Hardy Pundt

Domain ontologies for data sharing-an example from environmental monitoring using field GIS

Different geospatial information communities, public authorities as well as private institutions, recognize increasingly the World Wide Web as a medium to distribute their data. With the occurrence of national laws that push authorities to make environmental data accessible, Internet-based services have to be developed to enable the public to obtain information digitally. Dissemination of data is only one side of the coin. The other side is the use of such data. The use requires mechanisms to share data via networks. Lack of semantic interoperability has been identified as the main obstacle for data sharing. Research, however, must develop methods to overcome the problems of sharing data considering their semantics. Ontologies are considered to be one approach to support data sharing.This paper describes the use of ontologies via the Internet based on an example from field GIS supported environmental monitoring. The basic idea is that the members of different information communities get access to the meaning of data if they can approach the ontologies that have been developed by those who collected the data. This might be possible by applying the resource definition framework (RDF) and RDF/Schema. RDF can be used to define and structure terms and vocabulary used in a specific information community. The goal of the paper is to examine the role of ontologies based on the study of a particular application domain, namely stream surveying. The use of RDF/ Schema is described related to the example.

Probing the Concept of Information Communities-A First Step Toward Semantic Interoperability

Interoperability between different data sources and software systems is difficult to achieve due to the complexity of geodata. This complexity is caused by various factors, such as the underlying digital formats imposed by a particular software or acquisition method and the complexity of higher level descriptions, conventions, and rules imposed by individuals, organizations, and disciplines using the software (Buehler and McKee 1996).

Visualization of spatial data for field based GIS

Abstract Field based and GPS supported GIS are increasingly applied in various spatial disciplines. Such systems represent more sophisticated, time and cost effective tools than traditional field forms for data acquisition. Meanwhile, various systems are on the market. These mostly enable the user to define geo-objects by means of GPS information, supported by functionalities to collect and analyze geometric information. The digital acquisition of application specific attributes is often underrepresented within such systems. This is surprising because pen computer based GIS can be used to collect attributes in a profitable manner, thus adequately supporting the requirements of the user. Visualization and graphic displays of spatial data are helpful means to improve such a data collection process. In section one and two basic aspects of visualization and current uses of visualization techniques for field based GIS are described. Section three mentions new developments within the framework of wearable computing and augmented reality. Section four describes current activities aimed at the realization of real time online field based GIS. This includes efforts to realize an online GIS data link to improve the efficiency and the quality of fieldwork. A brief discussion in section five leads to conclusions and some key issues for future research.

Proceeding on the Road of Semantic Interoperability - Design of a Semantic Mapper Based on a Case Study from Transportation

Semantic interoperability in GIS is the ability to share geospatial information at the application level. This paper argues that we currently have a relatively clear understanding of what semantic heterogeneity means, what are real world cases that exemplify this heterogeneity, and who to characterize these differences. We believe that the stage is now set for implementing a prototype to resolve semantic heterogeneity. We present here an on going case study and prototype development. This prototype is not aimed to be a definitive solution. Rather, it provides a feedback process to our struggle to seek scientifically sound and technically and commercially viable solutions to semantic interoperability.

Evaluating the Relevance of Spatial Data in Time Critical Situations

Accuracy and relevance are properties that are often mentioned in context with usability and quality of data. The use of GIS and mobile GI services in spatial planning and management requires accurate and relevant data. For usage of spatial data in time critical situations, e. g. disaster management, this is especially true. Decisions must be made in short terms, within hours or minutes. Such situations do not leave any time to evaluate whether the data used for decision making are “accurate” or “relevant”. This evaluation has to be done before. The use of inaccurate or irrelevant data, however, can lead to decisions that are inadequate or in the worst case harmful.

20 Years of AGILE

Preceded by a ‘personal word’ from the authors, the focus of this paper is on a number of facts and activities that together describe how AGILE developed from an idea in the garden of the late Peter Burrough in Wageningen in July 1997 to a mature and well known organization nowadays. After a short description of those very first years where the reason for existence was discussed that resulted in the AGILE mission, the structure of AGILE as an organization is presented. How the mission was translated into a range of activities is described in a number of paragraphs, where the AGILE working groups, initiatives, the participation in EU projects and conference themes are discussed. The paper will finish with some personal impressions by those who acted as chairpersons of AGILE.

