Open Interoperability: From Conception to Realization

Transcription

1 Mapping and Geospatial Solutions Open Interoperability: From Conception to Realization A White Paper

2 Open Interoperability: From Conception to Realization July 2003 Intergraph Mapping and Geospatial Solutions 170 Graphics Drive Madison, AL USA Open Interoperability: From Conception to Realization Page ii

3 Table of Contents Abstract What is Open Interoperability? WMS WFS How Does This Fit with the Architecture of GeoMedia? GeoMedia s virtual three-tier architecture Intergraph s Position on Open Interoperability Open Interoperability in Action The Benefits of Open Interoperability How to Take Advantage of Open Interoperability Vision Statement References Open Interoperability: From Conception to Realization Page iii

4 Abstract As geographic information systems (GIS) move increasingly into mainstream information technology (IT), embracing open standards becomes more and more important. With Spatial Data Infrastructure projects high on local, regional, and national government agenda, open technology will be a key factor in building a solid, interoperable infrastructure management system. As a founding member of the OpenGIS Consortium (OGC) and the only GIS vendor at the strategic membership level, Intergraph has always been committed to open standards. This paper outlines the concept of interoperability, discusses ongoing customer projects leveraging open technology, summarizes the benefits for individual organizations and the economy, and charts Intergraph s vision for the future. Open Interoperability: From Conception to Realization Page 1

5 1. What is Open Interoperability? Open interoperability refers to the ability of software components to integrate, even when written by different software organizations or vendors irrespective of vendor brand, format, or platform. Thinking about interoperability in a broader context than software, we find that interoperability of components has been addressed in a variety of technologies and industries. For example, it would be illogical if a Sony CD player would play only CDs made by Sony or if a Zenith CD player would play only Zenith manufactured CDs. In the same manner, automobiles do not require tires from a specific manufacturer. But interestingly enough, this degree of interoperability does not generally exist in the GIS and IT industries. Fig 1. An illustration of partial interoperability The images above illustrate a common example in which interoperability is only partial the message can be read, but the format is not preserved. This loss of fidelity is a common interoperability problem in software systems and databases. During the past decade, several technologies have emerged that provide the infrastructure to enable interoperability, of which the Component Object Model (COM), the Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA), and Java technology are the most notable. While each of these technologies provides a certain degree of interoperability, the ultimate goal of interoperability across platforms remains elusive. Recently, extensible markup language (XML) has emerged as the standard for the exchange of data between heterogeneous systems. The wide acceptance of XML is due to its inherent simplicity. As a text-based system to encode data, it is completely platform independent, making it especially suitable for use on the World Wide Web, which requires cooperation between a large number of dissimilar software components. Open interoperability initiatives around the world are spearheaded by the OGC, a consortium of 258 companies, government agencies, and universities internationally united in the development of open standards. Open interoperability is at the core of the OGC vision and mission statements: Open Interoperability: From Conception to Realization Page 2

6 OGC Vision: Our vision is a world in which everyone benefits from geographic information and services made available across any network, application, or platform. OGC Mission: Our core mission is to deliver spatial interface specifications that are openly available for global use. In 1997, the OGC approved a series of specifications for core GIS technology, collectively referred to as Simple Features. Although the Simple Features Specifications did not deliver directly in terms of interoperability, the research behind the specifications has created such technology as coordinate systems and feature geometry that is fundamental for the new generation of Web-based specifications. The future of interoperability is now firmly placed within the Web. OGC Open Web Services use XML as the key technology to communicate geographic information between heterogeneous systems. The Consortium is now focusing its efforts on defining Web-mapping standards. These standards provide ways to connect, query, and display mapping data on the Web. Two of these standards are of particular interest the Web Map Server (WMS), and the Web Feature Server (WFS). 1.1 WMS The WMS is a way of communicating raster maps, the picture case, on the Web. By returning the map as a raster image, no additional software is necessary on the client side only a basic Web browser. The WMS consists of 3 simple interfaces: GetCapabilities provides information about what features are available GetMap provides the resulting map from the query (GIF, JPG) GetFeatureInfo provides additional information on a feature Examples of the WMS in action can be found at which was launched by Intergraph in April Intergraph s OGC WMS Viewer is a thin-client application for accessing OGC Web Map Servers. The Viewer enables users to view and use distributed geospatial resources that have been shared using the OGC WMS standard. In essence, it provides a graphical user interface (GUI) to the OGC WMS interfaces GetCapabilities, GetMap, and GetFeatureInfo, as well as the files returned from issuing one of those interfaces against a WMS. It provides a user-friendly method to browse WMSs to see what features they have available (GetCapabilities), choosing those of interest, and seeing the resulting map (GetMap). The viewer provides the capability to request multiple maps that are properly geographically overlaid. And, if the WMS and layer of interest support it, users may click on features to retrieve additional information (GetFeatureInfo). The Viewer has been written in HTML and JavaScript using no proprietary software, and coded only to the WMS interface standards. The Viewer supports SLD-enabled WMSs, the saving and loading of contexts, and queries into Web Registry Servers to find WMSs of interest. Open Interoperability: From Conception to Realization Page 3

