WO2009034406A1

WO2009034406A1 - Method and system for rendering geographic information systems (gis) data to a plurality of users over the internet

Info

Publication number: WO2009034406A1
Application number: PCT/IB2007/002751
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fm. Van Der Weijde
Original assignee: Tauw Group B.V.
Priority date: 2007-09-13
Filing date: 2007-09-13
Publication date: 2009-03-19

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention provide a method and a system for rendering Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data to users over the Internet. The users perform environmental reporting of one or more industrial sites based on the GIS and business attribute data stored on a database. The users are authorized for accessing the database. A user makes a web request for a GIS map, wherein the GIS map has map layers displaying the GlS data and the business attribute data. Thereafter, the user modifies the map layers of the GIS map. The updated map layers are published to other users for collaborative modifications. Based on the collaborative modifications, the user can generate environmental reports.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR RENDERING GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS) DATA TO A PLURALITY OF USERS OVER THE INTERNET

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

Embodiments of the invention relate, in general, to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and more specifically, the embodiments of the invention relate to methods and systems for environmental research and reporting of industrial sites using GIS.

2. Description of the Background Art

[1] A database is a collection of data that is organized so that the data can be easily stored, accessed and managed by users. For example, a database can store the data such as bibliographic information, image data or spatial data etc. A user with requisite access rights can access the database to retrieve information stored in the database.

[2] The database that stores spatial data is known as a spatial database. The spatial data provides information pertaining to the location, the shape, and the description of geographical features of industrial sites. The spatial database stores this spatial data in a prescribed format that includes the location, the shape, and the description of the geographical features as well as the relationships between different geographical features. For example, the spatial database is an Oracle Spatial Database 8i from Oracle, Inc.

[3] Computers are used to organize and display the spatial data which helps in communication of geographic information to users and also allows the geographic information to be easily edited. Further, the spatial database is used by Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to display the spatial data. The GIS is a computer system that is capable of assembling, storing, manipulating, and displaying geographically referenced information associated with the spatial data. For example, the GIS are used by a user to display maps for online route selection, environmental exploration, and land use planning. The spatial data when analyzed with business attribute data provides meaningful insights. The business attribute data is additional information that captures non-spatial aspects of industrial sites.

[4] According to one conventional technique, a user is provided with the spatial data on a Compact Disc (CD). The user uses this spatial data for environmental applications such as environmental assessment and management. However, the user has to separately arrange the business attribute data for the environmental applications of interest. Further, the spatial data on the CD can be outdated and the user has to purchase updated CD's ever/ WQψ/fgfipe-mmvircϊrm&rital applications.

[5] According to another conventional technique, a user in an organization accesses the spatial data for environmental reporting. The user may generate environmental reports that are to be shared with other users in the organization. The user informs other users to access the spatial data and provide inputs. Further, the user takes input from other users of the organization and makes corresponding modifications in the environmental reports. However, this technique is time consuming method of generating the environmental reports. Further, a secure access for the spatial data is also a coηcern for the organization.

BRfEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of an example and is not limited by the example and / or in the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements and in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates a network environment wherein an exemplary embodiment of the invention can be practiced.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a module manager in accordance with various embodiments of the invention

Fig. 3 is a flowchart depicting the requisite steps taken for rendering Geographic Information Systems

(GIS) data to plurality of users over the Internet, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OFTHE INVENTION

[6] The preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in the following description and it will be clear that the invention is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present invention. It will be evident that modifications, changes, variations, substitutions and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled In the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the appended claims.

