Data Model and Case Study of Seasonal Data in Web GIS

摘要

This paper describes creation of web GIS application that works with temporal data using contemporary methods and sed in current world. Spatial data that few years ago could have been displayed and used only on local computer and using special software can now be used, analyzed and presented to wide spectrum of users by means of internet. But creation of web applications conforms to its special standards, formats and other requirements. That is specially restricting if we want to use not only spatial data but spatiotemporal data. Adding temporal dimension to data allows user to see changes in time which is often very useful. For example in agriculture knowing how fields were developed and planted during several seasons gives much more useful information then just seeing their current state. In other words, to get important information, we often need user to get access to multiple data sets gathered in several time frames. This requires special type of data model that works effectively with not only data but also with metadata. This paper presents data model for seasonal data often used in agriculture, but can be used for almost any seasonal data. Used methods and tools include data modeling, relational modeling, normalization, UML, metadata structure according to Inspire Directive and ISO19115. Presented model is optimized for use as base for web application. This paper also has description of problems and issues that came up when creating described model including comparison to other available solutions and tools available for creating such application. Paper include simple example in UML. Presented model can be generalized and used with similar types of seasonal spatiotemporal data.