7 Intergraph created as part of the Open Geospatial Network ( which was established to serve as a portal to all open OGC-compliant Web servers, providing users easy access to a broad range of spatial services. 1.2 WFS To truly realize the full power of data interoperability, clients must be able to access data in object format. The next evolution, a Web Feature Server (WFS), performs the same functions as WMS, but the returned map is a vector map, not just a raster image. The vector data is in Geographic Markup Language (GML), an XML encoding for map data. Web Feature Servers are capable of delivering data to clients in object form as opposed to picture form. Web Features Server Interfaces were developed as part of the Web Mapping Test Bed 2 during Get capabilities provides information about what a server can do, what data layers it can serve, available formats, etc. DescribeFeatureType provides information about a feature schema (or record structure) Get feature returns the resulting set of a query in GML format Transaction describes data transformation operations that are to be applied to a Web-accessible datastore LockFeature used to acquire a lock on a single feature or set of features Open Interoperability: From Conception to Realization Page 4

8 2. How Does This Fit with the Architecture of GeoMedia? Fig 2. GeoMedia s virtual three-tier architecture 2.1 GeoMedia s virtual three-tier architecture The GeoMedia architecture is a virtual three-tier architecture that takes advantage of these OGC standards. Please see Fig 2 above. Far tier data layer Middle tier business logic layer Near tier presentation layer GeoMedia connects to the far tier, the data layer, via a technology known as GDO or geographic data objects, which acts as an abstraction layer between the business logic and the data, enabling: data Interoperability live connection; no pre-publishing; no translation required access to many GIS formats integration of multiple formats into one map view (on the desktop or over the Web) These benefits have been part of the GeoMedia product architecture since its inception. This technology provides GeoMedia products, including GeoMedia WebMap, with the capability to connect with many different types of GIS data at the same time and to see query results Open Interoperability: From Conception to Realization Page 5

9 rendered on the same map, allowing users to view and query in ways not previously possible. Current examples of this capability can be found in the GeoMedia WebMap Web Gallery at To take advantage of these OGC interfaces, new GDO data servers were created at the data layer for GML, WMS, and WFS. Therefore, using GeoMedia technology connecting to GML, WFS, or WMS relies upon the same user experience and well-established architectural processes as connecting to any other data type. Open Interoperability: From Conception to Realization Page 6

10 3. Intergraph s Position on Open Interoperability Data sharing and interoperability have been components of the Intergraph vision from the inception of GeoMedia. Intergraph s products were built with open interoperability principles in mind. The WMS, WFS, and GML data servers as well as other open functionalities have been complementary additions to the product architecture. Intergraph is a strategic member of the OGC the Consortium s highest level of membership. As a founding member and the only mapping and GIS software provider at the strategic level, Intergraph takes an undeniable lead in supporting interoperable solutions that geo-enable mainstream IT and the Web. Intergraph s long-standing support of OGC, coupled with the top membership level, affirms its strong commitment to open geospatial interoperability. As a strategic member, Intergraph provides significant resources above and beyond those provided by principal members. Special functions include taking an active role in setting the direction of OGC technology specification activities and facilitating the use and acceptance of its technology in markets of strategic value to the OGC and its member organizations. In addition to the responsibilities of strategic membership, Intergraph has entered into an agreement to work closely with the Consortium s members and staff to create special programs designed to enhance effectiveness in selected areas of OGC operation. Intergraph dedicates a staff resource to the OGC, focusing on advancing interoperability in the area of Critical Infrastructure Protection. Additionally, Intergraph engages in strategic planning as a member of both the OGC Planning Committee and the OGC Strategic Advisory Committee. The company also participates in OGC Technical Committee programs to collaboratively define and approve spatial interface specifications that support interoperability. Open Interoperability is clearly at the top of Intergraph s strategic goals. Open Interoperability: From Conception to Realization Page 7