[7] The embodiments of the invention provide a method and a system for rendering Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data to plurality of users over the Internet. The various embodiments of the invention provide a method for performing environmental reporting of one or more industrial sites based on the GJS data. This GJS data provides information pertaining to locations, shapes, and descriptions of geographical features of industrial sites. The GIS data fs stored on a database. Further, according to an embodiment of the invention, business attribute data is also stored on the database. According to various embodiments of the invention, business attribute data is stored on a separate database The separate database is connected to the database that contains the GIS data. Moreover, the database has metadata defining relationships between the business attribute data and the GIS data. The metadata defining relationships helps to locate the business attribute data corresponding to the GlS data or vice versa. The GIS data and the business attribute data are displayed on a GlS map. [81 A user is authorized before accessing the GIS map. The authorization of user provides role based access to the user. Thereafter, the user makes a web request to access the GIS map. The web request from the user is received by an application server. The application server displays the GIS map corresponding to the web request from the user. The user can modify map layers of the GIS map based on the role based access during authorization. The user updates the GIS data and the business attribute data on the map layers. According to various embodiments of the invention, the updated map layers can be published to other users. The user provides access rights to other users for the updated map layers. The updated map layers are shared and collaborative updates from the other users are updated to the user. Further, the user generates environmental reports based on the map layers and the updated map layers.

[9] Fig. 1 illustrates a network environment 100 wherein an exemplary embodiment of the invention can be practiced. Network environment 100 includes a user 162, an authorization manager 104, an application server 106, a GIS server 108 and database 110. According to various embodiments of the invention, an application server 106 includes a module manager 112 and database 110 includes a document management system (DfvtS) 114. [10] According to various embodiments of the invention, database 110 stores GIS data and business attribute data. This GIS data provides spatial information pertaining to locations, shapes, and descriptions of geographical features. The business attribute data is additional information included with the GlS data to capture non-spatial attribute associated with the GIS data. Examples of the business attribute can be but not limited to, compliance care data, government permits, documents related to objects on the plurality of industrial sites and the like.

[11] Further, database 110 includes DMS 114. According to various embodiments of the invention, DIvIS 114 manages inter-document relation information among the GIS data and the business attribute data. DMS 114 uses properties associated with metadata of the GlS data and the business attribute data to create the relation information to manage and trace modifications of various layers of information in database 110. Examples of database 110 include, but are not fϊmited to Oracle database 8i, Oracle database 9i, Oracle database 10g and the like.

[12] User 102 is authorized before accessing the GfS data and the business attribute data. Authorization manger 104 authorizes user 102. According to various embodiments of the invention, authorization manger 104 is a software module that can be installed on a firewall terminal for application server 106 and contains program instructions authorizing user 102. The authorization involves determining the access level of user 102 for the GIS data and the business attribute data. According to various embodiments of the invention, the role based access also determines access level of user 102 for accessing and tracing modifications made by other users for the GIS data and the business attribute data.

[13] According to various embodiments of the invention, authorization manager 104 also authenticates user 102 for secure access to the GiS data and the business attribute data. For example, authorization manager 104 helps in providing secure access to the GiS data to a user with a valid usemame and a password. Authorization manager 104 also determines access for user 102 to particular functionalities associated with the GlS data and the business attribute data. For example, user 102 logs in to a website using a username and password. However, the usemame and the password is for public level access for the GIS data and the business attribute data. As a result, user 102 will able to only view the publicly available GIS data and the business attribute data. [14] Further, user 102 makes a web request for accessing the GIS data and the business attribute data. User 102 can use a computer having a web client such as a website for requesting the GIS data. The web client is a front end application that is accessed using the computer of user 102. According to various embodiments of the invention, the web client provides an interface for accessing, modifying and managing the GfS data and the business attribute data. For example, user 102 makes the web request by fogging in to a website using the Internet. Further, authorization manager 104 authorizes the web request of user 102.

Application server 106 is a server computer containing server software that accommodates to the GIS web request from user 102. Further, the server software is programmed to respond to requests, perform logic and manage data. In addition, application server 106 also sends a web response to user 102. The GiS web response dtspϊayε a GIS map to user 102. The GIS web response can be a URL of a web page that displays the GIS map.

[15] Application server 106 can provide infrastructure to host other server-based systems. For example, web server 104 can contain a software program to manage access for the spatial data set that is stored in database 110.

