The Future improve customisation of WebGIS homepage layout including allowing projects to have greater control over layout e.g., localisation of content - hide metadata records from projects/ partners from geographic regions outside their area of interest. consultant hired to implement functionality populate WebGIS with more metadata recently hired GIS specialist to add and review metadata records encourage projects to add metadata by providing training in using GN and writing good metadata planning workshop in Tunisia in 2009 software upgrade (more features, e.g. to improve harvesting of nongeonetwork based metadata catalogues) consultant hired to implement

28 28 Thank you Dr. Richard Cooper, GEF/UNEP IW:LEARN Regional Coordinator/ Environmental Specialist SEA START RC, Chulalongkorn University, 5th Floor, Chulawich 1 Building, Bangkok THAILAND richard@iwlearn.org URL: Tel: Fax:

29 29 GeoNetwork Notes Useful links 1. The Complete GeoNetwork Manual: 2. Documentation and software: 3. Examples of implementation:

30 30 GN as a search tool (continued) Ecomundus - UNEP is developing a tool called EcoMundus which will link to GN nodes around the world and focuses on providing uses with quality environmental data; emphasis on 'quality' as it searches specific domains, not the whole web. EcoMundus can be accessed at

31 Adding metadata 31 Administration Log in Add new metadata

32 Adding metadata 32

33 Adding thumbnails 33

34 Assigning a category 34

35 Adding privileges to dataset 35

Risk Habitat Megacity

Risk Habitat Megacity Contact Internet: Coordination: Data management: www.risk-habitat-megacity.ufz.de Dr. Dirk Heinrichs [dirk.heinrichs@ufz.de] Dr. Kerstin Krellenberg [kerstin.krellenberg@ufz.de] Christian Gadge [christian.gadge@ufz.de]