11 4. Open Interoperability in Action A number of organizations around the world have begun to implement open standard solutions. Copenhagen, Denmark The City of Copenhagen, Denmark, uses a Web solution built using GeoMedia WebMap Publisher that enables the Web sites to integrate data and maps from different departments. In addition, the solution automatically secures coherence between all Web sites and servers (test sites, intranet sites, Internet sites, and OpenGIS WMS servers), which enables the city to handle all administration tasks centrally and boasts nearly 100 percent uptime. Departments within the city still make and control their own maps, and any change is reflected immediately on the Web site. The City of Copenhagen has both test and enterprise sites in addition to its own OpenGIS WMS server. Test sites are used by different departments for testing new maps and setups while enterprise sites are used by the entire organization to supply customers with advanced maps and relevant functionality. The WMS server delivers maps for integration with other systems both internally and externally. The Web solution provides the city with the ability to automatically synchronize the different maps on Web sites and the WMS server, enabling central administration of the city's GIS publications. For example, the city can update the enterprise Web sites and WMS server when changes to a test site have been approved, ensuring not only a quick synchronization but also thorough testing before launch. This facilitates a stable system with an excellent uptime even on Copenhagen's frequently changing and ever-expanding Web sites and servers. Portuguese Geological Survey The Instituto Geológico e Mineiro (Portuguese Geological Survey) has completed the first phase of a project to build a system that will publish geoscientific information on the Web the e-geo project. Recent developments in Web-mapping technology and interoperability standards were explored and tested, and new XML-based formats such as GML and Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) were chosen for geographic information description and representation. The organization chose OpenGIS specifications for Web services such as WMS and WFS to enable an interoperable geospatial Web server. The e-geo Web Server is a GeoMedia WebMap 5.0-based server that publishes data in GML and produces ActiveCGM maps with plans to upgrade the server to GeoMedia WebMap 5.1. Data is extracted from an SQL database that holds information on geological mapping, locations of study areas, and ceramic minerals locations. More datasets are expected to be included in future phases of the project in Contents of the e-geo Server will be accessible from a standard Web browser using a WFS-compliant Web application. Open Interoperability: From Conception to Realization Page 8