[16] In addition, application server 106 acts as a middleware between user 102 and database 110. Application server 106 provides a common interface and acts as an application for exchange of ^v information between user 102 and database 110. Examples of application server 106 include, but are not limited to, Apache TOMCAT, Novell's Web Server by Novell, Apache, internet Information Server (IIS) by Microsoft, IBM's OS/390 by IBM and the like.

[17] According to various embodiments of the invention, application server 106 comprises module manager 112 for assigning various modules to user 102. Module manager 112 is a software module residing on application server 106 that provides various functionalities for user 102 to access, manage and modify the GIS data and the business attribute data. Module manager 112 displays a GIS map of one or more industrial sites to user 102. User 102 can select an industrial site of interest. Further, the GlS map is displayed based on the web request and the authorization of user 102. According to various embodiments of the invention, the GIS map for the industrial site has map layers displaying the GIS data and the business attribute data. The map layers are divisions of the GlS map that displays the GiS data. Example of map layers can be divisions characterized by shape or Geography Markup Language or Georeferenced TIFF format. Examples of the map layers are but not limited to, layers describing soil characteristics, layers describing highways and roads, layers describing railroad tracks, layers describing land use etc. According to an embodiment of the invention, the map layers for environmental reporting are soti borehole layers, measurement instruments layer, asbestos in building layers etc.

[18] Further, module manager 112 also provides G!S functionalities to user 102. User 102 can request for a GIS function that is associated with attributes of the GlS data. Examples of the GIS function include, but are not limited to, zoom in for the GIS data, zoom out for the GlS data, drag pan for the GIS data, map legends for the GlS data and the like. The GlS function provides access for the GIS functionalities that are associated with GIS server 108. Example of the spatial functionalities include, but are not limited to, Geocoding, Gβoraster support, network and topology data models, spatial analysts functions and the like.

[19] GIS server 108 is a server for GIS data management, visualization and analysis. According to various embodiments of the invention, GIS server 108 is interface between application server 106 and database 110. Examples of GIS server 108 can be ArcGiS server by ESRl's. The ArcGlS server is used for spatial data management visualization, and analysis. The benefits of using the ArcGIS server are open, interoperable platform; ability to integrate with other enterprise systems; lower cost of ownership; and scalability. [20] Fig. 2 is a block diagram of module manager 112 in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. According to various embodiments of the invention, module manager 112 comprises a spatial core module 202, a web core module 204 and a report module 208.

[21] Spatial core module 202 is a software module that has program instructions to provide access to GIS functionalities to user 102 using GIS server 108. According to various embodiments of the invention, spatial core module 202 provides navigation functionalities for the GIS map to user 102. The navigation functionalities include the GIS functionalities for the GlS map. Spatial core module 202 communicates with GIS server 103 to provide the GIS functionalities to user 102. The navigation functionalities allow user 102 to view map layer layers of the GiS map at varying scales and varying views. Examples of the GIS functionalities provided by spatiai core module 202 are, but not limited to, zoom in/out₇ directional pan, zoom to scale, configuring coordinate system and the like. [22] Further, module manager 112 includes web core module 204 for managing the map layers of the GIS map. For example, web core module 202 lists the map layers in a tree structure. The visibility control for these map layers can be configured using web core module 204. According to various embodiments of the invention, web core module 204 is a software module that has program instructions to provide functionalities such as labeling of the map layers, export or import of the GIS data and the business attribute data for map layers, layer management and the like. [23] User 102 can select map layers of interest using web core module 204. The selected map layers can be marked on the GIS map and are saved on application server 106. Further, according to various embodiments of the invention, user 102 can update the GIS data and the business attribute data, which are associated with the selected map layers. User 102 uses web core module 204 to modify spatial fiies associated with the GIS data. For example, objects like, points, circles, polygons, and text can bθ saved as spatial files. According to various embodiments of the invention, web core module 204 can store the modified spatiai fries as updated GIS data for the GIS map. In addition, user 102 can also modify project documents associated with the business attribute data. According to various embodiments of the invention, web core module 204 can store the modified project documents as updated business attribute data for the GIS map. Examples of project documents include but are not limited to MS Word, MS Excel, MS Power point, PDF files and picture formats like, bmp, jpg, png, tif, gif etc. Web core module 204 can display the updated GIS data and the updated business attribute data as an updated GlS map to user 102. [24] According to various embodiments of the invention, web core module 204 comprises a publishing module 206. Publishing module 206 is a software module that has program instructions to publish the updated GIS map to other users. For example, a user in an organization can publish the updated GlS map to other selected users within the organization. According to various embodiments of the invention, user 102 saves the updated GIS map before publishing it to other users. According to an embodiment of the invention, user 102 archives the updated GIS map before publishing it to other users. Moreover, publishing module 206 can configure access rights associated with access of the updated GIS map.