Geo-Web Services and New Exchange Formats to Develop Future Services Supporting Climate Change Adaptation Measures

Climate change and a rising number of extreme weather events increase the demand for regional climate adaptation concepts. Consequently, the need for supporting the development of such concepts, for example through the usage of digital climate services, is growing. In particular, the adequate use of geospatial data and Web services could accompany actors in the development and primarily in the implementation of climate adaptation measures. The paper describes the potential of current geo-Web services and innovative data exchange formats for future climate services. The hypothesis is to determine whether the use of innovative exchange formats and interoperable geo-Web services can contribute to an increase of quality and an expanded usage of Web services during the definition of regional climate adaptation measures. Aiming at the verification, or falsification, of this hypothesis, various investigations were and are being carried out. They are embedded in a research project, focusing on climate adaptation measures in small river catchments. Initial results suggest that the hypothesis can be confirmed. It will be tested based on the development of innovative climate services aimed at producing maps that inform users about erosion vulnerabilities in two exemplary catchments. Resulting findings will be presented, and conclusions are drawn.

Evaluation of a Transdisciplinary Research Project Aimed at the Development of Climate Change Adaptation Measures

An important characteristic of transdisciplinary research is the integration of real-life, practical problems and scientific knowledge. In many cases problems related to climate change concern primarily scientists who analyze vast amounts of data aiming at forecasting potential effects of climate change. However, if climate change adaptation measures are developed, and implemented, this concerns not only science, but especially local administrations, as well as companies, organizations and the public. They look at the problems from their specific perspectives, and evaluate potential measures in close relation to their context. In order to achieve sustainable and widely accepted problem solutions, it is essential to integrate the different views and related contextual information. Within the framework of a pilot project, aimed at the development and implementation of climate change adaptation measures, this article envisages to present the underlying research process. The development and critical evaluation of the project will be described, proving that only the close cooperation of all relevant actors from concerned sectors, accompanied by scientists, leads to sustainable decisions and problem solutions aimed at the mitigation of risks and adaptation to potential threats. The pilot project, carried out in two phases between 2011 and 2016 in the administrative district of Mansfeld-Sudharz, Germany, embraces the development of a local climate change adaptation strategy, and the implementation of specific adaptation measures. Success factors, as well as identified obstacles, are discussed critically.

ASSESSING VULNERABILITIES AS A STEP TOWARD CLIMATE CHANGE INDUCED HAZARD PREPAREDNESS

Increasingly, the consequences of climate change are recognized not only on a national, but also on the regional and local levels. More and more local administrations ask if and which measures should be implemented to be prepared concerning climate change induced hazards, such as flooding, soil erosion, or drought and heat periods in rural and/or urban environments. Within the framework of a project carried out between 2013 and 2016, a local climate change adaptation strategy has been developed in a pilot region in middle Europe. Taking into account as many stakeholders, or actors from different sectors as possible, measures to adapt to climate change were defined based on the previous assessment of specific vulnerabilities. However, vulnerability assessment has been supported by the analysis of vast amount of spatial datasets using online geographic information services that were implemented as part of the project. Based on such technologies, as well as a web-based open forum, actors and the public were enabled to participate actively in the vulnerability assessment and especially concerning the definition of climate change adaptation measures. The participation process under explicit consideration of diverse relevant actors has lead to improved acceptance, and therefore more sustainable decisions about measures. The benefits resulting from using open participation tools, including geographic information technologies and communication support, to identify and evaluate vulnerabilities will be discussed. This is linked to the goals of a follow-up project that starts in 2017, called ‘BebeR’, in which a special focus is on soil erosion due to increasing heavy rainfall events accompanied by flooding. The computer based support during the prioritization and implementation of measures to mitigate potential threats will be considered and conclusions be drawn.

Kommunale Anpassung an die Folgen des Klimawandels als Komponente einer Nachhaltigen Entwicklung

Der Klimawandel wird in den kommenden Jahrzehnten das kommunale Handeln und die nachhaltige Entwicklung in den Regionen wesentlich beeinflussen. Die Auswirkungen steigender Temperaturen, veranderter Niederschlage oder der moglichen Zunahme von Extremwetterereignissen wie Starkregen und Hitze sind bereits heute auf der kommunalen Ebene beispielsweise bei der Regional- und Stadtplanung, beim Ausbau und Schutz der Infrastrukturen und bei der Umweltbildung zu berucksichtigen. Dabei kommt es darauf an, moglichst viele Akteure bei der Entwicklung einer Strategie und bei der Umsetzung der darin enthaltenen Masnahmen zu beteiligen. Der Beitrag fasst zum einen methodische Ansatze zur Erstellung einer solchen kommunalen Strategie zur Anpassung an die Folgen des Klimawandels unter besonderer Berucksichtigung der Partizipation und der Vulnerabilitatsbewertung zusammen. Zum anderen werden die Ergebnisse von zwei Pilotprojekten im Landkreis Mansfeld-Sudharz und der Stadt Sangerhausen vorgestellt. Beide Projekte verdeutlichen, dass Klimaanpassung als wichtiger Baustein einer nachhaltigen Regionalentwicklung zu betrachten ist.