12 The National Coordinating Agency for Surveys and Mapping, Indonesia The National Coordinating Agency for Surveys and Mapping (BAKOSURTANAL) of Indonesia is conducting tasks in the field of survey and mapping in line with existing government regulations. Tasks include monitoring and guiding national surveys and mapping. The agency also provides general administration in the fields of planning, organizational management, personnel, finances, archiving, and internal affairs. The goal of the current project is to build a national spatial data infrastructure to provide a reliable database for existing fundamental data sets (e.g., primary reference, natural resources and environmental information, administration boundary, build environment, socio/economy) for the development of the nation. The organization has been working on the project, the Integrated Spatial Data and Information Management System (ISDIMS), since This system is designed to provide and manage spatial data and information according to common standards and to provide public access. BAKOSURTANAL is working very closely with producers of spatial data, within both government institutions and the private sector as well as from universities and the military. BAKOSURTANAL s mission is to use components and national capabilities in survey and mapping to build up a National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) in the field of survey and mapping. The GIS development, supported by the Intergraph Open Interoperability Grant, should be applied on a national, provincial, district, and city level to create synergy. The system should provide public access to information services on the Internet and intranet. The first small-scale model is scheduled for completion in October IDE-E: Advances for an INSPIRE-based National Spatial Data Infrastructure in Spain the Feasibility of GeoMedia Software Components The GeoMedia and AGILE award-winning project, "IDE-E: Advances for an INSPIRE-based National Spatial Data Infrastructure in Spain the Feasibility of GeoMedia Software Components," was developed with the goal of technological advancement toward the construction of a spatial data infrastructure (SDI) in Spain. The SDI would be a critical tool in facilitating the exploitation of key public sector information for an extensive list of applications, contributing not only to economic development but also to environmental management. The project stems from the European Commission's (EC) previous launch of INSPIRE, Infrastructure for Spatial InfoRmation in Europe, an initiative to create European legislation to guide national and regional SDI development. The INSPIRE initiative includes core geographic data, metadata, catalogue services, and other geospatial services such as Web map services, Web feature services, Web coverage services, gazetteer, and more. With a fundamental emphasis in standards and interoperability, the initiative will facilitate public access to geographic information and support the needs of partnering organizations, initially from the environmental sector. A major boost for Spain SDI, the project will focus on SDI node creation methodologies, the study of adequate SDI software architectures, and develop software technology for some services (software components based on OGC standards). Additionally, it will test the feasibility of technological interoperability with other COTS with emerging OGC standard-based interfaces, such as GeoMedia products. Open Interoperability: From Conception to Realization Page 9

13 The ultimate goal is to enable the seamless integration of a number of disparate data formats and services, thereby promoting interoperable geoprocessing. The project is lead by Professor Pedro R. Muro-Medrano, University of Zaragoza, a Team GeoMedia Registered Research Laboratory member. An initial report on the results of this project will be available in April Open Interoperability: From Conception to Realization Page 10

14 5. The Benefits of Open Interoperability The last 50 years have seen technological progression at a rate far surpassing that of the industrial revolution, with computers advancing from the size of a room to the size of a fingertip. The same phenomenon has also impacted GIS. Traditionally, only specialists in standalone disciplines used geospatial data. Open interoperability was not a consideration, and many organizations were faced with the challenges caused by existing disparate databases, such as data sharing within a single enterprise. However, today s geospatial environment is witnessing geospatial solutions progressively pervading mainstream IT and becoming a core element in business processes. To facilitate the move into the mainstream, it is essential to have a consistent, standard data format to readily integrate into core IT systems. The uptake of open standards in national and global spatial data infrastructure initiatives as well as by national mapping organizations is instrumental is setting the standard as the open standard. The increasingly competitive global e-economy demands effective and complete data sharing for business success. Spatial data infrastructures are at the top of government agendas for emergency response, disaster management, and homeland security. Open interoperability, the ready exchange of data, has been identified as a key enabler. This has also been exemplified by the e-government initiatives taking place around the world. Several vendors, authors, and users have discussed the benefits of open interoperability, and a consistent message is apparent: Open interoperability can enable internal business efficiency and an enhanced end customer experience, which in turn can positively impact customer loyalty. It benefits the bottom line. So what does this mean in practice? Through open interoperability, specifically the application of WFS and WMS, an organization can leverage disparate data from multiple sources regardless of vendor brand, format, or platform to easily publish data in open, industrystandard formats to the Web, maximizing the reuse of geospatial data, eliminating timeconsuming data translation, and reducing integration requirements and associated costs. This ensuing reduction in the highly specialized human resource requirement for data translation and integration frees engineering resources for faster or more customer-specific development, improving both internal and external processes and experiences. ( Furthermore, the effective application of the open-standard Web solutions and supporting infrastructure can enable a readily accessible geospatial information pool, reducing the time-tomarket and the planning cycles for organizations to develop new business opportunities, new products, and new services with a geospatial component. ( The position of the GIS solutions buyer is also strengthened, widening software procurement opportunities. With open standards as the industry standard, an organization is not locked into a single vendor because of a previous investment. The organization is not restricted to the functionality of the current system, thus creating healthy competition within the geospatial vendors, which can only have a positive effect for the customer. Open Interoperability: From Conception to Realization Page 11