[25] Module manager 112 comprises report module 208 for generating environmental reports. According to various embodiments of the invention, report module 208 is a software module that has program instructions to generate the environmental reports based on the updated GIS map and the GIS map. Examples of reports include but are not limited to, cross section graph of the quality of the soil, cross section graph of materials the soil, cross section graph of concentrations for materials, line graph showing the measured existence of hazardous substances in time, report containing thematic overview of the geographic area, tabular report on single or multiple boreholes and showing its compliance to the legal standards for the particular area. Further, the reports can be printed and saved as PDF file and all prints are stored in archive for later retrieval.

[26] Fig. 3 is a flowchart depicting trie requisite steps taken for rendering the GfS data to plurality of users over the Internet, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. At step 302, the GIS data and the business attribute data is stored on database 11 δ. The GIS data and the business attribute data is uploaded on database 110 using conventional methods of data entry. Moreover, database 110 can be updated in real time by uploading ύata using the Internet. For example, a user at an industrial site collects data regarding soil characteristics of the industrial site using a borehole. This data can be compiled in a file such as an XML frle that can be uploaded by the user by logging to a particular website that is associated with database 110. [27] Further, according to various embodiments, database 110 includes Df₁ZiS 114 to manage inter- document relation information among the GIS data and the business attribute data. DMS 114 uses metadata stored for the GIS data and the business attribute data for the inter-document relation! For example, DMS 114 relates the date on which the GIS data was stored and the identity of user storing it. Further, DMS 114 may also extract metadata from the GIS data or the business attribute data automatically or prompt user 102 to add the corresponding metadata. Details pertaining to DMS 114 have been explained in reference to Fig. 1 of the present invention. An example of use of the metadata for DMS 114 when the GIS data is related to soil characteristics of an industrial site is as follow:

Description: Interpolation of benzene concentrations using Krieging method

Period (begin): 01 /01 /1994

Period (end): 01/02/1994

Last updated: 02/27/2007

Update frequency: once

Provided by: xxxx

Responsible: xxxx

Rights and Restrictions. Not to be used by third parties.

File created: 02/26/2007

File modified: 02/27/2007

Modifications: Created an new interpolation using Krieging

Remarks: This map layer is for interna! use only.

[28] At step 304, user 102 is authenticated. User 102 is authenticated before accessing the GIS date or the business attribute data. According to an embodiment of the invention, user 102 is authenticated at the firewall terminal of application server 106. Further, the authentication can be validation of a usemame and password for logging in on a website. For example, user 102 logs in to a website for environmental reporting of soil characteristics of an industrial site. A valid username and password will authenticate user 102 to make a web request to application server 106.

[29] At step 306, user 102 is authorized. User 102 is authorized to grant role based access to the

GIS data and the business attribute data. The authorization of user 102 also determines the level of access to features and functionalities associated with application server 106. For example, an administrator level access provides rights for uploading and deleting the GlS data or the business attribute data.

[30] At step 308, a web request from user 102 is received at application server 10S. The web request contains details of the environmental reporting. For example, user 102 logs in to a website for environmental reporting and makes a web request to display soil characteristics of an industrial site.

