Spatial data infrastructure framework and tools for the integration of heterogeneously distributed data sets
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Date
2014-10
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
Abstract
Absence of inter-agency coordination has created diverse methods and practices in the generation and maintenance of spatial data in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Consequently spatial data sets from various agencies are inconsistent and thus hampering the smooth vertical and horizontal integration for various inter-agency applications. Many technical inconsistencies such as differences in datum projections, accuracy levels, semantic and schema for geographic feature re-presentation exist in the data sets. International successful practices has been studied extensively to understand growing demand for the geospatial data sets, its availability, methods used to maintain it, and mechanisms evolved to make it easily available for cross jurisdictional utilization. Spatial data activities of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have also been reviewed. Considering the differences in the capacity of the region compare to international best practices, tools and techniques that are familiar to the various users are given preference for developing systems in various agencies. Therefore, developing common data models that accommodate most data sets commonly used by the agencies becoming a priority. These models are developed based on minimum data standards based on tools and techniques that are familiar to the United Arab Emirates. Maximum care is taken to preserve prevailing configuration of the geospatial data sets maintenance environment belonging to the respective custodians. To resolve the absence of data documentation, metadata content standards has been developed with minimum details that are sufficient enough for facilitating the development of data model and data translations rules. Opens Geographic Information System standards, tools and available data models with appropriate revisions or modifications are used to suit the purpose. Tools and techniques have been designed and developed for metadata content standards and subsequent metadata generation. Design and development of common data model and subsequent data translation tools for integrating data sets into the common data model are also developed. Finally web mapping tools is adapted to portray the integrated data sets. As a proof of concept, sample data sets are selected to test and analyse the tools and techniques that are adopted in the design and development of system for integrating spatial data sets. It has been found that the integrated data sets are consistent and commonly be used by the agencies. Finally a future initiative for further improvement of Spatial Data Infrastructure implementation has been recommended.
Description
Thesis (Ph.D (Geomatics Engineering))
Keywords
Geospatial, Modelling