15 John Fagan succinctly outlines the benefits: (99) This new paradigm will: make it easier to get immediate access to data, simplify version control and improve data freshness, reduce the user s requirements for local data storage, and create new opportunities for businesses that maintain online sources of data and information (Mckee, L. 1999) Mainstream IT organizations will be able to spatially enable their current databases through common standards. This will provide them with an extra tool (too important to ignore in today s competitive market) to support decision-making. The demands for speed, quality, and flexibility within today s organizations can be better met if the tools and data needed to achieve these demands are interoperable. Open Interoperability: From Conception to Realization Page 12

16 6. How to Take Advantage of Open Interoperability Intergraph provides a range of software, tools, and programs to make it easy for both customers and non-customers to take advantage of the benefits of open interoperability. Intergraph s Open Interoperability Grant Program is designed to stimulate the use of open interoperability standards through the support of organizations desiring to build Web services using OGC standards as well as organizations wishing to publish their data in XML/GML (file) format. The grant contains both the software and support essential to kick start open interoperability initiatives. One hundred grants, with a total commercial value of $5.5 million (U.S.), have been made available for qualifying organizations. While the grant program targets governmental and commercial organizations, Intergraph s Team GeoMedia Registered Research Laboratory program provides a comprehensive software and support offering, including the latest interoperability components, to academic institutions and non-commercial research groups. There is no financial charge for joining the program. Instead, the submission of two research papers per year is required. By taking advantage of Intergraph s GeoMedia Viewer, users are provided with ready, easy access to geospatial data. GeoMedia Viewer is an easy-to-use, free GIS software application for desktop viewing and distribution of geospatial data. The application enables an organization to maximize the value of its geospatial data by extending availability to novice users by thwarting the barriers associated with purchasing and learning a full GIS software application. GeoMedia Viewer is also complemented by free downloadable interoperability extensions. Open Interoperability: From Conception to Realization Page 13

17 7. Vision Statement The role of GIS in the economy is clear through examples of the invaluable life-saving benefits during real-life usage such as 9-11 or through the commitment of government bodies and associations. The 2002 announcement of the joint industry and government steering committee in Australia as well as the direct link between economic performance and GIS, as identified by the European Commission, are just two of many examples reflecting the importance of GIS. As the global economy moves into now time, data access and interoperability can be key competitive differentiators. The future of GIS is open, interoperable standards. In the words of Ignacio Guerrero, Intergraph s Executive Vice President, In today's IT world, we enjoy increased connectivity of systems through advances in network technology and communications, in particular the ubiquitous availability of the World Wide Web. Having the infrastructure to interconnect systems presents organizations with the challenge and the opportunity to integrate heterogeneous software systems - making open interoperability essential. Open interoperability will allow unprecedented levels of application integration as demonstrated in OGC testbeds and pilot projects. In this manner, open interoperability will enable the tying together of existing applications and the development of new distributed applications based on interoperability standards which benefits end users, IT integrators, and software vendors alike. Open interoperability has not been an easy technical challenge, but Intergraph has remained committed to open interoperability from the beginning and has consistently met the challenge. Vckovski (1998) eloquently highlights the scale of the technical task in the development of open standards, GIS interoperability: a dream for users and a nightmare for system developers. The critical first wave of hard work has been completed and users are already reaping the benefits. The dream is becoming the reality. Open Interoperability: From Conception to Realization Page 14

18 References Fagan, J. (1999), Interoperability and GIS Vckovski, A. (1998), Interoperable and Distributed Processing in GIS. Taylor & Francis, London. Mckee, L. (1999), The Impact of Interoperable Geoprocessing. Photogrammetric Engineering & Remote Sensing. May, OGC website: For more information on Intergraph s Open Interoperability offerings, visit For more information on the Team GeoMedia Registered Research Laboratory program, visit Open Interoperability: From Conception to Realization Page 15

19 For more information about Intergraph Mapping and Geospatial Solutions, visit our Web site at United States Canada Europe Asia-Pacific Other Areas Intergraph and the Intergraph logo are registered trademarks of Intergraph Corporation. Other brands and product names are trademarks of their respective owners. Intergraph believes that the information in this publication is accurate as of its publication date. Such information is subject to change without notice. Copyright 2004 Intergraph Corporation, Huntsville, AL WP1035B