Further, the web request can be for business attribute data. For example, user 102 makes a web request to display geographical areas having government permit for soil drilling. [31] At step 310, the GIS map is provided to user 102. According to various embodiments of the invention, application server 106 displays the GIS map based on the web request from user 102. User 102 can view the GIS map on client web application such as a web browser. Details pertaining to the GIS map have been explained in reference to Fig. 1 of the invention. User 102 can also change the reference frame work of the GIS data and the business attribute data as per specific requirements. For example the reference frame work of the GIS data and the business attribute data can be Dutch STI, Belgian Flarebo, Italian Public Access, Italian Industrial, Dutch NW4 Network, Dutch Asbestos Framework. Moreover, application server 108 provides various functionalities for GIS map to user 102. According to various embodiments of the invention, module manager 112 in application server 106 provides access to various modules available for user 102 based on the authorization for user 102. Details pertaining to application server 106 and module manager 112 have been explained in reference to Fig. 1 and Fig.2 of the invention. User 102 can use the various modules for modifying the GIS map as per requirements of the environmental reporting.

[32] At step 312, user 102 modifies the map layers of the GIS map. According to various embodiments of the invention, user 102 can send an update request to update information associated with the GIS data and the business attribute data of the GIS map. The update request is received by application server 106. Further, module manager 112 of application server 106 is used to update the GIS map. The GIS functionalities can be used to update for the GfS map. According to varioqs embodiments of the invention, user 102 uses spatial core module 202 for providing access to GIS functionalities using GIS server 108. Details pertaining spatial core module 202, GIS functionalities and GIS server 108 have been explained in reference to Fig., 1 and Fig 2 of the present invention. User 102 can also upload spatial files in GIS formats to application server 106. These spatial files can be used for generating environmental reports.

Moreover, according to various embodiments of the invention, user 102 uses web core module 204 for managing map layers of the GIS map. Details pertaining to web core module 204 have been explained in reference to Fig 2 of the present invention. User 102 can update the map layers of the GIS map. The map layers are updated based on the update request from user 102. Further, updated map layers are stored on application server 10S as updated GIS map. The updated map iayers indicate the modifications made by user 102. For example, user 102 can use web core module 204 to select an option for creating new thematic renderings for a selected map layer such as borehole layer. This will provide user 102 with a predefined thematic, wherein user 102 can select material and other predefined attributes.

[33] According to an embodiment of the invention, web core module 204 archives the map layers and the updated map layers on database 110. The archived data can be retrieved from database 110. Web core module 204 can be requested for the updated GIS map. Further, the updated GIS map can be shared with other users for collaborative modifications.

[34] At step 314, user 102 publishes the updated GIS map to other users. According to various embodiments of the invention, user 102 publishes the updated GIS map using publishing module 206. User 102 can send access rights for the updated map layers to other users using publishing module 206. The access rights grant access to share any information that is updated on the GIS map. Details pertaining to web core module 204 have been explained in reference to Fig 2 of the present invention. Further, any user without the access rights can not view or modify information on the updated GlS map. According to various embodiments of the invention, the other users with access rights can also update the information on the updated GIS map, which can be viewed by user 102. Accordingly, the collaborative sharing of the updated GIS map provides user 102 with updated GIS data and updated business attribute data. User 102 uses this updated GIS data and the updated business attribute data to generate environmental reports.

[35] At step 316, user 102 generates the eπvironmentaf reports. According to various embodiments of the invention, user 102 uses report module 208 for generating the environmental reports. Details pertaining to report module 208 have been explained in reference to Fig 2 of the present inventiqn. User 102 can store the environmental reports on application server 106. According to various embodiments of the invention, application server 106 sends the environmental reports to user 102 in a web response. Examples of the web response can be, but not limited to, a URL for a web page or an email and the like.

[36] Embodiments of the present invention have the advantage that users can have access to GIS data and business attribute data using the Internet. Moreover, no separate dedicated software is needed for accessing the GIS data and the business attribute data. Users can log in to a website to display GlS maps of interest and environmental reports can also be generated. Further, the GIS data corresponding to one or more industrial sites can collated and stored on database. The users in an organization can centrally monitor the GIS data of multiple industrial sites. The users are authenticated and authorized before accessing the GiS maps. This helps in secured access to confidential data stored on the database. Further, a user in an organization can update the GlS maps. The user can also share the updated GIS maps with other users within the same organization on invitation basis. The modifications and updates made by other users are also provided to the user. This helps in sharing of collaborative modifications for the GIS data and the business attribute data. The user can generate environmental reports based on the updated GIS maps. Moreover, the updated GIS maps are archived for record purposes.

[37] Although the invention has been described using a few embodiments herein, it is understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative, and not restrictive, of the present invention. Numerous changes and modifications in the invention as known to those skilled in the art could be made to the embodiment of the present invention without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the present invention is not to be limited to the details shown and described herein, but the present invention is intend to cover all such changes and modifications as encompassed by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method for rendering Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data to plurality of users over the Internet, wherein the plurality of users perform environmental reporting of one or more industrial sites based on the GIS and business attribute data, the method comprising the steps of: a. storing the GlS data on a database; b. storing business attribute data on the database, wherein the business attribute data is associated with the GJS data, wherein the database includes meta-data defining relationships between the GIS data and the business attribute data; c. authorizing a user, wherein the user is at least one of the plurality of the users, wherein the user requires the GJS data and the business attribute data for the environmental reporting; d. receiving a web request for a GIS map from the user, wherein the GIS map has map layers displaying the GIS data and the business attribute data; e. providing the GlS map to the user based on the authorization for user; g. modifying the map layers of the GIS map, wherein the modifying comprises: i. receiving from the user an update request for the map layers, wherein the update request is for updating at least any one of the GIS data or the attribute data; ii. editing the map layers based on the update request; and iii. storing updated map layers of the GIS map, wherein the updated map layers contain updated GlS data and updated business attribute data; h. publishing the updated map layers to the plurality of the users, wherein the publishing ^v comprises: i. sending access rights for the updated map layers, wherein the access rights define the access for the updated GIS data and the updated business attribute data; and i. generating environmental reports based on the map layers and the updated map layers of the GIS map.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the GIS data is related to soil characteristics of the industrial site.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of authorizing the user further comprises; authenticating the user.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of providing the GϊS map further comprises; a. selecting the map layers for the GtS map by the user, wherein the selected map layers contain the GIS data and the business attribute data that are of Interest to the user; and b. displaying the selected map layers for GIS map to the user.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of receiving from the user an update for the map layers comprises: modifying spatial files associated with the GlS data.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of receiving from the user an update for the map layers comprises: modifying project documents associated with the business attribute data.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of storing updated map layers of the GfS map further comprises: archiving the updated map layers.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of generating environmental reports further comprises: archiving the environmental reports.

9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of generating environmental reports further comprises: sending a web response to the user, wherein the web response is sent by the application server.

10. The method of claim 1 further comprises: referencing the GlS data and the business attribute data based on the user specific requirements for environmental reporting.

11. A system for rendering Geographic Information Systems (GlS) data to plurality of users over the Internet, wherein the plurality of users perform environmental reporting of an industrial site based on the GIS data, the system comprises: a. a database for storing the GlS data and business attribute data, wherein the database comprises a document management system for defining meta-data relationships between the GIS data and the business attribute data; b. an authorization manager for authorizing a user, wherein the user is at least one of the plurality of users; c. a GlS server for providing GIS functionalities associated with the GIS data; and d. an application server for managing a web request and a web response, wherein the application server comprises: i. module manager for assigning modules to the user based on the authorization, wherein the modules define functionalities associated with the GfS data and the business attribute data, wherein the module manger comprises: a. a spatial core module for providing access to GIS functionalities using the GIS server; b. a web core module for managing map layers of a GIS map, wherein the web core module comprises: i. a publishing module for publishing updated map layers of the GIS map tα the plurality of users; and c. a report module for generating environmental reports.